With technology changes and new research findings, it is important that dairy producers learn about this information to make changes on their farm to remain sustainable and profitable. The I-29 Moo University hosted a winter workshop series titled “Hot Topics for Cold Days January 16-20, 2017.”
More than 100 dairy producers, college students, extension personnel and industry colleagues representing more than 43,000 milking cows attended the I-29 Moo University winter workshop series. This five-day workshop series presented one agenda over five days in five states. The traveling workshop series began in Jamestown, North Dakota, then traveled to Watertown, South Dakota, followed by Pipestone, Minnesota, Orange City, Iowa and wrapped up in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Extension personnel from universities in the five states presented at the workshop. Jim Salfer and Dr. Kota Minegishi, University of Minnesota, discussed the economics of robots compared to parlors; Dr. Leo Timms from Iowa State University talked about using technology to monitor animal activity; food marketing was discussed by Kim Clark from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Betty Berning from the University of Minnesota; cultural communication was discussed by Tracey Erickson from South Dakota State University; and Heather Gessner from South Dakota State University wrapped-up each day talking about succession planning.
Comments shared by attendees regarding what they liked about the workshop included: “well-presented, very informative information” and “the informal atmosphere gave us the opportunity to visit with the other dairy producers, speakers and sponsors”. Participants were asked to share one change they would make in their operation as a result of attending the workshop. Changes listed included: begin estate planning, consider ear tags for activity monitoring, do more advocating for dairy, pay more attention to employee needs, and re-write my Standard Operating Procedures.
We would like to thank our sponsors for their support to keep the workshop affordable for attendees. Sizzlin’ sponsors included Phibro Animal Health, Phileo Lesaffre, Lely, Winfield, Quality Liquid Feeds, Farm Credit Services of America, United FCS, Ag Star, and Ag Country Farm Credit Services. Chillin’ sponsors included Agropur, Merck Animal Health, Pipestone Veterinary Services, Arm and Hammer, Easy Fix Rubber NA, Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, South Dakota Dairy Producers, and Nebraska State Dairy Association.
Mark your calendar! The 2018 I-29 Moo University Winter Workshop Series will be held January 8-12, 2018. More information about I-29 Moo University and their upcoming events can be found on their Facebook page: Facebook.com/I29MooUniversity.
In its 12th year of collaboration, I-29 Moo University has established a learning community which is a cooperative effort of South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and Nebraska University Extension personnel along with the SW Minnesota Dairy Profit Initiative, Iowa State Dairy Association, Minnesota Milk Producers Association, Nebraska State Dairy Association, and the South Dakota Dairy Producers. The objective of various educational venues offered is to bring research-based information to the dairy industry.
