The Alltech Wisconsin Dairy School was held last week at Lambeau Field, home field of the Green Bay Packers, where the event brought more than 250 farmers, nutritionists and industry professionals together to discuss dairy metrics and determine “What’s Your Score.”

First, three dairy producers from around the United States shared their personal experiences during the pre-conference breakfast.

Breakfast speakers included Brent Copenhaver, owner of Villa Dale LLC, Karl Funk, owner of Funk’s Midway Dairy, and Steve Whitesides, owner of Whitesides Dairy in Rupert, Idaho, and Big Island Dairy in Ookala, Hawaii.

Dr. Silvio Miranda, dairy specialist for Alltech Canada, opened the main conference, speaking on how to ensure a good start for fresh cows. He explained how ketosis, metritis, fatty liver, retained placentas and other factors can prevent fast starts and noted that producers need to identify these problems as early as possible.

“The goal is to not have a cow under 60 pounds from seven to 150 days in milk,” said Miranda.

The afternoon kicked off with Dr. Paul Fricke from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, who spoke on the integration of reproductive programs and technology to increase fertility. He explained that reproductive performance in a dairy herd is determined by how rapid the reproductive management program turns open cows into pregnant cows and that producers need to establish a reproductive program that fits their farm.

The program’s keynote speaker, former Green Bay Packers player Nick Collins, concluded the event with his presentation “Building and Revealing a Plan to Achieve Success.”

Held each year in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Alltech Wisconsin Dairy School is a long-standing tradition within the Wisconsin dairy industry. More than 2,500 dairy industry professionals have attended since it was first held in 2003.