Dairy Professionals Invited to 2026 Calf Care Workshop

By Blake Jackson

Strong calf care during the first days of life can play an important role in establishing the long-term health, growth, and productivity of dairy cattle.

The 2026 Calf Care Connection workshop, presented by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), will bring together dairy professionals to explore research, practical management strategies and experiences that can strengthen early-life calf care.

The one-day workshop will be offered during two sessions in Wisconsin. The first will take place Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at North Central Tech College in Wausau, followed by a second session Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Southwest Tech College in Fennimore.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., with educational sessions scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Spanish translation will be available simultaneously during both programs.

“We know the decisions we make from the time a calf is born will impact her health and production for the rest of her life,” said Laura Raatz, an Oconto Falls dairy producer, calf care manager and PDP board director. She added that the event gives calf care teams an opportunity to learn alongside industry experts and peers.

The program will combine interactive, hands-on breakout sessions with panel discussions designed to connect research with on-farm experience.

Key topics will include the relationship between starter grain consumption and early rumen and gut development, effective milk management to support calf growth, and the influence of housing systems on calf health, behavior and development.

Presenters and panelists will include Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn, Dr. Jill Soderstrom, Dr. Jennifer Van Os, Alicia Birkholz, J Hall, Bethany Marcks and Brooke Trustem, bringing expertise from dairy production, nutrition, animal welfare and calf management.

The workshop is intended for calf care team members, calf managers, veterinarians and dairy calf specialists. Participants can also earn continuing education credits, with accreditation for up to 4.75 Dairy AdvanCE (DACE) credits and up to four ARPAS credits.

Registration and additional event information are available through Professional Dairy Producers at www.pdpw.org or by calling 800-947-7379.

Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography