Over 450 dairy nutritionists, consultants and industry professionals from around the world gathered in East Syracuse, New York, Oct. 22-24, for the 86th annual Cornell Nutrition Conference. Participants gained insight into the latest research and developments in animal nutrition, leaving with actionable practices to help their farmer-clients feed the world. Attendees represented feed manufacturers, dairy nutritionists, consultants, industry suppliers, and university and extensions professionals. The conference has been coordinated and presented by Cornell Animal Science since 1938.  

“We were excited to welcome another large domestic and international crowd to the Cornell Nutrition Conference,” said Dr. Tom Overton, professor and overall conference chair. “A robust agenda that features cutting-edge research from Cornell and other leading faculty programs from around the country is a highlight for us.”

Leading researchers and industry experts highlighted recent animal nutrition advances. Conference sessions focused on dairy cattle nutrition, emphasizing the impact of nutritional strategies on muscle health, milk production, immune response and nutrient efficiency. With a focus on greenhouse gas emissions of dairy farming and industry net zero commitments by 2050, researchers also introduced innovative methods to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and reduce a farm’s environmental footprint. Presentations discussed opportunities to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane to help nutritionists understand their potential role, and to empower dairy producers to adopt practices and implement practical tools that enhance sustainability without compromising productivity.

Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science, focused his presentation on the non-net needs of amino acids, highlighting that an optimum is better achieved by considering amino acid balances and overall energetic efficiency rather than just nitrogen efficiency. Courtesy photo.

“We are at a pivotal moment in dairy farming, where science and sustainability go hand in hand,” said Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, professor and conference program chair, Cornell University. “The findings shared at this conference provide practical solutions for allied industry to help dairy producers improve animal health, enhance production efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.”

Awards were presented to four graduate students to honor their graduate studies and research efforts:

• The Leonard A. Maynard Graduate Student Awards are given to Cornell University graduate students with outstanding performance in a nutrition-related program, in honor of Dr. Maynard, one of Cornell University’s most distinguished nutritionists. Fabian Gutierrez-Oviedo and Keith Ou received this award.
• The Danny G. Fox Graduate Fellowship recognizes Dr. Fox’s 35-year career at Cornell, focused on development of data, methods, mathematical models and computer software to more accurately predict cattle nutrient requirements and nutrients derived from feeds with wide variations in cattle type, environments and feeds. Alexandria Benoit, Cornell University, received this fellowship.
• The Charlie Sniffen Graduate Student Award was established at the Cornell Nutrition Conference in 2016 by Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health in recognition of Dr. Sniffen’s dedication and enthusiasm for dairy nutrition research. The award honors students from Cornell University and University of Vermont/Miner Institute who exemplify Sniffen’s leadership in conducting and communicating impactful research. Gift Omoruyi, a Ph.D. student at the University of Vermont/Miner Institute, received this award.

The department of animal science thanks the industry partners whose sponsorships help make this event possible. This year’s preconference symposium was presented by Phibro Animal Health Corporation. Breakfast presentations were sponsored by Novus International and Selko. Additional sponsors are recognized on the conference website.

The next Cornell Nutrition Conference will be hosted on Oct. 21 to 23, 2025. To join the mailing list and for more information, visit the Cornell Animal Science website.

—From a Cornell University news release

Lauren Ray, PRO-DAIRY; Oliver Godber, Nutrient Management Spear Program; Kirsten Workman, PRO-DAIRY; and Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell Animal Science, discussed a range of potential solutions to assess and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on dairy operations. Courtesy photo.