"Positioning Your Dairy for the Future" is the theme of the Maryland Dairy Convention set for Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center at the FSK Mall in Frederick. All dairy farmers, supporters and industry people from all over are invited to attend an exciting day program hosted by the Maryland Dairy Industry Association and evening event hosted by the Maryland Dairy Shrine.
The event begins with registration and trade show at 8:30 a.m. and program at 9:20 a.m. The meeting features Gary Sipiorski of Vita Plus, Madison, Wis., discussing "What to do with 2014's Dairy Profits?" and "Looking Ahead - Be Ready if Milk Prices Decline." Two breakout sessions feature multiple topics presented for a more in-depth look at today's dairy operation. Topics include milk quality, dairy advocacy, farm transition, cow comfort, Farm Bill dairy programs and best management practices.
For dairy youth ages 8 to 21, a free concurrent junior dairyman contest is planned, which could include but is not limited to, feedstuff identification, milking equipment identification, reproductive tract identification/ dissection, sire selection and DHIA sheet evaluation. The program will equip youth with practical knowledge. Following the contest, components will be reviewed for additional learning experience. Juniors are invited to the evening banquet for the awards presentations. All youth who participate receive an award.
During the day program, MDIA will award Dairies of Distinction and scholarships. The Maryland Dairy Shrine will host the evening banquet, starting at 6:30 p.m. with social time and silent auction. Shining stars of the industry will be inducted into the shrine, while outstanding students will be awarded scholarships.
Room rates at the Holiday Inn are $99 per night, mention Maryland Dairy Convention. Group rates will be honored for attendees three days before group arrival and three days after group departure based on availability. Attendees should contact the hotel by Thursday, Jan. 29, at 301-694-7500 and ask for in-house reservations.
Click here to see the full schedule.
Click here to receive a registration form.
For more information on the convention, call 301-349-0750, e-mail secretary@marylanddairyindustry.org or visit marylanddairyindustry.org. Attendees requesting vegetarian meals should call ahead.
12.10.2014