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2026 Dairy Cattle Welfare Symposium

May 20-22, 2026 at the Hilton Minneapolis/Bloomington Hotel in Minnesota. 

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.

Don't miss this chance to stay at the forefront of dairy cattle welfare!

Register     Book your hotel accommodation today!

English Sessions: May 20–21, 2026

View program

Spanish Session: May 22, 2026

Spanish session program     Programa de sesiones de español

Continuing Education Credits

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.

- 12 CEUs Approved.

- 8 CEUs approved.

- Up to 18 hours of CEUs possible.

- Up to 18 CEUs

- 12 CEUs

Speaker Highlight!

Dr. Diego Manriquez, DVM PhD

Dr. Diego Manriquez, DVM PhD is originally from southern Chile. After earning his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Concepción, he practiced small animal medicine for nearly two years before moving to the United States to pursue a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences. During his doctoral training, he developed a strong interest in the role of animal health in food security and the long-term sustainability of dairy systems. Dr. Manriquez’s research focuses on improving dairy cattle health and performance through early disease-detection strategies and the integration of epidemiologic, behavioral, metabolic, and environmental data. His work examines how production practices affect animal health and welfare, productivity, dairy workers’ safety, and the environment. In addition to his research, Dr. Manriquez is strongly committed to teaching and professional development. He emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning to prepare the next generation of dairy professionals with both technical skills and practical understanding. As the faculty leader of the Dairy Science Club, he works closely with students to expand their exposure to the dairy industry, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and engage with producers, industry partners, and scientific experts.

Laura Raatz

Laura Raatz is a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Oconto Falls, Wisconsin, serving as herd and calf manager at Wagner Farms, where her family milks 950 cows. Raised in a multi-generational farming family, she developed a deep respect for the responsibility and privilege of caring for animals and stewarding the land for future generations.

Laura is passionate about advancing animal well-being through thoughtful management, innovation, and a culture grounded in the values of People. Animals. Environment. Beyond the farm, she is a public speaker, author, and agricultural advocate who leads public relations efforts for her family’s dairy, working to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers through transparency and authentic storytelling.

At the heart of her work is a love for farming, a deep commitment to family, and a belief that strong relationships — with animals, people, and community — are the foundation of a thriving dairy industry.

Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn

Dr. Bethany Dado-Senn is a calf and heifer technical specialist for Vita Plus Corp, serving dairy farmers across Wisconsin and Minnesota in reaching their calf goals. She hails from northwestern Wisconsin, where she grew up and continues to manage calves on her family’s 500-cow dairy farm. She earned her B.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and M.S. from the University of Florida, where she studied the impacts of heat stress on early-life calf development.

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