Dairy Education

Breakfast on the Farm

Saturday, June 17, 2017 - 8:30am to 12:00pm
Event Type: 
Dairy Month

Make plans now to be part of this fun family event!  Enjoy a wholesome breakfast featuring Dad's Belgian Waffles, learn about modern agriculture practices, and tour the Dairy Center's 280-cow farm.  Parking available on-site.

NEW this year:

"Ask a Farmer" while waiting to eat

Bounce house, corn pool & photo booth

Donations accepted.

Category: 
Dairy Education
Tags: 
dairy, consumer, education, agriculture

Midwest Dairy Day

Friday, December 1, 2017 - 10:00am to 3:00pm
Event Type: 
Seminar

CALMAR, Iowa – Register today for the Midwest Dairy Day, “Maximizing Production with Improved Reproduction” held on December 1, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Iowa’s Dairy Center located at 1527 Highway 150 S, Calmar, IA 52132.  This program will provide you with more in-depth information on improving milk production through a variety of practical reproductive programs and metabolic management. 

This event is a collaborative effort between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation, and Northeast Iowa Community College.  Dairy producers, students, and industry members are encouraged to attend.

Dr. Paul Fricke, Professor of Dairy Science at University of Wisconsin - Madison will begin the day with the latest research focusing on developing and improving methods for reproductive management. The goal of Dr. Fricke’s extension program is to maximize reproductive efficiency of high producing dairy herds by applying knowledge gained through basic scientific research to develop practical management programs and technologies.  Following lunch, Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine Senior Clinician, Dr. Pat Gorden, will discuss the role of a cow’s metabolic health and the impact on reproduction.   Dr. Gorden’s work focuses on the applied dairy knowledge of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine.  The day will conclude with a panel of dairy producers sharing and answering questions about their successful reproductive management programs.

This program will be free of charge, generously supported by local businesses.  Please call NICC 800-728-2256 Ext. 399 to register by Wednesday, November 22nd or register at More information available at http://iowadairycenter.com/midwest_dairy_day.php

Category: 
Dairy Education
Tags: 
reproduction, dairy cattle, pregnancy rate, conception rate, metabolic, dairy

Dairy Directions

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 - 9:00am to Wednesday, December 6, 2017 - 1:00pm
Event Type: 
Seminar

The Dairy Directions Seminars are scheduled for Tuesday, December 5 in Sac County and Wednesday, December 6 in Pocahontas County. Both programs will be held at the local county Extension office. “Dairymen in these areas with have the opportunity to have the most current researched-based dairy information presented at their local Extension office” says Northwest Iowa Extension Dairy Field Specialist Fred M. Hall. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. A free lunch is included and the program will adjourn at 1 p.m.

Topics will include alternative forage crops and feed additives presented by Extension Dairy Specialist and Assistant ISU Professor Dr. Hugo Ramirez, plus a dairy market outlook and a review of agricultural apps by Extension Dairy Specialist Fred M. Hall.

While dairymen in these areas often have to travel a long way for dairy programs, this program has been tailored to issues for these areas.  “The potential for low quality corn silage is real and dairymen will have salesmen promoting every kind of feed additive- some work, most won’t. Dr. Ramirez will help to sort out the ones that will help your bottom-line” notes Hall. Ramirez will also share what can be expected if dairymen are considering alternative forages.

A dairy market outlook will be presented by Hall, plus he will review some of the apps available to dairymen- be prepared to share apps on your smartphone that you find useful!

While there is no registration fee, a call to the local County Extension office will reserve your seat and guarantee your free lunch. In Sac and surrounding counties the number is 712.662.7131; in Pocahontas and surrounding counties the number is 712.335.3103.

Dairymen can also contact Hall at 712.737.4230 with any dairy question.

Category: 
Dairy Education
Tags: 
dairy feed, forages, additives, dairy apps

2018 Iowa Dairy Days

Monday, January 15, 2018 - 9:30am to Thursday, February 1, 2018 - 2:30pm
Event Type: 
Dairy Day

Ames, IA - Iowa dairy producers have the opportunity to learn about emerging dairy industry issues at the 2018 Dairy Days hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists. The program is scheduled at seven eastern Iowa locations between Jan. 15 and Feb. 1.

“The ISU Extension and Outreach Dairy Team conducts this workshop to provide the latest research to Iowa’s dairy producers,” said Jennifer Bentley, ISU Extension and Outreach dairy specialist. “Our goal is to help producers make sound herd management decisions that are backed by current and relevant information.”

“This day-long program offers producers an opportunity to hear up-to-date information. They can also talk with our speakers for answers to their specific situations,” said Bentley.

Topics covered at 2018 Dairy Days will include:

  • Double Cropping Small Grain & Sorghum Forages on Your Dairy
  • Alternative Forages for Dairy Cows - What else is there besides corn silage and alfalfa?
  • Transition Cow Success - Managing Pain Weight & Milk
  • Dairy System Profit Performance Comparison in 2016
  • It’s More Than Just Checking the Markets - Powering Up Your Smartphone for Better Farm Management
  • Research Update - Speed Round
  • Common Feed Additives for Dairy Cows - What are they and what do they do?

Dairy Days will be offered at seven Iowa locations:  Jan. 15 in Riceville, Jan. 16 in Waukon, Jan. 17 in Waverly, Jan. 29 in Bloomfield, Jan. 30 in Kalona, Jan. 31 in Ryan and Feb. 1 in Holy Cross. Registration starts at 9:30 am and the program will conclude by 2:30 p.m. Contact your county ISU Extension and Outreach office for more information.

A $15 registration fee covers the noon meal and proceedings costs. Pre-registration is requested by the Friday before each event to reserve a meal. Vouchers for the event may be available at your local agri-service providers or veterinarian’s office.

For more information contact your local county ISU Extension and Outreach office or your local dairy specialist, Jennifer Bentley at 563-382-2949 or Larry Tranel at 563-583-6496

Category: 
Dairy Education
Tags: 
dairy, research, forages, feed additives, transition cows, profitability, apps

Breakfast on the Farm

Saturday, June 23, 2018 - 8:30am to 12:00pm
Event Type: 
Dairy Month

Join the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation for the 9th annual Breakfast on the Farm Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 8:30a.m.- noon at Iowa's Dairy Center, Calmar, Iowa. We'll serve up a great wholesome breakfast and provide guided tram tours of the nationally-recognized Dairy Center. The kids will enjoy the chance to pet calves, plus families can visit several educational exhibits, milk a cow and see robots milk cows. Come join us and see how Iowa's Dairy Center is growing!

This year we will be serving up Dad's Belgian Waffles, sausage and of course delicious dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream produced and processed right here in Northeast Iowa. Donations are accepted the day of and parking is available on-site.

Check out photos from the 2017 Breakfast on the farm here.

Category: 
Dairy Education
Tags: 
breakfast, consumer education, agriculture, dairy

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