2026 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference
February 5, 2026 - February 6, 2026
Registration Deadline: February 1, 2026 - 11:45PM
Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Contact: Megghan Honke Seidel
The 24th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) will feature an integrated floor plan for educational sessions, sponsor displays and meals to enhance networking opportunities for attendees. This year’s event focuses on highly technical, practical and strategic topics to help producers improve their bottom line and make their dairy thrive. The 2026 GLRDC will take place Feb. 5-6, 2026, at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Due to the growing popularity of the free English and Spanish herdsperson session it has been expanded to take place on Friday, Feb. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature sessions on reproduction, cow and calf handling, as well as work culture and communication.
“Producers face new and unique challenges each year and it is our goal as an industry and committee to provide opportunities for producers to expand their knowledge and enhance their networks to help them not just survive, but thrive for years to come,’ said Brian Troyer, GLRDC chair. “GLRDC provides a valuable opportunity for producers to gain timely information and build essential connections that can help them throughout the year as new challenges arise.
With extended break times, mealtimes and the evening reception all incorporated into the exhibit area, this year’s conference allows ample networking between producers, expert speakers and industry representatives.
In addition to the enhanced networking time, the conference features a mix of longer educational sessions and short presentations by leading industry experts designed to generate dialogue with conference attendees. Producers can learn about the following topics throughout the two-day conference:
- a dairy market and policy outlook, with a deep dive into navigating dairy markets amid industry expansion with Sarina Sharp, market analyst with the Daily Dairy Report.
- a panel discussion on feeding high oleic soybeans for dairy for milk component enhancement.
- using precision technology to predict and identify at-risk cows during the transition period.
- a new tool to plan dairy farm expansion by evaluating multiple scenarios to achieve economic goals.
- a detailed look at the value of a worker development program on dairy farms with practical insights on effective training strategies.
- explore the 2026 crop outlook and it's impact on dairy in light of broader supply-chain and market factors.
- the latest research and strategies on preventing and treating claw diseases in dairy cattle
- an opportunity to hear the latest research from MSU and an update about the new dairy.
- And so much more!
“The vast knowledge shared during GLRDC wouldn’t be possible without the strong support from our industry partners,” shared Troyer. “GLRDC has become what it is today through the strong industry support from the companies who exhibit and sponsor and without them, none of this is possible.”
Adult, student and farm registration options are available. Producers should have their state producer number available to register at a discounted rate. Registration closes on Feb 1, 2026, at midnight. On-site registration is subject to availability.
For more information, including a detailed copy of the agenda and to register online, visit www.glrdc.org. To register by phone, call 989-666-3773.
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