Wednesday Evening Keynote Speaker: Chad Greenway – Former NFL Player, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist

Growing up on a family farm in South Dakota, Chad learned the valuable lesson that hard work, perseverance and dedication to a craft can bring success. Rising from a small town of 350 people to becoming an 11-year professional football player, team captain, and 4-time Walter Payton Man of the Year award nominee taught valuable lessons in prioritizing team success. Chad will share his tools and the mindset it takes to get to the highest level of achievement in a sport and the against-all-odds story of determination. Along with his playing career, Chad ran and continues to run a successful nonprofit called Lead the Way Foundation.

The Future of the Family Farm: Transition with Purpose

Featured panelists: Jim Molenaar – Farm Succession Coordinator , Katy Schultz – Tri-Fecta Farms, Nate & Luke Heusinkveld – Heusinkveld Farms LLP

This panel explores the complexities and opportunities involved in farm transition and family dynamics. Hear personal accounts from an expert in the field as well as two family farms who have navigated succession planning and what they have learned along the way. Attendees will gain insights into building a sustainable legacy while minimizing conflict, ensuring long-term viability, and fostering open communication. Moderated by Alison Rickeman, Form-A-Feed.

10 Feeding Oversights and How to Fix Them Immediately

Mike Root and Travis Bischof – Form-A-Feed

As nutritionists, we often encounter a few recurring challenges across farms, from mixing inconsistencies to feed delivery and positioning. In this presentation, we’ll explore these common issues and share practical strategies to address them, giving you actionable takeaways you can implement immediately on your dairy.

The Juggle is Real: Farming, Family, and Having Fun

Katy Schultz – Owner at Tri-Fecta Farms

Running a family farm isn’t just about crops and cows — it’s about balancing the business, the relationships, and the chaos that comes with both. Through honest stories, plenty of humor, and a few hard-earned lessons, Katy shares how her family has learned to work together without losing their minds (or their sense of humor).

Handling with Purpose: Turning Animal Behavior Knowledge into Dairy Efficiency

Mario Solis Flores – Form-A-Feed

In this session, you’ll learn how to apply cattle handling principles to everyday dairy operations, from parlors to holding areas, to reduce stress and improve cow flow, safety, and productivity.  We’ll translate animal behavior science into simple, practical handling techniques that make both cows and people more efficient together.

What’s Driving Dairy’s Growth?

Maureen Windisch – Midwest Dairy

Dairy consumption in the U.S. has reached an all-time high. There are many factors driving dairy’s growth. This presentation will explore how & why dairy is winning with consumers.

Producer Panel: Real Talk on Calf Care Success

Featured panelists: Holly Thompson – Little Valley Dairy, Graham Schindler – North Road Dairy, & Kolb Dairy

When we think about our own dairy farm’s calf practices, what explanatory words come to mind? Some common are: challenging, labor intensive, and health events. This area of our operations is raising the future of our herds; the new generation of rock stars. Come hear an unfiltered panel of peers discuss what has made their calf program successful and efficient. Moderated by Chelsea Myer, Form-A-Feed.