The Cow Master 2026 conference brought leading experts in animal health, biosecurity, and modern dairy farm management from across Europe and the United States. Cow Master did not end with the final presentation—it continued through discussions and the sharing of experiences.

The historic town of Telč hosted up to 160 veterinarians, hoof trimmers, advisors, and farmers. They were all united by a common goal: healthy, long-living animals, a strong emphasis on welfare, and a sustainable future for modern cattle farming. Cow Master is not “just” a conference, but a professional platform that brings together experts, practical experience, and the latest knowledge in the field.

Professor Christoph K. W. Mülling, Dr. Andrea Fiedler, Marcel Drint, and Aaron LaVoy are among the most respected global experts in their fields, and their work has long influenced approaches to lameness prevention, dairy cow welfare, and dairy farm management. A strong highlight was also the connection between the lectures and hands-on practice at the Zemědělské družstvo Třebelovice farm, where participants could see how modern knowledge translates into everyday operations—from housing and nutrition, through hygiene and biosecurity, to the organization of work with animals.

The message of this year’s edition is simple, yet compelling: herd health depends on prevention, early diagnosis, and the smart use of data, so that every veterinary intervention is targeted, effective, and as gentle as possible—while also helping to reduce farmers’ costs.

Successful farming today means managing the farm as an interconnected system where high-quality information, clear processes, and continuous staff education come together. At the same time, animals in our herds must not be seen merely as “production units.” They should be regarded as living beings for whom we bear responsibility. If we provide them with comfort, space, and an individual approach combined with sensitive handling, they will repay us not only with productivity, but also with the good feeling that comes from meaningful work we can truly connect with.

From our discussions with you, the conference participants, we know that you share these values with us and with the speakers—and that is what we are most proud of. We would like to thank everyone who came to Telč for their openness, their willingness to share experience, and their commitment to moving their farms in this direction. It is you who give the conference its true meaning.