2026 Symposium | Symposium | Dairy Cattle Welfare Council

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!

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. Hanna Eriksson

Dr. Hanna Eriksson earned her DVM from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in Uppsala, followed by a PhD from the Animal Welfare Program at University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Since 2019, she has been involved in research evaluating the effects of prolonged Cow-Calf Contact (CCC) on dairy cattle health, welfare and behaviour. From 2019 and onwards, her research group runs a long term CCC project at the SLU cattle barn, allowing for detailed long-term follow up of both the cows and the calves born in the project. The current research focus on aspects such as transition diseases in the dams, challenges with milk ejection when combining CCC with automatic milking and reproduction in both dams and CCC calves.

Dr. Lindsey Borst

Dr. Lindsey Borst has been working with farms across southeast Minnesota and Northern Iowa as a calf and heifer specialist with Ag Partners since 2020. Previously, she worked in private dairy practice for 5 years after graduating from the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. Her passion for working with dairy farmers started in the small rural community of Nicollet, MN riding along in her mom’s vet truck making calls to dairy farms. Today, in addition to her role with Ag Partners, Lindsey plays an active role as calf manager at Borst Family Dairy, where her husband is part of the 4^th generation to farm in Rochester, MN. Their farm milks 230 Holsteins and implemented pair housing calves 6 years ago.

Dr. Gail (Abigail J.) Carpenter

Dr. Gail (Abigail J.) Carpenter is an Assistant Professor and state dairy extension specialist in Animal Science at Iowa State University with expertise in dairy cattle nutrition and management. She holds a Ph.D. from Kansas State University, along with M.S. and B.S. degrees in animal science. With experience spanning academia and industry, she has served as a faculty member at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus and worked as a dairy nutritionist. Dr. Carpenter’s work focuses on applied dairy nutrition, forage utilization, and improving herd health and productivity. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and is actively involved in teaching, research, and outreach. Passionate about advancing the dairy industry, she collaborates with producers, students, and professionals to translate research into practical, on-farm solutions.

Jimena Godoy

Jimena Godoy is a veterinarian with extensive experience in dairy production, animal welfare, and grazing systems. She has been with Aurora Organic Dairy since 2016, where she focuses on dairy production and leadership development within large-scale operations. She earned her veterinary degree from Universidad de La Salle and further strengthened her business expertise through the CORe program at Harvard Business School. Jimena is a certified Professional Animal Welfare Auditor and Animal Welfare Evaluator, reflecting her commitment to advancing animal care standards. In addition to her professional work, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Dairy Cattle Welfare Council, contributing to industry leadership and innovation in dairy cattle welfare.

Tina Peterson

Tina Peterson is the Director of Wisconsin Communications for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, where she leads statewide communications strategy, consumer engagement, and brand reputation initiatives. With more than 10 years of experience in strategic communications and public relations, she specializes in media relations, crisis communications, and consumer trust within the dairy and agriculture industries. Tina oversees campaigns that highlight Wisconsin dairy farmers and strengthen connections between consumers and the dairy community. An experienced spokesperson, she has represented the organization through hundreds of television, radio, print, and digital media interviews. Passionate about authentic storytelling and agricultural advocacy, Tina works to build trust and elevate the voice of Wisconsin dairy. She holds degrees from University of Wisconsin–Stout and University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

Dr. Mariana Guerra Maupomé

Dr. Mariana Guerra Maupomé is a veterinarian and researcher dedicated to advancing dairy cattle welfare through the lens of immunology and precision management. Originally from Mexico, she earned her DVM from the Universidad Autónoma de México before completing a PhD in Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology at Kansas State University. Her doctoral research specialized in the cellular immune responses of dairy calves to respiratory pathogens—a critical foundation for understanding early-life outcomes. Currently, with TELUS Agriculture, Dr. Guerra Maupomé collaborates with calf growers to translate complex health data into actionable improvements in production and animal care. She is a passionate advocate for employee training as a primary driver of sustainable animal welfare.

Rhyse Campion, BSc

Rhyse is a master’s student under the advisement of Dr. Manriquez. She graduated from Colorado State University with a major in Animal Science and a minor in Range Ecology. Raised in Colorado, Rhyse showed fiber goats and dairy cattle through 4-H and FFA. She continues to maintain a small show string of Brown Swiss cattle, which she has exhibited at both state and national levels. Her graduate work focuses on optimizing dairy worker training and development programs, with an emphasis on accessibility and the cultural and linguistic diversity of the dairy workforce. Rhyse is excited to combine her passion for the natural world and livestock through her internship with AgNext. Outside of school and work, she enjoys volunteering as a project leader for Boulder County 4-H in the Dairy Cattle and Shooting Sports programs.

Bianca G. Da Costa, DVM MS PhD

Dr. Bianca G. Da Costa serves as a Research Scientist in Sustainable Dairy Cattle Systems for the AgNext at Colorado State University. Her work focuses on advancing sustainable practices within the dairy industry through innovative research and the development of practical solutions for the sector. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and a Master of Science in Sustainable International Agriculture from the University of Göttingen and the University of Kassel-Witzenhausen, Germany. In 2025, Dr. Da Costa completed her Ph.D. in Animal Science at the University of Minnesota. Her research has focused on investigating the impacts of social housing on the health and performance of pre-weaned dairy calves and exploring relationships between farm management and the gut microbiome of dairy cattle. Her interests include fostering discussions on livestock sustainability and cooperation between the academic and farming communities, as well as conducting research with a One Welfare approach that considers the connections between animal welfare, farmer well-being, and environmental protection to address challenges in the livestock industry.

Samuel Peetz

Samuel Peetz is a partner at Rosy-Lane Holsteins, LLC in Watertown, Wisconsin, where he plays a key role in calf and heifer management, herd health, and overall farm operations. Raised in Wisconsin with a strong agricultural background, Samuel developed a passion for dairy farming early and has built his career in production agriculture from the ground up. He earned degrees in Dairy Science and Agribusiness, with a minor in Spanish, from University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and further expanded his global perspective through an international dairy management program in the Netherlands. Samuel began his career at Rosy-Lane in 2020 and became a partner in 2024. He is passionate about animal care, team development, and building a sustainable future for dairy farming.

Alison Pfau

Alison Pfau is a Bilingual Regional Dairy Educator with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension. With a master's degree in animal science from the University of Tennessee and extensive experience as a herdsman and dairy manager, Alison brings a wealth of practical and academic knowledge to the Southeast Wisconsin dairy community. Her work centers on developing bilingual educational resources that make technical research accessible to the farm workforce, improving both animal welfare and operational efficiency. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, she is passionate about empowering producers and employees through innovative, research-based outreach.

Carissa Odland, DVM, MS

Dr. Odland is a dedicated leader in animal health and welfare whose career spans clinical practice, corporate sustainability, and academia.

Raised on a sheep farm in southern Minnesota, Dr. Odland earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota - College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She later advanced her expertise by earning a Master’s in Epidemiology in 2022, focusing her research on antibiotic resistance.

Her professional journey includes 13 years at Pipestone Veterinary Services initially as a mixed animal veterinarian and then as Director of Animal Welfare with a focus on swine health & welfare. Following this, she spent three years at Wholestone Farms, leading the sustainability program and directing on-farm animal welfare auditing efforts. Currently, she serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in Large Animal Veterinary Medicine at South Dakota State University within the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine.

She has been active on welfare committees for the National Pork Board, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, and the Common Swine Industry Audit Task Force. She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee for American Humane. Throughout these diverse roles, her mission has remained clear: to ensure that welfare and animal health are prioritized across all livestock farms.

Jorge Delgado

Jorge Delgado brings decades of hands-on and leadership experience in the global dairy industry. Originally from Ecuador and raised in a dairy farming family, he earned his B.S. in Agriculture and Dairy Science from EARTH University. He began his career in Ecuador working in dairy genetics consulting, sales, and training before moving to the United States in 2002.

After 10 years as a herd manager on multiple dairies, Jorge joined Alltech as a Dairy Specialist. In 2014, he moved to Elanco, where he led dairy training initiatives focused on empowering dairy workers. He later returned to Alltech, where he developed and leads the T2R (Training, Talent Development, and Retention) program, helping producers strengthen workforce management, animal care, and operational performance.

Sha Tao, Ph.D.

Sha Tao obtained his B.S. in Agriculture in 2004 and M.S. in Animal Sciences in 2007 at the Henan University of Technology, China. Then, he completed his Ph.D. in 2012 at the University of Florida in the Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology program. Currently, Sha is an Associate Professor at the Department of Animal and Dairy Science of the University of Georgia. His research focuses on the impact of heat stress on physiology, metabolism, immunity and behavior of the dairy cattle, and management and nutritional strategies to minimize its negative impact.

Demetrio Bautista

Demetrio is a veterinarian with specialized technical training from the Dairyland Hoof Care Institute and over 12 years of experience working exclusively with large dairy operations. His expertise combines advanced hoof care techniques with hands-on field application, enabling him to effectively support herd health at scale. He has trained and managed three hoof trimming teams serving more than 28,000 cows annually, achieving lameness rates well below industry averages.

He is passionate about building strong relationships with dairy teams and empowering technicians through knowledge, practical training, and ongoing support. Demetrio focuses on creating simple, results-driven action plans that improve cow health and productivity. As an instructor and collaborator, he is committed to advancing hoof care practices and advocating for animal welfare, making him a trusted partner to dairy owners, managers, and agricultural professionals.

Dr. Emily Miller-Cushon

Emily Miller-Cushon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Florida, where she leads research and teaching programs in animal behavior and welfare. She is from Ontario, Canada, where she completed her PhD at the University of Guelph. Her research program focuses on the intersection of animal behavior and management with the applied goals of uncovering novel behavioral approaches to assess and improve animal welfare. Key research contributions have addressed dairy calf behavioral development, in relation to housing, feeding, and enrichment provision, providing insight into short and long-term welfare implications of calf management practices.

Otoniel García – General Lead, Be Kind Program, Riverview LLP

Born and raised on a family farm in Guerrero, Mexico, Otoniel García discovered early the value of hard work, animal care, and community. After earning his degree in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science from the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, he dedicated his first years to cattle practice and advising dairy and beef producers, always guided by his passion for animal welfare and sustainable farming.

For more than 14 years, Otoniel has been part of Riverview LLP, where he has worked in areas such as Maternity, Treatments, and Reproduction, as well as serving in leadership roles as Dairy Supervisor and Manager. Today, he leads the Be Kind program, inspiring teams to raise animal welfare standards and fostering a culture of responsibility and respect for cows—an approach that is transforming both the company and the future of dairy farming.

Otoniel García – Responsable General del Programa Be Kind, Riverview LLP

Nacido y criado en una granja familiar en Guerrero, México, Otoniel García descubrió desde joven el valor del trabajo, el cuidado animal y la comunidad. Tras graduarse como Médico Veterinario Zootecnista en la Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, dedicó sus primeros años a la práctica clínica en bovinos y a asesorar a productores de leche y carne, siempre guiado por su pasión por el bienestar animal y la producción sostenible.

Desde hace más de 14 años, Otoniel forma parte de Riverview LLP, donde ha trabajado en áreas como Maternidad, Tratamientos y Reproducción, además de desempeñarse en puestos de liderazgo como Supervisor y Gerente de lecherías. Hoy encabeza el programa Be Kind, inspirando a los equipos a elevar los estándares de bienestar animal y fomentando una cultura de responsabilidad y respeto hacia las vacas, un enfoque que está transformando tanto a la compañía como al futuro de la industria lechera.

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.