The sun rose over Dublin, as trucks and buses headed to Double N Cowboy Church, the site of this year’s Southwest Dairy Day. Nearly 500 dairy producers, agricultural professionals, students and local residents filled the grounds, coffee cups in hand, ready to spend the day visiting, learning and engaging in hands-on activities.

Over 45 vendors and sponsor booths showcased the industry’s top products. Additionally, booths from the Oklahoma State Dairy Science Club, Texas A&M University Dairy Science Club and U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium promoted the growing dairy youth sector. These students also volunteered their time to help with setup and throughout the event.

Sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the event highlighted research, innovation and farm practices to showcase new developments for the future of the Texas dairy industry.

The day spotlighted the future of automation, biosecurity, forage innovation and genetic improvement. It featured speakers from various parts of the industry and included on-farm tours of Pepper Grass Fed Organic Dairy and Heifer Farm, owned by Aurora Organic Dairy.

From advanced disease management to the quiet hum of robot milkers, the day provided attendees a thoughtful look at challenges alongside promising new horizons that are transforming dairy farming. The farm milks about 2,000 Holstein, Jersey and Holstein-Jersey cross cows twice daily using a guided-flow robotic milking system. The farm has 22 DeLaval robots, each milking 95 cows, and has also implemented SCR collars.

Beyond the farm, attendees had the opportunity to expand their knowledge by attending thought-provoking talks by leading professionals, including: Francisco Rodriguez, DVM, “Breeding for the Future: Embryo Transfer and Genetic Solutions for Heat-Tolerant Dairies,” Sonja Swiger, Ph.D, “Guarding Against the Return of New World Screwworm: History, Risks, and Prevention,” and Zong Liu, Ph.D, “Manure Management Updates.”

Other presentations included: Sushil Paudyal, Ph.D., “Protecting Dairy Farms from HPAI: Concerns, Risks and Prevention,” Juan Piñeiro, DVM, Ph.D., “HPAI Impact in Dairy Cows and Updates,” and Jacquelyn Prestegaard, Ph.D., and Dawson Richburg, “Hydroponic

Forage: Homegrown Nutrition, 365 Days a Year.” These professional presentations highlighted key issues, exciting opportunities and ways to improve in the dairy sector.

If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring the 2026 Southwest Dairy Day event, please email Jennifer Spencer, Ph.D., or Piñeiro at [email protected] or [email protected]. Our team can answer any questions and add your name to our sponsorship list.

Southwest Dairy Day would not be possible without the generosity and partnership of our sponsors and volunteers. Their support is vital to bring together producers, students, researchers and industry leaders for a day of learning and collaboration.

To every sponsor who invested time, resources and energy into this year’s Southwest Dairy Day, thank you. Your support strengthens the Texas dairy community and helps ensure that events like this continue to provide valuable education and innovation for years to come.

Attendees of the Southwest Dairy Days shaking hands and chatting under a white tent.
Dr. Juan Pinero presenting at the Southwest Dairy Days.
Atendees of the Southwest Dairy Days silming at the camera while at a vendor booth.
Attendee of the Southwest Dairy Day chatting with a company representatvie at a vendor booth.