The U.S. dairy industry is currently operating at a high-stakes crossroads. Traditional production models are being challenged by volatile global markets, shifting consumer demands and the unrelenting pressure of rising input costs. To address these evolving dynamics, the High Plains Dairy Conference will return to Amarillo, Texas, on March 4-5, 2026, serving as a critical epicenter for innovation, strategy and resilience.
Expected to draw approximately 300 industry representatives from across the United States, the event has become a premier hub for the nation’s dairy producers. According to Robert Hagevoort, Ph.D., conference co-coordinator and Extension dairy specialist at New Mexico State University, the 2026 agenda is surgically designed to tackle the industry’s most pressing economic and operational questions.
Technical Depth: The Preconference Intensives
The momentum begins Tuesday, March 3, with a series of specialized preconference workshops that dive deep into the nuts and bolts of dairy management.
Nutrition specialists will gather for a session with the Texas Animal Nutrition Council to explore the role of DCAD in mitigating heat stress-induced leaky gut and optimizing health through the management of subclinical hypocalcemia. Simultaneously, the Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council will host a workshop on targeted reproductive management, emphasizing the better use of available data to drive cow longevity.
Recognizing the growing importance of the start of the life cycle, the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association will lead a session on the transport of dairy and dairy-beef cross calves, while rethinking colostrum protocols to maximize total IgG.
The Macro View: Global and Domestic Outlooks
As the general session opens Tuesday afternoon, moderated by Peggy Coffeen of the “Uplevel Dairy Podcast”, the focus shifts to the big picture. The 2026 conference secures a high-level perspective with a “Dairy Outlook Series.” Torsten Hemme of T.H. Consulting will provide a state-of-the-world analysis from Kiel, Germany, followed by Curtis Bosma of HighGround Dairy, who will dissect the current state of the U.S. industry.
The centerpiece of the afternoon is a heavy-hitter panel featuring Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, and Michael Dykes, DVM, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. Moderated by Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, this conversation will bridge the gap between policy and the parlor, looking back at the lessons of the past five years to forecast the next decade.
Labor, Tech and the Beef-on-Dairy Revolution
Wednesday’s sessions tackle the day-to-day realities of modern dairy management. Labor remains a primary pain point, and the conference addresses it head-on with an update on labor reform from Charlie Garrison, followed by a high-performance training panel featuring experts like Jorge Delgado and Tom Wall.
Technology will also take center stage as Jeffrey Bewley, Ph.D., explores the promise and pitfalls of camera technology. Perhaps the most anticipated session is the “Beyond the Boom” panel, which explores the next chapter of the beef-on-dairy crossbreeding movement — a trend that has fundamentally altered the revenue landscape for modern dairies.
Resilience in a Water-Limited World
The High Plains region is no stranger to environmental constraints, and the Wednesday afternoon session focuses on tactical strategies for herd resilience. Experts will discuss feeding cattle under water constraints and the increasingly vital topic of monetizing manure.
In a world where nutrients and compliance are as valuable as the milk itself, a panel featuring Ben Laine with Terrain and Bruce Knight will discuss how to turn manure into a profit center.
Protect the Pipeline
One of the most critical additions to this year’s lineup is a panel focused on protecting the milk supply. In an era where biosecurity is no longer optional, this session brings together the experts you need to hear from.
Dee Ellis with Texas A&M and New Mexico state veterinarian Samantha Holeck will provide the regulatory and veterinary perspective on state-level safety, while Jason Lombard with Colorado State University AgNext dives into the data behind business continuity. Our own Karen Bohnert, dairy editorial director with Farm Journal will also be on the panel, bringing a unique perspective on industry reputation and how to communicate clearly when a crisis hits. Under the moderation of Dan Rice, this is all about making sure your dairy is still standing — and profitable — no matter what the world throws at it.
The Human Element: Spanish-Language Leadership
Rounding out the week on Thursday, March 5, is the middle managers workshop, presented entirely in Spanish. This session focuses on communication and conflict resolution — essential skills for the leaders who manage the diverse workforces that keep High Plains dairies running. By providing role-playing and application space for Spanish-speaking leaders, the HPDC ensures the entire management chain will be equipped for success.
As Robert Hagevoort notes, the High Plains Dairy Conference isn’t just a meeting; it’s a survival and growth strategy for an industry in transition. For 300 attendees in Amarillo, the roadway to 2026 and beyond will be paved with the insights gained this March.
The full agenda and registration are available at High Plains Dairy Conference.
