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.

Weednesday, 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 Address – Helen Warren, BSAS President & Alltech

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

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

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

19:00 – Drinks Reception & Dinner

Thursday, 15 January 2026

Day two 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

09:30 – Revisiting DCAD – David Wilde, Massey Harper Feeds

10:15 – Nutrition to mitigate the risks of peri-parturient diseases – Alastair Macrae, University of Edinburgh

11:00 – Break

11:15 – Authorising additives – Nick Wheelhouse, University of Edinburgh Napier & Chair of the FSA’s Advisory Committee on Animal Feedstuffs

11:45 – Labelling dos and don’ts – Vicky Phillips, Apheya

12:15 – Water: The forgotten nutrient – (Speaker TBC)

13:00 – Adapting to changing weather – Met Office (Speaker TBC)

13:45 – Buffet lunch & departure

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

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