LEARN FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS AT 2009 EDUCATION SEMINARS

Industry experts share their experience, knowledge and ideas to help make your dairy operation and your clients’ operations more profitable and efficient as part of World Dairy Expo's 2009 Education Seminars. Again this year, ten free seminars will be offered during the week of September 29 to October 3 at the Alliant Energy Center. There is valuable information for all sizes of dairies including: popular media communications, alfalfa technology, integration of RIFD tags, employee management, genomics, raising replacements, crisis management, manure management, price volatility and energy efficiency. Continuing education credits can be earned for members of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) and the American Association of State Veterinary Boards – RACE Program* (RACE). Credits that can be earned are listed below.

There will be two seminars each day, Tuesday through Saturday, in Mendota 2 meeting room, located in the Exhibition Hall. Seminars are structured with a 45-minute presentation and time for questions and discussion. Accelerated Genetics, ACME Engineering & Manufacturing Corp., AgStar Financial Services, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition, APC, Inc., Dairy Management Inc., Ecolab, Jamesway Farm Equipment Inc., Syngenta and Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium are all sponsors of this year's seminars. Following is a brief synopsis of the material that will be covered in each presentation.

Tuesday, September 29, 11:00 a.m.
“Using Popular Media to Tell Dairy Farming’s Story”
Polly Ligon O’Grady, Vice President, Weber Shandwick
Jolene Griffin, Manager of Industry Communication, Dairy Management, Inc.
Sponsored by: Dairy Management, Inc.
Continuing Education Credits: RACE (1)

Social media networks and sites are becoming a very popular tool for people to gather information and express thoughts and opinions. The myDairy Social Media seminar will teach producers and agribusiness professionals of all ages how to utilize peer-to-peer communication to tell the dairy industry’s story, reinforce and build its positive image, and counter inaccurate or uninformed online commentary about modern dairy farming practices. Learn how to use outlets such as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and blogs to create dialogue to spread positive dairy messages.

Polly Ligon O’Grady
For over 20 years, Polly Ligon O’Grady has worked in communications and public relations focusing on farm, agricultural and food industries. Currently a vice president at Weber Shandwick, O’Grady has been working for nearly a decade with Dairy Management, Inc. on their crisis readiness program. Additionally, she was part of the team that launched the myDairy program this past spring. O’Grady earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Georgia and her master’s at Virginia Tech. Originally, she hails from Dogwood Hill Jerseys near Pendleton, South Carolina.

Jolene Griffin
Jolene Griffin works daily on producer communications, issues management and crisis preparedness as the manager of industry communications at Dairy Management Inc. Griffin leads the team that maintains and updates the myDairy social media program. Before joining DMI, Griffin worked at agriculture advertising agencies after obtaining her degree from Michigan State University. Jolene comes from a dairy farm in Hastings, Michigan.

Tuesday, September 29, 1:00 p.m.
“The Future of Your Alfalfa”
Mark McCaslin, Forage Genetics International
Sponsored by: Syngenta
Continuing Education Credits: ARPAS (1), RACE (1)

New plant improvement tools have enabled the development of alfalfa plants with novel traits. Among these new traits are reduced lignin content and improved fiber digestibility, witch will be featured in this session. Other ongoing alfalfa biotech projects that are being researched by the Consortium for Alfalfa Improvement (CAI) will be discussed. The Consortium for Alfalfa Improvement was formed in 2003 to improve the characteristics of alfalfa, such as yield, nutritional content and digestibility. CAI is comprised of Forage Genetics International, Plant Science Research Unit and U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center. Mark McCaslin is a cofounder and current President of Forage Genetics International. He has been an alfalfa breeder for over 30 years. He was responsible for developing over 250 alfalfa varieties. Dr. McCaslin leads the company research effort in both conventional breeding and the development of biotech traits.

Wednesday, September 30, 11:00 a.m.
“Interface Integration of RFID Tags into Management Software”
Sue Hart, Regional Sales Manager, AgSource Cooperative Services
Dr. Mike Wolf, Dairy Systems Specialist, Country Doctors Veterinary Service
Paul Fetzer, Owner/Operator, Fetzer Farms Inc.
Sponsored by: Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium
Continuing Education Credits: RACE (1)

Identification is a crucial part of management on a dairy. As they become more popular, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags need to be integrated into management systems. This has become a challenge. Join the panel of Sue Hart, AgSource, Dr. Mike Wolf, Country Doctors Veterinary Service and Paul Fetzer, Fetzer Farms, Inc., as they discuss the success and hurdles associated with implementing RFID tags into an existing management system.

Sue Hart
As the northwest region manager at AgSource Cooperative Services, Sue Hart works with field staff and producers to understand and utilize new technology. She was a part of the Wisconsin test project for RFID tags and has experienced firsthand what works and what doesn’t. In partnership with the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium, Hart helps promote the use of RFID tags. For over 27 years, she has been a leader in bringing new technology to the farm as a member of the DHI team.

Dr. Mike Wolf
As the Fetzer Farm, Inc. vet, Dr. Wolf has been a part of the of the RFID integration from the beginning. He will discuss how integrating the RFID system presented problems and the need for the staff to learn the new system. He’ll also share why it was all worth it, as the dairy has increased efficiency and productivity. For over 30 years, Dr. Wolf has been a practicing vet and owns his own practice, Country Doctors Veterinary Service. He believes strongly in the integrated team approach to herd consultation.

Paul Fetzer
Fetzer Farm, Inc. is owned and managed by the Fetzer family including brothers Paul, Steve and Joe and their mom, Betsy. Fetzers recently expanded and are milking 1,250 cows and working 1,750 acres of corn and alfalfa. The farm became involved with RFID tags when they became aware of a program sponsored by Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium two years ago. Currently, the entire milking herd has tags and readers have been installed in the new parlor and at the auto sort gate.

Wednesday, September 30, 1:00 p.m.
“Relief for Your Employee Management Headache”
Tom Wall, President, Language Links, LLC
Sponsored by: Ecolab
Continuing Education Credits: RACE (1)

When asked whether it’s more difficult to manage cows or people, most dairy producers immediately answer ‘People!’ Regardless of a dairy’s size or location, nearly all managers and owners encounter the same challenges when it comes to effective employee management. Developing strategies and systems in order to lead and manage people not only makes dairy operations more profitable, but also help make the dairy manager’s job easier. Tom Wall will present five simple principles that every manager and owner can implement to overcome these challenges and improve profitability, leading to a more successful team. Wall is the president of Language Links, a company based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, that has specialized in employee management and training since 2000. Additionally, he is the creator of bilingual, interactive milking training software and is the author of a weekly business management column for dairy managers and owners.

Thursday, October 1, 11:00 a.m.
“Genomic Selection of Dairy Cattle: Opportunities and Challenges”
Dr. Kent Weigel, Professor & Extension Genetics Specialist, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Dr. C. Michael Cowan, General Manager, Genetic Visions
Sponsored by: Accelerated Genetics
Continuing Education Credits: ARPAS (1), RACE (1)

Genomic selection is perhaps the greatest breakthrough in dairy cattle breeding since the advent of progeny testing nearly half a century ago. Dr. Kent Weigel will discuss the practical application of testing animals for AI programs and commercial dairy producers including the implications of this technology on selection programs, mating decisions, inbreeding and management practices. C. Michael Cowan will discuss how methods in sampling methods, storage and test procedures can impact the amount and accuracy of information generated and the utility of DNA information.

Dr. Kent Weigel
Dr. Weigel is a professor and extension specialist for genetics at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Currently, he also serves as the Genetic Program Administrator for the National Association of Animal Breeders. Dr. Weigel’s research focuses on genetic improvement of health, fertility and survival in dairy cattle using tools such as genomic selection, crossbreeding, reproductive technologies and data from on-farm computer systems. During his tenure, Dr. Weigel has given numerous lectures and presentations to audiences in more than 25 countries.

Dr. C. Michael Cowan
Dr. Cowan is the general manager of Genetic Visions, a company that specializes in testing DNA from cattle to identify genes influencing production traits, hair color and animal health and viability. For over 20 years, Dr. Cowan has been investigating the bovine genome by identifying segments that impact traits of economic importance and applying the information gathered to marker assisted selection programs, such as Accelerated Genetics' Young Sire Sampling Program. He was the first person to receive the patent for genetic marker trait association in dairy cattle.

Thursday, October 1, 1:00 p.m.
“Feeding Calves to Maximize Potential Growth”
Dr. Robert B. Corbett, Veterinarian-Dairy Nutritionist, Dairy Health Consultation
Sponsored by: APC, Inc.
Continuing Education Credits: ARPAS (1), RACE (1)

Calves are the future of the dairy herd. However, current feeding programs may not be providing enough nutrition. Traditional milk replacer feeding programs do not have enough protein, thus inhibiting calves from reaching their maximum growth potential. Increasing the level of nutrition to calves has shown positive results in growth rates and increased immune defense. With increased defense, there is less sickness, which results in lower treatment costs, decreased death loss and ultimately improved first lactation production. Dr. Corbett has been working with youngstock as a veterinarian and nutritionist for over 30 years. Currently, he oversees the nutrient programs for dairies in seven states and Mexico, accounting for nearly 50,000 head. His experience has taken him around the globe giving over 120 presentations and publishing over 130 articles.

Friday, October 2, 11:00 a.m.
“Are You Prepared for the Worst? How to Plan for a Crisis”
Mike Opperman, Public Relations Director, Charleston|Orwig
Matt Joyce, Vice President of Producer Communications & Programs, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
Dan Monson, Manager, Spring Grove Dairy
Sponsored by: Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition
Continuing Education Credits: ARPAS (1), RACE (1)

It can happen to anyone. Natural and non-natural disasters can be devastating to dairies. Developing a plan for these times can help to minimize the damage and expedite recovery. This session will feature all types of disasters including natural disasters like fires and floods, non-natural disasters like manure spills and accidents, and public pressures like activists and poor neighbor relations. Resources for developing management plans for these situations will be discussed. Finally, Dan Monson will share his personal experience and the dairy’s protocol for emergencies.

Mike Opperman
Mike Opperman is the public relations director at Charleston|Orwig since 2001. Mike has spent nearly 20 years actively involved in nearly every facet of the dairy industry. In his professional career Mike assists clients involved in agriculture and the food industry with identifying strategies to protect and enhance their business image. Many of these strategies involve elevating a company’s image or reputation in the minds of a larger consumer audience.

Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce directs producer communications activities, which include coordinating spokesperson training and crisis response communications, at the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Joyce is also part of the Wisconsin Agro-Security Resource Network (WARN). WARN’s mission is to prepare and coordinate a response in the event of an animal health issue or other emergencies. WARN achieves this mission by providing education and training for producers, processors, industry organizations and government agencies. Additionally, he works with these groups to develop an industry-wide response to a crisis situation that may arise.

Dan Monson
Dan Monson, along with his wife Mary, manages Spring Grove Dairy in Brodhead, Wisconsin. Started in 1998, the dairy is home to 1,800 milk cows on 80 acres with an additional 1,900 youngstock housed on five additional sites. Spring Grove has developed protocols for emergency management which have been integrated into the daily activities on the farm. Additionally, Dan and Mary have worked to develop positive neighbor and community relations. This, in turn, has allowed them to communicate the benefits that the Spring Grove Dairy has on the community and increased understanding among local residents.

Friday, October 2, 1:00 p.m.
“Making Manure Pay: New Economics of Manure in an Era of Change”
Kevin Erb, Conservation Professional Development and Training Coordinator, UW-Extension
Sponsored by: Jamesway Farm Equipment
Continuing Education Credits: ARPAS (1), RACE (1)

The dramatic swings of diesel, fertilizer and feed prices over the past few years have made it more important than ever to put pencil to paper. Producers need to determine how get the most from manure and minimizing costs. Kevin Erb will cover not only how to determine manure's value for your operation, but also how to accurately determine whether you are better off to sell it, give it away or apply it to your own fields. Erb has been working for over 16 years with farmers and landowners on manure and nutrient management. He initiated the nation's first live action manure spill response demonstration. Since 2002, over 1,600 producers and applicators from seven states have taken part in the demonstrations. Erb is also the lead advisor for the board of the Professional Nutrient Applicators Association of Wisconsin.

Saturday, October 3, 11:00 a.m.
“Taking Control of What You Can: Financial Management and Communication During Volatile Times”
Steve Bodart, Senior Business Consultant, Lookout Ridge Consulting
Cathy Olson, Business Consultant, Lookout Ridge Consulting
Sponsored by: AgStar Financial Services
Continuing Education Credits: ARPAS (1), RACE (1)

In today’s volatile environment, it’s easy to focus on the challenges and roadblocks impacting your dairy operation’s success. But in times of uncertainty, your operation can greatly benefit from identifying and managing those factors that can be controlled. In this seminar, you’ll learn how to use key financial measures and analysis, benchmarking and other tools to make the most of your on-farm production and financial data. You’ll find ways to maximize this financial information to make sounds business and management decisions, and with less stress along the way.

Steve Bodart
Steve Bodart has been helping producers through education and consulting for over 20 years. Early in his career, he became a nutritionist with Land O’ Lakes. During his tenure at Land O’ Lakes, Bodart trained and provided dairy financial consultation for expansions and facility design, inventories, budgets and operations management. In 1999, he became the Chief Financial Officer of Emerald Dairy LLC where he managed daily operations. Bodart was also consulting with several large dairy operations in the industry while there. This kind of work motivated him to move to Lookout Ridge Consulting in 2001. Since then, he has grown with the company to become their Senior Dairy Business Consultant.

Cathy Olson
Cathy Olson joined the Lookout Ridge Consulting team in 1999 and specializes in succession and transition consultation. Prior to joining the Lookout Ridge staff, she spent seven years working with a swine management company. She has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years. Olson is a member of the Institute for Management Accountants, the Family Firm Institute and Women in Agriculture. Through these organizations, Olson has gained enthusiasm and passion for all aspects of agriculture. Her clients vary in size and scale and are located around the country.

Saturday, October 3, 1:00 p.m.
“Making Your Electricity Work Smarter for You”
Dr. John W. Worley, Associate Professor, University of Georgia
Sponsored by: Acme Engineering and Manufacturing Corp.
Continuing Education Credits: ARPAS (1), RACE (1)

Dairy farms utilize a large amount of electricity and other types of energy. Vacuum pumps, milking coolers, ventilation and lights are some of the largest users of electricity. By increasing energy efficiency of this equipment, producers can improve their bottom line. Saving energy pays dividends regardless of the price of milk or feed. Dr. Worley will explore ways to use electrical energy more efficiently and to reduce the use of other types of energy. Dr. Worley is an associate professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering department of the University of Georgia. His work in Cooperative Extension focuses on structures, electrical applications and energy conservation programming. Prior to returning to his alma mater, Worley worked for nine years at Gold Kist Inc., a large regional farm cooperative.

*This seminar was reviewed and approved by AAVSB RACE program for continuing education. Please contact the AAVSB RACE program at race@aavsb.org if you have any comments/concerns regarding this seminar’s validity or relevance to the veterinary profession.

AAVSB RACE provider – World Dairy Expo, # 395.