2026 Dairy Cattle Welfare Symposium

As we continue preparations for the 2026 symposium in Minneapolis, MN, from May 20–22, we would be thrilled to have you join us in making 2026 a success. Your participation will put you at the center stage of interactions with like-minded scientists, practitioners, private industry, technicians, and educators prioritizing dairy cattle health and welfare.

Our annual symposium is a two-day meeting with a third day dedicated to practitioner inclusivity and presented in Spanish. Through poster sessions, oral presentations, and panel discussions, DCWC provides a platform for all facets of the dairy community to share research, on-farm practices, and innovation in the area of dairy cattle welfare. Join us for interactive discussions relating to welfare standards, cow-calf contact, pair raising, and social rearing.

The program will kick off with a keynote address comparing the state of swine welfare to cattle welfare, followed by insightful sessions on critical topics like multigenerational impacts, lameness management, and optimizing thermal comfort. Panels will feature discussions with leading veterinarians, researchers, and farmers, focusing on practical strategies for improving animal welfare on dairy farms.

Networking breaks will provide opportunities to connect with peers, while student presentations and interactive polls will keep the audience engaged throughout the day. Whether you’re a producer, veterinarian, researcher, or student, this event promises to deliver valuable insights and tools to enhance welfare practices across the dairy industry.

Attendees of the 2026 Dairy Cattle Welfare Council (DCWC) Symposium can earn continuing education (CE) credits recognized by the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS). This opportunity allows participants to stay up to date with the latest advancements in dairy cattle welfare while fulfilling professional development requirements.

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