Dr Overton provides the midpoint in our unit that focuses on the transition period. In the past the dry period and transition cow was relegated to the corner of the barn with little attention given once she stopped milking. The resultant metabolic syndromes that nutritionists managed at freshening gave evidence that more attention should be paid to the diets of cows between lactations. Tom continues our focus on the transition cow and her diet with a discussion of the steps nutritionists should take to help ensure the dry cow emerges ready to perform optimally during her next lactation.