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Dairy Summit Returns to Showcase Innovation

Dairy Summit Returns to Showcase Innovation
Oct 27, 2026
By Farms.com

Free Wisconsin event highlights dairy research farmer insights and innovation

The Dairy Innovation Hub will host its seventh annual Dairy Summit on Nov. 17 at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. The event is free and open to the public and will provide an opportunity for dairy farmers, researchers, students and industry professionals to learn about the latest developments in dairy research and innovation. 

The Summit will focus on new research projects supported by the Dairy Innovation Hub and will highlight efforts aimed at improving dairy production, sustainability, and efficiency. Attendees will have the chance to hear directly from dairy farmers about the challenges they face and the priorities that are shaping the future of the industry. 

The event will begin with registration, networking opportunities, and a continental breakfast. Welcome remarks will be delivered by UW–Platteville Chancellor Tammy Evetovich before the program moves into a farmer panel discussion. During the panel, producers will share real-world experiences and discuss topics that are important to dairy operations today. 

Research presentations will follow, giving participants a look at new projects and discoveries supported by the Dairy Innovation Hub. These sessions will provide updates on a variety of topics that are relevant to dairy farms, dairy processing, and agricultural sustainability. 

Following lunch, attendees will have the opportunity to explore research posters and participate in themed roundtable discussions. These activities are designed to encourage conversations between farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders, helping to connect scientific discoveries with practical farm applications. 

One of the highlights of the Dairy Summit will be the guided tours of UW–Platteville’s Pioneer Farm. Visitors will rotate through several locations in small groups and learn about research facilities and projects supported by the Hub. Tour topics will include dairy management, agroecosystems, dairy manufacturing, and manure innovation. 

For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual participation option will be available. Organizers will also make sessions available through YouTube, allowing participants to view presentations and discussions after the event. 

Since its launch in 2019, the Dairy Innovation Hub has played an important role in supporting dairy-related research across Wisconsin. The initiative has supported 24 faculty positions and funded more than 300 research projects involving UW–Madison, UW–Platteville, and UW–River Falls. 

The Hub receives $7.8 million in annual state funding and works to strengthen Wisconsin’s dairy industry through research and development. Its projects focus on helping dairy farms and businesses remain competitive while improving environmental stewardship, economic growth, and long-term sustainability. 

Wisconsin's dairy sector contributes an estimated $52.8 billion to the state's economy and is recognized globally for producing high-quality dairy products. Through investments in research, education and innovation, the Dairy Innovation Hub continues to support advancements that benefit dairy producers, processors and consumers. 

The annual Dairy Summit serves as a valuable platform for sharing knowledge, encouraging collaboration, and promoting solutions that can help the dairy industry meet future challenges. By bringing together farmers, researchers and industry leaders, the event helps ensure that new ideas and scientific discoveries can be applied to real-world opportunities across the dairy sector. 

To Register click on the link: https://dairyinnovationhub.wisc.edu/dairy-summit/ 

Photo Credit: visionphotodisc


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