Earth Precision Agriculture

August 10-14, Calgary, Canada

Precision Dairy Conference Track

Driving the future of dairy through sustainable innovation

About this track

The Precision Dairy Conference at EPA 2026 is a premier international platform for scientists, technologists, and industry leaders to share groundbreaking research shaping the future of the global dairy sector. Held in Calgary, Canada, this specialized track addresses the full spectrum of the dairy value chain, from the farm to the consumer, emphasizing the integration of fundamental science with applied technological innovation. We convene a diverse community of experts in genetics, animal welfare, nutrition, microbiology, processing, economics, and data science to unlock solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges in sustainability, efficiency, and food security.

Research Themes

Precision Dairy & Digital Transformation

AI and Data Science: Application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics for predictive modeling, decision support, and optimizing farm management.
Sensors and IoT: Development and implementation of advanced sensors, wearables, and IoT platforms for real-time monitoring of animal health, behavior, and productivity.
Blockchain and Traceability: Research on blockchain applications for enhancing supply chain transparency, food safety, and consumer trust.
Robotics and Automation: Studies on the integration of robotic milking systems, automated feeding, and other automation technologies to improve efficiency and animal welfare.

Dairy Processing & Food Innovation

Processing Technologies: Innovations in membrane filtration, precision fermentation, pasteurization, and other processing techniques to improve efficiency, safety, and product quality.
Cheese and Fermented Dairy Science: Research on starter cultures, ripening biochemistry, phage mitigation, and the development of novel fermented dairy products.
Dairy Ingredients and Co-product Valorization: Development of functional ingredients, protein fractionation, and innovative strategies for converting dairy co-products into value-added components.
Milk Chemistry and Quality: Advanced analytical methods for assessing milk composition, quality, and safety, including the detection of contaminants and adulterants.

Sustainable Production & Farm Management

Genetics and Breeding: Novel approaches in genomic selection, marker-assisted breeding, and genetic evaluations to enhance herd resilience, productivity, and health.
Animal Health and Welfare: Research on disease prevention, stress mitigation, behavioral science, and advanced welfare monitoring systems.
Ruminant Nutrition and Physiology: Studies on feed efficiency, novel feedstuffs, gut microbiome modulation, and metabolic health to improve performance and reduce environmental impact.
Farm Economics and Labor: Analysis of economic models, risk management strategies, workforce development, and the adoption of new technologies in dairy operations.

Dairy for Global Nutrition & Health

Functional Dairy Foods: Development and clinical validation of dairy products enriched with probiotics, prebiotics, and other bioactive compounds for targeted health benefits.
Human Nutrition and Health: Epidemiological and clinical studies on the role of dairy consumption in human health, from gut microbiota and immunity to chronic disease prevention.
Consumer Science and Market Trends: Research on consumer perceptions, preferences, and purchasing behavior related to dairy products, including plant-based alternatives.
Global Food Security: Studies on the role of dairy in providing essential nutrition to a growing global population and strategies for improving access in developing regions.