Cornell Nutrition Conference Presents the latest research and nutrition insights

Over 500 dairy nutritionists, consultants, and industry professionals from around the world gathered in East Syracuse, NY last week for the 88^th Annual Cornell Nutrition Conference.

Participants gained insight into the latest research and developments in animal nutrition, leaving with actionable practices to help their farmer clients feed the world. Attendees represented feed manufacturers, dairy nutritionists, consultants, industry suppliers, researchers and university and extensions professionals. The conference has been coordinated and presented by the Cornell Animal Science Department since 1938.

“We were excited to welcome a near record domestic and international crowd to the Cornell Nutrition Conference,” said Tom Overton, professor of Cornell animal science and overall conference chair. “The exchange of ideas, meaningful business connections among attendees and opportunity to learn from leading researchers and experts continue to make the conference a valuable experience for both academia and industry professionals.”

Leading researchers and industry experts shared recent advances in dairy cattle, nutrition, health and sustainability. This year’s sessions examined the latest research in dairy nutrition, rumen health, feeding and management practices and emerging technologies.

Presentations also explored microbiome science, feeding strategies, management practices and emerging technologies that are reshaping dairy production. Attendees learned about innovations in rumen function, nutrient utilization, cow management and operational efficiency, as well as practical applications of research findings on commercial dairies. From microbiome-focused discoveries to hands-on management approaches, CNC 2026 highlighted actionable solutions to support cow health, farm productivity, and long-term industry sustainability.

At the conference, awards were presented to four graduate students to honor their graduate studies and research efforts:

• The Leonard A. Maynard Graduate Student Awards are given to Cornell University graduate students with outstanding performance in a nutrition-related program, in honor of Maynard, one of Cornell University’s most distinguished nutritionists. Kylie Konyn, Sabina Pokharel and Camryn Yeager received this award.
• The Danny G. Fox Graduate Fellowship recognizes Fox’s 35-year career at Cornell focused on development of data, methods, mathematical models, and computer software to more accurately predict cattle nutrient requirements and nutrients derived from feeds with wide variations in cattle type, environments, and feeds. Meike van Leerdam, Cornell University, received this fellowship.
• The Charlie Sniffen Graduate Student Award was established at the Cornell Nutrition Conference in 2016 by Kemin Industry’s Animal Nutrition and Health North America division in recognition of Sniffen’s dedication and enthusiasm for dairy nutrition research. The award honors students from Cornell University and University of Vermont/Miner Institute who exemplify Sniffen’s leadership in conducting and communicating impactful research. Emily Bourdeau, a recent graduate from University of Vermont and the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, received this award.

The Department of Animal Science thanks the industry partners whose sponsorships help make this event possible. This year’s pre-conference symposium was presented by Zinpro. Breakfast presentations were sponsored by Actus Nutrition and US Soy. Additional sponsors are recognized on the conference website.

The next Cornell Nutrition Conference will be hosted on October 19 to 21, 2027. To join the mailing list and for more information, visit cals.cornell.edu/animal-science.