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 MARCH 13-14, 2026 at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, Michigan.

REGISTER HERE

Get a PDF copy of the agenda HERE.

 

SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH

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

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 14TH

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” – Merle Buyck, Diamond V
      • “Heat Stress Can Burn up your Bottom Line” – Steve Bodart, AgriGrowth Solutions
      • Panel / Open Discussion
  • THEME II: REPRODUCTIVE EXCELLENCE: PRECISION, PERFORMANCE, PROFIT
    • Presentations:
      • “Profit by Design: Leveraging Genetics for Improved Dairy Efficiency” – Ben Voelz, 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 GPS room block at the Bavarian Inn Lodge closes Monday, February 23rd, 2026. Reserve your room by calling 1-855-652-7200 and reference group number 1410PO when booking.

Herd Manager Retreat is sponsored by: