Bovine Leukosis Virus (BLV)

TOPIC: Herd Health and Welfare

“BLV is not PFAS – It doesn’t have to last forever”

Bovine leukosis infection in cattle, like PFAS chemicals, is almost universal in dairy herds. Yet, unlike PFAS, we don’t have to resign ourselves to living with it; we can take specific steps toward its control and elimination. We will report on the progress of one herd toward that goal.

Disease Basics: An Overview of Bovine Leukemia Virus

The presentation will provide an overview of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) including the biology of the virus, impacts on cattle health and production, diagnostics, and control. The current team’s research findings of early infections, dam-to-calf transmission, and management strategies will also be discussed.

Speakers

Phil Durst

Phil Durst is a field-based Educator with Michigan State University Extension with more than 30 years of experience working with farmers. He works statewide focusing on dairy and beef cattle health and production. He is involved in projects to improve prevention of Bovine Leukemia Virus, Bovine Tuberculosis and mastitis and to examine antibiotic use on farms. He also works to with farmers help them grow as employers, leading their employees to better performance. He has spoken widely on agricultural topics including in Israel, China, Ukraine and Armenia. In 2022-2023, Durst served as President of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, a professional improvement association with more than 3200 members nationwide.

Dr. Tasia Kenrick, PhD

Tasia Kendrick is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. She leads the Michigan State University Bovine Leukemia Virus Research and Extension Team and compiles the BLV-list serv for anyone interested in learning more about BLV. Currently, her team includes 2 graduate students, 7 undergraduates, and 1 technician. She is a trained geneticist conducting research in both education and animal disease, specifically bovine leukemia virus. Since 2017, her work in bovine leukosis has focused on management strategies, dam-to-calf transmission, infection in youngstock, genetic resistance, and use of biometric data to determine early infection without the use of laboratory diagnostic assays.

Asking the Right Questions Before Investing in Automation

TOPIC: Emerging Technologies

Dr. John Shutske, Ph.D, Professor and Agricultural Safety & Health Specialist will kick off the session by setting the stage, discussing the history of farm automation and why it’s becoming a game-changer for farmers. He’ll explore key drivers like labor challenges, but also highlight how automation is improving quality of life, ergonomics, safety, risk reduction, and efficiency — all crucial factors that go beyond just labor savings.

Jackie McCarville and Angie Ulness, Dairy Educators within Extension will share real farm stories, providing real-world insights into how automation is changing farming operations. Additionally, discuss what farmers found to be leading questions to be answered prior to adapting technology.

Kevin Bernhardt, Ph.D, Professor at UW-Platteville and Farm Management Specialist, UW-Extension, will guide us through the “Adoption Preparation Wheel” and shed light on the financial aspects of adopting new tech, helping farmers understand both the costs and potential returns. He will also address what financial consideration areas should be focused on within dairy teams before starting automation

Finally, Carolina Pinzon MSc, Dairy Outreach Specialist will share how to stay engaged with ongoing discussions and resources. She’ll introduce the automation user group, next steps, and upcoming articles on AMS 101, giving participants a roadmap for continued learning.

Whether you’re a farmer considering automation or just curious about the future of ag tech, this webinar will provide you with the knowledge to ask the right questions and take meaningful steps forward. This webinar will be moderated by Stephanie Plaster, Farm Management Outreach Specialist, UW-Madison Division of Extension.

Dairy Farmer Panel on Higher Fertility Success with Wisconsin Dairy Farmers

TOPIC: Reproduction

Speakers

To help Wisconsin Dairy Farmers, Veterinarians, & Dairy Consultants to get the most current and up to date research information, the UW-Extension Dairy program is having a live producer panel. This panel will be moderated by Dr. Paul Fricke.

Joining him to share their strategies to achieve superior reproductive efficiencies on farm are David Jauquet, Mike Martin, Jeff McNeely and Chuck Ripp. These producers will give highlights of their protocols used on their dairies.