COLOGNE, Minn. — Challenges, changes and optimism will be addressed by the guest speakers at the 27th Annual Carver County Dairy Expo to be held on Monday, February 18, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension and the Carver County Dairy Core Team, this event draws over 300 area dairy producers and dairy industry professionals. “Dairy farmers remain optimistic during these challenging economic times, so we have put together a top notch line up of speakers to address current concerns and strategies to help them weather the storm”, states Colleen Carlson, U of M Extension Educator in Carver and Scott counties. “Attendees will participate in educational talks and visit with over 50 vendors, coming away with strategies to make positive changes in their dairy operations.”
The 2019 Carver County Dairy Expo keynote speaker, Dr. Mark Stephenson, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will take a look at how “Regional Changes and the Pressure on Price” are affecting today’s dairy markets. He will discuss the current “Dairy Situation and Provide an Outlook for 2019.”
Merri Post, dairy farmer from Southwest Minnesota, has many seasons of dairying and consulting with dairy farmers. She will share insights on how to better address the realities of farm transition, and why “Farm Transition is not for Sissies.”
“Open the Gate: Make Communications Count,” is really about getting unstuck, says Ted Matthews, Rural Mental Health Counselor with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Ted will share his understanding of how rural people address the various emotional issues arising from the rapidly changing rural economy, and then teach techniques for communicating in a healthy way.
“Maximizing Genetic Gain with Strategic Breeding” is a topic that will challenge producers to create a breeding plan to manage herd inventory at optimal replacement levels,” states Brandon Thesing of Minnesota Select Sires.
Travis Busman, Hoof Care Technician, will host a show and tell on how cattle move on their feet, focusing on ways to improve cow health as he presents, “Hoof Care and Lameness Prevention.”
This year we have 2 presentations in Spanish. “Health and Safety on Dairy Farms” is an interactive session focusing on preventing and reducing injuries on dairy farms. This session will look at various aspects of a dairy operation including farm hazards, animal handling, machinery and more. Chela Vazquez, project coordinator, UMASH will lead the discussion in Spanish.
Also in Spanish, Patty Sinclair, PAS, Dairy Nutritionist and Consultant, UFC will lead the Minnesota Beef Council training on Beef Quality Assurance. BQA is being required by many packers to ensure a consistent, safe product for consumers.
The two hour course will cover proper cattle handling, transportation, feed management, animal health record keeping, and biosecurity. Farmers and farm workers are implementing these best management practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness and quality of beef.
Upon completion of the class participants will be mailed a BQA certificate from the MN Beef Council.
Event Details:
Monday, February 18, 2019
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Central High School
531 Morse Street
Norwood Young America, MN
Registration, lunch, and refreshments are just $10.00
This year’s educational program features:
Keynote Address:
“Regional Changes and the Pressure on Price”
Dr. Mark Stephenson, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Additional Sessions:
“Farm Transition is not for Sissies”
Merri Post, dairy farmer, Chandler, Minnesota
“Open the Gate: Make Communications Count”
Ted Matthews, Rural Mental Health, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
“Hoof Care and Lameness Prevention”
Travis Busman, Hoof Care Technician, Sure Step Consulting International, LLC
“Maximizing Genetic Gain with Strategic Breeding”
Brandon Thesing, Corporate Account Manager, Minnesota Select Sires
“Beef Quality Assurance”
Presented in Spanish
Patty Sinclair, Dairy Nutritionist and Management Consultant, United Farmers’ Cooperative
“Health and Safety on Dairy Farms”
Presented in Spanish
Chela Vazquez, Project Coordinator, University of Minnesota Ag and Safety (UMASH)
Over 50 vendor booths are open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Early Bird drawing at 10:15 a.m. for Chanhassen Dinner Theater Tickets is sponsored by UFC. More cash prizes are given away at the end of the day.
Registration is just $10 ($5 for students) at the door as generous donations from industry sponsors help offset costs. Admission includes a hot lunch, refreshments and proceedings of the event. For more information and a full schedule of events about the 27th Annual Carver County Dairy Expo, contact Colleen Carlson at traxl042@umn.edu or 952-466-5306 or visit the event website at https://z.umn.edu/2019DairyExpo or facebook:@CarverScottExtension
For more news from U of M Extension, visit www.extension.umn.edu/news or contact Extension Communications at extnews@umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Click the link for a brochure: 2019 Expo Quad Panel Brochure FINAL v1-28-19
— University of Minnesota Extension
For more news from Minnesota, click here.