Cutting-edge dairy technology and its real-life application on dairy operations will be at the forefront during the 2025 Precision Dairy Conference, which will be held June 17-18 in Bloomington, Minnesota. This year’s speaker lineup includes several producer panels, veterinarians sharing their perspective on technology, research and TED-style keynote presentations (See the full agenda here).
Additionally, attendees will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and network.
“A defining feature of the Precision Dairy Conference is its boots-on-the-ground approach, with 30-minute interactive Q&A sessions throughout the two-day event,” says University of Minnesota professor and conference organizer Marcia Endres. “Attendees will engage in real-world discussions, gain practical knowledge and have opportunities to network with fellow professionals in the field.”
To register, visit the website. Early bird registration closes on June 5, and the conference hotel block expires on May 26.
Progressive Dairy asked each of the six keynote speakers a couple questions to get a glimpse into their topic and the key takeaways they hope attendees learn during each session.
The Global Digital Livestock Market and the Advent of AI: What Lessons Can the Dairy Industry Learn?
Aidan Connolly
AgriTech Capital
Why is this topic important?
My talk will look at how digital technologies have been adopted in livestock in general and if the dairy industry might learn from the successes and failures. I also plan to discuss some of my recent research (for IFAMA) on how AI (artificial intelligence) is changing food and agribusiness and the promises it brings for a more resilient sector.
What do you hope attendees take away from this presentation?
Agri-technologies are transforming all aspects of farming, but not as fast as expected. Since farming environments are challenging (dust, dirt, moisture, rodents, connectivity, electricity, etc.), it isn’t surprising adoption has been slower than in other industries and not as dramatic as previously heralded. Despite this, the tech revolution continues, and farming is seeing, slowly but surely, signs of change. Dairy tech may have been the most successful at embracing the replacement of labor (robots) and sensors, but other livestock and agriculture sectors have seen bigger leaps from embracing more technologies and better, more integrated data platforms. What does the dairy industry need to do to make up the differences and what can it learn?
Winning with Dairy Tech: Strategies Behind the Success Stories
Dr. Jeffrey Bewley
Holstein Association USA
Why is this topic important?
We are over 20 years into the tech revolution now. Technologies are commonplace on dairies. There is a lot we can learn from the companies that have made so many technologies work so well.
What do you hope attendees take away from this presentation?
I hope they will have some new ideas on what makes technology work that will help them evaluate new technologies that are presented.
Precision Farm Equipment and Technology
Colton Schrempp
Midwest Machinery Company
Why is this topic important?
As we keep losing farmable acres and the population continues to grow, we need to get everything we can out of each acre. Everything in the world is data-driven, including agriculture. The better we can understand the ground we farm and what we are producing, the more efficient we can be in feed rations, variety choices, fertilizer recommendations, all the way down to pesticide applications. Precision technology allows us to more efficiently, safely and responsibly produce food and products for the world.
What do you hope attendees take away from this presentation?
I hope they leave with a better understanding of the benefits of precision farming technology to improve their operations. There are lots of opportunities to grow in the precision ag world that can benefit a large-crop farmer down to a small-dairy or beef producer. When they leave the conference, hopefully they can understand what types of farming technologies may benefit them and that they can add to their lineup of tools.
Dairy Tech Map and State of Technology Today
Walt Cooley
Progressive Dairy
Why is this topic important?
Dairy producers are always interested to hear the latest adaptations of technology for the dairy industry. This session will feature several innovative new ideas coming to the dairy industry from other sectors. These startups are looking to add value to dairy operations.
What do you hope attendees take away from this presentation?
I hope that this session reinforces that technology development never stops. Our industry will never “arrive” when it comes to the application of new ideas. While not every idea will always succeed, I hope this session will broaden the horizon for what’s possible in the dairy industry.
A Veterinarian's Perspective on Dairy Technology
Dr. Barb Petersen
Sunrise Veterinary Service PLLC
Why is this topic important?
I'm looking forward to sharing lived experiences from my perspective as a veterinarian and how my clients and I use technology on farms. My world as a vet is centered around supporting humans caring for cattle, and the adoption of technology on farms can both be very helpful and challenge the “how” and “why” we do what we do every day.
What do you hope attendees take away from this presentation?
We live and work where cattle health, human caretakers, the environment on our farms and now technology interact every day. Making the most of these four considerations is critical to maintain a balance in great husbandry practices.
Using Crop Data Effectively
Dr. Matt Clover
Corteva
Why is this topic important?
Data is at the heart of making smarter decisions on today’s farms. In a single season, a farmer can generate millions of data points through both traditional methods and new technologies like tractor monitors, drones and satellites. When used effectively, this data helps producers better understand their crops, optimize input use and ultimately boost productivity. But collecting data is only the first step – it’s just as important to ensure the data is accurate, interpret it correctly and recognize its limitations. My presentation will explore how to collect high-quality data, how far data can take us and, most importantly, how to turn that information into practical decisions that drive better results on the farm.
What do you hope attendees take away from this presentation?
I hope attendees leave with a practical understanding of how to collect and use high-quality data on their own farms. I want them to feel confident evaluating the data they have, asking the right questions and knowing when and how to use new tools and technologies that can support them throughout the entire growing season. My goal is for participants to see data as a valuable resource that can guide their decisions – from planting to harvest – and help them make improvements that benefit their operation. Ultimately, I want them to walk away with a few actionable ideas they can implement right away.
