Renowned US geneticist Dr John Cole will begin by explaining key drivers for a sustainable dairy system and practical ways farmers can future-proof their farms, including the role of genetics.  

Joining him is fellow US speaker Dr Matt Utt, Senior Dairy Product Analyst at Zoetis, who will focus on what management decisions affect dairy profitability with a focus on reproductive efficiency. Dr Utt is an expert in dairy cow reproduction and worked for many years at Select Sires before joining Zoetis at the end of last year. 

Ahead of next month's talk, Dr Utt said: "A dairy should provide sufficient financial resources to support the owners and the business well into the future. In my presentation, I will focus on viewing the dairy as a business and ways to assess the financial sustainability by breaking down profitability at the level of the farm, animal, and lactation period." 

Dr Utt added: "Key concepts related to profitability will be explored using dairy and other simple business examples for illustration.  

"Monitoring key metrics relating to profitability is crucial for understanding the current state of the dairy and making decisions to improve its future state.  

"Examples using key metrics will hopefully give attendees ideas to take home to their own farms or the dairies where they work," he added. 

Matt Knight, RABDF Managing Director of RABDF, said: "The talks from Dr Cole and Dr Utt will set the tone for this year's Dairy-Tech around sustainability with a practical insight into areas farmers can focus on to enhance and future-proof their enterprise.  

"This session is not to be missed and will hopefully produce some lightbulb moments for those listening," he said.  

Tickets for Dairy-Tech are now on sale at a discounted price of £17 when bought before the show. For more information on the show and to secure your tickets, visit dairy-tech.uk 

About RABDF  

RABDF is the sole UK charity focussed on the unique needs of milk producers. They are the only dairy organisation holding a Royal Warrant.