2026 Retreat: Achieving Success through Effective & Efficient Management

Our theme-based Herd Manager Retreat will provide a community of learning, an exchange of ideas and best practices amongst an elite group of peers. The GPS Dairy Consulting team is thrilled to provide this opportunity to cultivate the growth and relationships of leaders with our new format and expanded speaker lineup. The program will also be fully translated in Spanish!

JOIN US February 6-7, 2026 at the Bridges Bay Resort, Arnolds Park, Iowa.

REGISTER HERE

Get a PDF copy of the agenda HERE.

 

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH

7:00-10:00pm: MEET & GREET RECEPTION – Enjoy pre-meeting networking, snacks & beverages. Families welcome. Open bar provided by ST Genetics.

 

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH

7:00-8:30am: BREAKFAST BUFFET: Families welcome

MORNING SESSION 

  • RETREAT KICKOFF & INTRODUCTIONS 
  • THEME I: OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: BEAT THE HEAT
    • Presentations:
      • “Heat stress- The Hidden Cost on Today’s Performance and Tomorrow’s Potential” – Mike Van De Griend, DVM, Diamond V
      • “Heat Stress Can Burn up your Bottom Line” – Gabriella Houdek, AgriGrowth Solutions
      • Panel / Open Discussion
  • THEME II: REPRODUCTIVE EXCELLENCE: PRECISION, PERFORMANCE, PROFIT
    • Presentations:
      • “Profit by Design: Leveraging Genetics for Improved Dairy Efficiency” – Eric Houdek, ST Genetics
      • “Repro Remixed: A Fresh Look at Dairy Fertility” – GPS Dairy Consulting Team
      • Panel / Open Discussion

LUNCH: Families welcome

AFTERNOON SESSION

  • THEME III: PEOPLE EXCELLENCE: YOUR GREATEST ASSET
    • Presentations:
      • “Leading for Performance” – Richard Stup, PhD, Cornell University
      • “Where Will My Workforce Come From?” – Richard Stup, PhD, Cornell University
      • Roundtable: Open Discussion

RETREAT ROUND-UP AND FINAL THOUGHTS

REGISTER HERE

Please note that hotel reservations are separate from event registration. The deadline for GPS room block at the Bridges Bay Resort closes Monday, January 26th. Please go to bridgesbayresort.com and use code “gpsdairy26” or call (712) 332-2202 and reference “GPS Dairy Herd Manager Retreat” to make your reservation.

Herd Manager Retreat is sponsored by: