Source: Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council news release
As part of its 2018 strategic plan, Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) leaders set a goal to host or present at an international dairy event. That goal will be realized when DCRC provides three presentations on Feb. 2, at Dairy-Tech, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, United Kingdom.
Organized by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, Dairy-Tech showcases groundbreaking technology, provides a platform for new product launches and delivers a wide variety of speaker sessions that address key topics affecting the dairy industry. For more information about Dairy-Tech, visit www.dairy-tech.uk.
“Dairies should be profitable businesses that support the aspirations and livelihood of owners who manage their businesses in an environmentally and sustainable manner,” said DCRC President Michael Overton. “Improving reproductive management can affect both profitability and sustainability.”
DCRC’s presenters include Frank Mitloehner, University of California-Davis, Michael Overton, Zoetis, and Matt Utt, Select Sires Inc. (SSI). Mitloehner’s remarks will address sustainable dairying, sustainability assessments and dairy farming practices that influence reproductive efficiency and sustainability.
Overton will broadly review dairy business profitability and discuss profitability at the farm, animal and lactation levels. Plus, he will discuss the impact of reproductive efficiency on dairy farm profitability. A data expert, Utt will highlight key topics presented by Mitloehner and Overton, and then offer ways to monitor repro data and make recommendations to help dairy producers improve reproductive management.
Known as the Greenhouse Gas Guru, Mitloehner serves as a professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension. He also leads the CLEAR Center, which brings clarity to the intersection of animal agriculture and the environment, helping the global community understand the environmental and human health impacts of livestock, so informed decisions can be made about the foods we eat – while reducing environmental impacts.
Overton serves as the global precision dairy data lead for Zoetis Inc. He helps create and deliver data-based solutions and enhanced customer value via a global, cloud-based analytics platform. His previous roles include Elanco Knowledge Solutions advisor of dairy informatics, University of Georgia dairy production medicine professor, UC-Davis dairy production medicine specialist and Stony Point Animal Hospital veterinarian.
The director of data innovation, Utt previously worked as SSI’s director of research. In his current role, he collects and analyzes data from various on-farm data management systems and develops tools and services for dairy producers. Utt helps develop reproductive solutions, genetic advancements and on-farm management tools that provide innovative products to customers.
The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council is focused on bringing together all sectors of the dairy industry – producers, consultants, academia and allied industry professionals – for improved reproductive performance. DCRC provides an unprecedented opportunity for all groups to work together to take dairy cattle reproduction to the next level. To learn more about DCRC or to become a member, visit www.dcrcouncil.org.
