Raising a heifer is one of the largest investments on any dairy and getting that investment right can make or break herd profitability. Creating the Profit-Ready Dairy Heifer will equip producers with the tools, research and real-world insights needed to develop healthy, high-performing replacements that calve on time, transition smoothly and deliver returns sooner. The event brings together leading experts and producers to share practical strategies that pay off in the parlor.

Dairy producers and industry professionals are invited to join the Minnesota Dairy Initiative and UMN Extension on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Murray County 4-H Building for a free educational event focused on growing profitable dairy heifers and calves.

This program will feature presenters Dr. Brad Heins, University of Minnesota; Dr. Angie Varnum, University of Minnesota Extension; Dr. Isaac Haagen, University of Minnesota; Jim Salfer, University of Minnesota Extension Dairy Educator and Sarah Bierstedt, Chandler Feed Lab and Dairy Consultant.

The program and lunch will be provided by sponsors JPW Nutrition, Chandler Feed and Jasper Soy. Each program participant will receive free product provided by Phytocare.

This program will be held at the Murray County 4-H Building, located at 3048 Broadway Ave, Slayton, MN. Schedule for the event is as follows:

• 9:30-10:00 a.m. Registration & Welcome

• 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. Pre-Weaned Calf-Rearing Options for Dairy Producers, Brad Heins

• 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. What’s New in Calf Scours & Colostrum, Angie Varnum

• 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m. Connecting calf body condition, composition and performance, Isaac Haagen

• 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. LUNCH – Provided

• 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Heifer Economics, Jim Salfer

• 1:15 p.m. – 2 p.m. Balancing the dairy heifer’s ration. Nutrition that pays. Why proper nutrition today drives profit tomorrow, Sarah Bierstedt

• 2 – 2:30 p.m. Panel Discussion – led by Jim Salfer, UMN Dairy Educator, including presenters and dairy producers Jody Schaap and Rod Schulze

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable expertise, connect with fellow producers, and prepare your farm for the future. For more information or to RSVP, contact MDI Coordinator Brittany Moorse at 507-530-4415, [email protected] or Matti Boomgaarden, Agricultural Production Systems Extension Educator, Pipestone and Murray Counties, 507-825-1193, [email protected].