49th Discover Conference

DAIRY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

August 31–September 3, 2026

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVE

Dairy production is a complex industry with significant environmental impacts across various dimensions, including greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, water use, water quality, nutrient management, forage production, and soil health. Dairy producers have been actively working toward sustainability, but achieving this goal is a multifaceted challenge that requires coordinated efforts across biological, economic, social, and technological dimensions. While progress is being made, the complexity of the dairy system and the diverse range of issues make it difficult to find one-size-fits-all solutions.

This Discover Conference will take a holistic approach, bridging fundamental scientific research with practical applications. The conference is designed to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions through a series of interactive sessions and thematic panels.

The key topics will include:

  • Feed management
  • Herd management
  • Manure management
  • Field management
  • Adoption and implementation of practices

The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of academic and industry leaders who will guide engaging sessions on these critical topics, promising a stimulating exchange of insights and ideas.

Why join us? Discover events offer a laid-back meeting experience that puts networking and discussion center stage. Our exceptional programming lineup is designed to connect you with science leaders, experts, and industry professionals and provide ample time for closed-door discussion and out-of-the-box brainstorming. Register now to secure your spot!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Dairy scientists, soil and crop scientists, agronomists, agricultural engineers, dairy producers’ associations, consultants, processors, nutritionists, NGOs, veterinarians, and researchers from multiple disciplines are invited to participate in this program. Graduate students, postdoctorates, and early-career professionals are especially encouraged to attend.

REGISTRATION

Early Bird Registration: Register by Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT

  • $405.00 for ADSA members
  • $550.00 for non-members
  • $285.00 for post-doc members
  • $195.00 for graduate student members

Standard Registration: After July 31 (on an availability basis)

  • $550.00 for ADSA members
  • $695.00 for non-members
  • $325.00 for post-doc members
  • $195.00 for graduate student members

Current ADSA members save on registration fees before July 31, 2026—a total savings of more than $100 for professionals—making your membership entirely free! Join or renew today to save.

Join Renew

Register

The complete DC49 program book will be available for digital download ahead of the event! Registered attendees will be able to login with their ADSA credentials to access the program PDF ahead of the event, so be sure to save your ADSA login information when you register.

Forgot your password? Reset it here.
Need your username?
Request it here.

PROGRAM

The conference program is coming soon!

ACCOMMODATIONS

CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATIONS INFORMATION

All participants are responsible for making their own housing reservations. The Conference will be held at Eaglewood Resort and Spa in Itasca, Illinois.

 

To make a reservation at Eaglewood Resort and Spa:

  1. By Phone: Call 877-285-6150 by Friday, August 7, 2026
    When making your reservation, refer to the "ADSA DISCOVER Conference.”
    This will bring up our block of rooms with our special rate of $171.00 plus tax per night. Reservations cancelled within 48 hours of arrival will be charged the first night’s room and tax.
  2. Online: To book a room online, click here: ADSA Discover Conference
  3. Using the Website: Follow these steps to book from the Eaglewood web site:
    1. Go to www.eaglewoodresort.com
    2. At the top of the page click Book Now.
    3. Check in: Monday, August 31, 2026
    4. Check out: Thursday, September 3, 2026
    5. Click Book Now
    6. Under Add Code, use the drop down to select Group Attendee, then enter DAIR1011 in the box below.
    7. Select your Room Preference
    8. Click Add Room & Checkout.
    9. Enter Guest Information and Payment Method to complete the reservation.

Arrival Date: Monday, August 31, 2026
Departure Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Special conference rate: $171.00 plus tax
Reservation Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026
After this date, reservations will be accepted on a rate and availability basis only.

Eaglewood Resort and Spa
Resort Main Tel: 630-773-1400 | reservations@eaglewoodresorts.com | http://www.eaglewoodresort.com/
1401 Nordic Road, Itasca, IL. 60143

TRAVEL

The 106-acre Eaglewood Resort & Spa is strategically located in northwest Chicagoland, just a 35-minute drive from downtown Chicago, and 21 minutes west of O’Hare International Airport. The resort is easily accessible via major airports and roadways, and within reach of the area’s spectacular attractions.

Flight options: We suggest you fly into O’Hare International Airport (ORD).  The airport is serviced by nearly every major airline, and a complete listing can be seen here.

Ground Transportation: Eaglewood Resort and Spa is 21 minutes west of O'Hare. It’s easily accessible by ride share, and several rental car agencies are located in the airport, along with shuttle and limo services.

Eaglewood Resort & Spa
1401 Nordic Road | Itasca, IL 60143
Hotel Phone: 630-773-1400 | Reservations: Toll-free 877-285-6150 | Hotel Fax: 630-773-1709
https://www.eaglewoodresort.com/

ASSISTANCE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

Are you headed to Discover 49 from outside the US? We recommend applying for travel authorizations, and we can help:

Depending on the purpose of your trip to Illinois, you can obtain a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

NEED AN INVITATION LETTER TO FACILITATE YOUR VISA APPLICATION? REQUEST AN INVITATION LETTER TO FACILITATE YOUR VISA APPLICATION.

Please contact your nearest US embassy or consulate if you have questions or need assistance. 

Once onsite, the city of Chicago is home to more than 80 Consulates/Consuls General offices. Find your closest foreign consulate here for when you’re at the meeting.

ATTENTION GRADUATE STUDENTS

Reduced registration rates and scholarship travel awards are available for ADSA Discover Conferences!

In 2009, the ADSA Foundation Board of Trustees approved a special ADSA Discover Conference graduate student member registration rate of $195, well below the early registration professional member rate of $375. The graduate student member registration rate is available to ADSA graduate student members.

In that same year, the Foundation approved travel awards to graduate students. The Discover Conferences Scholarship Travel Award fund makes travel to Discover Conferences for graduate students more affordable by providing up to $250 for up to 10 graduate student ADSA members who attend a Discover Conference.

Ten travel awards are offered at each conference on a first-come-first-serve basis. Following the conference and within 30 days of the conference, students should complete an ADSA expense report. Attach receipts at least equal to the expense claimed, and send to ADSA Headquarters, 1800 South Oak Street, Suite 100, Champaign, IL 61820, Attn: Morgan Montgomery.

Eligible expenses include travel, lodging, ground transportation, and incidentals, in compliance with the ADSA Expense Reimbursement Policy, which includes receipt requirements. Registration fees are not reimbursable.

*If you are not currently a member of ADSA, graduate students can join for just $15. Click here for membership details and to join.

CONFERENCE DETAILS

August 31–September 3, 2026
Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, IL
Hosted by the American Dairy Science Association

An invitation letter request form is now available.

Hosted by the American Dairy Science Association®
Current ADSA members save on registration fees before July 31, 2026—a total savings of more than $100 for professionals—making your membership entirely free! Join or renew today to save

CONFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Conference Announcement Flyer
Conference Program coming soon
Registration coming
Cancellation Policy
Sponsorship Opportunities coming soon
Request a Conference Topic
Media Participation
Discover Steering Committee

PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Mireille Chahine, University of Idaho, Co-Chair
April Leytem, USDA-ARS retired, Co-Chair
Izabelle Teixeira, University of Idaho, Co-Chair
Kaitlyn Briggs, Fairlife
Alex Hristov, The Pennsylvania State University
Ken Kalscheur, USDA-ARS
Deanne Meyer, University of California–Davis
Gilbert Miito, University of Idaho
Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Colorado State University