The Missouri Dairy Association (MDA) and the University of Missouri (UMC) are conducting one day Dairy Profit Seminars at five locations across the state next week.Topics range from cutting costly calf hood diseases and better cow comfort to grazing vs. confinement.
"Every dairy farmer can find something of use," says Joe Horner, UMC dairy economist.
Meetings dates, places and contacts are:
Feb. 23, Pork Palace, State Fair Grounds, Sedalia; Pettis County Extension, 660-827-0591.
Feb. 24, Springfield Livestock Market Center, Springfield; Reagan Bluel, 417-847-3161.
Feb. 25, MSU State Fruit Research Center, Mountain Grove; Ted Probert, 417-741-6134.
Feb. 26, Cape Girardeau County Extension Center, Jackson; extension office, 573-243-3581.
Feb. 27, Hagie's Nineteen Restaurant, Union; Ken Bolte, 636-583-5141.
Lunch registration must be made by calling local contacts early. Pay on arrival.
Meeting times at each place help twice-a-day milkers: 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Horner says.
Registration and exhibits open at 9:30 a.m.
At 10, the key note speaker is Hugh Chester-Jones, University of Minnesota, on "Accelerated Feeding of Calves." He returns at the end to talk on "Use of Grazing vs. Confinement for Growing Post-Weaning Heifers."
Dr. Scott Poock, UMC veterinarian, shows videos on improved cow comfort.
Dave Drennan, MDA Executive Director, gives an update on MDA legislative activities. Sponsors have exhibits to view all day.
UMC Dairy team members will discuss producer response to a dairy revitalization survey. This is part of a study on growth potential of Missouri dairy and the challenges producers face today.
Dr. Bob Gentry, DVM from Multimin USA, tells of calf immune support.
UMC ag engineer Teng Lim shows latest manure management tips. Reagan Bluel talks on "Keys to Transition Cow Success."
Horner says, "We cover much in a short time and answer questions, but we promise to have producers headed home at 3:15."
He asks all to help organizers on lunch counts.
All who register early can bring a sample of their total mixed ration. They get a free analysis from the MU feed lab.
2.23.2015