Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference & Expo
November 28 - 29, 2017
TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO | WELCH, MN
A change for the better Event relocation aimed to better facilitate producers’ needs, wants By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
WELCH, Minn. – They say change is a good thing, and the Minnesota Milk Producer’s Association (MMPA) is hoping that rings true as nal preparations are underway for the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo, “Expanding our Boundaries.” After being held in St. Cloud, Minn., for many years, the annual event is moving to Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch, Minn., Nov. 28-29. “There was a resounding notion to do something vastly different and unique from what’s been done in years past,” said MMPA Executive Director Lucas Sjostrom of the event’s relocation. “When Jenna Davis, our education director, started, she took the bull by the horns and we re-thought the whole show.” Last February, MMPA’s education committee and staff began looking at new locations and developing a plan for the 2017 show. “After the announcement of a new location was made, we wanted to choose a place that could facilitate a dairy show along the MinnesotaWisconsin border,” Sjostrom said.
A new location will facilitate the organization’s goals in a three-fold approach – welcoming producers from a region not currently catered to by other dairy shows, providing necessary information in an inclusive format with free registration for MMPA members, and renewing interest in colleges to attend the annual event, such as University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Ridgewater College, University Lucas Sjostrom of Wisconsin-River MMPA Executive Falls and Northeast Director Iowa Community College. “There’s a lot of excitement brewing from farmers and companies,” Sjostrom said. “The show is fun and hopefully holds more value for educating or nding out a direction of your dairy business.” Aside from the event’s new location, the most notable changes will include the educational breakout sessions and layout of the trade show. This year, attendees will be welcomed to the two-day event with speaker presentations catered for any size dairy business, including Spanishspeaking sessions on the rst day for producers wishing to bring their employees. “Sessions are all set up universally on the rst day – they’re still topic
specic, but with big-picture thinking,” Sjostrom said. “We realize there are already a lot of changes happening in the industry, and we need to think outside of the box and think what is affecting dairy businesses, such as GMOs, trade and policies. This will hopefully be relevant for any dairy farmer and business, especially in Tuesday’s sessions.” Sjostrom and the education committee are looking forward to present the show’s rst legislative session as part of Tuesday’s afternoon presentations. “Traditionally, the event is developed through the education committee. However, it’s also a time for the policy and membership of Minnesota Milk to work,” Sjostrom said. “This will be the rst year a panel of legislators will be participating in a discussion.” As attendees take in the array of educational presentations, listed in full on pages 10-11, they will also have an equal opportunity to visit with industry representatives in the show’s redesigned trade show. Unlike in years past where vendor exhibits were in a separate location from the breakout sessions, the 2017 show will host both vendors and a majority of the presentations in the same area. The Island Event Center will accommodate all of Tuesday’s English-speaking sessions and evening banquet, as well as Wednesday’s sessions on the industry’s economic
and public relations’ outlook and on-farm management practices. Spanish-speaking sessions and those on business management will be held in the neighboring Wolf and Eagle Rooms. In addition to the sessions and banquet, the Island Event Center will include the trade show – a tabletop show of more than 70 vendors. The trade show will not Michael White include large MMPA Education e q u i p m e n t Committee displays. Vendors are encouraged to provide video displays to showcase any equipment and technology available. This change in layout will allow for greater access to more equipment than previously and for attendees to socialize with vendors all in one room, said Michael White who milks 90 cows with his wife, Denise, near Pine Island, Minn., and is also the chairman of MMPA’s education committee. “There was disconnect before, but now, with more access to the sessions and trade show, there’s a greater sense of togetherness,” he said. “As a producer, I like to talk with vendors and get an idea of how their business operates. I’m hopeful with the setup, Turn to CHANGE | Page 2
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DAIRY ST R www.dairystar.com
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General Manager/Editor Mark Klaphake - mark.k@dairystar.com 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) 320-352-0062 (home) Ad Composition Nancy Powell 320-352-6303 nancy.p@dairystar.com Amanda Thooft amanda.t@dairystar.com Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 President Dave Simpkins 320-352-6577 davesimpkins@saukherald.com Editorial Staff Andrea Borgerding - Managing Editor (320) 352-6303 • andrea.b@dairystar.com Krista Kuzma - Assistant Editor (507) 259-8159 • krista.k@dairystar.com Missy Mussman (320) 429-1084 missy@dairystar.com Ron Johnson (608) 874-4243 ron.j@dairystar.com Ruth Klossner (507) 240-0048 cowlady@centurylink.net Jennifer Coyne (320) 352-6303 jenn@dairystar.com Cassie Olson (715) 245-6848 cassie.o@dairystar.com Brittany Olson (320) 352-6303 brittany.o@dairystar.com
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there’s more one-on-one interaction between producers and vendors.” Sjostrom agreed. “You don’t want to miss the trade show because now the schedule allows time to speak with trade show exhibitors,” he said. The conference and expo’s transformations come at a pivotal time for Minnesota’s dairy organization as MMPA celebrates 40 years. During Tuesday’s evening dinner, the organization will look back on its rst 40 years in an anniversary celebration. “The banquet will showcase the great history, leadership and accomplishments of Minnesota Milk in the last 40 years and the great accomplishments to come,” Sjostrom said. With a new location and mindset, Sjostrom and his colleagues are DAIRY STAR FILE PHOTO hopeful this year’s conference and expo Minnesota Milk members parƟcipate in the live aucƟon last year during the will accomplish the organization’s event’s evening banquet. This year, the banquet will take place on Tuesday, objectives and set the tone for events in Nov. 28. the future.
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Sales Manager - Jeff Weyer (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-8505 (cell) jeff.w@dairystar.com Mark Klaphake (Western MN) 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) Laura Seljan (National Advertising, SE MN) 507-250-2217 fax: 507-634-4413 laura.s@dairystar.com Jerry Nelson (SW MN, NW Iowa, South Dakota) 605-690-6260 jerry.n@dairystar.com Mike Schafer (Central, South Central MN) 320-894-7825 mike.s@dairystar.com Lori Menke (Eastern Iowa, Southern WI) 563-608-6477 • lori.m@dairystar.com Megan Stuessel (Western Wisconsin) 608-387-1202 • megan.s@dairystar.com Deadlines The deadline for news and advertising in the Dairy Star is 5 p.m. Friday the week before The Dairy Star is published semi-monthly by Dairy Star, publication. LLC, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246. Subscriptions Periodicals Postage Paid at Sauk Centre, MN. POSTMASTER: One outside Sendyear addresssubscription changes to Dairy $35.00, Star, 522 Sinclair Lewisthe Ave.,U.S. Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246. $110.00. Send check along with mailing address to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
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Hernandez to present Lactation Biology 101 krista.k@dairystar.com
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MADISON, Wis. – Attendees at the Minnesota Milk Expo, Welch, Minn. Nov. 28-29, will have the opportunity to listen to Dr. Laura Hernandez, a lactation biologist from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, speak about the importance of a negative Dietary Cation-Anion Diet (DCAD) diet for dry cows, issues arising from subclinical hypocalcemia, and the correlation between calcium and serotonin in lactating dairy cows. Hernandez, originally from El Paso, Texas, earned her PhD in lactation biology from the University of Arizona under Bob Collier who served as the director of dairy research at Monsanto. Her doctorate work focused on the relationship of serotonin in Dr. Laura controlling the mammary gland. Hernandez Her interest in serotonin UW-Madison stemmed from research about blood calcium levels. Her research is based in the question of which is the precursor, serotonin or calcium, as well as learning how serotonin affects behavior in dairy cattle. In addition to her doctorate work, Hernandez has completed post-doctorate work at the University of Cincinnati Medical School where she continued her studies on the effects serotonin has on lactation, only this time in humans. Hernandez came to UW-Madison in 2011 and continues to work in both bovine and human lactation biology and is involved in a research partnership with physicians at Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wis., continuing her studies on the effects of serotonin. Her presentation at the expo will focus on how serotonin and calcium work together in lactation and how implementing and managing a negative DCAD diet pre-partum will affect the incidence of hypocalcemia in cows at the time of calving. “We know that it is a benet for the cows,” Hernandez said. “We know we should be feeding a negative DCAD diet for at least 21 days pre-partum. The palatability of the products available for feeding negative DCAD diet have increased greatly, and we really don’t have any reasons not to be feeding them.”
put more calcium and more protein into their milk,” Hernandez said. “They have the potential for more problems because they produce more milk for their body size, with great efciency than their counterparts of other breeds.” Hernandez said that prevention of subclinical hypocalcemia issues needs to occur in the dry period and not at calving time with calcium supplementation, and that is where she advocates ensuring that cows are fed a negative DCAD diet at least three weeks before calving as the rst step of prevention for hypocalcemia. “The negative DCAD diet lowers urine pH down to a level to be able to get the effect of allowing an increase in calcium levels,” Hernandez said. “It’s easier to start with prevention during the pre-fresh diet than deal with a cow that is a train-wreck at calving.”
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Subclinical hypocalcemia is the bigger issue producers are facing as opposed to clinical hypocalcemia. Hernandez wants to learn to what extent subclinical hypocalcemia is affecting cows and what long term impacts it can have in regards to other health issues. Subclinical hypocalcemia is difcult to detect in dairy cows because they don’t have the typical symptoms for hypocalcemia, such as milk fever. “They aren’t bad enough to go down with milk fever,” Hernandez said. “They will be more likely to experience metritis and other complications like increased incidences of ketosis. They can have a more difcult time ghting off infections.” Hernandez said the impact of hypocalcemia is different among breeds of dairy cattle. “Jerseys tend to be more impacted because they
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Page 4 • Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017
“I’m most looking forward to the new venue.”
Mark Johnson Johnson Rolling Acres Peterson, Minn. Fillmore County 1,230 cows How many Ɵmes have you aƩended the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo? It has been a few years since I have a�ended, but I have gone about 10 �mes. Why do you aƩend the event? I go to learn from the seminars, but mostly I go for the camaraderie with dairy farming friends. This year I am a�ending because it is closer and will be less of a drive. What has been one tool or concept you learned about at a Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo and were able to implement on your farm? I learned more about milk marke�ng. We had already been doing it at the �me, but I went to the seminar to learn more about the concept. Over the years, I have realized that it is best for us to keep the milk marke�ng simple. We like to lock in our bo�om price, but not a high price so we don’t leave anything on the table.
seminar about dairy trade opportuni�es. Dairy has go�en to be such a worldly market. I also enjoy listening to Marin Bozic. He knows a lot about the economics of the dairy industry.
What topic are you most interested in learning more about at this year’s conference? I am interested in the seminar about polled gene�cs. I think it is an up and coming management tool that breeders are ge�ng more into. I am also interested in the
What are you most looking forward to with this year’s new venue and lineup of speakers? I think the different speakers sound interes�ng, but I am most looking forward to the new venue. It is closer to home and might draw in more people from
southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Tell us about your farm. Our farm is now in its third genera�on. My dad was the rst. He passed away last year. My two brothers and I are the second genera�on. We work together with my three nephews, who are now part of the farm and are the third genera�on. In addi�on to our herd, we are part of a sow co-op with 10,000 pigs, and we farm 3,000 acres of crops. We use it to feed our animals, plus we are able to market corn.
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Page 6 • Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017 Come See Us At Booth #103
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been presented to more than 250,000 students over the past 10 years. It’s the most popular of the approximately 150 presentations he makes each year in the U.S. and Canada. Smith said the presentation’s “underlying themes of kindness, respect and appreciation resonates with students. Many schools use the content as a foundation for their character education programs.” He was nervous the rst time he gave that presentation to a group of 400 middle school V.J. Smith students and their Professional speaker teachers. But afterward, Smith said, “Every one of those kids hugged me. It was a spellbinding moment.” Along with public speaking, Smith is an author. His books include The Richest Man in Town, Jackrabbit Tales and Can You Hear What I See? In 2014, Smith was named one of the top speakers in America, by Meetings and Conventions Magazine. He will speak at 11 a.m., Nov. 28 at the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo. The event is being held Nov. 28 and 29 at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch, Minn.
BROOKINGS, S.D. – Got inspiration? People hearing the presentation of V.J. Smith during the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo will receive a healthy dose. Smith has been a professional speaker for almost two decades. He has spoken to audiences throughout the United States and Canada and is a published author. During his presentation, “The Richest Man in Town,” Smith will tell the story of Aaron “Marty” Martinson. According to Smith, Marty was a greeter and later a cashier at the Walmart store in Brookings, S.D. Smith said Marty stood out right away and impressed him because he listened. Smith and Marty had many brief conversations in the store, and it got so that Smith would seek out his checkout line. As word about Marty’s friendliness and willing to listen spread, more and more customers went to his register. Never mind the fact that they might have to wait longer, due to the people ahead of them. Marty and Smith got to know each other on a rst-and-last-name basis, Smith said. They even chatted over coffee in the store’s break room. Eventually, Smith decided the folks in Walmart’s corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., should hear about their caring employee. So, Smith wrote a letter, outlining how Marty was genuine and caring. It wasn’t long before management chose Marty to receive one of the business’ hero awards. Smith said Marty changed his life at least a little. Besides emphasizing the value of listening to people, the PHOTO SUBMITTED World War II veteran V.J. Smith, of Brookings, S.D., will speak Tuesday, Nov. showed Smith how to 28, during the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and be grateful. Expo. Smith’s inspiraƟonal message is, “The Richest Smith’s speech has Man in Town.”
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A step in the right direction Erdmann to speak on gene editing, animal welfare By Maria Bichler Staff Writer
WELCH, Minn. – For dairy producers, an animal’s health and welfare are top priority. So too is a cow’s productivity. Recombinetics, a Minnesota-based biotechnology company, has found a way to achieve and affect a producer’s bottom line. Tom Erdmann, general manager of Acceligen, the agricultural subdivision of Recombinetics, will speak on the advancements made with p r e c i s i o n Tom Erdmann breeding during Acceligen his presentation, “Improving dairy animal health, welfare and productivity through gene editing,” during the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo, Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 3 p.m., in the Island Event Center at the Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Welch, Minn. “I’m concerned about how we are going to sustainably feed our planet in the future,” Erdmann said. “We need to take action now to ensure we don’t have a crisis in the form of diminishing food security and personal pain and starvation.” One way Erdmann’s business is contributing to sustainable agriculture is through their gene editing work, resulting in polled (dehorned) dairy cattle. “There are naturally polled dairy cattle, but the problem is the production isn’t up to the standards of a horned animal of the same breed,” Erdmann said. “How do we take those high merit animals, those top 50 bulls and top 100 producing cows around the world, and nd a way to express the polled gene?” Erdmann said the polled trait is a relatively small set of genes. There are 3 billion-plus genes in a dairy cow, and 20 genes, at a maximum, determine if the animal will have horns or not. “Our challenge is to consistently turn off the gene pairs so high merit dairy animals are exactly the same; they just don’t turn on the genes to produce horns,” he said. “We use gene editing techniques and limit our work to bovine genes in our work with dairy cows.
Dairy Conference and Expoo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017 • Page 7
We nd ways to consistently express the trait in the most elite animals. … This is a natural way to express genes using genes that are already present in the animal. This is not transgenic and not GMO (genetically-modied organisms).” The business’ rst-generation calves were the world’s rst gene-edited dairy cows who were born without horn buds. The gene editing has been conducted with the Holstein breed, and the second generation of naturally polled dairy animals were born a couple of months ago. “The same thing can be done with Jersey, Guernsey or whatever other milk cow people want to look at,” Erdmann said. “We look at this as a global trait. Generally speaking, animals for milk are horned no matter what area they are in.” Polled dairy cattle is an advancement which benets producers by eliminating the time spent dehorning calves. “The polled trait is a trait people understand. I don’t know any producer who says, ‘I just love it when I have to dehorn my calves,’” Erdmann said. “It’s not a very pleasant task that a dairy producer has to do.” Removing the need for dehorning is also a benet to consumers. “We are excited about alleviating the need for dairy producers to do [dehorning],” Erdmann said. “The animal avoids the pain and discomfort that comes with that. It’s good for the brand, that is milk, that the animals used for dairy production are treated in a humane way. If we can help consumers feel good about the animals, we think that’s a good thing. The animal welfare aspect is super important.” In addition, a polled animal allows dairy farmers to avoid the expense and stress of dehorning. “The expense of dehorning isn’t a large piece of the dairy operation, but it still adds cost and risk. And, ultimately if dairy producers don’t have to do it they are better off,” he said. Erdmann said in the next ve years the company plans to work with the leading genetic providers in the country to provide the polled trait as part of their semen straw offerings for A.I. use. “This is only one example of where the world is going to go,” Erdmann said. “There are other genetically driven things we could have an impact on, such as heat tolerance. … I want to open people’s minds to things we can see in the future that directly benet milk production in the U.S. and around the world.”
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Page 8 • Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 17, 2017
“We are excited about the Spanish sessions available.”
Nate and Mindi Arendt Arendt’s Holstein Resort, Inc. Mazeppa, Minn. Wabasha County 600 cows How many Ɵmes have you aƩended the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo? We have a�ended numerous �mes throughout the years, but it has been a few years since we last a�ended. Why do you aƩend the event? The Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo offers a wide range of opportuni�es. It is a great place to network with fellow dairy people and enthusiasts. You get to speak with numerous vendors about products you are already using, and learn about other products and services that are available. Plus, the conference offers a great line-up of speakers and educa�onal opportuni�es. What has been one tool or concept you learned about at a Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo and were able to implement on your farm? Two that come to mind are The Speak Out Program and Silo Stop. The Speak Out Program gave us ideas on how to talk to consumers of all ages. We have used informa�on from that program for farm tours and camps that we have hosted. We discovered Silo Stop products at the expo and have con�nued to use their product every year since on our forage piles. What topics are you most interested in learning more about at this year’s conference? It is going to be difficult to pick which room to migrate towards for several of the breakout sessions. Maybe we will have to divide and conquer. However, with the discon�nua�on of rbST at our coopera�ve, Lacta�on Biology might be a good session to a�end. Or with the current milk prices, sessions like Dairy Trade, Current Dairy Economics, Farmer Mental Health and What I Want to See on Your Balance Sheet would be a great group of sessions to a�end. We really don’t think you can go wrong with any of the sessions.
What are you most looking forward to with this year’s new venue and lineup of speakers? We are excited about the expo’s new loca�on. It is allowing our kids and a couple of their friends to a�end and be more excited about the dairy community. We are also excited about the Spanish sessions available this year. With it being so close to home, we are hoping to get a couple of our employees to this event to further their educa�on, knowledge and excitement about the dairy industry. Tell us about your farm. Arendt’s Holstein Resort is a �h-genera�on family dairy farm that was established in 1880. The two of us run the dairy together. We have four children, so it looks like a
sixth genera�on is likely. We are passionate about producing a wholesome, high quality product while maintaining high standards for animal welfare and employee safety. We work to be good stewards of the land and good neighbors. We want to build a sustainable legacy for genera�ons to come. We like to say our cows are always on vaca�on. We milk three �mes a day in a double-10 parallel parlor. Our cows are housed in freestall barns on sand bedding. We have a herd average over 33,000 pounds of milk, with a 7.5 combined bu�er fat and protein, and a 150,000 soma�c cell count average. We raise our calves in hutches and group pens un�l 5-6 months of age. We use custom harvesters to farm 900 acres, which used for our forages that are stored in piles.
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The super-fast Evolution X1 delivers all these same popular attributes, plus the greater speed you need to keep up with today’s milking demands. Either way, the results will be exactly what you’re looking for. But don’t blink – you might miss this blazing speed! Race to the phone and call your Conewango dealer at (800) 828-9258 today or visit evolution-liners.com
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Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017 • Page 9
Being honest about mental health Matthews presenting on the psyche of rural America Nov. 29 By Brittany Olson
brittany.o@dairystar.com
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The strong, silent stoicism that many farmers are known for may well be their Achilles heel when it comes to their mental wellbeing. “Farmers are stereotyped by society as usually having little more to say than a grunt, but when you walk into a restaurant in a small town it’s usually lled with farmers and loud conversation. However, most farmers hide what they feel,” said Ted Matthews, director of rural mental health at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. “The conversation used to revolve almost entirely Ted Matthews around the weather, but there are Minn. Dept. of Ag so many issues now that weather is no longer a main worry for farmers. Still, it’s almost always too something; too wet, too dry, prices are too low.” Fear and worry are abundant in farm country with market volatility in just about every sector of the agriculture economy, which is a tipping point for the development of mental health woes among farmers such as anxiety and depression. “The challenges farmers face are denitely different compared to non-farmers when it comes to mental health. No one understands the logic of farmers except farmers, and a lot of farmers don’t understand non-farmers. For example, non-farmers may not understand that a farm worth $3 million can still lose money,” Matthews said. “Dairy prices have been horrid, and they haven’t had a good year for a long time. There’s a lot of fear surrounding losing the farm, particularly if it’s a century farm and passing on the farm [to the next generation] is much different than it used to be.” Matthews said, because of changing farm family dynamics, communications and relationships have become strained between husbands and wives, also. With a master’s degree in counseling and previous careers in forensic psychology and crisis intervention, Matthews said when he rst started working with farmers in 1993, he was doing no marriage counseling; now, mediating between husbands and wives makes up a sizable portion of his work. “More farm women than ever are working off the farm to provide income and insurance, usually at jobs they don’t care for. They get up in the morning and put on a face so to speak to work in town, and when they come home, they’re suddenly a farmer’s wife and to go from their town-job mindset to shoveling manure requires a shift in personality,” Matthews said. “Not only do their husbands who spend all day on the farm not understand that, but when they do have time to communicate, it’s usually at the very end of the day when both people are just exhausted.” On top of strained relationships and communication at home, a general reluctance to seek help lingers among many farmers due to the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness in American society, particularly rural America. Matthews also said when a farmer does fail they are often ostracized by other farmers due to the insular nature of the farming community where gossip runs rampant. “Because they hear ‘mental health’ and think ‘mental illness,’ farmers often say, ‘Well, I’m not mentally ill. There’s nothing really wrong with me.’ On top of that, farmers don’t know who therapists are and, as a result, don’t trust them.” Matthews said. “Then, in the event that someone does lose the farm, they know that other farmers are talking about them in, for example, the local café and now they truly have nowhere to turn or no one to talk to.” Even in good times, what are some steps farmers can take to protect their mental well-being?
“Be comfortable with your situation and honest about how you’re feeling. Also, communication is key and it is more important than ever before,” Matthews said. “People are better at talking than listening, and the difference between men and women is that women want to simply be heard and men want to x right away.” Matthews said while farmers say their families are the most important thing to them, they don’t often act like it or show it. “They’ll tell their wife and kids, ‘Oh, we can do something together when I get things caught up,’ but we all know that will never happen because nothing is truly ever caught up on the farm. I’ve had wives get so fed up with their husbands that they’ll say, ‘If you love me, you’ll take me on vacation in September or October.’ Love has nothing to do with harvest, but that shows how bad things are,” Matthews said.
“The saying, ‘When I catch up,’ doesn’t exist, so you have to make the time and effort to be there for your family.” Farmers are more likely to seek help for problems in the barn or in the house if they are referred to a mental health specialist by another farmer, a veterinarian, a lender or a nutritionist as opposed to a stranger, Matthews said. “I get a ton of phone calls every week from farmers in crisis, and other farmers who have been in their place will refer them to me. It makes those farmers feel good knowing that they can help,” Matthews said. “The real problem is that there’s no true team approach toward tackling farmer mental health.” Matthews’ presentation on mental health is at the Minnesota Milk Expo on Nov. 29 at 11:45 a.m., in the Wolf/Eagle Room at Treasure Island Casino in Welch, Minn.
NO BULL - POLYDOME IS A WORLD LEADER IN CALF NURSERIES POLYDOME ONE-PIECE SUPER HUT
CALF WARMER
MULTIPLE ANIMAL SHELTER
PolyDome Calf Warmer 24” W x 50” L 45” Tall
The lower section is 16” deep overall. • One-Piece molded shell • Rear door opening • Made from high-impact, • Rear and top vents UV stabilized polyethylene • Easy cleaning • 98” x 106” x 72” tall • Variable size front door openings
The PolyDome Calf Warmer provides a comfortable environment for newborn calves for the first few hours after birth.
The bottom is ribbed and the front is rounded for easy transportation. The floor is raised and slotted for easy circulation of the entire unit. The top section is hinged for calf entry. There is a vent/peep hole on one end for proper ventilation. Made of medium polyethylene for long-lasting durability and easy cleaning. The heater is 110 volt with 3 heat settings and 2 fan settings for maximum output.
Can be used for housing larger calves after they outgrow a smaller single nursery.
SUPER DUTY BULK BINS
ROUND BALE FEEDERS 1500 lb. 8.5 ton 40 lb. cu. ft.
Translucent polyethylene allows you to see material level. Corrosion resistant, 2-piece construction--no rivets and grain-clogging seams to contend with. All PolyDome Bulk Bins have a 22” top opening with a hinged, vented filler cap and a pull rope that allows ground control for filling.
80” W x 62” H
90” W x 34” H
Comes in 4 sections
HUNTING BLINDS
Comes in 3 sections
Designed for Horses
106” W x 54” H Comes in 3 sections
PolyDome Hunting Blinds are the completely customizable, do-it-yourself blinds. Each blind is shipped as a one-piece, or two-piece shell. What you do with it after that is pretty much up to you. We provide you with finishing options, instead of forcing our design on you. You save money, by doing the assembly work yourself. And, it is easy work to do. The Hunting Blinds are made from high-impact, UV stabilized polyethylene that can be easily cut with hand tools. The color is a flat olive green. They can be used as a ground blind or set on a raised platform. The following page shows the choice of accessories available to complete your blind. All hardware is included with accessories.
Comes in 3 sections
HEATED WATER BOWLS
7 Gallon 16 Gallon 20 gallon 34 gallon 28”L x 25”W 40”L x 25”W 42”L x 25”W 61”L x 25”W x 24” H x 24” H x 24” H x 24” H
1-800-328-7659 • AG VENTURE FEED & SEED Watkins, MN • 320-764-9910 • LINDELL SALES & SERVICE Cannon Falls, MN • 651-258-4311 • MCINTOSH DAIRY McIntosh, MN • 218-563-3740 • ADKINS EQUIPMENT Detroit Lakes, MN • 218-847-2079 • GALEN FICK Boyden, IA • 712-439-1359 • INWOOD HATCHERY Inwood, IA • 712-753-4736
114” W x 54” H
• DAIRYLAND SUPPLY Sauk Centre, MN • 1-800-338-6455 • STEARNS VETERINARY OUTLET Melrose, MN • 1-800-996-3303 • FLOODWOOD FARM & FEED Floodwood, MN • 218-476-2233 • GERTKEN’S SALES Richmond, MN • 320-597-2207 • TESKE FARM SERVICE Avon, MN • 320-356-7211 • BJERGA FEED Motley, MN • 218-352-6383 or 6379
www.polydome.com • FARMERS CO-OP OF LAFAYETTE Lafayette, MN • 507-228-8224 • SIOUX NATION VET SUPPLY Marshall, MN • 507-532-3716 • FEDERATED CO-OPS Princeton, MN • 763-389-1567 • NEW ULM FEED STORE New Ulm, MN • 507-359-7500 • PIERZ CO-OP Pierz, MN • 320-468-6655 (Randy) • MICHAEL MACK Watertown, SD • 605-881-0365
• GORTER’S CLAY & DAIRY EQUIPMENT, INC. Pipestone, MN • 507-825-3271 • STEVE’S FEED Sleepy Eye, MN • 507-794-3831 • ROBERT FAUST Strawberry Point, IA • 563-933-6561 • SE MN SILO EQUIPMENT St. Charles, MN • 507-932-4560 • SHELDON FARMERS MARKET Sheldon, IA • 712-324-3721
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Page 10 • Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017
VERSA
Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference & Expo
November 28-29, 2017
Treasure Island Resort & Casino | MnMilk.org/Expo
FREE
Tuesday, November 28 LOCATION:
10 a.m.
11 a.m.
Island Event Center
Wolf/Eagle Rooms (All sessions are presented in Spanish)
Minnesota Milk Annual Business Meeting
Join producer members to vote for directors in Districts 2, 6, 9, 11 and a statewide at-large position; approve financial statements; and vote on 2018 resolutions.
V.J. Smith – The Richest Man in Town
“This guy changed my life.” V.J. Smith says. Listen to Smith’s compelling story about a little old man who ran a cash register at the local Wal-Mart and the impact he made on those around him.
2:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:15 p.m.
4:45 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. to midnight
Jorge Delgado – Fresh Cow Care (Cuidados de la Vaca Parida)
Lunch
12 noon
1:00 p.m.
Jaime Castaneda – How Minnesota Milk and National Milk are Fighting for You (Como Minnesota Milk y National Milk están luchando por Ti)
(Island Event Center)
Legislative panel with Minnesota Milk lobbyist Daryn McBeth
Mónica Cruz Zorrilla, Mexican Consulate – Resources for your Spanish-speaking Employees (Recursos para sus Empleados Hispanohablantes)
Jaime Castaneda – Dairy Trade: Opportunity or Threat?
Jorge Delgado – Mastitis Prevention and Detection (Prevención y Detección de la Mastitis)
Discussion of top 2018 legislative issues.
Learn from the leading voice on dairy trade policy.
Networking Break
(Island Event Center and Pre-Function Area)
Tom Erdmann – Improving dairy animal health, welfare, and productivity
Gene editing is much more than one trait. Learn how to improve dairy animal health, welfare, and productivity through gene editing and precision breeding.
Jorge Delgado – Calving Protocols (Protocolos de Parición)
Mónica Cruz Zorrilla, Mexican Consulate – Resources for your Spanish-speaking Employees Become a better manager and learn about resources for your Spanishspeaking employees.
SOCIAL HOUR
Actually, it’s a social 1.75 hours! Use this time to connect with old friends and meet new friends.
(Island Event Center and Pre-Function Area)
Dinner and 40th Anniversary Celebration
During this celebration, we will recognize our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to our future.
(Island Event Center)
Live Auction
Help fund Minnesota Milk’s scholarship funds during this exciting auction.
(Island Event Center)
Hospitality Suites
Continue the nights celebration after the auction in sponsored hospitality suites.
Register today at MnMilk.org or call (877) 577-0741.
Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017 • P
Agenda
for Producer Members if Registered by November 21. After November 21st, registration is $50/person for members and $100 for non-members.
Wednesday, November 29 Island Event Center
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
(Island Event Center)
Wes Jamison – Got Message? Relating to a public who doesn’t relate to you
Listen to an expert who combines public relations, political science, and political communication as it relates to agriculture.
Marin Bozic – Current Dairy Economics
Hear the latest updates in dairy economics including dairy policy and risk management.
Networking Break
10:00 a.m.
10:45 a.m.
11:45 a.m.
(Island Event Center and Pre-Function Area)
Dan Undersander – Preventing Leaf Loss
2:45 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
Find out what opportunities and resources are available for beginning farmers.
Brad Heins – Activity Monitors
Ted Matthews – Farmer Mental Health
Explore precision technology for dairy herd management and learn how this technology can benefit your dairy.
Farming is hard work: both physically and mentally. Learn to better communicate and address mental health with outside help.
Lunch
(Island Event Center)
Gerard Cramer – Hoof Trimming
Callyn Bedker – Exiting the Business Gracefully
Les Hansen – Crossbreeding: “Normal” for Beef and Pork, why not Dairy?
Keith Olander – Can You Make as much as Your Neighbors?
Hooves are the foundation of the dairy cow. Learn what’s new in the world of hoof trimming research.
Nearly a decade of data for ProCROSS exists; and the crossbreeding results speak for themselves.
Learn about the advantages of farm transition planning and how to take the next steps for your business.
Explore the trends of Minnesota’s dairy farm profitability.
Networking Break
3:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Ryan Roles – Starting a Farm, with Help
Forage is a key to many dairy farms’ success. Learn how to prevent leaf loss in alfalfa.
12:45 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Wolf/Eagle Rooms (Beginning Farmer Resources)
(Island Event Center and Pre-Function Area)
Dr. Laura Hernandez – Lactation Biology
Learn how serotonin controls calcium metabolism in transition dairy cows and what that means for your farm.
Bernie Quist and John Grape – Steps to Turn Your Financial Statements into Action Plans Detailed financial statements and action plans can help develop strong relationship with farm advisors.
Bowling Tournament
Enjoy the relaxed and fun atmosphere at Treasure Island’s Xtreme Bowl. The inaugural Minnesota Milk Bowling Tournament will pit team versus team for a fun night of food, drink, and camaraderie with Minnesota’s dairy community.
Expanding our Boundaries
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November 28-29, 2017
Treasure Island Resort & Casino | MnMilk.org/Expo
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MN Milk/Midwest Dairy Lounge
Registration
709 710 BUFFALO
PRE-FUNCTION AREA
Register today at MnMilk.org or call (877) 577-0741.
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Page 12 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017
The popular Wall of Wine and Cheese Grab-bags will be available next to the registration area.
Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017 • Page 13
2017 Trade Show Diagram and Exhibitors Exhibitors (as of November 2, 2017) Ag Partners Coop ................................................................... AG Solutions LLC .................................................................... AgCentric .................................................................................. Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) ......... Agri-King .................................................................................. AGRI-TRAC U.S. ........................................................................ Alforex Seeds .......................................................................... Alltech ...................................................................................... American Agco Trading Company ...................................... Amino Plus / Ag Processing, Inc. ....................................... AMPI .......................................................................................... Anez Consulting Inc. ............................................................. Arnold’s of Kimball, Inc. ....................................................... Big Bear Genetics .................................................................. Blue Lake Plastics LLC .......................................................... Boehringer Ingelheim ........................................................... Bongards Creameries ........................................................... Boss Supply Inc. ..................................................................... Byron Seeds ............................................................................ Calf - Tel ................................................................................... CBM Lighting ........................................................................... Central Minnesota Credit Union ......................................... Chr Hansen .............................................................................. Compeer Financial ................................................................. Dairy Farmers of America .................................................... Dairy Gross Margin, LLC ........................................................ Delux Feed ............................................................................... Dairy Star ................................................................................. Doda Usa, Inc. ......................................................................... Elanco ....................................................................................... Famo Feeds, Inc. .................................................................... Farm Bureau ............................................................................ Farm Systems .......................................................................... Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. ................................................... Feed Supervisor ..................................................................... FeedWorks USA, LTD .............................................................. First District Association....................................................... Form-A-Feed, Inc. .................................................................. Gold Country Seed ................................................................ HarvXtra Alfalfa ...................................................................... Hubbard Feeds Inc. ............................................................... Investors Community Bank ................................................. Komro Sales & Service ......................................................... Land O’Lakes, Inc.................................................................... Leedstone ................................................................................ Lester Building Systems ....................................................... Midwest Livestock Supply ................................................... Minnesota Beef Council ....................................................... Minnesota Board of Animal Health ................................... Minnesota Dairy Initiative ................................................... Minnesota Department of Agriculture .............................. Minnesota DHIA ..................................................................... Minnesota Farmers Union ................................................... Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ................................ Minnesota Select Sires ......................................................... Minnwest Bank ....................................................................... MN Agriculture Water Resource Center.............................. Northland Farm Systems ..................................................... Osakis Silo Repair .................................................................. Phibro Animal Health Corporation .................................... Pinnacle Climate Technologies .......................................... Pluto Legal, PLLC .................................................................... Poly Dome/Poly Tank, Inc. .................................................. PowerLift Hydraulic Doors .................................................. Recycling Association of Minnesota ................................. RLS Vinyl and Farm Supply LLC ..........................................
307 102 402 706 203 705 209 114 409 611 105 117 302 & 303 411 214 503 316 104 703 111 204 & 205 314 511 601 & 607 610 415 406 609 408 208 & 301 604 404 115 & 116 202 504 501 606 612 502 310 106 & 107 304 602 309 & 401 311 & 312 708 704 110 608 108 109 315 201 710 112 & 113 709 603 407 212 403 313 103 414 206 213 701
S&S Dairy Systems LLC ......................................................... 207 Stearns DHIA Labratories .................................................... 101 STgenetics ................................................................................ 405 Stray Voltage Consulting ...................................................... 210 Udder Tech .............................................................................. 412 & 413 University of Minnesota ....................................................... 118 Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center.. 605 USDA Farm Service Agency .................................................. 707 Vita Plus Corporation ........................................................... 305 & 306 Wieser Concrete ..................................................................... 410 WRDN ........................................................................................ 702 Ziegler Cat ............................................................................... 215 & 308 Zoetis ........................................................................................ 211
Check out a few of the items to be auctioned off on Tuesday, November 28th
Scholarship Auction Bill (as of 11/2/17) DONATED BY Agri-King American Agco Trading Co. Arnold’s of Kimball B&R Dairy Equipment Inc. Bonnie Mohr Studio
ITEM Gift Certificate for one bag of Silo-King 2 prints Claas Jaguar 900 Chopper Toy 10 cases KleenGuard Nitrile milking gloves Bonnie Mohr's book, "Once There Were No Cows" and three 8x10 prints
Compeer Financial
Phantom 3 Standard Drone
Compeer
Vikings themed gift basket
Dairy Star HarvXtra Alfalfa Investors Community Bank Land O'Lakes Midwest Dairy Association STgenetics Udder Tech Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center Vita Plus
Carhartt Work Vest HarvXtra Yeti Tumbler (2 qty) Wine Themed Gift Basket 5 bags of Colostrum Replacer Panorama of Kickoff between MN Vikings and Green Bay Packers during Inaugural opener at US Bank Stadium. 10 units of Delta in Sexed Ultra 4M Udder Tech Waterproof Bibbed Overalls & Udder Tech Waterproof Jacket U of MN Sport Duffle with UMASH ceramic mug and flashlight Country Choice Gift Basket
Expanding our Boundaries
Page 14 • Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017
Now available in a convenient single dose. Take care of BRD with Once PMH® IN, the first and only intranasal vaccine that delivers dual bacterial pneumonia protection for healthy cattle of all ages, including calves as young as 1 week of age.
Approved for healthy cattle as young as 1 week of age Dual protection against Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida, the leading causes of early-onset BRD Adjuvant-free, intranasal application that’s easy to use and easy on cattle
Choose Once PMH IN And never choose again
Talk to your veterinarian or animal health supplier about Once PMH IN. Always read, understand and follow product label and use as directed. merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2016 Intervet, Inc., d/b/a Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 54718 2/16 BV-Once IN-51131-D
Why not crossbreed dairy? Hansen to present preliminary data comparing Holsteins to ProCROSSŽ cows By Ruth Klossner Sta Writer
WELCH, Minn. – Crossbreeding. When it comes to dairy cattle, it has been discussed for decades. Perhaps it is an idea whose time has come. As a 10-year study comparing pure Holsteins to ProCROSSÂŽ cows in eight high-performance Minnesota herds comes to a close Dec. 31, Dr. Les Hansen, of the University of Minnesota, will address preliminary results in his presentation Dr. Les Hansen at the Minnesota University of Minn. Dairy Conference and Expo in Welch, Minn., Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 2:45 p.m. Although crossbreeding results have been addressed in various media mediums, Hansen said he is reporting on a true scientiďƒžc study with cattle randomly selected for comparison. Amy (Hazel) Loeschke, a former summer intern with the Minnesota Holstein Association and a former member of the U of M’s judging team,
Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017 • Page 15
is the junior scientist assigned to the project. She made the selections for the study. “As university staff, our goal is to document what happens when we do things. Farmers were doing it [crossbreeding]. We want to document what the results are through a carefully planned study,â€? Hansen said. “Farmers want to know if they’ve been doing the right thing. To compare, we have to have pure Holsteins and ProCROSSÂŽin the same herd, side by side. The objective of this study is to compare pure Holsteins to ProCROSSÂŽ cows, using a simple rotation of Holstein, MontbĂŠliarde and Viking Red. We were interested in studying whether crossbreeding improves fertility, health and survival of cows in the herd. It’s not surprising that crossbreds are superior for health and fertility. However, the question is, how much production, if any, would be sacriďƒžced.â€? For the purposes of the study, the gauge used for production was pounds of fat and pounds of protein. “Farmers aren’t paid for water, and milk is 87 percent water,â€? Hansen said. Early results for the ďƒžrst lactation performance for two-breed crosses have already been published in two articles in the Journal of Dairy Science. Those results indicate that the twobreed crossbreds met the production expectations of the eight participating dairy herds. In fact, the MontbĂŠliarde Ă— Holstein and Viking Red Ă— Holstein
h e t Cows r e v o C We are your information source for LGM-Dairy and the new Dairy RP programs! CONTACT US TODAY TO LEARN MORE!
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Dairy Gross Margin, LLC Jean Lynch • (515) 890-8828 Marv Carlson • (712) 240-8395 www.dairygrossmargin.com
Sign up for our New Newsletter Email DairySt r Milk Break andrea.b@dairystar.com MW innoe rsldotaD Visi aMirilky t u DEax s Boo ipryo,CBo at th # nofoe t 409 trhenA he cRe 4 &9E8 qC+}vXm} xp o
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Page 16 • Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017
ConƟnued from CROSSBREED | Page 15
Anez Consulting Inc. Continues to be the team you can trust for a “One stop Shop” For all your Livestock Permitting, Engineering and Nutrient Management (EQIP, CSP & NRCS) Services. We will see you through your project from start to finish!
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These caƩle are examples of ProCROSS crossbred caƩle - a three-way cross rotaƟon between Holstein, Montbéliarde and Viking Red.
www.anezconsulting.com
320-235-1970 1700 Technology Dr. NE, Suite 130 • Willmar, MN 56201
We make the dairy products that make the brand.
crossbreds, collectively, had greater production of milk solids (pounds) in rst lactation with similar somatic cell count scores compared with their pure Holstein herdmates. Additional data from the rst three lactations of two-breed crosses, data from three-way crosses, and data from the rst lactation when cows were bred back to Holsteins is now available and will be addressed in Hansen’s presentation. “We’re nding that crossbreds stay in the herd longer, breed back faster so they come back to peak production faster and have fewer stillborn calves. They also have higher salvage value when they’re sold because of better condition. They’re smaller in stature, which most people like,” Hansen said. “The way to gauge the results is based
on prot per day in the herd, per stall or per xed capacity of cows.” Hansen feels crossbreeding has become important because intense selection within pure breeds has resulted in more inbreeding. “I think genomics is an exciting new tool for genetic improvement. However, I don’t think it’s being properly applied to the Holstein breed globally. Breeders are now breeding the best to the best as fast as they can. Therefore, inbreeding is going through the roof. If people want to stay with pure breeds, they have to look at pedigrees carefully,” he said. “If you’re crossbreeding, you don’t have to worry about inbreeding. You get hybrid vigor.” Hansen also said the crossbred study has received nancial support from A.I. organizations.
At AMPI, we believe what we’re made of is as important as what we make. Our core values — commitment to quality, responsibility to others and determination to succeed — guide us in all we do. Visit with AMPI representatives at
Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo Booth #105 to learn more. www.ampi.com | 800-533-3580
2250 Austin Rd. Owatonna, MN 55060
507-451-3131 www.northlandfarmsystems.com or 800-385-3911 FARM SYSTEMS
SEE US AT BOOTH
Minnesota Milk awards $10,000 in postsecondary scholarships
The Minnesota Milk Producers Association is announcing the 2017 recipients of its annual scholarship awards. Ten outstanding individuals from four schools are this year’s awardees. The recipients will be recognized at this year’s Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference & Expo on November 28-30. The convention will be held at Treasure Island Resort and Casino in Welch Minn. The 2017 recipients are: • Colten Carlson, of Pennock, attending South Dakota State University, studying Dairy Production, Ag Business and Spanish, son of Carl Carlson and Leah Kreps. • Luke Groos, of Howard Lake, attending South Dakota State University, studying Agriculture Science, son of Sean and Linda Groos. • Jessica Kered, of Melrose, attending South Dakota State University, studying Dairy and Animal Science, daughter of Tim and Carrie Kered. • Kirby Krogstad, of Eyota, attending South Dakota State University, studying Dairy Production and Agricultural Business, son of Dean and Lora Allen. • Claissa Lubben, of Edgerton, attending South Dakota State University, studying Dairy Production and Agricultural Business, daughter of Cal and Char Lubben. • Ashley Maus, of Freeport, attending South Dakota State University, studying Dairy Production and German, daughter of Darrel and Lisa Maus. • Tanner Morrison, of Peterson, attending University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, studying Agricultural Industries/Business and Animal Science, son of Jay and Barb Morrison. • Isabella Portner, of Sleepy Eye, attending Iowa State University, studying Dairy Science, daughter of Tom and Mary Portner. • Quinici Scherber, of Rogers, attending Univeristy of Wisconsin-River Falls, studying Dairy Science-Management, daughter of John and Staci Scherber. • Andrew Wilwerding, of Freeport, attending South Dakota State University, studying Dairy Production, son of James Wilwerding and Sarah Overby.
Seven students from Midwest Dairy’s region receive scholarships
Students from Midwest Dairy’s region recently received seven out of the 12 available academic scholarships awarded by the national dairy checkoff. These scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in college or university programs that emphasize dairy and who have shown potential to become future leaders in the dairy community. The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, through Dairy Management, Inc., which manages the nationally dairy checkoff, annually awards up to 11 $2,500 scholarships and one $3,500 scholarship to eligible undergraduate students (sophomore through senior). Among Midwest Dairy’s winners was the top $3,500 recipient, Nora Faris, who earned the 2017-2018 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The student recipients include: Nora Faris from Concordia, Mo., attending the University of Missouri; Kirby Krogstad from Eyota, Minn., attending South Dakota State University; Gabriella Sorg from Hastings, Minn., attending the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities; Jacob Weg from Worthington, Minn., attending South Dakota State University; Audrey Souza from Milbank, S.D., attending South Dakota State University; Audrey Schmitz from Axtell, Kan., attending Kansas State University; and Meghan Skiba from Cambridge, Minn. attending the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity.
Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017 • Page 17
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“I didn’t even think we had stray voltage!” Roger Lange milks 100 head on his family dairy at Crofton, Nebraska. Until recently he was often forced to sell his fresh heifers because they wouldn t let down their milk. “We called Stray Voltage Consulting, and Jerry found the problem within half an hour.” Roger said. “I was very impressed with Jerry. He’s a former REA guy, so he understands both the farmer and the electric company. Being able to work with both sides is a key component to his success.” “I haven’t had a single problem with our fresh heifers since Jerry corrected our stray voltage problem. I would highly recommend Stray Voltage Consulting to anyone who thinks they might have stray voltage!”
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Page 18 • Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017
“I am looking forward to learning something new.”
Jason Barkeim Winona, Minn. Winona County 300 cows How many Ɵmes have you aƩended the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo? I’ve a�ended 3-4 �mes. I would have gone more if the distance wasn’t an issue for me. Why do you aƩend the event? I like listening to the topics, learning new ideas and visi�ng with exhibitors and other producers. What has been one tool or concept you learned about at a Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo and were able to implement on your farm? Different ovsynch programs. I never used �med breeding un�l listening to a speaker on the topic one of the rst years I a�ended. What topic are you most interested in learning more about at this year’s conference? I am interested in all the topics I am able to a�end. Any new informa�on, ideas or strategies I am able to use can poten�ally have a posi�ve impact on our farm. What are you most looking forward to with and learning something new. I think there this year’s new venue and lineup of speakers? is a good variety of speakers, and I will take I haven’t a�ended for a while because of the home some good informa�on. distance, so I am looking forward to going
“We’ve got more milk. With more milk you have more money, and with the new facility and the robots we put in, these cows are really working for us.” - Brad, Cottonwood Ridge Dairy, Garretson, SD
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Tell us about your farm. My dad and I bought out my uncle. We milk 300 Holsteins and have most of our youngstock custom raised. We also run 500 acres of cropland.
Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017 • Page 19
CHECK OUT THE DIFFERENCE
at the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo
STOP BY OUR BOOTH AT THE EXPO
Dura Chain Scraper Vertical Pump • Prop Agitator Hammermills
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Come see what
FARM SYSTEMS
A Part of Cooperative Resources International
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When you really stop and think – We’re selling EfÀciency
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Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference & Expo
Thank you to our 2017 Sponsors
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Page 20 • Dairy Conference and Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 11, 2017
VERSA
Diamond
®
Platinum Bongards’ Creameries
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Midwest Machinery Co
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Minnesota Corn Growers Association
Gold Alltech
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AMPI
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Arnold’s of Kimball, Inc.
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First District Association
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HarvXtra Alfalfa
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Minnesota Dairy Initiative
Minnesota Select Sires
Silver Central Minnesota Credit Union
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Doda USA, Inc
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Hubbard Feeds Inc.
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Leedstone
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Vita Plus Corporation
Bronze Ag Partners Coop AG Solutions LLC AgCentric Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Agri-King AGRI-TRAC U.S. Alforex Seeds American Agco Trading Company Amino Plus / Ag Processing, Inc. Anez Consulting Inc. Big Bear Genetics Blue Lake Plastics LLC Boehringer Ingelheim Boss Supply Inc. Byron Seeds Calf - Tel CBM Lighting Chr Hansen Dairy Farmers of America Dairy Gross Margin, LLC Delux Feed Famo Feeds, Inc.
Farm Systems Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Feed Supervisor FeedWorks USA, LTD Form-A-Feed, Inc. Gold Country Seed IBA Dairy Supplies Investors Community Bank Komro Sales & Service Lester Building Systems Minnwest Bank Midwest Livestock Supply Minnesota Beef Council Minnesota Board of Animal Health Minnesota Department of Agriculture Minnesota DHIA Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Minnesota Farmers Union Minnesota Pollution Control Agency MinnWest Bank MN Ag Water Resource Center Northland Farm Systems
Osakis Silo Repair Phibro Animal Health Corporation Pinnacle Climate Technologies Pluto Legal, PLLC Poly Dome/Poly Tank, Inc. PowerLift Hydraulic Doors Recycling Association of Minnesota RLS Vinyl and Farm Supply LLC S&S Dairy Systems LLC Stearns DHIA Labratories STgenetics Stray Voltage Consulting Udder Tech University of Minnesota Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center USDA Farm Service Agency Wieser Concrete WRDN Radio Ziegler Cat Zoetis
Registration:
The Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference & Expo is FREE for Producer members and their employees if registered by November 21, 2017. Conference registrations includes access to all educational speakers, meals, and entrance to the Expo. After November 21st, conference registration is $50 per person for members and $100 for non-members. Go to MnMilk.org or call us at (763) 355-9697 to register. Lodging:
A block of rooms have been reserved at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Mention “Minnesota Milk” to receive the group rate of $84/night + tax. Call (800) 222-7077.
Expanding our Boundaries