Virtual Boots in the Barn Being Offered for Dairy Women
Three-part series for women involved in the dairy industry begins Jan. 22
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host Boots in the Barn virtually, a program for women dairy producers. Boots in the Barn is a three-part series for women involved in a dairy operation or industry and will be held as a webinar series.
The webinars will be held Jan. 22 and 29, and Feb. 5, via ZOOM from noon to 1:15 p.m.
The Jan. 22 session will feature Sarah Adcock, assistant professor in animal welfare research/teaching at the University of Wisconsin. Adcock will discuss pain management for disbudding and steps producers can take to stay ahead of consumer concerns and changing industry standards for this procedure.
On Jan. 29, Emily Krekelberg, farm safety and health extension educator at the University of Minnesota, will present “A Better Farm Starts with a Better You.” With low commodity prices, high debt loads and challenging weather in recent years, farm families are experiencing a high amount of stress. The COVID-19 pandemic added an unprecedented set of circumstances to already stressful conditions on many farms. Some days, it can seem impossible to stay above it all.
Krekelberg will interact with the group about wellness, self-care and strategies to help yourself and others cope with stress.
The third webinar will be held on Feb. 5 and include a panel of dairy women sharing their own personal dairy hacks, tips and tricks, from managing to owning and working in the industry. Find how out these three women take care of their animals and balance life. Bring your own ideas and join in the discussion of sharing dairy farm tips and tricks.
There is no fee for this program; however, registration is required. Register in advance for this meeting: https://iastate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwlc-qrqjoqGNTHMDSYCIkCj8BDFZHHgzdA
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
The program is also sponsored by a Professional Dairy Producers Foundation educational grant.
“We’ve had great success with programs designed specifically for women,” said Jenn Bentley, dairy specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Women often prefer to learn in small groups and with hands-on opportunities. They like to ask lots of questions of presenters without feeling intimidated, so programs designed for women alone are very effective.”
For more information on Boots in the Barn, contact Bentley at jbentley@iastate.edu or 563-382-2949.
