The 2025 Smart Calf Rearing Conference is set to make its U.S. debut September 24–27 at the Memorial Union in Madison, Wisconsin. Hosted by the University of Wisconsin–Madison, in collaboration with the University of Guelph, Förster-Technik, and Trouw Nutrition, this biannual international conference brings together scientists, industry leaders, and progressive farmers for three dynamic days focused on the future of calf care.
This year’s conference program features cutting-edge sessions that span four key areas: health, nutrition,
physiology, and welfare. Day one kicks off with fresh perspectives on calf health, including the impact of
antioxidants on immunity, insights into the microbiome’s role in antibiotic-free rearing, and the value of
questioning the “normal” in calf performance. Nutrition-focused talks will follow, diving into the science
behind colostrum quality, the role of fats in milk replacers, and evolving nutrition models for predicting
calf growth. On day two, the focus shifts to physiology and welfare, highlighting how early management
and colostrum shape immune and mammary development, the effects of transportation stress, and the
latest thinking on cow-calf contact and data-driven welfare practices.
On Saturday, September 27, the final day of the conference is dedicated to local dairy producers and calf
raisers with a hands-on Producer Day at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station. This day is tailored
to bring science to the farm, featuring talks from calf experts on colostrum management, group housing
strategies, calf health, and how to succeed with automated feeding systems. The program includes a
producer panel where attendees can hear directly from fellow farmers, followed by a tour of a newly
renovated research calf barn equipped with innovative automatic milk feeding technology.
Conference Highlights
● Opening event: September 24
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Reception and keynote address from Francisco Peñagaricano
● Main Conference: September 25–26, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., Madison, WI 53706
Two days of expert presentations, research updates, and applied solutions for calf rearing.
● Producer Day: September 27, 2025.
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Arlington Agricultural Research Station, N695 Hopkins Road, Arlington, WI 53911
A special day for local dairy producers and calf raisers featuring a producer panel and a tour of
automated milk feeding systems.
This unique event offers a chance to explore the future of calf management, network with global
experts, and take-home actionable insights to elevate your calf-rearing practices.
To view the full agenda and register, visit: https://smart-calf-rearing.com/registration/
