Producer Day 2026
A dedicated day for dairy producers to ask questions, learn from world-class experts, and connect with peers from across the industry.
Pre-registration for the Producer Day is now closed. However, if you are interested in attending as a walk-in, please email ismc@uoguelph.ca.
About Producer Day
Ask your calf management, health, and nutrition questions when you register, and our keynote speakers will shape the morning program around them.
After lunch, the focus turns to on-farm application with a producer panel, followed by an optional tour of the Ontario Dairy Research Centre and Ontario Beef Research Centre.
The day ends with an optional visit to the state-of-the-art Ontario Dairy Research Center in Elora, ON.
Day Schedule
Keynote Presentations
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Producer Panel
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Location and Parking
Parking is free in every lot at the University on weekends. Please see the map for the most convenient parking options and walking routes to Rozanski Hall.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Dave Renaud
Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph
Dr. Dave Renaud is an Associate Professor at the University of Guelph. He received his DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College and a PhD in epidemiology from the Department of Population Medicine at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on identifying factors associated with improving cattle health, specifically in calves, and evaluating alternative management strategies to reduce antimicrobial use. He is also a practicing veterinarian working with dairy producers and calf raisers around the Guelph area.
Key Highlights
- Associate Professor at University of Guelph
- Expert in calf health and epidemiology
- Focus on reducing antimicrobial use
- Practicing veterinarian for dairy producers
Dr. Sabine Mann
Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University
Dr. Sabine Mann is an Associate Professor of Ambulatory and Production Medicine at Cornell University. She received her DVM degree from Hannover, Germany, her veterinary doctorate from LMU Munich, Germany, and her PhD from Cornell University in transition cow nutrition, physiology, and epidemiology. Her research focuses on metabolism, nutrition, and immunology, with interest in nutritional strategies that improve resilience in newborn calves and postpartum cows.
Key Highlights
- Associate Professor at Cornell University
- Expert in calf and transition cow physiology
- Focus on metabolism and immunology
- International research background
Dr. Michael Steele
Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph
Dr. Michael Steele is a Professor at the University of Guelph, where his research focuses on how colostrum, milk programs, and early feeding strategies influence calf health, metabolism, and long-term performance. He collaborates with producers and industry partners to transform science into practical on-farm solutions. He has authored over 100 high-impact publications and is widely recognized for advancing calf welfare and dairy sustainability.
Key Highlights
- Professor at University of Guelph
- Leader in calf nutrition and colostrum research
- 100+ peer-reviewed publications
- Strong industry collaboration