More than 200 dairy producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, researchers and allied industry representatives gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah, last month for the 2014 Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) Annual Meeting.
“This year’s event offered our membership many opportunities to learn about the latest in dairy cattle reproduction research and management, as well as network with fellow industry professionals,” says outgoing DCRC President Dr. Neil Michael. “It was an excellent chance for people from all of the industry sectors we serve to connect and share ideas while reinforcing common goals.”
The ambitious agenda included presentations on topics from transition cow management, heat abatement and genetic selection to facilities, animal welfare and employee training. “There truly was something for everyone,” says
Dr. Michael.
The Annual Meeting also honored the winners of the 2014 DCRC Reproduction Awards. In all, 19 dairies from eight U.S. states and four countries are being honored this year for their herd’s exceptional reproductive performance. To be considered for the award program, herd data for all nominees is analyzed by a panel of experts and an independent analytic program. After the assessments were completed, finalists were ranked and selected to receive Platinum, Gold, Silver or Honorable Mention honors.
Elections also took place during the Annual Meeting. “DCRC is looking forward to an exciting 2015,” says Dr. Joe Dalton, incoming DCRC president. “We have a great line-up of webinars and other learning tools in development, and our team is hard at work updating current resources and creating new ones to help dairies improve reproduction. Check the website often to see what we’ve been up to, and be on the lookout for frequent communications from DCRC to keep you updated about the organization and our activities.”
Find a complete listing of new leadership online. DCRC is open to additional volunteers to serve on these committees.
Meanwhile, mark your calendar for the 2015 Annual Meeting. It will be held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Buffalo,
New York, November 11 – 13, 2015.