2025 Agenda
Since 2009, this biennial conference has brought together dairy and crop managers to learn strategies from across the dairy farm management spectrum and to network with other progressive dairy farm employees and advisors. Keynote presentations highlight strategies for self-improvement that apply across management specialties. Specialty breakout sessions take a deeper dive into training and tools related to dairy, crops, and human resource, and business management. New this year, general sessions will be presented with simultaneous Spanish translation and additional breakout sessions will be offered exclusively in Spanish.
General sessions
Keynote presentations highlight strategies for self-improvement that apply across management specialties.
** indicates sessions presented with simultaneous Spanish translation. Translation services sponsored by Cargill, Inc."
Leading through chaos**
Erik Therwanger, Think GREAT
Right people, right place, right tech**
Jessica Pralle-Trimner, Miltrim Farms
It's not about me, it's about you: Secrets of impactful communication**
Maria Wolfe, Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration
Implementing process improvement in your area of the farm business**
Vincenzo Buonomo, Rochester Institute of Technology
Empowering voices: Being a leader for your farm and in the community
Richard Ball, Commissioner, NYS Department Agriculture and Markets; Patrick Hooker, Retired NYS agriculture and economic development executive; Suzanne Hunt, Generate Upcycle, and Tyler and Austin Beck, Beck Farms; Moderated by Allyson Jones-Brimmer, NEDPA
Strategies to manage a multi-cultural workforce
Macario Castillo, Bonnaterra Farms; Cesar Arenas, and Israel Piña, Hulsbosch Dairy Farm; Moderated by Santiago Ledwith, Action Dairy LLC
Dairy and crops management
Steady, incremental changes are essential to optimize productivity and achieve long-term progress. Technical breakout sessions across the spectrum of dairy farm management will provide attendees with the latest resources, innovative strategies and practical solutions.
Dairy management
The importance of data quantity, quality, and consistency for effective dairy herd management
Julio Giordano, Cornell University
Making informed cow marketing decisions
Mark Thomas, Dairy Health and Management Services
Livestock mortality management: Options, benefits and challenges
Val Patten, Western New York Crop Management; Jason Oliver, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY and Kirsten Workman, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Changing the game on teaching strategies to effectively handle cattle
Jennifer Van Os, University of Wisconsin
What can camera technology and artificial intelligence bring to my dairy in 2025?
Miel Hostens, Cornell University
Crops management
Optimizing silage utilization by aligning forage needs, inventory and storage
Betsy Hicks, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Joe Lawrence, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Pest management: Current issues and IPM strategies
Mike Hunter, New York State Integrated Pest Management
Making the most of your farm’s crop management data
Avery DeGolyer, Western New York Crop Management; Patty Larkin, Ag Consulting Services; and Terry McClelland, McClelland Agronomic Services/ACRES; Moderated by Kirsten Workman, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Optimizing crop rotations for farm resources
Ben Atwater, Atwater Farm; Ryan Akin, Hemdale Farms; and Jacob Fisher, Mapleview Dairy; Moderated by Joe Lawrence, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Human resources and business managment
Middle managers are uniquely positioned to serve as role models and leaders for their teams. Presentations and panel discussions will equip attendees with the leadership tools and mindset needed for growth and success.
Human resources management
Employment laws you need to know
Richard Stup, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Mi casa es tu casa: Leveraging resources to effectively manage farm-provided employee housing
Anna Meyerhoff, New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) and Jay Canzonier, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Business management
Budgeting and proposing change to senior management
Jason Karszes, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Proposing change and getting by-in from your team
Vincenzo Buonomo, Rochester Institute of Technology
Presentaciones en español
La importancia de la cantidad, la calidad y la consistencia de los datos para una gestión eficaz del rebaño lechero (The importance of data quantity, quality, and consistency for effective dairy herd management)
Julio Giordano, Cornell University
Cómo maximizar los beneficios en la lechería: Mejora de procesos con Lean Six Sigma (From farm to profit: How to enhance dairy processes with Lean Six Sigma?)
Pablo Descole, Progressive Dairy Solutions
Noticias recientes sobre las leyes laborales (Employment laws you need to know)
Maria "Bess" Lewis, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development
Tomando decisiones informadas de descarte (Making informed cow marketing decisions)
Mark Thomas, Dairy Health and Management Services
Aprender a liderar a otros (Learning to lead others)
Santiago Ledwith, Action Dairy LLC
Representando tú industria (Representing your industry)
Luis Briones, Elanco Animal Health
Hotel information
For More Information
- (607) 255-4478
- hh96 [at] cornell.edu