Join us at the conference for information on the latest nutrition information and recommended practice on labelling and authorising regulations, nutritional management of the dry cow, forage analysis, practical heifer management, and the lactating cow. Academic and industry experts, including Professor Alastair Macrae, Michael Smith and Vicky Phillips, will share their science and evidence-based knowledge to help advance your dairy cow nutrition knowledge.

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

The first day will explore advancements in feed analysis and practical heifer management, featuring expert-led sessions that provide insights into key areas of nutrition, forage analysis, and youngstock management.

13:00 | Refreshments

WELCOME

13:45 |  Confrence Welcome | Helen Warren, BSAS President and Alltech

FEED ANALYSIS

14:00 | Developing calibrations for forage analysis | Mike Smith, AB Vista

14:45 | A night out with silage – acids and alcohols | Dave Davies, Silage Solutions

15:30 | Break

PRACTICAL HEIFER MANAGEMENT

16:00 | Post-weaning to first calving – managing the dairy heifer | Alex Bach, ICREA

16:45 | Re-evaluating copper in the diet of heifers | Sandy Mackenzie/James McCaughern, Harper Adams University

19:00 | Drinks Reception and Dinner

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Day 2 shifts focus to nutritional strategies for dry cows, regulatory insights, and climate adaptation, with leading experts sharing the latest research and recommendations.

09:00 | Refreshments

THE LACTATING COW

09:30 | Adapting to changing weather | Pete Falloon, Met Office

10:15 | Water – the forgotten nutrient |  Huw McConochie, Zinpro

11:00 | Break

NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF THE DRY COW

11:15 | Revisiting DCAD |David Wilde | Massey Harper Feeds

11:45 | Nutrition to mitigate the risks of peri-parturient diseases | Alastair Macrae, University of Edinburgh

LABELLING AND AUTHORISING REGULATIONS

12:15 | Authorising additives | Nick Wheelhouse, University of Edinburgh Napier and chair of the FSA’s Advisory Committee on Animal Feedstuffs

13:00 | Labelling dos and definitely do nots | Vicky Phillips, Apheya

13:45 | Closing remarks | Helen Wilson

13:50  | Buffet lunch and depart

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

This event has been approved for purposes of CPD and can be counted as 24 BSAS CPD points.