DCHA adds Short Courses to its Annual Conference and Trade Show
The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association (DCHA) is set to host its highly anticipated Annual Conference and Trade Show in 2025, taking place from April 8 to 10 in Westminster, Colorado. This year, the conference offers new educational opportunities with the addition of two Short Courses on April 7, providing specialized sessions focused on different stages of calf development. These courses are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants in key areas of dairy calf management.
The first course will center on young calves, addressing vital aspects such as their care, feeding, and management from birth. The second course will focus on post-weaned calves, covering their transition up until parturition. The speakers for these courses include Dave Renaud, from the University of Guelph, who will deliver a session titled “Optimizing Colostrum Management: From Production to Long-Term Benefits.” Renaud will delve into the importance of colostrum for the health and long-term success of calves. Meanwhile, experts Mike Overton from Zoetis and Kevin Dhuyvetter from Elanco will present a session on “From Calf to Cow: Management and Economic Considerations for Dairy Replacement Heifers.” This presentation will cover key management practices and economic aspects that impact the development of dairy heifers, ensuring their future productivity on the farm.
Building on the success of the previous year’s offering for Spanish-speaking participants, DCHA will again offer two pre-conference sessions in Spanish. In addition, all general and breakout session presentations will feature simultaneous English-to-Spanish translation, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience. This bilingual approach reflects DCHA’s commitment to inclusivity and support for diverse industry professionals, allowing individuals to attend the conference either in person or virtually.
One of the highlights of the conference will be the keynote address by Peggy Coffeen, the founder and host of Uplevel Dairy. Her talk, titled “Discovering and Knowing Your Why,” will draw inspiration from Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why.” Coffeen will explore the concept of discovering one’s core purpose or “why” and its power in driving motivation, passion, and success in both personal and professional life. According to Coffeen, a person’s “why” is what fuels their actions and determines their goals. Drawing from her experience of connecting with dairy farmers nationwide and hearing their stories, Coffeen will share insights into how understanding one’s “why” can lead to more meaningful work and deeper commitment.
In addition to the keynote speech, the conference will feature multiple breakout sessions divided into three key tracks: wet calf/weaning, post-weaned/reproduction, and beef cross. These specialized tracks will offer participants the chance to dive deeper into specific areas of calf management and explore challenges and opportunities across different sectors of dairy farming.
Among the breakout sessions, several prominent experts will address critical topics affecting the industry:
- Paola Bacigalupo Sanguesa from Michigan State University will present “Pain Perception in Calves and How to Prevent It,” a presentation that will focus on understanding calf pain and effective strategies for alleviating it. This session will be presented in Spanish to accommodate Spanish-speaking attendees.
- Pedro Carvalho from Colorado State University will present “The ABCs of Beef on Dairy,” a session that will also be conducted in Spanish and will explore the integration of beef genetics into dairy operations.
- Catie Cramer from Colorado State University will discuss “Paving the Road to Success: What to Consider When Transporting Young Calves,” offering important tips on safe and efficient calf transportation practices.
- Pauly Paul, from Complete Management Consulting LLC, will speak on “5 Pitfalls of Heifer Inventory Management,” helping attendees identify and avoid common mistakes in heifer management that can lead to inefficiencies.
- Jake Charleston from Specialty Risk Insurance will offer insights into “Tools to Manage Your Risk in the Beef on Dairy Space,” addressing the risk factors involved in incorporating beef cattle into dairy operations and how to mitigate them.
- Tyler Cozzens from Livestock Marketing Information Center will provide an overview of the current state of the beef-on-dairy market with his presentation, “Beef on Dairy Prices: Where are We and Where are We Headed?”
- A panel moderated by Ben Bjork from Ralco, Inc. will focus on “Dairy and Calf Ranch Communication Strategies,” exploring how effective communication between dairy farms and calf-raising operations can improve outcomes for both parties.
- Another panel moderated by Peggy Coffeen will address “Managing the Risk Associated with Beef on Dairy Calves,” offering advice on how to minimize financial and operational risks when integrating beef calves into dairy systems.
Following the main conference, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a “Train the Trainer” program offered by Calf Care & Quality Assurance (CCQA). This certification program aims to educate industry leaders in calf-raising best practices to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of dairy cattle. The program covers a wide range of topics, including calf health, animal handling, stockmanship, employee training, emergency preparedness, and more. By becoming certified, participants will gain access to the CCQA Instructor Hub, a platform containing all the resources needed to conduct training sessions on their farms or at other facilities.
Julia Herman, a beef cattle specialist veterinarian with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, will lead the “Train the Trainer” program. She explained that the goal of the training is to equip industry leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to conduct effective training sessions for their teams. After certification, participants will be able to host on-farm training events, assisting employees in obtaining their own certifications and improving their skills in calf management practices.
DCHA was established in 1996 with the mission of supporting dairy producers, calf managers, and professionals focused on the growth and management of dairy calves and heifers. With a diverse international membership, the association serves as a hub for knowledge, resources, and best practices to improve the profitability, performance, and leadership of the dairy industry. DCHA plays a key role in driving innovation and fostering collaboration across the industry, ensuring that dairy producers have the tools and information they need to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.
For more information about the DCHA 2025 Annual Conference and Trade Show, including registration details and hotel booking options, interested individuals can visit the official event website at: https://bit.ly/DCHAweb25. To take advantage of discounted rates, attendees should register early and secure their hotel rooms by March 20. The conference promises to be an invaluable experience for dairy professionals looking to expand their knowledge and connect with others in the industry.
