The Great Lakes Dairy Conference is dedicated to helping dairy producers learn new ways of increasing their profitability while doing more with less. The 2015 conference is set for Feb. 5?7 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Michigan.

The Friday morning lineup will focus on reproductive efficiencies and genetics, as well as on-farm sustainability and stewardship.

Friday will begin with a look at the tangled web that physiology, management, genetics and nutrition all play in the reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle. Milo Wiltbank, from the University of Wisconsin (UW), will provide an intricate look at how management, genetics and nutrition impact the efficiency of reproduction in dairy. Producers will hear solutions for improving conception rates in high-producing cows, as well as strategies and mechanisms for regulating ovarian function.

After focusing on reproduction efficiencies, gears will shift toward nutritional efficiencies. Randy Shaver, also from UW, will look at how kernel processing technology can improve nutritional efficiency. Shaver will share his silage Shredlage or improved kernel processing trial results and the improvements in the nutritional efficiency of dairy cattle. He will discuss simple techniques that producers can use to check kernel processing scores and make changes. This new technology and improved processing can help improve the bottom line and move farms toward greater sustainability.

Producers can implement several techniques and simple strategies to improve the sustainability and stewardship of today's dairy farms. National expert Bruce Knight will discuss changing global demands and an ever-growing interconnected dairy system that is driving the need for continued change. He'll discuss the need for all producers to take responsibility to improve the stewardship of their own farms, care for the environment and communicate the work they do to consumers.

Four additional sessions will take place Friday afternoon:

• Easy, Affordable On-farm Energy Conservation to Boost Your Bottom Line ? This workshop will provide a decision-support tool that will help improve the farm's bottom line and environmental impact. Producers will learn how to reduce energy expenses and gain access to utility rebates and federal dollars by implementing recommended energy conservation practices.
  
• On-Farm Crisis Preparedness – How often have producers thought, "It won't happen to me, not on my farm, not to my family." However, if a crisis does occur, who should be called, what steps should be taken and how will those involved recover? A Michigan farm family recently faced the unexpected: a farm-related death. While they share their story, they will focus on the resources that were helpful to their team, to help the farm and family prepare for a potential crisis. Learn crucial tips in creating a comprehensive crisis plan.
  
• Dairy Reproduction and Nutrition Question and Answer Session ? Take the opportunity to ask in-depth questions about reproduction, the characteristics of the future dairy cow, genetics and more with the on-site experts.
  
• Michigan Holstein Association Meeting

Individual (adult), student and farm registration options are available. Participants who register before Jan. 16 will save up to $25 per day. Online registration ends on Feb. 1.

Visit glrdc.msu.edu to see the complete conference schedule or to register online. Participants can also register by phone by calling 517-884-7089.
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1.15.2015