From Field to Feed: What We Know about High Oleic Soybeans

TOPIC: Nutrition

Join us for an in-depth look at high-oleic soybeans and their role in both crop production and dairy nutrition. Dr. Shawn Conley will discuss the agronomic side about what makes growing high oleic soybeans different, how they perform in the field, and key management considerations. Extension educators Katelyn Goldsmith and Matt Lippert will dive into the cow side and discuss fatty acid profiles, potential butterfat benefits, and practical feeding strategies. From growing to feeding in dairy diets, this session will discuss what is known about high-oleic soybeans.

Matthew Lippert (bio) ↗️
Dairy Educator
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Shawn Conley (bio) ↗️
Soybean & Small Grains Extension Specialist, Professor
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Katelyn Goldsmith (bio) ↗️
Dairy Outreach Specialist
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

A Clearer Picture: Using Ultrasound to Detect Respiratory Issues in Calves

TOPIC: Animal Welfare

Dr. Theresa Ollivett, Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, will dive into the hidden challenges of respiratory disease in young dairy calves. On-farm lung ultrasounds reveal that pneumonia often lurks beneath the surface—even after treatment—impacting calf growth, welfare, and profitability. In this session, Dr. Ollivett will discuss the critical questions producers and veterinarians should be asking and demonstrate how lung ultrasound can provide answers. She’ll share practical applications for identifying risk factors, detecting problems early, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and tracking disease trends to improve herd health and performance.

Dr. Theresa Ollivett (bio) ↗️
Associate Professor
UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine

Virtual Fence Meets Pasture Nutrition for Maximum Productivity

TOPIC: Nutrition

Matthew Lippert, Regional Dairy Educator with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, will share strategies for getting the most from well-managed pastures. He’ll explain why pasture alone rarely meets the nutritional needs of high-producing dairy cows and how smart supplementation can fill those gaps. Matthew will discuss how the right supplements can influence milk yield, components, body condition, and reproductive performance—showing that supplementation isn’t just extra feed, but a critical tool for balancing diets and driving herd success.

Stephanie Bowers, Regional Dairy Educator with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension, will explore how virtual fencing is changing the way dairies manage grazing. This session will cover why and how virtual fence technology can reduce labor costs and improve land productivity. Stephanie will also look ahead to emerging tools for measuring pasture forage inventories, offering insights into how these innovations can help maximize grazing management in the future.

Matthew Lippert (bio) ↗️
Dairy Educator
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Stephanie Bowers (bio) ↗️
Dairy Educator
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension