LifeStart Conference 2026: Where innovation meets application
- Conference
Join us this October for the next LifeStart Conference, a science-led event bringing together leading researchers, veterinarians, nutritionists and industry experts to explore the latest developments in calf rearing. Rooted in Trouw Nutrition’s leadership in early life nutrition, the conference will focus on translating cutting-edge science into practical strategies that improve calf health, resilience and lifetime performance.
Through a series of expert presentations, delegates will gain insights into the key challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Renowned external speakers and Trouw Nutrition specialists will share the latest research, field experience and future perspectives.
The conference will also mark the inauguration of Trouw Nutrition’s new Ruminant Research Facility, providing delegates with a unique opportunity to see research in action and discover how advanced monitoring technologies are accelerating innovation.
Alongside the scientific programme, attendees will have valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and network with fellow industry professionals committed to advancing calf rearing.
Event details
- Date: Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th October 2026
- Locations:
- 14 October: Hotel Wander, Wageningen
- 15 October: Trouw Nutrition's new Ruminant Research Centre, Boxmeer
- Time:
- 14 October: 8:30 - 17:10
- 15 October: 7:45 - 14:30
What's in it for you?
- Hear from leading calf experts: Gain insights from internationally recognised researchers, veterinarians, nutritionists and industry leaders sharing the latest science and practical experience in calf rearing.
- Explore the latest calf research: Discover new developments in pre-weaning nutrition, resilience, health and welfare, precision management, dairy beef production and lifetime performance.
- Connect science with practice: Learn how evidence-based strategies can be applied on farm to improve calf growth, health, efficiency and long-term productivity.
- Engage in interactive discussions: Join Q&A sessions and expert-led conversations exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the dairy and dairy beef sectors.
- Look beyond today's challenges: Explore emerging trends, innovations and future-focused solutions that will help build more resilient calves and more sustainable businesses.
The speakers
Read the biographies of the speakers here
Unveiling our state of the art research facility
After 30 years of pioneering work in nutritional science, from the calf to the 5th lactation cow, we are proud to present our new, advanced research facility. Attendees will receive an exclusive first look at the latest technologies and how our enhanced research capabilities are shaping and accelerating the future of dairy nutrition.
Get ready for exciting days ahead!
October 14 | Morning program
|
8:30-9:30 |
Arrival & registration |
|
9:30-9:40 |
Welcome & event objectives |
|
9:40-10:00 |
LifeStart: Unlocking nature's blueprint for lifetime performance | Dr Javier Martin-Tereso |
|
10:00-10:30 |
Beyond passive immunity: New concepts in colostrum management and calf development | Dr Mike Steele |
|
10:30-11:00 |
Troubleshooting calf diarrhea: Protecting the calf and improving the system | Dr Dave Renaud
|
|
11:00-11:30 |
Coffee break |
|
11:30-12:00 |
Lessons learned by on-farm application of quick thoracic ultrasound | Prof Dr Bart Pardon |
|
12:00-12:30 |
Feeding for resilience: The role of dietary fats in milk for calf health and development | Dr Juliette Wilms |
12:30-13:30 Lunch
October 14 | Afternoon program
|
13:30-14:00 |
Animal behaviour and welfare in the age of technology: Building better lives for dairy calves | Dr João Costa |
|
14:00-14:40 |
Designing better calf barns - practical solutions for lifetime productivity | Courtney Halbach |
|
14:40-15:10 |
Rethinking early life nutrition for dairy beef calves: What we have learned, where the gaps remain, and what is coming next |
|
15:10-15:40 |
Coffee break |
|
15:40-16:10 |
Are whole milk calves deficient in trace minerals? Or milk replacer calves overfed? | Dr Jean Baptiste Daniel |
|
16:10-16:30 |
LifeStart for lifetime value: Investing in early-life nutrition to build resilient, sustainable dairy systems | Dr Liz Homer |
|
16:30-16:50 |
From research to reality. Applying LifeStart principles to achieve better outcomes on farm | Georgina Thomas |
|
16:50-17:00 |
Session summary & close |
|
17:00-17:10 |
Logistics & overview of plans |
|
18:30-... |
Dinner |
October 15
|
7:45-8:45 |
Leave Hotel Wander & travel to Boxmeer |
|
8:45-9:00 |
Arrive in Boxmeer |
|
9:00-10:15 |
Pillar #1: Shaping the future dairy farm | New Ruminant Research Centre |
|
10:15-10:30 |
Transfer to next location |
|
10:30-11:45 |
Pillar #2: LifeStart research & nutritional innovation | Calf and Beef Research Centre |
|
11:45-12:00 |
Transfer to next location |
|
12:00-13:00 |
Lunch in pillar locations |
|
13:00-14:15 |
Pillar #3: Health & welfare in a changing industry | Swine Research Centre |
|
14:15-14:30 |
Wrap up |
Conference travel information
Thank you for registering for the LifeStart Conference. We are delighted to confirm that your registration has been received.
We are currently finalising the remaining event details, including travel arrangements and transfers. Your local Trouw Nutrition representative will be in touch shortly to help coordinate your travel plans and provide any additional information you may need.
For attendees who do not require transfers, we recommend travelling by train to Ede-Wageningen station, which is approximately a one-hour journey. From there, you can either take a bus to Wageningen bus station or a taxi directly to the hotel, which takes around 20 minutes.
We look forward to welcoming you to the conference and sharing an inspiring and enjoyable experience with you.
How to get to the hotel
For directions to Hotel Wander, you can use the following route.