EAST LANSING, Mich. — The 13th annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference (GLRDC) is fast approaching.

It will be Feb. 5-7, 2015, at the Bavarian Inn and Conference Center in Frankenmuth, Mich.

Consumers expect high-quality, safe and nutritious dairy products made in a socially, economically and environmentally responsible way: as such, this year’s conference will focus on techniques, tools and strategies to deliver these types of dairy products.

“The planning committee has been committed to identifying speakers who will provide the latest and highest-quality information on timely topics important to the region’s dairy producers, farm managers and dairy industry professionals,” said Brian Troyer, GLRDC executive board member and dairy nutrition specialist.

“Our goal is to provide an engaging forum for all sectors of the dairy industry to come together in one place at one time to learn, share information and gather the latest resources to help increase their profitability while doing more with less.”

The GLRDC has been held since 2003 and has been a successful event. In 2014, for example, more than 350 producers and dairy industry representatives attended the three-day conference.

“The conference continues to be strong,” said Megghan Honke, coordinator for the event. “It has a strong support base for all kinds of farmers, large and small.”

While the conference is primarily for dairy farmers, it does have some crossover topics, she explained. These include topics such as crisis management and improving labor management via employee feedback. Environmental awareness as an overall theme is also something conference planners are trying to weave into the fabric of the event.

According to Honke, farmers have always been environmentally aware. “What can we do to produce a better, more efficient cow, a cow that has less of a carbon footprint, as well as a more economically vital cow?” Honke said.

One workshop asks where the dairy industry is headed and how the dairy farmer will prepare for it. Another talk will focus on the global outlook for the industry.

Tim Hunt, global strategist and team leader of the Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory Dairy Team, is scheduled to give that presentation.

Other workshops will focus on nutrition, feed and reproductive efficiency in dairy cattle.

The cost to attend the conference varies, depending on the kind of registration. Early registration is $199 for all three days. There is also a student price, which is lower; there’s also a farm registration price, which can include up to five individuals.

There are also different, and lower, prices for those who want to attend the conference for one day only or who want to go to one event only. Online registration closes Feb. 1 at midnight. On-site registration is subject to availability. To register online and view a complete conference schedule, go to www.glrdc.msu.edu

Telephone registration is also available at 517-884-7089.