Schedule
7:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Select Sires Tour and Educational Forum (optional, extra fee)
4:00-5:00 p.m. Preconference Session
Mitigating the negative effects of stress in dairy production – Raphael Saraiva, FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals Corp.
Sponsored by:
5:00-7:00 p.m. Opening Reception and Poster Session
6:45-7:45 a.m. Breakfast and Poster Session
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7:50-8:00 a.m. Opening Remarks – Jennifer Spencer, Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council
8:00-8:55 a.m. Plenary Session:
Modernizing genetic evaluations for female reproductive performance in U.S. dairy cattle – Taylor McWhorter, Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding
9:00-9:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions
The impact of herd longevity on sustainability, animal welfare, and farm profitability – Steve Eicker, VAS
Transition cow management: Setting the stage for reproductive success – Gustavo Schuenemann, Ohio State University
Sponsored by: 
Building successful repro teams: Training, execution, and accountability – Javier Cheang, GENEX
Sponsored by:
9:50-10:20 a.m. Break and Poster Session
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10:20-11:10 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Environmental factors affecting cow health and resilience – John Bromfield, University of Florida
Leading dairy teams through change: Preparing people, teams, and businesses for the future – Liz Griffith, Bridgeforth, LLP
Data, technology, and sustainability in modern dairy systems – Luiz Brito, Purdue University
11:20 -11:50 a.m. Excellence in Dairy Reproduction Awards
11:50 a.m.-12:00 pm DCRC Annual Business Meeting
12:00-12:55 p.m. Lunch
1:00-1:55 p.m. Plenary Session
The use of artificial intelligence in the dairy industry – Jeffrey Bewley, Holstein Association USA
2:00-2:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Beyond reproduction: Bridging science and modern heifer management – Phillip Peixoto, Lincoln Memorial University
Practical strategies for optimizing heifer growth and reproductive readiness – Amin Ahmadzadeh, University of Idaho
Building successful repro teams: Training, execution, and accountability – Javier Cheang, GENEX
Sponsored by:
2:55-3:25 p.m. Break and Poster Session
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3:30-4:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions
Transition cow management: Setting the stage for reproductive success– Gustavo Schuenemann, Ohio State University
Sponsored by: 
Environmental factors affecting cow health and resilience– John Bromfield, University of Florida
The impact of herd longevity on sustainability, animal welfare, and farm profitability – Steve Eicker, VAS
4:30-5:30 p.m. Plenary Session
Genetics Panel
Moderator: Ralph Bruno, Zoetis
Panelists: Taylor McWhorter, CDCB
Simon Vander Woude, Vander Woude Dairy
Kevin Ziemba, STgenetics
Sponsored by STgenetics and TransOva
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6:45-7:45 a.m. Breakfast and Poster Session
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8:00-8:55 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Data-driven management and impact on fertility – Ronaldo Cerri, University of British Columbia
Beyond reproduction: Bridging science and modern heifer management – Phillip Peixoto, Lincoln Memorial University
Leading dairy teams through change: Preparing people, teams, and businesses for the future – Liz Griffith, Bridgeforth, LLP
9:00-9:50 a.m. Panel
Heifer Panel
Moderator: JP Andrade, West Texas A&M University
Panelists: Phillip Peixoto, Lincoln Memorial University
Kendall Wassenaar, DCHA, Boerdery Inc.
Jim Van Patter, Nehls Bros. Dairy
Sponsored by:
9:50-10:10 a.m. Break and Poster Session
View the 2026 Poster Presentations
10:10-11:00 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Practical strategies for optimizing heifer growth and reproductive readiness – Amin Ahmadzadeh, University of Idaho
Data-driven management and impact on fertility – Ronaldo Cerri, University of British Columbia
Data, technology, and sustainability in modern dairy systems – Luiz Brito, Purdue University
11:10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Training/Health/TechnologyPanel
Training/Health/Technology Panel
Moderator: Jeffrey Bewley, Holstein Association USA
Panelists: David Allred, Veterinary Consulting and Management Services
Matt Besancon, Cow Mooch Dairy
Cody DeWitt, Blue Sky Farms LLC
Sponsored by:

12:00 p.m. DCRC Poster Awards
12:15 p.m. Adjourn
Welcome to Ohio!
We can’t wait for you to join us in The Buckeye State!
While you are here, check out some of the great dining options in this exclusive downtown dining guide.
