GLRDC 2023 to Focus on Networking

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The 21st annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC), featuring a new format, will offer a variety of topics and enhanced networking opportunities to help dairy producers thrive. Experts will share a variety of technical and strategic information to help producers improve their bottom line. The conference will take place Feb. 2-3, 2023, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

The physical, economic, and social environment dairy producers are operating in is ever changing. This year’s GLRDC is designed to help producers expand their knowledge in all aspects of their operation to ensure they are producing milk decades from now.

This year’s conference will feature extended break times, mealtimes and an evening reception all incorporated into the exhibit area to allow ample networking between producers and industry representatives. The conference also features a small ignite stage where short presentations by industry experts will be followed by open dialogue with attendees. Thursday evening will also feature a free bilingual herdsperson session covering transition cows, calves, leadership, and so much more.

In addition to the enhanced networking time, producers will have the opportunity to learn about the following topics throughout the two-day conference: • the state of the industry with Sarina Sharp • practical tips and tactics from producers around the great lakes • strategies for becoming a better, more effective leader no matter your role on the farm • the future of farming both from a technology and social aspect • new perspectives on corn silage; a discussion of the 2022 growing season, plant health, compaction, manure, fertility management, alternative forages and more to help producers excel in 2023 and beyond • key factors to ensure successful transition cows from leading experts at Iowa State University, Elanco Animal Health and Michigan State University • approaches to improve efficiency and profitability through data

• the ins and outs of using TN visas to increase your available labor pool • ways to improve manure utilization, conservation practices, and recovering energy

• research supported methods to prevent and manage scours in calves • silage management safety • and so much more

The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) will be hosting an informal preconference session for producers (including those not registered for the conference) to learn more about the organization’s dairy promotional activities. The pre-conference session is free and open to all.

Adult, student and farm registration options are available. Register by Jan. 23, 2023, to receive a discount of up to $25 a day. Online registration closes at midnight on Jan. 29, 2023. On-site registration is subject to availability.

For more information or to register online, visit www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, call 989-666-3773.