IAK herd manager training 2026: Successfully managing dairy production in day-to-day farm operations
The IAK herd manager training 2026 took place from April 14 to 15, 2026. It was held under the motto “Dairy production in the context of day-to-day farm operations.” The event was aimed at professionals and managers in dairy farming who wanted to deepen their knowledge of modern herd management and expand it in a practical way.
Day 1: Theory – in-depth exchange and current insights
The first day of the event was characterized by intensive professional exchange and a variety of presentations from science, advisory services, and practice. The aim was to highlight current challenges while at the same time presenting concrete solutions for everyday farm operations.
After the reception and official opening, the technical program began with a presentation by Dr. Stefan Borchardt, Freie Universität Berlin, on the economics of heifer and young stock rearing. He demonstrated the economic potential of optimized rearing and how it can be specifically utilized.
This was followed by Nico Klamt, dairy specialist consultant at IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH, who explained the importance of “fresh cow management” and its implementation in everyday practice. It became clear how crucial structured processes, workflows, and consistent management are for a successful start to lactation. The presentation was rounded off with the introduction of our digital management tool FarmAxis Milch, which supports agricultural businesses in the documentation, analysis, and optimization of their herd management.
In the afternoon, Prof. Dr. Alexander Starke, University of Leipzig, focused on hoof health management. He explained practical measures for the prevention and treatment of hoof diseases. In addition, Dr. Borchardt presented optimization approaches for colostrum management, which form an important basis for animal health and performance.
With a view to the future, Rainer Schulz, Semex Germany, provided insights into genomic selection in Holstein Friesian breeding and its importance for farm development.
The first day concluded with a presentation by Aylin Rudolph-Lourenco de Aquino, IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH, on personnel management and communication in everyday farm operations.
The first day ended with a joint dinner, which offered space for personal exchange and professional discussions.
Day 2: Practice – insights into modern dairy production
The focus of the second day of the event was to experience and discuss the theoretical input from Day 1 directly in everyday farm operations. For this purpose, the participants visited Hofgut Eichigt GmbH in the Vogtland region, a modern farm with high-level organic dairy production.
In addition to a comprehensive farm tour with insights into housing systems, work organization, and management processes, the participants worked in groups on key topics from the first day:
- One group focused on the practical monitoring of “fresh cows.” Mr. Klamt presented important control parameters and measures for an optimal start to lactation, which were then discussed in a direct practical context.
- Another group focused on colostrum management and monitoring the colostrum supply of calves. Under the guidance of Dr. Borchardt, relevant measures on the farm were presented, evaluated, and discussed together. This allowed participants to gain valuable insights into practical implementation and exchange experiences.
The combination of farm tour and intensive group work made it possible to directly link theoretical knowledge with practical impressions and to take away new impulses for their own work.
Conclusion
The IAK herd manager training 2026 once again offered a successful combination of sound theory and practical application. The exchange between science, advisory services, and practice provided numerous impulses and new approaches for everyday farm operations. The event clearly demonstrated how crucial the interaction between management, animal health, and economic efficiency is for successful and future-oriented dairy production.
We are pleased that we were once again able to record a record number of participants. This underlines the importance of the event. Despite the current challenges in agriculture, and in dairy production in particular, it is worthwhile to remain in continuous dialogue.
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