7:00 AM Registration opens
7:30 AM NEAFA Annual Meeting
8:00 AM Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM Welcome
9:10 AM Harnessing Individual Cow Traits and Responses in Automated Milking Systems
Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph
The response of dairy cows to management and nutritional practices is modulated by their behavior. That behavior can vary significantly between individual animals. This presentation will discuss how that behavioral individuality can pose both challenges and opportunities for dairy cows managed in farms with automated milking systems.
10:00 AM NEAFA update
10:15 AM Break
Exhibits open
10:30 AM Fatty acids and milk components: Optimizing milk fat yield
Kevin Harvatine, Penn State University
The genetic potential for milk fat synthesis has increased along with our understanding of the impacts of nutrition and environment on its synthesis. Dr. Harvatine will discuss important considerations to optimizing milk fat yield, including balancing dietary fatty acids and opportunities for feeding high oleic soybeans.
11:20 AM Beyond the basics: Cutting-edge silage strategies that will change your season
Michelle Chang-Der Bedrosian, Animix
Recent advances in silage research are both reshaping and underscoring what we know and how we think about silage fermentation, stability, and nutrient preservation. This session highlights cutting-edge silage science and translates it into actionable conversations advisors and producers should be having before silage season begins.
12:00 PM Lunch and networking
Exhibits open
1:15 PM The economics of dairy components
Chuck Nicholson, Penn State University
This session will explore the evolving economics of key dairy components, offering a look at recent trends in demand, supply, and pricing. Participants will gain insight into the market forces and industry conditions that are shaping component values today, as well as how these shifts influence overall farm income. The discussion will also highlight emerging production practices and technologies that have the potential to alter component supply dynamics and future pricing, helping producers and industry professionals anticipate opportunities and challenges ahead.
2:05 PM Feeding the future dairy cow
Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University
Rapid genetic and metabolic changes in today’s dairy cows require updated nutrient strategies that emphasize amino acid precision, not just energy. This session explores new evidence showing how meeting evolving amino acid requirements improves efficiency and enhances milk fat and protein synthesis.
3:00 PM Feeding and managing for high components: A panel discussion
Kevin Harvatine, Penn State University; Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University; Jon Gilbert, Scipio Springs Dairy
This panel brings together leading researchers and on‑farm experts to explore how to feed and manage cows for higher milk fat and protein in today’s rapidly advancing herds.
3:45 PM Adjourn
