2026 Conference Presenters

Title:   Optimizing reproductive efficiency in dairy heifers

Description:   Dr. Fricke will discuss the following concepts for managing reproduction in dairy heifers: 1) heifers should be reared to achieve the target % Mature Body Weight (MBW) targets at first insemination (55% MBW) and within 30 d postcalving (85% MBW); 2) delaying P4 insert removal by 24 h within a 5-dCIDR-Synch protocol for first insemination suppressed early estrus during the protocol without affecting fertility to timed AI when heifers were inseminated with conventional semen but led to decreased fertility when heifers were inseminated to sexed semen; 3) use of sexed semen in conjunction with a 5-d CIDR-Synch protocol for first insemination in nonlactating Holstein heifers tended to increase P/AI and decrease the cost per pregnancy compared to heifers inseminated to a detected estrus. 

Biography:  

Dr. Paul Fricke was raised on his family's row crop and dairy farm located near Papillion, Nebraska where his father continues to farm today. After receiving a B.S. degree in Animal Science in 1988 from the University of Nebraska, Paul went on to complete a M.S. degree in 1992 and a Ph.D. degree in 1996 in Reproductive Physiology from the department of Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University. Paul joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998. His current position includes both research and extension responsibilities in dairy cattle reproduction. 

Dr. Fricke’s research program focuses on understanding the biology underlying the many reproductive problems of dairy cattle. Paul has authored or co-authored 110 peer-reviewed journal publications, 144 abstracts, and 6 book chapters. He has mentored 16 M.S. and 6 Ph.D. students, and his research program has attracted $4.5 million in extramural research grants, contracts, and gifts. The goal of Dr. Fricke’s extension program is to improve reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle by applying scientific research to develop practical management strategies and assess new reproductive technologies. Dr. Fricke is a sought-after speaker and has spoken to too many audiences in Wisconsin to count since 1998.

 In addition, Paul has presented at conferences in 36 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces and has been an invited speaker for international meetings in 31 countries spanning 6 continents around the world. 

Plenary Title:  Finding the next 5 pounds of milk: many ways to fill a tank 

Description:   In a commodity business, improving productivity and      efficiency are constant pressures. Typically, management teams have      focused on a combination of genetic progress, cow comfort, and nutrition      to enable the peak productivity cows to climb higher – and this strategy      continues to be important. However, in this presentation we will discuss the  impacts of other areas of focus: preventing clinical and subclinical      transition cow disorders and increasing the average age of healthy cows in      the herd.

Breakout title:  Designing feeding programs for dairy profitability 

Description: With feed costs comprising over 50% of the total cost of milk production,  feeding programs are central to dairy farm profitability. Although careful diet formulation is critical to dairy profitability, efficient logistics,  shrink avoidance, and feedbunk management are also critical to profitable feeding. We will dig into the keys to effective feeding programs, drawing  on insights from Michigan State University Extension's assessments of  dairy farms ranging from 180 to 3,500 cows. The goal of the presentation is to provide actionable recommendations for dairy farm experts to enhance  efficiency, safety, and productivity.

Biography:  With feed costs comprising over 50% of the total cost of milk production, feeding programs are central to dairy farm profitability. Although careful diet formulation is critical to dairy profitability, efficient logistics, shrink avoidance, and feedbunk management are also critical to profitable feeding. We will dig into the keys to effective feeding programs, drawing on insights from Michigan State University Extension's assessments of dairy farms ranging from 180 to 3,500 cows. The goal of the presentation is to provide actionable recommendations for dairy farm experts to enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity.