Networking Opportunities • Educational Programming • Progressive Trade Show westdairyexpo
gressive Trade Show
December 8-9, 2009 St. Cloud Civic Center • St. Cloud, MN Sponsored by: www.mnmilk.org/midwestdairyexpo
The Voice of Minnesota’s Dairy Industry
ght Future
The Voice of Minnesota’s Dairy Industry
The Voice of Minnesota’s Dairy Industry
mming • Progressive Trade Show
Securing a Bright Future
The Midwest Dairy Expo is coordinated by the Events and Education Committee of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association.
Networking Opportunities • Educational Programming • Progressive Trade Show
The Midwest Dairy Expo is coordinated by the Events and Education Committee of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association.
nesota Milk Producers Association.
FREE
The Voice of Minnesota’s Dairy Industry
entrance to the Trade Show A $35 Deluxe Registration required for entrance to ALL other functions, including meals.
The Voice of Minnesota’s Dairy Industry
Fox challenges producers to achieve the Everest within The Midwest Dairy Expo is coordinated by the Events and Education Committee of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association.
mmittee of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association.
Veterinarian will speak during Midwest Dairy Expo’s recognition banquet
health company – as a technical service specialist for dairy and beef. Fox’s fascination with Mount Everest began in 1997, when he read the book “Everest: Mountain without Mercy.” After reading the book, Fox was determined to one day stand atop the mountain. The opportunity came nearly 12 years later, in May 2009.
By Jennifer Burggraff Staff writer NEW LONDON, Wis. – On May 21, 2009, Lance Fox achieved something only 1,500 people from the Western world have done. He stood at the top of the world – 29,035 feet above sea level – on the summit of Mount Everest. “It was incredible,” Fox said of the moment he reached the peak. Even more incredible is the journey that brought him there, which traces back to a dairy farm in central Wisconsin, becoming a veterinarian and reading a book. Producers from across the state will have the opportunity to hear about Fox’s trials and tribulations in conquering Mount Everest and how they pertain to everyday life when he presents “No Place but UP!TM” on Nov. 30 during the recognition banquet at the 2010 Midwest Dairy Expo, which will be held in the St. Cloud Civic Center in St. Cloud, Minn. “I want to inspire people to achieve their own Everest,” Fox said. “… There are challenges in dairy – milk prices, feed costs; these can get daunting. But we need to look through those challenges and realize there is light at the end of the tunnel. We hold our future in our own hands; we set our own paths.” Fox’s story begins in a small rural community in central Wisconsin. It was
Turn to Fox / Page 2
What’s Inside...
Photo submitted
Dr. Lance Fox is pictured at the summit of Lobuche Peak during his trek to Mount Everest in Nepal. Fox will be the featured speaker during the Midwest Dairy Expo’s recognition banquet on Nov. 30, where he will present “No Place but UP!TM”
here that Fox was first exposed to the dairy industry. “I had a close friend who grew up on a 35-cow dairy with registered Holsteins and a few Jerseys thrown in,” he said. “I started working on the farm, and I fell in love with it.” By the time he was in high school, Fox owned his first heifer calf, which
he raised to production age. “That molded my career,” Fox said. He attended vet school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, graduating in 1995. From there, he worked four years in general practice before taking a position with Milk Producers Incorporated. In 2005, Fox was hired by Alpharma, LLC – a global animal
Shaping the future of farm policy..........................Page 4 Saving time and money.........................Page 7 About the speakers...Page 10 Agenda & Trade Show map.................... Pages 12-13 Estrous detection, crossbred study topics of Chebel’s seminars...................Page 14 Map to the St. Cloud Civic Center.......................Page 16 Speaking out for dairy.................. Pages 21-22 Expo sponsors..........Page 23 Scholarship Auction... Page 24
Page 2 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
Continued from Fox / Page 1 “I pursued a dream [that came] from reading a book,” he said. “I took a chance and was able to summit [Mount Everest].” Aided by stories, photos and video footage, Fox will share his experiences, from his first exposure to dairy through reaching the top of Everest – a feat he credits to the dairy industry, which ultimately led him to his career as a veterinarian and working for Alpharma, which sponsored his climb. “Had I not [been exposed to dairy], become a vet and made my way to Alpharma, I wouldn’t have made it to the top,” Fox said. “Agriculture set the stage for me; it opened doors.” Fox will also talk about his work
helping the local people of Nepal improve their yak herds. “Yaks are their Holsteins,” Fox said. “I’ll talk about [my work] to give people a taste of giving back through teamwork.” But his main goal is to inspire others. “[My message] will be about the importance of dreaming and pursuing those dreams so you don’t become one of those who say, ‘I wish I would have done this,’” he said. “… It’s not just about climbing a mountain. Everyone has their own Everest.” Calf care 101 Aside from speaking during the
Photo submitted
Fox stands beside a yak that has just been dewormed in May 2009. Part of Fox’s expedition to the summit of Mount Everest was working with the locals to improve their yak herds. A veterinarian by trade, Fox will present two educational sessions on calf care during the 2010 Midwest Dairy Expo.
Photo submitted
During Fox’s banquet presentation on Nov. 30, he will speak on the importance of dreaming and pursuing those dreams, inspiring people to achieve their own Everest.
“As an owner, I have a voice in how my cooperative is run.” Member-owner Lloyd Lumbra Lumbra Family Farm Enosburg Falls, Vt.
www.dfamilk.com Follow us:
banquet, Fox will host two educational sessions during the expo: “The 5 C’s of Calf Raising” from 2:30 to 3:20 p.m. on Nov. 30 and “Scours vs. Pneumonia” from 10 to 10:50 a.m. on Dec. 1. “Heifers are an expense, and producers don’t see a return on them until they are in the milking string,” Fox said. “What [producers] do in the first days, weeks, months of a calf’s life will have long-term ramifications.” The five C’s of calf care are colostrum, calories, comfort, cleanliness and consistency. While these seem obvious when it comes to their importance in calf care, they are all too often overlooked when problems arise. “Don’t go chasing zebras in a horse herd,” Fox said about pinpointing the cause of a problem with calf health. “We tend to want to look for the one thing that is causing the problem, but it’s actually a lot of little things.” During his first session, Fox will review the five C’s of good calf care through pictures and real-world examples.
DAIRY ST R www.dairystar.com
522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: (320) 352-6303 Fax: (320) 352-5647 General Manager/Editor/Sales Mark Klaphake (West and South Central MN) 320-352-6303 (office) 320-248-3196 (cell) 320-352-0062 (home) mark.k@dairystar.com Ad Composition Janell Westerman 320-352-6303 janell.w@dairystar.com Nancy Middendorf 320-352-6303 nancy.m@dairystar.com Staff Writers Krista Sheehan - Assistant Editor SE MN/NE IA 507-259-8159 • krista.s@dairystar.com Jennifer Burggraff 320-352-6303 jennifer.b@dairystar.com Jill Warren 320-352-6303 jill.w@dairystar.com
Online Editor/Online Sales Andrea Borgerding 320-352-6303 andrea.b@dairystar.com
“It will be a very practical talk,” Fox said. “Sometimes we overlook the basic principles of calf raising; we skip the first steps. These steps are ultimately important in the lives of [our calves].” “This session will be a good review of the baseline practices that give calves a good start. It will give producers a foundation to build upon,” he said. Fox’s second session, “Scours vs. Pneumonia,” is an extension of his first. “Two of the biggest challenges in youngstock health are scours and pneumonia,” Fox said. From birth to weaning, scours is the No. 1 cause of morbidity and mortality in calves. Post-weaning, pneumonia is the No. 1 cause, Fox said. “I’ll go specifically into these two problems: their relevance, recognizing the problems and diagnosing,” he said. This session is formatted to compliment Fox’s first session. “I’ll review the basic pathogens involved with scours and pneumonia … and what to do about them,” he said. “It’s better to prevent than treat.”
Advertising Sales Main Office: 320-352-6303 Fax: 320-352-5647 Deadline is 5 p.m. of the Friday the week before publication
Sales Manager - Jeff Weyer (National Advertising, Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-8505 (cell) jeff.w@dairystar.com Mark Klaphake (West and South Central MN) 320-352-6303 (office) 320-248-3196 (cell) Laura Seljan (SE MN) 507-250-2217 (cell) fax: 507-634-4413 laura.s@dairystar.com Jerry Nelson (SW MN, NW Iowa, South Dakota) 605-690-6260 (cell) jerry.n@dairystar.com Lori Young (Central MN) 612-597-2998 • lori.y@dairystar.com Lori Menke (Eastern Iowa) 563-608-6477 • lori.m@dairystar.com Deadlines: The deadline for news and advertising in the Dairy Star is 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Subscriptions: One year subscription $28.00, outside the U.S. $120.00. Send check along with mailing address to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 3
“We attend the expo to meet and mingle with others in the dairy industry...”
See Us At Midwest Dairy Expo Booth #605 Tunnel Ventilation
The New 57” Exhaust Fan is Here! www.schaeferfan.com • 1.800.779.3267 • sales@schaeferfan.com
Target Your Customers!
The Dairy Star is sent only to DAIRY FARMERS!
If you would like to advertise in the DAIRY STAR, call 320-352-6303 for more information.
Sara Jane, David and Jesse Brutscher Little Falls, Minn., Morrison County 500 cows What are the top three reasons you attend the Midwest Dairy Expo? We attend the expo to meet and mingle with others in the dairy industry, learn about new technologies and come home with a renewed enthusiasm for what we do. Who has been the best speaker you have heard at the Midwest Dairy Expo? Is there a speaker you are looking forward to hearing at this year's expo? Probably Dr. Michael Swanson with Wells Fargo because of his global economic perspective. This year we are splitting up. Sara Jane is interested in "The Five C's of Calf Raising," Jesse wants to hear Marcia Endres' and Dr. Chebel's talks, and David wants to attend the "Trends in Profitability" session. What topics are you most interested in learning about in the dairy industry? Any topic that makes us better dairy people, improves our bottom line and progresses the sustainability of our industry. Tell us about your farm and your plans for your dairy in the next five years. Our plan is to improve profitability through increased efficiencies and internal growth. New technologies for monitoring feed efficiencies and cow health with advanced genetics will change our industry. Cow comfort and animal welfare are one in the same. Whether we like it or not, consumers will demand standards. Every year we learn.
To Celebrate our 102nd year in business, we will be giving w a away
$102
att the Midwest D Dairy Expo! STOP BY BOOTH #108 TO REGISTER FOR CASH! Locally Owned Freeport State Bank Offers Loans for all Your Needs
MEMBER
FDIC
FREEPORT 320-836-2126 800-252-9856 NEW MUNICH 320-837-5297 320-256-7342 MELROSE 320-256-7208 800-337-0292 www.freeportstatebank.com
mncorn.org
MCGA blog at minnesotacornerstone. wordpress.com
“Minnesota Corn”
twitter.com/mncorn
mngrownethanol.info
Page 4 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
Shaping the future of farm policy
Brown to discuss Farm Bill 2010, reducing financial risk during Midwest Dairy Expo presentations By Krista M. Sheehan Staff writer
Finances and farm policy will be the two main topics of Scott Brown’s presentations at this year’s Midwest Dairy Expo. Brown will present on Nov. 30. At 10 a.m. in the Herberger Suite, Brown will talk about “The Road for Future Farm Policy: What will Shape the 2010 Farm Bill?� and at 2:30 p.m. in the Wilson Suite he will talk about “Today’s Tools Dairy Producers Have to Reduce Financial Risk.� Brown is the research director for the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, which works in conjunction with the University of Missouri. He has been working at the University for over 20 years. In his position, Brown works with congressional staff in Washington, D.C., as they look at farm programs. “Our efforts are to help them (congressional staff) understand what program changes mean; whether it’s feed costs, milk prices, consumer food costs or government expenditures. We try to advocate policy and try to
give them the quantitative facts of the policy changes,� Brown said. A l though Brown does not have a d a i r y b a c k ground, he was i n v o l v ed Scott Brown in agriculUniversity of ture since Missouri his childh o o d ; growing up on a crop and hog farm in Missouri and then earning his agricultural economics degree from the University of Missouri. He has quickly grasped knowledge of the dairy industry during his time at the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute, working with large dairy organizations to analyze the effects of their programs on the industry. In his first seminar, “The Road for Future Farm Policy: What will Shape the 2010 Farm Bill?� Brown will talk about the political landscape in Washington, D.C., how the recent election has affected House, Senate and committee leadership and how this will
affect the Farm Bill. Another topic will be how the government’s budget deficit will affect the 2012 Farm Bill. “It will take a lot of time to put together this Farm Bill,� Brown said. “Even with billions of additional dollars in 2002 it took a long period of time to get [the Farm Bill] together. And in 2008 when there was no new money it took a lot of effort to find a Farm Bill that would satisfy what everyone was after.� The 2012 Farm Bill could have less money to spend, Brown said. “Agriculture might not even have baseline amounts if Congress decides to cut the budget deficit in front of us and committees must somehow cut spending,� Brown said. “Many policies in place today might be replaced with newer, different policies because we might have less total dollars to spend.� Current dairy proposals for the Farm Bill will also be a part of the seminar. Brown said it will be important to look at what people in the commodity groups are drafting, and follow the two dairy proposals’ alternatives that have been introduced by a
representative and a senator. “We’ve seen two alternatives begin to surface – a supply management proposal ‌ or a proposal that will provide a fuller level of direct payments ‌ Which of those might become policy is a tough call at this point. They have pros and cons that I hope to pull out of this presentation,â€? Brown said. “Many folks feel like dairy policy hasn’t worked very well. The likelihood of moving to something new increases as a result of that.â€? In his afternoon seminar, “Today’s Tools Dairy Producers Have to Reduce Financial Risk,â€? Brown will talk about the volatility that will be in the months and years to come and ways producers can try to reduce the risks, such as using the futures market and hedging both milk prices and feed costs. “It’s hard to have perfect foresight into the future and 2009 is a great example,â€? Brown said. “I think many of these risk management tools can help litigate volatility ‌ and help us get through the lows like 2009.â€? However, it should not be milk prices dairy producers should look at – feed prices
are important, too, he said. “Producers better be certain that they think about strategies that lock in both – not just one or the other. Feed costs will remain high for the foreseeable future. When feed costs decline will be a good time to look into feed cost hedging, but producers should go into that cautiously and relative to what they’ve done on the milk price side,� Brown said. Hedging hasn’t been a popular way to manage finances, Brown said. “I think part of this is because of the industry we’ve operated in the past, where in the ‘80s and ‘90s when government support was very important and kept volatility to a minimum,� Brown said. Brown said education on contracting options to help reduce financial risk is important in today’s ever changing dairy industry. “Producers have to realize that they may not always get the highs, but they might be able to avoid the lows,� Brown said. “Producers have to realize they’re using them to help reduce volatility, not necessarily to enhance their bottom lines with the use of these strategies.�
How much did your Mixer PAY YOU This Year? • Less Processing Time = Lower Fuel & Manpower Costs • Less Waste in Bunks = Lower Feed Costs • Eliminate Tub Grinding = Lower Feed Costs • Heavier Built Mixer = Less Downtime & Repair Costs • Higher Yields = More Milk with Less Cows • Lower Costs = Increased Proďƒžts
You do the MATH!
www.supremeinternational.com
34
EQUIPMENT
ask for Mike or Monty www.stjosephequipment.com
3*%
*/3%0
Shakopee, MN • 952-445-5400
EQUIPMENT
ask for Mike or Monty www.stjosephequipment.com
3*%
(
Shakopee, MN • 952-445-5400
(
*/3%0
34
Many new and used TMRs available in stock!
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 5
precision FEEDING
The Revolutionary New Feeding System That Lowers Feed Costs On the Farm.
Come See our Working Model on Display! Bring in a 1 lb. sample and have it tested a the expo.
The Number One Manure Solid Separator in the World
FAN Separator
• Manage your manure • Eliminate the solids from your storage basin • Increase capacity • Reduce agitation requirements and costs • Proven over 4,000 working installations
Stop by our booth # 909, 911 & 913 Genex Farm Systems
New Prague, MN Melrose, MN Sioux Falls, SD Watertown, SD Menomonie, WI
Milking
Farmstead
1-800-636-5581 1-800-247-0012
A subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International
Page 6 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
“I enjoy speakers who help us not take ourselves too seriously.” John Scherber Rogers, Minn.; Hennepin County 50 cows What are the top three reasons you attend the Midwest Dairy Expo? The main reason I go to the Midwest Dairy Expo is to get re-energized about the dairy industry. The whole atmosphere there is upbeat and positive about the future. I also go to the expo to make or reestablish contacts within the dairy industry and see what is new that dairy has to offer.
Who has been the best speaker you have heard at the Midwest Dairy Expo? Is there a speaker you are looking forward to hearing at this year’s expo? There is no one speaker in particular that comes to mind. They are all very good. What I enjoy listening to the most are the speakers that help us take a step back from ourselves so we can see the changes that have taken place that got us to where we are today, and how changes can lead us to endless possibilities in the future. Also, I enjoy speakers who help us not take ourselves too seriously.
What topics are you most interested in learning about in the dairy industry? I am most interested in hearing feedback from farmers who are trying the latest technologies or practices. Whether it be bedded-pack barns,, robots, digesters or intensive grazing, I always seem to bring something back to our operation that I can use.
Tell us about your farm and your plans for your dairy in the next five years. My wife, Staci, and I, along with our family, milk about 50 cows.. We use 100 percent A.I. and milk in a tiestall barn. We farm about 200 acres of alfalfa, corn and oats for our cows and youngstock. My father, Don, still helps out with much of the fieldwork. We raise all our replacements and are generally able to sell some bred heifers throughout the year. We also raise our bull calves and finish them out as steers. In the near future we hope to upgrade the youngstock facility and also install an activity monitoring system to help detect heats.
Know where to go for your Dairy News
dairystar.com
Consulting, Engineering & Environmental Services
Environmental Compliance & Crop Consulting • Livestock Permitting • National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits • Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) • EQIP - TSP Certified
See us at booth 114!
Environmental Compliance & Crop Consulting
320-235-1970
Agricultural Engineering
• Comprehensive Site Planning • Solids Separation • Stormwater Management & Design • Manure Handling & Storage • Odor Control Strategies • Sand Lane Separation • Construction Assistance • EQIP - TSP Certified
320-235-2555
See us at booth 112!
Our Companies understand the importance of partnering with both clients and service providers and utilizing trust & communication to develop personalized solutions that are right for you!
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 7
Saving time and money
Tranel discusses farm, parlor models to increase profitability By Jill Warren Staff writer DUBUQUE, Iowa – Time and money are valuable assets for any dairy producer, and they are also key features of Dr. Larry Tranel’s breakout session presentations at this year’s Midwest Dairy Expo. Tranel is a 21-year veteran in the extension program, having served in Wisconsin for 10 years and has been a dairy field specialist in Iowa for the past 11 years. He focuses on financial management and dairy production, specifically with low cost facilities. Tranel’s two sessions will discuss that every producer has the options available to transform the labor efficiencies of their operation to make them more profitable. Millionaire Model Dairy Farms Tranel’s first presentation, “Millionaire Model Dairy Farms,” will take place from 8:30 – 9:20 a.m. on Nov. 30. During this presentation, Tranel will present a method he helped develop 18 years ago with the Wisconsin extension program that helps beginning and transitioning producers
create equity and profitable operations using a specific farm design. “This (model) shows that you don’t necessarily have to get bigger to be profitable,” Tranel said. “It’s all about increasing labor eff i c i e n c y. Producers need to realize that their time is worth money.” T h e Dr. Larry Tranel MillionExtension dairy aire model specialist entails six key aspects: labor efficiency, cost effective parlors and facilities, management intensive grazing, cross breeding, semiseasonal calving and dairy TRANS financial analysis. Through these six aspects, young and transitioning producers learn to save money by saving on labor, Tranel said. Tranel himself owns a 100-cow dairy that is in the Millionaire Model program. He worked with a couple for seven years on his dairy before they successfully moved on to their own operation. Tranel is
Holy Cow, O nT
now working with his second producer on his farm. “I like to learn by doing,” Tranel said of creating the program, which has several model farms in parts of Wisconsin and Iowa. Tranel points out that this session will really appeal to young or transitioning producers, but it can also be beneficial for anyone looking to get a better understanding of the financial side of dairy farming. “This will financially interest any producer. It shows examples of how to truly critique your farm financially and move it to the next level,” Tranel said. “Producers should learn how to actually do a financial analysis, understand why it’s important, what you should learn from one and how to improve profitably from it.” TRANS-Iowa Low Cost Parlors Tranel’s second presentation, “TRANS-Iowa Low Cost Parlors,” will take place from 1:30 – 2:20 p.m. on Nov. 30 and will focus on a specific cost-effective parlor setup. The TRANS-Iowa parlor design was developed in part by Tranel’s travels to Austra-
lia, New Zealand and Ireland, where he observed their labor efficient, low cost ways of milking cows. He applied those observations to creating a parlor design for producers still milking in stall barns in the U.S. “People always say they don’t want to spend money to put in a new parlor, so they will just milk in a stall barn for the rest of their lives. Neither of those options seems like a good one to me,” Tranel said. “There are lots of low cost parlor options that dairy producers have, and the TRANS-Iowa one is a specific example.” TRANS-Iowa parlors are built in preexisting stall barns, and are converted using low cost methods. This option is ideal for 60 to 200-cow dairies, Tranel said. Producers find they can often milk the same number of cows in a low cost parlor in half the time compared to their old stall barn. Though there are lots of low cost parlor models out there, Tranel points out that he kept specific considerations in mind when developing his model; safety, bending and reaching issues and back strain are main focuses. Those,
combined with the low cost concept of improving milking efficiencies are what save on labor, and ultimately money. “No barn is ever too old to convert,” Tranel said. “The economics show that people can’t afford to milk in stall barns compared to the efficiencies of milking in a low cost parlor.” Tranel states that if you compare cost production per hundredweight, it cost under $1 per hundredweight annually in a TRANS-Iowa parlor, compared to a lot of other parlor types, which are around $2 or $3 per hundredweight. This is based on time per person per hour and annual milk production. Tranel will use slides of TRANS-Iowa parlors that have been installed and proven successful to demonstrate the pros and cons of the model for producers looking for options to put in a parlor without breaking the bank. Time and money are important components to any operation, and Tranel offers specific models to help producers see the available options to increase those two very important factors.
WE SPECIALIZE IN COTTONSEED im e
CANOLA Canola meal
AG N! AI
CORN Corn gluten feed Corn gluten meal Corn distillers grains Corn starch Steam flaked corn Cotton By-products Whole fuzzy cottonseed Easiflo Cotton hulls Cottonseed meal Cottonseed flour Fuz Z pellets CottonFlo
BEET PULP BEAR BAIT BAKERY MEAL BEDDING PRODUCTS OATS Oat hulls BUTTERMILK CASEIN RICE BY-PRODUCTS CASEINATES CHEESE SCRAPS Rice hulls SAW DUST SOYBEANS FOOD BYSoybean meal PRODUCTS Soy best LACTOSE Soybean hulls NONFAT DRY MILK Soy flour SUGAR/ Soy plus Amino plus DEXTROSE Soy pass WHEY POWDER Soy isolate BLOOD MEAL Steam flaked beans MEAT & BONE MEAL FLAX Linseed meal Flax seed
American AGCO Trading serves everywhere NATIONWIDE! Call one of our traders: SEAN LASCHINGER - 800-836-5674 Cottonseed & Grain by-products (MN, ND, SD, WI, IA, NE)
JOHN JOHNSON - 800-836-5846
Cottonseed & Grain by-products (WI, IL, MI)
slaschinger@americanagco.com
jjohnson@americanagco.com
D. J. JOHNSON - 800-836-5672
Dairy Powders & Food by-products (Nationwide)
fax: 651-234-2351 • www.americanagco.com
dj@americanagco.com
Page 8 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
“I’m interested in efficient reproduction and I will attend a seminar at the expo about it.”
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 9
ACID DETERGENT
Ron Durst Mantorville, Minn.; Dodge County 1,500 cows What are the top three reasons you attend the Midwest Dairy Expo? I have attended the expo about six times. I like to attend the trade show because it has new technology to see. It also gives me the opportunity to talk with people from companies where we've purchased equipment to tell them how it's working and give them feedback. I like to take in the educational presentations to learn more ways to improve our farm. The Midwest Dairy Expo is also a great way to network with other dairy producers and industry people. I like coming to this expo because it's a great time to get together and visit with people I only see once a year. Who has been the best speaker you have heard at the Midwest Dairy Expo? Is there a speaker you are looking forward to hearing at this year's expo? I've seen a lot of good ones, but David Kohl has given some presentations that stick out in my mind. He gives a very good presentation. This year I plan to take in "Succession and Estate Planning." I am the youngest, at age 60, in our dairy's partnership, and we're going to be succeeding into something else in a short period. "The Road for Future Farm Policy: What will Shape the 2010 Farm Bill?" interests me because I like knowing about dairy policy. There are a lot of dairy proposals out there, and I'm interested to see where all that will go. I'll also take in the business meeting. What topics are you most interested in learning about in the dairy industry? I would like to learn more about the trends in dairy profitability to make our farm as successful as it can be, and continue to learn about the financial aspect of farming. I'm interested in efficient reproduction and I will attend a seminar at the expo about it. On our farm, we have projects going on so I'm interested in finding whether bins or flat storage would be better for a commodity area. Tell us about your farm and your plans for your dairy in the next five years. Durst Bros. Dairy is a partnership between me and my older brothers, Allen and Ken. The dairy has about 30 employees. In addition to the cows, we also farm 3,000 acres and raise our own youngstock. We are currently looking to build a new feed center, but the main change coming will be a change of management as the three of us look into the transition into retirement.
HIGH SCC?
You might have stray voltage! High SCC has been linked to stray Don’t delay! voltage. We can help solve your Call today! stray voltage problem with an on-farm consultation. See us at booth #106 STOP THE SHOCKS
Stray Voltage Consulting Over 25 years of experience
605-695-3328 or email: jlush@brookings.net
dairystar.com 800-225-3832 www.AandL-Labs.com
Page 10 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
Dual Chamber
Cow Waterbeds Tell me hose out t more ab terbeds! cow wa
13 Total Cow Advantage
Comfort & Dairyman Satisfaction Installed Dual Chamber Waterbeds...
Dual Chamber
U.S. Patent No. 6,935,273
Peter stated “We do not have any problems with swollen knees, bruised hocks or lame cows. Peter is totally satisfied with their decision to install the Dual Chamber Cow Waterbeds.” —Peter Wipf & Family, September 2010 Pleasant Valley Colony, Belt, MT
1-866-524-6575 | www.waterbedsforcows.com
JOIN US IN SAUK RAPIDS FOR THE
GRAND OPENING
FRI, DEC. 3
SAUK RAPIDS 1035 35th Ave. NE – E Hwy. 23
11 - 7 AM
PM
800-645-5531
SAT, DEC. 4 11 - 4 AM
PM
refreshments, door prizes, and more
OF OUR NEW SHOWROOM AND SHOP!
Lawn & Garden Equipment
On the farm, lawn care shouldn’t be just another chore. With high-quality, dependable lawn and garden equipment, John Deere steps up to the challenge. Even those with the toughest yards can count on us. See our full line of lawn and garden equipment, plus our GatorTM Utility vehicles that make your work a little easier.
www.mmcjd.com • www.wegotgreen.com
Farm Equipment
Cost-ef¿cient production of high-quality milk requires high quality forage. At Midwest Machinery Co., we pride ourselves on offering the best in hay and forage equipment. We offer a broad line of equipment, including rotary mower conditioners, self-propelled windrowers, round and square balers, pull and selfpropelled forage harvesters, choppers, mowers, rakes, and tedders. Plus, we know time is critical, so we stock a full line of parts and have factory-trained service just a phone call away. ALEXANDRIA 5005 State Hwy. 27 E 888-799-1490
HOWARD LAKE 5845 Keats Ave. SW - W Hwy. 12 866-875-5093
SAUK RAPIDS 1035 35th Ave. NE - E Hwy. 23 800-645-5531
GLENCOE 4561 Hwy. 212 800-558-3759
PAYNESVILLE 725 Lake Ave. S 866-784-5535
SAUK CENTRE 1140 Centre St. 888-320-2936
GLENWOOD 1710 North Franklin 888-799-1495
PRINCETON N Hwy. 169 763-389-3453
STEWART 78412 Cty. Rd. 20 800-827-7933
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 11
Page 12 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 13
Page 14 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
Estrous detection, crossbred study topics of Chebel’s seminars
By Krista M. Sheehan Staff writer Ricardo Chebel, D.V.M. and assistant professor in the college of veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota, will be presenting two seminars at the Midwest Dairy Expo, held Nov. 30 – Dec. 1 at the St. Cloud Civic Center in St. Cloud, Minn. Both of Chebel’s seminars will be on Dec. 1 in the Wilson Suite on the second floor. At 10 a.m., Chebel will present “The Importance of Estrous Detection on Re-insemination of Lactating Dairy Cows,” and at 11 a.m. he will present “Immunity and Health of Holstein vs. Crossbred.” In his first seminar, “The Importance of Estrous Detection on Re-insemination of Lactating Dairy Cows,” Chebel will discuss research and data about reproduction programs used on farms. One method many herds use and find successful to identify cows in heat is using tail paint. A cow is marked on the tail with paint one morning and if the paint is rubbed away the following morning, she likely had been standing to be ridden.
This indicates she can be inseminated. “Some herds successfully find cows in heat by this method, but new and more sophisticated activity monitoring systems may be helpful to herds that cannot find cows in heat,” Chebel said. Chebel said he Ricardo Chebel, will also D.V.M. emphasize University of and explain Minnesota that finding cows that are in heat, and inseminating them before they have a chance to go on a timed A.I. program, is beneficial to the reproduction of herds that have good heat detection accuracy. Timed A.I. programs such as GGPG – which stands for GnRH, GnRH, prostaglandin, GnRH – can work well for cows after they have had the chance to show natural signs of heat, Chebel said. However, he said the key to estrus detection for cows is having the right personnel. “Dairy producers need to
make sure the people who are [watching for estrus] are well trained and understand what the signs of estrus are. These people should have enough time to do the work and have good facilities that allow them to do the work,” Chebel said. Some dairies have up to 150 percent stocking density or no self locking head stations, Chebel said. “In those situations it’s really hard to do good heat detection unless you want to spend a lot of time in the pen,” he said. Later in the afternoon, in his presentation, “Immunity and Health of Holstein vs. Crossbred,” Chebel will discuss a study done through the University of Minnesota that tried to identify if there are reasons for crossbred cows to be healthier after calving. “There is a belief from producers … that crossbred animals should have better health, but realistically there are very few studies in dairy cows showing that. Our goal is to point out whether or not there are differences and where these differences come from,” Chebel said. “We’re not preaching that crossbred animals should be used in every single dairy. We’re just
looking at reasons why we have more problems in the postpartum cow and hopefully find management procedures that will reduce these problems.” Although 1.6 percent of dairy cows born in the U.S. in 2005 were crossbred, studies about these animals have become important as crossbreeding has become more common in the Midwest, Chebel said. Holsteins make up about 91 percent of the U.S. dairy herd. “We wanted to see whether or not a hybrid would have less problems. That might be a suggestion as to why we have so many problems with Holsteins,” Chebel said. Some of the problem might be due to inbreeding Holsteins. Chebel said many Holsteins to-
day trace back to about 15 sires. “We wanted to look at [crossbreeding] to remind ourselves that hybrid vigor may not a bad thing,” he said. From the study, Chebel said it is possible to suggest that crossbreds are healthier postpartum than Holsteins. Dairy producers can find out the results during Midwest Dairy Expo; however, Chebel also encourages veterinarians and nutritionists to attend his seminar. “My goal is to talk about the study, but at the end I would like to talk about management issues and day-to-day things that will predispose the cows to more immune suppression which will lead to more diseases,” Chebel said.
“There is a belief from producers ... that crossbred animals should have better health, but realistically there are very few studies in dairy cows showing that.” - Ricardo Chebel, D.V.M., University of Minnesota
New Holland FR9000 Self-Propelled Forage Harvester
“Early Buyer Rewards”
Order before December 31, 2010 to get your Best Deal on a 2011 FR9000! • 5) FR9000 Models from 424 to 824 hp. • IntelliView™ III Monitor with integrated Moisture Sensor, Yield Monitor and Inoculant System • Small or Large Drum Row Independent heads – you choose • Row Independent heads from 6 to 12 row. • Windrow heads from 12 to 17 feet.
For more information contact: Lyle Planteen, Self Propelled Forage Harvester Specialist at 701-388-2490 email at lyle.planteen@titanmachinery.com or your local Titan Machinery Dealership. 315 Hwy. 28, Graceville, MN • 800-248-0475 • 320-748-7277 644 East Beaton Drive, West Fargo, ND • 701-356-0130
www.titanmachinery.com
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 15
WHYA COW WHEN WE’RE TALKING MILK REPLACERS?
Well, because the calves you’re feeding today will be the cows in your milking string tomorrow. And because research has conclusively shown that the nutrition level of the milk replacer you feed influences how productive they are as cows. Independent university trials have confirmed feeding calves to their full potential pays off with as much as 3,000 pounds more milk produced in the first lactation.
Land O’Lakes manufactured milk replacers are a better value than ever before, making now a great time to get your calf nutrition program focused on their future. Log on to www. lolmilkreplacer.com or call 800-618-6455 to get your herd growing to its full profit potential. There’s no second chance to feed your calves right.™
Page 16 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
®
MIXERS
Truck Mount Mixers
• 5 Year Gear Box Warranty • 3 Year Digi Star Scale Warranty • All Stainless Conveyor • Consistent Mix • Fast, Easy Unloading
HEAVIEST FRAMES IN THE INDUSTRY!
3020 • 4120 • 5620 Low Prole Vertical Mixers
Mixer Sizes From 240 Cu. Ft. To 1100 Cu. Ft.
2410 Trailer And Stationary Vertical Mixer
The Heavy Duty Mega Frame...only from Penta!
LIQUID MANURE TANKS, PUMPS AND AGITATORS E Electric Pump
Powerful PTO Pumps & Agitators
Tanks Spread All Types Of Liquid Manure
If you’ve gotta haul, give us a call!
Alley Scrapers
Agi-Pompe www.dairylandsupplyinc.com
DAIRYLAND SUPPLY INC. 320-352-3987 • 1-800-338-6455
SAUK CENTRE
About the speakers
FEATURES
OFF I-94 ON THE CORNER OF HWY. 28 & 71 SOUTH
Keeping Your Cows Comfortable Marcia I. Endres, PhD, PAS – University of Minnesota Nov. 30 at 8:30 a.m. (1st Floor: Bell/Alexander Rooms) & Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. (1st Floor: Weidner/Clarke/Edelbrock Rooms) Marcia Endres earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s Degree from Iowa State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Universidade Federal do Parana, Brazil. Marcia is currently an Associate Professor in Dairy Science at the University of Minnesota. Her research interests include dairy cattle well-being, management and behavior.
Management of the Postpartum Dairy Cow to Optimize Health and Reproductive Performance Carlos A. Risco, D.V.M. – University of Florida Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m. (1st Floor: Bell/Alexander Rooms) Carlos A. Risco is a professor in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University of Florida, Gainsville, Fla. as well as part of the Food Animal Reproduction and Medicine Service. Carlos is a 1976 graduate of the Dairy Science program at the University of Florida. In 1980, he graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Carlos’ primary research focus is on reproductive management of dairy cattle.
Succession and Estate Planning Brian J. Schoenborn – Leonard, Street and Deinard Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m. (2nd Floor: Wilson Suite) Brian Schoenborn is managing partner of Leonard, Street and Deinard’s St. Cloud, Minn. office, where he focuses his practice on family and closely held businesses. Brian has substantial experience providing general counsel representation to closely held and family businesses with manufacturing, high technology, and sports and entertainment industries. Brian received a law degree from University of Minnesota Law School in 1995, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Communications Studies from St. Cloud State University in 1992.
Trends in Dairy Profitability Gary Vande Vegte, CPA, CMA – Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C. Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. & Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. (1st Floor: Bell/Alexander) Gary is managing partner for the firm, Van Bruggen & Vande Vegte, P.C. He holds dual professional certifications, having earned his CPA and CMA designations in 1993 and 1994, respectively. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting from Augustana College. Most recently, Gary has been working with large owner-operated dairy farms, offering consulting and tax services, as well as financial statement preparation. He works closely with Genske, Mulder & Company, a California firm with formidable expertise in the dairy industry, on many dairy projects.
10 Ways to Improve Profitability Thru a Successful Feeding Program Andy Mueller, PhD – Land O’Lakes Purina Feed L.L.C. Dec. 1 at 11 a.m. (1st Floor: Bell/Alexander Rooms) Andy has worked for Land O’Lakes Purina Feed as a dairy nutrition and technical support manager in Minnesota and northeast Iowa for six years. He earned a bachelors of science degree in Agriculture at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., in 1998. He earned his Masters Degree in Dairy Science in 2001 and a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition in 2004 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Andy works with all different sized dairy farms on nutrition and management issues.
Visit us at Midwest Dairy Expo 2010 5, & Booth #’s 903, 90
907
Meet tomorrow’s dairy farm challenges today with the smart DeLaval decision tools and automation technologies. DeLaval’s integrated products, services and knowledge help you achieve better control over your time, milk quality and herd management.
Ask how regis to for o ter ur WAE 2011 Tour !
Your solution – every day
www.delaval-us.com 4-Star Sponsor
of Midwest Dairy Expo
See us November 30 - December 1, 2010 at Booth #’s 903, 905, 907 Voluntary Milking Systems (VMS) DelPro Swinging Cow Brush
•
•
MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA Athman Dairy, Inc. Pierz, MN Genex Farm Systems Melrose, MN • Watertown & Sioux Falls, SD
Farm Country Co-op Plainview, MN Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN S&S Dairy Systems LLC St. Charles, MN
is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2010 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. www.delaval-us.com.
“It’s always interesting to learn about any new ideas and figure out if it will work on our operation.”
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 17
Ag Resource Strategies, LLC – your business ally for environmental issues 40322 541st Avenue New Ulm, MN
507-359-1889
tgieseke@agresourcestrategies.com
On the Dairy Farm
In the Dairy Industry
Livestock Environmental Quality Assurance Program
EcoCommerce 101
• • • •
On-farm assessment Practical action plan Industry developed standards And developing Minnesota’s rst Water Quality Assurance program for farms.
An in-depth examination on how these environmental and economic issues will play out.
www.ecocommerce101.com www.agresourcestrategies.com
Loren and Kevin Vetsch, Vetsch Farms Browerville, Minn.; Todd County 130 cows What are the top three reasons you attend the Midwest Dairy Expo? We like seeing what is new in the dairy industry. We also like talking to other dairy producers to see what has worked for them and what hasn't. Looking around at all the different booths helps us find other ways to be more efficient in our operation.
888.438.8683
UDDERTECHINC.COM
Who has been the best speaker you have heard at the Midwest Dairy Expo? Is there a speaker you are looking forward to hearing at this year's expo? The best speaker we have heard was a speaker a few years back who talked about robotic milkers. He was very informational and made us realize robotic milkers really won't work on our farm. Every year there is always a speaker that we end up really enjoying, but as of right now we're not looking forward to any of them. What topics are you most interested in learning about in the dairy industry? We like going to the Midwest Dairy Expo with an open mind and learning about all the topics they have there, especially anything new they have come out with. It's always interesting to learn about any new ideas and figure out if it will work on our operation. Tell us about your farm and your plans for your dairy in the next five years. Right now we milk 130 cows with our cousin, Keith. We built a sand-bedded freestall barn in the summer of 2009, and we run 150 acres of corn. Our plans in the future would be to install a parlor, build another heifer shed and milk 160 cows.
Keeps Wrists Dry and Clean Ideal for Milking Great for Power Washing
UNIQUE THUMBHOLE SLEEVE DESIGN
WATERPROOF JACKETS
Visit us at booth #230
Page 18 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
“My wife enjoys getting away ATTENTION MN Dairy Producers for a few days and this is a great You Have Another Option!
Now Serving Your Workers’ Comp Needs
Brenda
Class Codes and Rates per $100 of Payroll • 0006 General Farm Labor ...............$5.97 • 0008 Hand Cultivation ....................$2.78 • 3632 Machine Shop Labor ..............$3.10 • 2065 Milking Only Labor ................$3.89
Farmers Insurance Pool 3357 39th Street SW, Suite 1 • Fargo, ND 58104
Toll Free: 888-217-5100
www.farmersinsurancepool.com
Visit Booth #4 at the Midwest Dairy Expo
Planning a New Purchase? There’s only one 10-year/10,000-hour wheel gearbox warranty in the industry and that’s ours. it doesn’t get any better than Reinke. www. reinke.com
Stop by our booth and ask about the Multi-unit Purchase Program. If you’ve bought a piece of New Holland equipment in the past year, your may qualify for additional discounts on your new purchase. Ask our sales associate for details.
excuse to get away.”
Joe Neft State Shooks, Minn.; Beltrami County 110 cows What are the top three reasons you attend the Midwest Dairy Expo? My wife enjoys getting away for a few days and this is a great excuse to get away. I am also very interested in looking at different lighting systems for in the barn and looking at different TMR mixers.
Who has been the best speaker you have heard at the Midwest Dairy Expo? Is there a speaker you are looking forward to hearing at this year's expo? I extremely enjoyed listening to Jeff Beardsley talk about running in a marathon and his other life addictions and how he has learned to cope with them. I also enjoyed the humor the other entertainers brought. What topics are you most interested in learning about in the dairy industry? I'm interested in learning about cattle health and other feeding strategies.
Tell us about your farm and your plans for your dairy in the next five years. I farm with my wife, Sissy, son, Tim, and daughter, Jenna. We milk 110 Holsteins in a swing-10 parlor. We also have about 200 head of youngstock and we do some crop farming as well. Tim owns about 20 percent of the milk cows, and his family sometimes comes over and helps out. He also owns about 90 head of beef cattle that I sold to him last year, and Jenna also owns about 15 beef cattle. We are planning to keep things going pretty much the same because we put in a new parlor two years ago and a new lighting system that I was able to find at the expo from Champion Ag Electric. We also put in another 40 freestalls in the barn last year after we had an incident where the pit wall caved in. We are all updated with our facility, so we are going to really concentrate on our production and breeding programs.
MODERN FARM EQUIPMENT
320-352-6543 • Hwy. 71 South, Sauk Centre, MN www.modernfarmequipment.com Store Hours: Monday-Friday 7-6, Saturday Seasonal
See us at booths #609, 610, 612
Visit us at booth #102
Dairymen & Dairywomen Talk to us about the sugar in our forages... Get a FREE Jar of Jelly! WE HAVE • • • • •
Improved, European cool season grasses High Sugar Master’s Choice Corns BMR Gene 6 sorghum-sudan grasses Forage Triticale and Oats Teff
877-995-2490
High energy forages can raise forage/concentrate ratio, reduce ration input costs, and improve herd health. Ask us how!
For your nearest dealer contact:
Larry Hawkins, NW Territory Manager 877-995-2490
(608) 516-0101
SEE US AT MIDWEST DAIRY EXPO BOOTH # 125
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 19
Page 20 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
Please stop by Bongards’ booth #118 to meet our field representatives: Jim Klein, Marlin Kohls, Tony Matvick, Tom Beringer and Christa Schlosser. TASTE AWARD WINNING CHEESE! SIGN UP FOR PRIZES!
INTEREST AS LOW AS 0% ON QUALIFYING EQUIPMENT Please see your Farm-Rite Sales Rep for more details * Some exceptions apply.
We look forward to seeing you!
One Of The Largest Skid-steer Loader Dealers In The State Of Minnesota!
FARM-RITE EQUIPMENT, INC. Visit our website: www.farmriteequip.com
SALES - SERVICE - RENTAL
PH: 320-275-2737
Toll Free 1-888-679-4857 West Hwy. 12 • Dassel, MN 55325
Improve Intake...Improve Outcome! Ritchie manufactures a complete line of livestock watering products with the highest specications in the industry. From a single horse Stall Fount to a fountain that waters up to 500 head, Ritchie fountains are top quality. Products are available in stainless steel, WaterMaster heavy-duty poly y or a Series combination of both. Every Ritchie fountain is backed by our 10 year limited d WaterMatic Series warranty.
Top quality materials. Smart design. Built to last. For more information, or the name of your nearest dealer, call
800-669-4038 or info@carlsonwholesale.net
The color arrangement on Ritchie fountains is a registered trademark of Ritchie Industries. U.S. patent numbers: 5174245, 4646687, 4739727. Register number 2,009,625.
Benefits of Microfiber towels: • It is 6 times more absorbent than cotton and lasts up to 10 times as long • Superior soil removal • Removes soil and bacteria on a microscopic level up to 99.9% • Lasts for 700-1500 laundry cycles (5-10 times longer than cotton) • Towels do not fray or lint
www.CowTowel.com
PO BOX 8042 Holland, MI 49422
616.212.5653
Thrifty King Series
www.ritchiefount.com ©2005 Ritchie Industries
The World’s Leading Provider of Calf Housing Solutions We House Success
Visit us at booth #423
info@carlsonwholesale.net
Call 1-800-669-4038 for more information.
Indoor Calf Pens Our Calf-Tel Pen System is the most effective and expandable system on the market.
For more information 1-800-669-4038
C Calf Hutches The most efcient T and cost-effective housing a option available Group Housing The MultiMax Group Calf Raising call System helps calves transition from individual systems to a group environment.
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 21
Speaking out for dairy Wilson shares passion for spreading the message of agriculture, correcting misconceptions By Jennifer Burggraff Staff writer JAMESTOWN, N.D. – Sarah (Bedgar) Wilson is a woman on a mission. As a farmer, that mission includes reaching out to others to spread the message of agriculture – connecting America’s food to the farm – and correcting misconceptions of the ag industry as portrayed by the media. “I’ve always spoken out for dairy and I have a real passion for researching how the animal rights and environmental movements have affected agriculture,” Wilson said. On Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, Wilson will be sharing her passion with others as she presents two talks during the 2010 Midwest Dairy Expo at the St. Cloud Civic Center in St. Cloud, Minn. “I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning” Wilson first presentation, “I’ve Got the Sun in the Morning,” will be from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 1. “Basically, this session will be a chance for dairy women – and men – to get together and support each other, to be encouraged and empowered and celebrate their successes,” Wilson said. “[Attendees] will laugh, cry and hopefully go away feeling refreshed.” As a dairy farmer’s daughter, a farm wife and mother of two young children, Wilson knows first-hand how crazy life can get. She also knows the effects negative press from the media can have on ag producers and the industry as a whole. “We are constantly under criticism from the media and the public,” Wilson said. “This session will be an opportunity to celebrate our successes [as producers] and realize we have a right to be proud of what we are doing.” Wilson will share her thoughts and insights through entertaining and engaging stories from her life on the farm that those in attendance will be able to relate to and laugh about, she said. She’ll also share some indispensable wisdom from her Grannie as well as explaining the three F’s her family lives by. “Faith, family and farming, in that order” she said. “This has really increased the quality of our lives.” While men and women alike are welcome to attend, this will be a ‘women in jeans’ sort of session. “I think farm women are a really
Photo submitted
Sarah (Bedgar) Wilson will present two education breakout sessions during the Midwest Dairy Expo, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, in St. Cloud, Minn. Wilson grew up on a dairy farm in Maryland and currently farms with her husband near Jamestown, N.D.
unique group,” Wilson said. “They don’t get many opportunities to sit back and relax. This is my reward to them; they deserve to be encouraged and commended.” Overall, however, she hopes to celebrate all producers – men and women alike. “We’ve certainly been faced with challenges, and we’ll get through them,” Wilson said. “But we need each other to do that.” Taking action Wilson’s second session, “Activism and Agriculture” from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. on Dec. 1, will take on a slightly different tone than her first. “[This session] will really be a culmination of the years I spent researching animal rights activists and environmental movements and their affects on agriculture,” Wilson said. “I’ll talk about what we can do to stand up and make our voices heard.” Wilson will outline the various animal rights and environmental groups, their agendas and exactly how they operate. She’ll also present a number of tools producers can use to reach out to consumers and tell their stories. “If we don’t speak out and fight back against the groups that are Turn to Wilson / Page 22
Specializing in Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy
Visit us on
Insurance
Dairy Gross Margin, LLC Ron Mortensen 515-570-5265 Steve Nicklaus 515-851-0137 Marv Carlson 712-240-8395
www.dairygrossmargin.com
Want to get a sneak peek at the next Dairy Star?
Check the Dairy Star’s Facebook page for a preview of what will be in the upcoming edition.
+
'$,5< 67 5
Page 22 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
Continued from Wilson / Page 21
against us, we won’t have the opportunity to farm in the future, especially those of us in animal production,” she said. With the recent media attacks on agriculture, there’s no better time to start than now. “There’s a real sense of urgency,” Wilson said. “These groups have combined and amassed a fortune to work against us … They’re very good at
what they do; at being fundraising machines.” While the ag industry may not be able to beat the opposing forces through funds, it can through influence. “[The ag industry] has tremendous influence [on consumers],” she said. The social media craze has helped this, creating lines of communication between rural and urban
America that were non-existent in the past. “This will take everyone; cooperation is the key,” Wilson said about working to spread the message of agriculture. “We need to move beyond organic and conventional, big and small, and fight for dairy and the right to produce products – and consume them.” This session is for anyone and everyone involved in the ag industry. Those in attendance will come away with a toolbox of ideas on how they can become involved. Wilson will also speak on her latest work, reaching out through faith communities. “There’s a real demand for farmers to speak out on a faith level, not to just say, ‘This is a dairy cow and this is what we feed her,’ but to explain why we do what we do,” she said. “We have that story to tell as Christians as well.”
About Sarah (Bedgar) Wilson Sarah Bedgar was raised on a diversified dairy farm in Maryland and was active in both 4-H and FFA. At 16 years old, she was crowned the Maryland Dairy Princess; thus began her active role in publicly promoting dairy and the ag industries. Sarah attended the University of Maryland at College Park, where she earned a B.S. in animal science. From there, she moved to North Dakota and obtained her Master’s degree in animal science at North Dakota State University. She worked as a livestock extension educator for the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Hutchinson, Minn., for a short time before meeting Jeremy Wilson at an American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet. The two were married in 2006. The Wilsons now have two young daughters and operate a 3,000-acre crop farm near Jamestown, N.D., in partnership with Jeremy’s father. They also graze heifers for a neighboring dairy farm. Sarah is currently employed by the North Dakota Farm Bureau.
Minnesota Soybean
Research & Promotion Council The dairy industry is one of the soybean farmer’s biggest livestock customers
– consuming 594,000 tons of soybean meal annually. Soybean producers depend on dairy and other livestock operations of all sizes for the profitability of their farms. That’s why the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council annually invests in projects to increase the dairy farmer’s bottom line – such as improving the nutrition content of feed and communicating its important contributions to Minnesota’s economy. By working together, Minnesota’s soybean and dairy farmers can continue to provide the necessary employment and tax revenue to keep our state strong.
www.mnsoybean.org
Page 23 • Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010
Midwest Dairy Expo Special Edition • Saturday, November 13, 2010 • Page 24
Scholarship Auction Come support the Live Auction at the Midwest Dairy Expo raising funds for the scholarship programs of Minnesota Milk Producers Association and Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association. The auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30th in the Glenn Carlson Hall. A complete listing of all items, including the specific butter and cheese items, will be available at the auction. Donated by: Midwest Dairy Association
• Vikings Tickets 4 Tickets to the Minnesota Vikings 2009 versus the New York Giants at 12:00 December 8-9, p.m. on December 12th. You will be in section 141, row 32, seats 17-20.
St. Cloud Civic CenterJared • St. Cloud, • Autographed Allen MN Football www.mnmilk.org/midwestdairyexpo
Donated by: Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association
• Cheese and Butter Packages
Includes blocks of cheddar, specialty cheeses and butter from the UMDIA Fall Contest. With Christmas baking and gift giving around the corner, cheese and butter are the perfect idea!
Donated by: FinancialFuture Services Securing a AgStar Bright
• Bonnie Mohr’s “Big •Plans” Networking Opportunities • Educational Programming Progressive Trade Show
A young boy walks barefoot in the farm fields with his heifer. This is an 11 x 14 canvas giclee.
• Bonnie Mohr’s “One Snowy Night”
Night falls and the farm becomes still. While everyone else has turned in for the evening, these Holsteins congregate at the hay bunk for a late night feeding. This is a 14 x 18 print with glass.
• Bonnie Mohr’s “The Beautiful Cow” (18x23)
Donated by: Idexx Laboratories
• Live Maine Lobsters
Four 1 ½ pound live lobsters shipped directly from Maine to your doorstep.
Donated by: Vita Plus
• Bonnie Mohr’s “Raisin ‘em Right”
This framed print shows a farm wife busy with morning calf chores and teaching her daughter about work ethic at the same time. Individual care and attention is a must when raising calves!
Donated by: Countryside Environmental Systems
• Countryside Microfiber Towels 250 microfiber udder prep towels.
Donated by: AG Processing, Inc./AMINOPLUS
• Prepared for Winter Merchandise Basket
Created from the images Bonnie had shot of their cows out on pasture this past spring. It acknowledges simplicity and truth of the beloved Holstein Cow. On a quiet spring day, these Holstein cows rest with pure content and a sense of freedom…it appears to be a sort of ‘cow heaven’. This is an 18 x 23 print with glass and a verse.
Includes 1 - XL AGP Insulated Hooded Coat, 2 - AminoPlus stocking hats, 2 – AminoPlus Ball caps, 2 – Pair of AGP Leather Gloves, 4 – AminoPlus Can Koozies, 1 – AGP Fleece Blanket, 1 – AGP Window Scraper/ Brush and 1 – AGP Stainless Steel Thermos.
Donated by: Stone’s Dairy in Henning, MN
Donated by: AgResource Strategies
The Voice of Minnesota’s Dairy Industry
• John Deere & Snoopy Kids Quilt
Benefits of Microfiber towels: A handmade baby quilt (32” x 48”) featuring John Deere tractors on one • It is 6 times more absorbent side and Snoopy characters on the other. The Midwest Dairy Expo is coordinated by the Events and Education Committee of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association. • Cowland Quilt
than cotton and lasts up to 10 times as long A handmade queen quilt (90” x 110”) featuring various cow prints. • Superior soil removal • Removes soil and bacteria on a microscopic level up to 99.9% Donated by: Dairyland Supply Inc. • Lasts for 700-1500 laundry cycles • Polydome Calf Warmer (5-10 times longer than cotton) Provides a comfortable heated environment for newborn calves for the do not fray or lint • Towels
• LEQA Registration
A free on-farm assessment for environmental quality.
Donated by: Wells Fargo
Visit Fargo Gift Basket • Wells
us atOld West Briefcase, Old West Duffle Bag, Includes booth Navy Microfiber Windshirt (Large) and Red Columbia Fleece Jacket (XL). #423
Donated by: Burnett Dairy Co-op first few hours after birth. Comes complete with a deluxe, high performance, 110 Volt heater, heater box that helps hold the heat in longer and www.CowTowel.com • String Cheese Gift Box clips to hold the cover and bottom together. Made from durable, medium PO BOX 8042 Holland, MI 49422A variety of the Burnett Dairy World Champion Mozdensity polyethylene. zarella String. Flavors include natural, smoked, hot 616.212.5653 pepper, salsa, onion and the popular String Whips! 30% of Burnett Dairy Wisconsin Cheese is made with Donated by: Midwest Machinery Co. the milk of Minnesota producers.
• John Deere 7930 Pedal Tractor
First JD diecast pedal tractor in 2 years. Made partially with metal sheeting on seat and steering column, for added stability. Keeps for generations with heavy duty construction.
Donated by: KASM 1150 AM
• 4 – Chanhassen Dinner and Show Tickets
Each ticket is valid until spring of 2012 and excludes Saturdays and the month of December.
Donated by: Merial
• Garmin NUVI 255 GPS
This navigator leads the way with turn-by-turn directions. It’s packed with millions of destinations and maps for the U.S., Canda and Puerto Rico.
Donated by: Udder Tech, Inc.
• Milking Set: Bibs, Jacket, CTP set
Package includes waterproof bibbed overalls, jacket and cloth towel pouch set. The Waterproof Bibbed Overalls feature taslan nylon, adjustable shoulder straps, 2 pockets on the chest, and an inside zippered chest pocket. The Waterproof Jacket or Waterproof Pullover (winner’s choice) features taslan nylon and our signature adjustable cuff using elastic and Velcro to ensure a good fit. The Jacket features a full zipper and 2 side pockets, while the Pullover has a half zipper and one double layer front pocket. The Cloth Towel Pouch Set consists of a 2 inch sturdy belt and 2 Cloth Towel Pouches in the medium size.
• Wood River Creamery Artisan Gift Box
Five of the Wood River Artisan Cheeses by Burnett Dairy. These are small vat cheeses have been developed by our WI Master Cheese Makers. Perfect as a treat or part of a wine tasting. The box includes two custom cheeses Alpha’s Morning Sun and Yogurt Cheddar, Edam, Northwoods chedddar and a reduced fat Yogurt Cheddar. 30% of Burnett Dairy Wisconsin Cheese is made with the milk of Minnesota producers.
Donated by: Cargill, Inc.
• Wine and Cheese Gift Basket w/ VISA Giftcard • Chocolate & Champagne Gift Basket w/ VISA Giftcard Donated by: American AGCO Trading Company, LLC
• Bonnie Mohr’s “Cows of Content” • Terry Redlin Framed Print
2nd Annual Scholarship Raffle
Don’t miss this opportunity to buy a raffle ticket to win 10 pounds of butter and cheese from the UMDIA Fall Contest. Tickets are only $5 and can be purchased in the lobby area of the Civic Center from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30th. At 3:30 p.m., 20 winners will be selected and must pick up their items by 4:00 p.m.