Goat Milk

The Dairy Innovation Hub is set to host its sixth annual Dairy Summit conference on November 18 at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). The event will highlight over 260 research projects pivotal to the $52.8 billion Wisconsin dairy industry. The summit is designed for a wide audience and aims to showcase the Hub’s extensive research initiatives, which are bolstered by a $7.8 million annual state investment.

A key feature will be the inaugural student impact panel, highlighting the Hub’s focus on workforce development. The panel, involving students from UW–Madison, UW–River Falls, and UW–Platteville, will demonstrate the Hub’s role in providing essential research grants and networking opportunities. Among the highlighted projects, Mitchell Armstrong is studying membrane filtration technologies for dairy byproducts, while Mackenzie Krajco explores biochar covers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from manure. Another initiative by Kylie Beilke revolves around milk quality research tackling mastitis and immune function in dairy cattle.

The summit will include guided tours of key facilities at UW–River Falls, such as the Dairy Pilot Plant and the Humane Handling Institute, offering attendees insights into cutting-edge research environments. Dean Mike Orth of CAFES voiced optimism about showcasing these facilities, particularly the modern Dairy Pilot Plant.

Since its inception, the Dairy Innovation Hub has funded more than 260 projects across its campuses, reinforcing Wisconsin’s stature as a leader in dairy. The summit is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.

DAIRY SUMMIT AGENDA – Nov. 18, Riverview Ballroom, University Center, UW–River Falls

• 9 a.m. – Registration, posters, and continental breakfast
• 9:45 a.m. – Welcome comments, UW–River Falls interim chancellor John Chenoweth
• 10 a.m. – Student impact panel
• 10:45 a.m. – Break, refreshments, and poster viewing
• 11:15 a.m. – Hub-funded research introductions
• 12:15 p.m. – Lunch
• 1 p.m. – Poster session
• 2-4:30 p.m. – Tours (participants will be split into smaller groups and rotate between three tour stops.)
• 4:30 p.m. – Adjourn

Wisconsin has initiated a mandatory milk testing program for avian flu virus H5N1 across its dairy farms. This measure aligns with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s national surveillance strategy aimed at early virus detection while minimizing milk wastage.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced that milk samples would be collected during routine quality checks to ensure minimal disruption. The state-specific strategy enables faster identification and response compared to other states that conduct testing at processing plants.

With the capability to process approximately 1,250 samples per week, the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory plays a critical role in this effort. To date, over 6,000 tests have been conducted since April 2024, with no cases of H5N1 reported among the state’s dairy cows. Officials state that finding no virus for three consecutive months could allow for reduced testing frequency.

Industry groups, including Voice of Milk, endorse the state’s approach for its efficiency in safeguarding both the farm environment and consumer supply. Officials emphasize that pasteurized milk remains safe, reiterating the importance of the testing program for public health and farm safety.