Brandon Ewers
MMPA Member Representative
It was my first time attending the National Mastitis Council (NMC) Regional and Annual Meeting, and the information I received was
invaluable. While the speakers gave insightful talks and presentations, it’s really the wealth of knowledge from attendees that makes this conference stand out. Attendees come together to develop fact sheets and initiatives to build resources crucial to the dairy industry whether it’s a farmer, equipment dealer or member representative. From short courses covering wash and vacuum analysis, to mastitis treatment and drug usage, the topics covered are varied. Likewise, NDQA winners gave farmers an opportunity to learn from other farmers, explaining why doing all the little things well can make the biggest impact.
My key takeaways from the conference include careful consideration of facility design and bedding choices that can positively affect mastitis management. Backed by science and studies, options included everything from minor, cost-effective tweaks to major, high-cost renovations. Either way, the goal is the same – improve animal health and boost production by understanding what helps or hinders mastitis control. Most dairy farmers know healthy, comfortable cows create better profits but it’s helpful to remind us how to achieve that goal through time-tested methods or incorporating newer innovations.
Joe Packard
MMPA Area Supervisor
The National Mastitis Council’s Regional and Annual Meeting are an opportunity for producers, veterinarians and industry personnel to
learn from the dairy industry’s leading experts on all things related to mastitis control, quality milk production and udder health. From academics and researchers to industry technicians and equipment manufacturers, there is a breakout session tailored to anyone who has an interest in learning about mastitis and improving herd health.
I’ve had the opportunity to attend this conference several times throughout my career at MMPA, and I still learn something new each time. One staple breakout session that I will always remember from my first conference was called “The Bugs That Bug Us,” which was a primer on several common mastitis-causing pathogens and offered preventative management practices to help producers troubleshoot and decrease mastitis cases on their farms.
Each year, MMPA sends one or two member representatives to the Regional and Annual Meeting because it provides an opportunity to increase our knowledge base as a field staff, making us a better resource for our member-owners when dealing with somatic cell count and bacteria-related issues.
Kris Wardin
MMPA Member & Director-At-Large
Having been to NMC a few times, I knew we’d learn a lot about milk quality, but this year’s meeting also broadened the topic. The meeting theme, “What’s Best for Her” highlighted how animal care and comfort are key to milk quality.
Presentations were given by top milk quality experts from around the world, several from Michigan! One topic I enjoyed was the science behind basic milking procedures but within the context of modern solutions such as rotary parlors and milking robots.
Discussing the current industry trends with professionals, professors, veterinarians and fellow producers was a highlight. It reminded me how much support we have as dairy farmers in this industry. We should all remember to take advantage of our resources, be it suppliers, extension agents or MMPA field staff. Most farmers are also willing to share their experiences, both good and bad, about their farm and the industry.
It was obvious how much respect our field staff have within this international organization. I want to thank them not only for making this conference fun, but for all the important work they do helping us produce and sell quality milk every day!
This article was originally published in the March/April 2026 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »