AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

December 2007

Notes from the Department Head  |  News & Announcements  |  Graduate Student Profile  |  Congratulations
Recent Grants  |  Calendar of Events  |  Animal Science Seminars  |  External Employment Opportunities

Seasons
     Greetings!

To all the immediate and extended members of the Department of Animal Science and all the friends of Animal Science, may you enjoy the holiday season and take time to celebrate with family and friends.

May your holiday season and the coming year be filled with all good things in life. To all, I say “Thank you! You are appreciated."
 

An Early Farewell to Cliff Lamb

On November 16th, the Department of Animal Science threw a farewell party for Cliff Lamb, Associate Professor of Reproductive Physiology and Beef Cattle Management at the North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC).

Cliff has recently accepted a job at the University of Florida and will be headquartered at a research station in Marianna, FL. He will be leaving the NCROC at the end of the year.

The U of M Beef Team presented a slide show on Beef Team activities while Cliff was a team member. Cliff has been an active participant in the fun events the Beef Team does, including providing the pontoon boat for several fishing outings. 

Beef producers across the state have always looked forward to visiting with Cliff and hearing him speak; they are already missing him. His dedication to the beef industry, to his research and to coworkers, and his entertaining ways will leave a hole in the Beef Team.

Good luck in Florida, Cliff! 

Turkeys Show Off for Media Day

The turkeys at UMore Park were ready for the media at the annual Thanksgiving/ Turkey Media Day, held November 14th. Turkey Media Day is a joint project put together by the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the U of M Department of Animal Science. Several media visited the turkey farm and had opportunities to view the turkeys being raised there as well as interviewing turkey producers and U of M research faculty, Drs. Sally Noll, Larry Jacobson, David Schmidt and John Moncrief.

Research on utilization of distillers grains in turkey feeds, air quality and ammonia emissions from turkey barns, and turkey manure management was highlighted. Media that attended were from the Associated Press, Agri News, WCCO TV, KSTP TV and KARE TV. Numerous other interviews were conducted around Media Day, including those with the Farmer Magazine, Minnesota Daily, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and the Faribault Newspaper.

Many thanks to the sponsors of the event: Alltech, Alpharma, Best Veterinary Solutions, Elanco Animal Health, Farm Credit Services of Minnesota Valley, Gillis Agri Systems, IVESCO, Jennie-O Turkey Store, Melrose Feed Mill, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Minnesota Sawdust and Shavings, and Willmar Poultry Company.

For their assistance in getting the displays and flock ready for exhibit, Dr. Sally Noll thanks U of M campus staff, Jeanine Brannon and Wanda Weber, and Turkey Research Unit staff, Fred Hrbek, Terrance Yourchuck and Scott Welsh.

Turkey Media Day (L-R): Steve Olson (MTGA); Fred Hrbek, Jeanine Brannon, Terrance Yourchuck, Sally Noll, Theresa Neddemyer (MTGA).

Holiday Extravaganza at the Meat Lab

Let the Meat Lab take care of your dining needs this holiday season! The Meat Lab is offering a variety of gifts featuring products from the Departments of Animal Science, Food Science and Nutrition, Horticulture, and Entomology. 

Pete Nelson and Michael Aggen have assembled a grand selection gift boxes that include several different combinations of meats, 100% pure honey, 100% pure maple syrup, cheddar cheese, and Fireside apples. All come packaged in decorative boxes complete with gift card.

Above (L-R): Gift Box 2, Gift Box 6, Gift Box 10, Gift Box 11

See the Holiday Specials on the Animal Science Meat Lab website to view the 14 gift boxes, along with other items available for purchase.

Sales hours at the Meat Lab are being extended on December 13, 14, and 17 through 21 when it will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Plan ahead! Order ahead! Contact Pete or Mike at 612-624-9260 or nels5618@umn.edu.

The Meat Lab is located in Andrew Boss Laboratory/Meat Science, Room 26, on the U of M St. Paul Campus.
 

A Gift for All Seasons!

A membership to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum makes a great gift! Order a membership by December 10th and receive a complimentary 2008 wall calendar with inspiring scenes of the gardens, landscapes, collections and natural environments at the Arboretum’s 1,000+ acres.

The Arboretum is open 363 days each year. Cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, hiking paths, guided nature walks, live concerts, holiday teas, and special plant displays highlight the winter season.

Annual memberships start at just $35 with benefits that include year-round admission, award-winning newsletter, discounts on educational class fees, savings at the Gift Store, SummerHouse and AppleHouse, invitations to special events, and free admission to 200+ other public gardens, conservatories and arboreta nationwide… and a membership is fully tax deductible. Proceeds support the gardens, research and educational programs of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Don't Miss WinterFest!

WinterFest is the annual winter get-together for Department of Animal Science faculty, staff, undergraduate and graduate students, alumni and retirees.

The event will be held on Friday, December 14 at 11:30 a.m. Please join us in Room 365 Haecker Hall.  Bring along a dish to share.

Questions? Contact Jennifer Welsh (612-624-3491).
  

Animal Science Research Day to Feature MPB

Department of Animal Science Research Day, on November 18th, will feature the Minnesota Pork Board (MPB). Sponsor representatives, Dave Preisler, Executive Director of the MPB, Brad Stevermer, an Executive Board member of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, and Jeff Knott, a Nutritionist with Ralco Nutrition, Inc. and an Animal Science/U of M alum will each give a presentation. Sponsor presentations will take place in Room 365 Haecker Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

While this year's featured commodity group is represented by the Minnesota Pork Board, there will be research posters on display from other disciplines. Posters will be displayed on the second and third floors of Haecker Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Authors will be available to answer questions about their research during two half-hour sessions; at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m.

Everyone is invited to attend this open house event. Questions may be directed to Jennifer Welsh (612-624-3491).
  

Wishing Pete a Speedy Recovery

"Best wishes" to Pete Nelson on a speedy recovery from his recent surgery. We look forward to seeing Pete back in the Meat Lab around the first of the year.
  

MN Dairy Days Workshops Offer Four Topics

Milk Quality, Feeding Dairy Cows in 2008, Reproduction, and Labor Management are topics of the Minnesota Dairy Days Workshops. The workshop dates, locations, topics and speakers are listed below. NOTE: Topics vary by location.

• December 28, 2007 (10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) - Pizza Ranch, Pipestone, MN
  Labor Management - Chuck Schwartau, U of M Extension Regional Center, Rochester
   
• January 9, 2008 (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) - Community Center, McIntosh, MN
  Feeding Dairy Cows in 2008 - Jim Paulson, U of M Extension Regional Center, Hutchinson 
  Milk Quality - Jeff Reneau, Department of Animal Science, U of M, St. Paul
   
• January 9, 2008 (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) - Carver County Extension Office, Cologne, MN
  Reproduction - Jim Salfer, U of M Extension Regional Center, St. Cloud, and Gary Neubauer, Pfizer Animal Health
   
• January 10, 2008 (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) - Community Center, St. Rosa, MN
  Reproduction - Jim Salfer, U of M Extension Regional Center, St. Cloud, and Gary Neubauer, Pfizer Animal Health
   
• January 10, 2008 (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) - Community Center, Ottertail, MN
  Feeding Dairy Cows in 2008 - Jim Paulson, U of M Extension Regional Center, Hutchinson
  Milk Quality - Jeff Reneau, Department of Animal Science, U of M, St. Paul
   
• January 15, 2008 (1:00-3:00 p.m.) - 4-H Building, Fairgrounds, Zumbrota, MN
  Milk Quality - Jeff Reneau, Department of Animal Science, U of M, St. Paul
   
• January 16, 2008 (12:30-3:00 p.m.) - Community Center, St. Charles, MN
  Feeding Dairy Cows in 2008 - Jim Paulson, U of M Extension Regional Center, Hutchinson
   
• January 18, 2008 (11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) - Pizza Ranch, Worthington, MN
  Feeding Dairy Cows in 2008 - Jim Paulson, U of M Extension Regional Center, Hutchinson

Registration will begin one-half hour before the program opens. The registration fee is $15 per person and will be taken at the door; however, please call your location's local contact at least 2 days prior to the event for meal-planning purposes.

Local contacts:

• Pipestone: Merri Post (507-825-6715)
  
• McIntosh: Jim Stordahl (218-563-2465) 
• Cologne: Carver County Extension Office (952-466-5300) 
• St. Rose: Stearns County Extension Office (800-450-6171) 
• Ottertail: Vince Crary (218-385-3000) 
• Zumbrota: Mary Jane Stearns (507-536-6310) 
• St. Charles: Mary Jane Stearns (507-536-6310)
• Worthington: Merri Post (507-825-6715)

Watch for additional details by mail or email, or check for updates on the Dairy Extension website.

Minnesota Dairy Days Workshops are presented by the U of M Extension and organized by the Dairy Extension Team. Dr. Marcia Endres is the program coordinator.
  

I-29 Dairy Conference: Breed for Success
Source: Alvaro Garcia, SDSU, Brookings

"Breed for Success" is the theme of the 3rd Annual I-29 Dairy Conference to be held in three states January 30, 31 and February 1. South Dakota State University, along with Iowa State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Nebraska, and their Extension services, will present the conference.

Each day of the 3-day event will take place in a different state and city. The first day will take place January 30 at the Days Inn, 2500 E. Sixth Street in Brookings, SD. The January 31 event will be held at Northwest Iowa Community College, 603 W. Park Street in Sheldon, IA, and the February 1 event will be held at Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Pipestone, MN.

Each day’s events begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at approximately 3:45 p.m. Sessions will include:

• Economic opportunities to improve reproduction - Neil Michael, ABS Global
• Nutrition and connections to good reproductive performance - Stephen Emanuele, Balchem Corp.
• Genetics and fertility of high-production dairy cows (to include purebreeding and crossbreeding) - Les Hansen, U of M
• Virtual dairy walk-through sessions - Neil Michael
• Troubleshooting reproductive performance sessions - Stephen Emanuele

The cost is $20 per person and includes lunch. Pre-registration is encouraged prior to January 21, 2008.

The conference committee still is accepting sponsors to help subsidize the expenses that will benefit dairy producers of the four-state region. Agencies and businesses may call Valerie Denison (605-688-4116) at SDSU for information about additional benefits of sponsoring the conference.

Producers may contact Denison (605-688-4116) to register or for more information on the conference. Contact Chris Mondak (712-737-4230) for information on the Sheldon, IA, event, or Merri Post (507- 825-6715) for information on the Pipestone, MN, event.
  

Turkey Health School to be Held in February

Plans are being made for the next Turkey Health School scheduled for February 5 and 6, 2008 on the U of M St. Paul Campus. The school will cover topics in the areas of common diseases of turkeys, anatomy, diagnostics, and biosecurity. Information presented is applicable to turkey producers, their employees, and allied industry representatives.

Please visit http://www.cvm.umn.edu/outreach/home.html for program updates or, for further information, contact Dr. Sally Noll at 612-624-4928 or via email at nollx001@umn.edu.
  

Dates Set for 2008 Cow-Calf Days

The 2008 Cow-Calf Days program has been scheduled for February 4-8 at locations in northern Minnesota, and February 11-15 at locations in southern Minnesota. Exact locations have not yet been announced. Please check the U of M Beef Center website periodically for updates, or contact Denise Plonis (218-327-4490).

Topics to be presented at the 2008 Cow-Calf Days program will include heifer development, grazing/pasture management, and calf weaning management.
  

U of M at National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest

The U of M participated in the National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest (November 4-6) in Fayetteville, AR, again this year. This is the second consecutive year that the U of M has participated in this national contest. The U of M team consisted of Nick Braun, Andrew Harvey, Malia Landon, and Bridget Melland, with Dr. Jacquie Jacob coaching. Twelve teams competed this year. It was a tough competition with participants from the big poultry states of Texas, Arkansas, and Alabama. The U of M team came in 11th overall.

Poultry Judging Team (L-R): Nick Braun, Malia Landon, Bridget Melland and Andy Harvey.		Malia Landon judging broiler carcasses.

There are two National Collegiate Poultry Judging contests held each year — one in April in Baton Rouge, LA; the other in November in Fayetteville, AR. Students taking the AnSc 2014 course (Poultry Judging) compete for a position on the team participating in Louisiana while the students taking the AnSc 3144 course (Advanced Poultry Judging) compete for a position on the team participating in Arkansas.

Poultry judging contests involve evaluating poultry and poultry products. In the fall contest, participants grade ready-to-cook chicken and turkey carcasses, exterior egg quality, and interior egg quality by candling and when broken out. They also evaluate past production hens for previous level of production and select egg production pullets on the basis of future egg production potential. In the breeder selection division, broiler and turkey males and females are evaluated for future breeding potential.

Poultry judging contests have been held for many years. The U of M participated on and off from 1929-1959. Photos of past participants are posted on-line. Check out the photos... you may recognize many of the names of the participants. Wallace Jerome, founder of The Turkey Store, participated in 1936; the Sonstegard family (Goodwim, Oleen, Donald, Berard) participated in 1937, 1939, 1940 and 1941, respectively; Arne Nordskog, later Dr. Arne Nordskog, a geneticist at Iowa State University, participated in 1936; Chester Ahlin participated in both poultry and dairy judging in 1937.

Many others participated in poultry judging from 1929-1959. It's hard to tell where they went and what they did. If you have any information on past poultry judgers, please send the information to jacob150@umn.edu.
  

MN Participation in 2007 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference

The 2007 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference allows 4-Hers from all over the country to compete in educational events that help them learn to make and defend decisions, speak publicly, and gain poultry-related skills. This year, 136 senior 4-Hers representing 25 states participated as teams or individuals .

This annual 4-H conference includes five separate events. In the Poultry Judging contest, participants are required to judge ready-to-cook chicken and turkey carcasses, live production hens, and market eggs. In the Chicken and Turkey Barbecue contests, participants barbecue four chicken halves or two turkey fillets and give an oral presentation on the corresponding poultry industry. Participants in the Egg Preparation Demonstration contest prepare an egg dish and give an oral presentation on the nutritional value of eggs.

In addition to these events, the conference includes an Avian Bowl contest – a round robin tournament in which the contestants are required to answer questions regarding poultry science, poultry meat and egg production, and information about the poultry industries.

Dr. Jacquie Jacob coached the Minnesota Poultry Judging Team: Alex Hohenstein, Alyssa Nelson and Ike Pohlman of Jackson County, and Reba Van Beusekom of Wright County.

There were 73 contestants (with 18 teams). Ike Pohlman was the 7th high individual in the Production Hens division. The Minnesota team placed 7th in the Production Hens division, 6th in Market Poultry, 10th in Market Eggs, and 9th overall. This is the first time in many years that Minnesota placed in the top ten of all three divisions.

Awards were given to the top 19 overall individuals. Alyssa Nelson finished just one short of receiving an award, placing 20th overall.

In the cooking contests, 12 individuals participated in the Chicken Barbecue contest, 9 in the Turkey Barbecue contest, and 12 in the Egg Preparation Demonstration. Lizabeth Wemeier of Sibley County participated in the Chicken Barbecue contest. She did well, especially considering the cold weather this year, but did not place in the top ten. Jessica Morgan from Wright County competed in the Turkey Barbecue contest. Jessica also did well, but did not place in the top 10. Jackie Morgan from Washington County participated in the Egg Preparation Demonstration. She placed 7th, and received a bronze pin and a $100 savings bond.

Lizabeth, Jackie and Jessica earned their trip to the National events by participating in the State Chicken Barbecue contest held in August during the Minnesota State Fair. The state contest is sponsored by Gold'n Plump who provides the chicken and prize money.

Sixteen teams competed in the Avian Bowl – an all time high. The Minnesota team (Andrew Thies, Kevin Lilienthal, Joram Boehning and Joey Posivio) was from Sibley County. They were coached by Kathleen Thies. The team tied for 7th place with each member of the team receiving a bronze pin.

A Poultry Careers Workshop was also held at the conference, exposing the 4-Hers to hands-on information from poultry food industry personnel. Participants are given pertinent information about career and educational opportunities in the poultry food sciences and industries.

Blake Van Denburgh, a recent U of M graduate in the Department of Animal Science with an emphasis in poultry production, was one of the keynote speakers at the workshop. The other speaker was Milt McPike of Cargill Meat Solutions in Virginia.

The National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference was held November 14 and 15 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville. It was funded through contributions of goods, finances, and services from many individuals, companies and commodity organizations. The Minnesota Turkey Council helped sponsor the awards for the Turkey Barbecue event.

Many business firms, associations and individuals provide funds and resources for the conference. Listed below are the donors and sponsors who helped make this year’s conference possible.

• Alabama Poultry and Egg Association
• Florida Poultry Federation
• Goldsboro Milling Company
• Indiana State Poultry Association
• Kentucky Poultry Federation
• Louisiana Egg Commission
• Louisiana Poultry Federation
• Maple Leaf Farms
• Midwest Poultry Federation
• Minnesota Turkey Council
• Missouri Egg Council
• Nebraska Department of Agriculture – Poultry and Egg Division
• North American Gamebird Association
• Pacific Egg and Poultry Federation
• Poultry Science Association
• South Carolina Poultry Federation
• Southern States Cooperative
• Texas Broiler Council
• Texas Egg Council
• Texas Poultry Federation
• Texas Poultry Improvement Association
• Texas Turkey Federation
• Tyson Foods, Inc.
• United Egg Producers
• U.S. Poultry and Egg Association
• World Poultry Science Association – U.S. Branch

MN Youth Compete at National 4-H Skillathon

The Stevens County 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl team, coached by Dr. Lee Johnston of the West Central ROC, competed in the National 4-H Skillathon contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE).

The team, Justin Johnston, Tyler Evink, Carter Smith and Jeff Knobloch, placed 2nd overall in the competition and placed 1st in Evaluation, 2nd in Quality Assurance, and 6th in Identification. Justin Johnston placed 3rd high individual overall in the contest as well.

NAILE was held November 3-16 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.
 

CFANS College Assembly: December 18

A CFANS College Assembly is scheduled for Tuesday, December 18, 9:00-11:00 a.m., in the North Star Ballroom, St. Paul Student Center.

If you have any issues that you would like addressed by the committee, please contact any of the FCC members listed below or contact Cindy Land by email (landx001@umn.edu).

FCC Group:
Vern Cardwell, Co-Chair, Professor, Agronomy and Plant Genetics, cardw001@umn.edu
David Ragsdale, Co-Chair, Professor, Entomology, ragsd001@umn.edu
Thomas Burk, Professor, Forest Resources, tburk@umn.edu
Jay Coggins, Associate Professor, Applied Economics, jcoggins@umn.edu
Terry Cooper, Professor, Soil, Water and Climate, tcooper@umn.edu
Susan Galatowitsch, Professor, Horticultural Science, galat001@umn.edu
Jane Glazebrook, Associate Professor, Plant Biology, jglazebr@umn.edu
James Percich, Professor, Plant Pathology, jamesp@umn.edu
Gary Sands, Associate Professors, Bioproducts/ Biosystems Engineering, grsands@umn.edu
Tony Seykora, Professor, Animal Science, seyko001@umn.edu
Chery Smith, Associate Professor, Food Science and Nutrition, csmith@umn.edu
Peter Sorensen, Professor, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, soren003@umn.edu
 

U of M Modem Pool to be Eliminated

The University will discontinue its modem pool that allows employees, students and alumni to access the Internet from home. About 3,000 remaining pool users must transfer to third-party Internet service providers (ISPs) by December 31, 2007.

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) has identified ISPs with a record of good service, availability and reasonable cost, and negotiated U discounts (available through UMart). Read more about the process and options in "Everybody out of the pool!"
 

Get Your Copyright Permission Requests In

Spring 2008 course materials that are copyrighted should be submitted to the Copyright Permissions Center as soon as possible. The Copyright Permissions Center will assist in reviewing course packets and securing permission for copyrighted material.

Source information may be dropped off at any Printing Services location, faxed to 612-626-9810, mailed to 102 Printing Services Building, or submitted on-line at http://www.copyright.umn.edu/.

For more information, please contact Dale Mossestad at mosse006@umn.edu or 612-626-9416.
  

Be Prepared — Register for TXT-U!

The University recently launched the new emergency notification service TXT-U. This service will provide notification about critical campus safety information via text message to students, faculty and staff. This is just one of many ways that the University will provide emergency notices to those on campus.

TXT-U will be used infrequently and specifically for real emergency situations. Find out more at: http://www.TXT-U.umn.edu.
 

NCGA Scholarships for 2nd or Later Year Students

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) will award five $1,000 scholarships to those in their second or later year as an undergraduate or a graduate student. The NCGA Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship program is for those enrolled in agriculture, agribusiness, or an agricultural vocation program at a 2- or 4-year accredited college or university.

Applicants must be a member or a dependent of a member of the NCGA. Employees and the families of employees of any division of BASF or their subsidiaries are not eligible for the scholarship.

Applications are due by January 11, 2008. For more information or to obtain an application, please visit www.ncga.com/scholarship or email scholarship@ncga.com. 
 

UMDIA to Award Scholarships

The Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association (UMDIA) will be awarding $1,000 scholarships for those pursuing an education in a field that will enhance the quality and safety of dairy and food products.

Criteria for application:

• A minimum GPA of 2.5
• Must be pursuing a degree in Animal Science (with dairy production emphasis), Dairy Science, Large Animal Veterinary Medicine, Dairy Manufacturing, Dairy Technology, or Dairy Food Science
• Awardees must plan to complete their degree

The application deadline is January 15, 2008. Completed scholarship application forms should be sent to:

Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association
Gene Watnaas, General Manager
19434 Norwegian Road
Vining, MN 56588

For more information please contact, Gene Watnaas, UMDIA General Manager, at 218-769-4334.
 

Nearly 200 Organizations to Recruit at Job and Internship Fair

The U of M Job and Internship Fair is the biggest student career fair in Minnesota. It’s free and open to all U of M undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni from all campuses. Nearly 200 organizations are expected to be recruiting at the event, which will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on February 25, 2008.

To find out which organizations are participating, to register, or for additional information, visit the Job and Internship Fair website. There you will also find preparation tips and information about free transportation to the Job and Internship Fair. Those who register and attend could win great prizes! 
  

Chia-Jung Hsieh

Chia-Jung Hsieh grew up in Taipei, Taiwan. She completed her undergraduate degree at Tunghai University in Taiwan with a major in Animal Science. After she received her M.S. in Life Science with a Molecular Biology emphasis from National Central University, she worked for a biotech company as a manager for 18 months.

Chia-Jung is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Animal Science under the advisement of Dr. Scott Fahrenkrug. Her research focuses on elucidating the structure, expression and functional activities of the pig PDX-1 gene. PDX-1 (pancreatic duodenal homeobox gene-1) has been a crucial factor in pancreas development and insulin production in both humans and rodents. Clarification of the function of PDX-1 can be applied to porcine islet development and ultimately xenotransplantation for curing diabetes.

During her leisure time, Chia-Jung enjoys reading classic poetry and historical stories. Moreover, she loves gardening, cooking, painting, and hanging out with her friends.
 

Nicolas Di Lorenzo received the highly coveted International Stockmen's Educational Foundation Travel Fellowship to the International Livestock Congress (ILC) in Denver, CO, on January 15, 2008. The Travel Fellowship was awarded to only 12 students representing 11 universities from 3 countries (Australia, Brazil and the U.S.). The fellowship includes airfare, ground transportation, hotel and scheduled meals during the ILC. A multi-national selection committee selected recipients based on scholastic achievement, leadership experiences and letters of recommendation. The ILC provides the students with the opportunity to interact with world industry leaders and contribute to the solutions that will shape the advancement of the livestock industry into the next millennium.

Dr. Douglas Foster, PI, was awarded $134,405 by Schering-Plough Corp. Project title: Immortalization of a chicken embryo cell substrate capable of propagating infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). Period: 09/01/2007-02/28/2009.
  

- December 2007 -

4-5 - Midwest Dairy Expo, St. Cloud Civic Center. Contact: Eir Garcia-Silva, MMPA, 320-203- 8336, or Jim Salfer, U of M Extension, 320-203-6093.

13-14 - Artificial Insemination in Swine Training Course, Southern ROC, Waseca. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

14 - WinterFest — the Animal Science annual winter get-together for faculty, staff, students, alumni and retirees (11:30 a.m.), 365 Haecker Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Jennifer Welsh (612-624-3491).

18 - Animal Science Research Day, Haecker Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Jennifer Welsh (612-624-3491).

18 - CFANS College Assembly (9:00-11:00 a.m.), North Star Ballroom, St. Paul Student Center.

20 - Fall semester ends.

24-25 - Christmas holiday (U of M-TC is closed).

28 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Pizza Ranch, Pipestone, MN. Contact: Merri Post, 507-825-6715.

- January 2008 -

1 - New Year's holiday (U of M-TC is closed).

9 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, McIntosh, MN. Contact: Jim Stordahl, 218-563-2465.

9 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Carver County Extension Office, Cologne, MN. Contact: Carver County Extension, 952-466-5300.

10 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, St. Rosa, MN. Contact: Stearns County Extension Office, 800-450-6171.

10 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, Ottertail, MN. Contact: Vince Crary, 218-385-3000.

15 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, 4-H Bldg., Fairgounds, Zumbrota, MN. Contact: Mary Jane Stearns, 507-536-6310.

16 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, St. Charles, MN. Contact: Mary Jane Stearns, 507-536-6310.

16 - Winter Crops Day, Waseca and Lake Crystal, MN. Contact: Southern Research and Outreach Ctr, 507-835-2620.

17 - Winter Crops Day, Kasson and Wykoff, MN. Contact: Southern Research and Outreach Ctr, 507-835-2620.

18 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Pizza Ranch, Worthington, MN. Contact: Merri Post, 507-825-6715.

18-19 - 2008 Minnesota Organic Conference and Trade Show, Civic Center, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Mary Hanks, 651-201-6012.

21 - Martin Luther King holiday (U of M-TC is closed).

22 - Spring semester classes begin.

30 - 3rd Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Days Inn, 2500 E. 6th St, Brookings, SD. Contact: Valerie Denison, 605-688-4116.

31 - 3rd Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Northwest Iowa Community College, 603 W. Park St, Sheldon, IA. Contact: Chris Mondak, 712-737-4230.

31 - 2008 Quality Fair (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), McNamara Alumni Center, U of M, Minneapolis Campus.

- February 2008 -

1 - 3rd Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Pipestone, MN. Contact: Merri Post, 507- 825-6715.

2 - Horse Owner Education Day, Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/horse. To register by mail, contact Kristi ( 888-241-0719). In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719.

5-6 - Turkey Health School, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Dr. Sally Noll, 612-624-4928.

6 - Environmental Internship and Career Fair (10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), North Star Ballroom, Student Center, U of M St. Paul Campus.

8-9 - Northern Plains Sustainable Ag Society (NPSAS) 29th Annual Winter Conference, Seven Seas, Mandan, ND. Contact: NPSAS, 701-883-4304.

9 - Horse Owner Education Day, South Central College, North Mankato, MN. For more information, visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/horse. To register by mail, contact Kristi (888-241-0719). In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719.

18 - 16th Annual Carver County/ U of M Dairy Expo (10:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Central High School, 531 Morse Street, Norwood Young America, MN. For more information, see http://www.extension.umn.edu/dairy or call 952-466-5300.

25 - U of M Job and Internship Fair (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN.

- March 2008 -

1 - Horse Owner Education Days, UM-Morris Science Bldg., Morris, MN. For more information, visit www.extension.umn.edu/horse. To register by mail, contact Kristi (888-241-0719). In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719.

4-7 - 26th Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Capri Centre, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Contact: University of Alberta, 780-492-3236.

15 - Horse Owner Education Days (Advanced Session), Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. For more information, visit http://www.extension.umn.edu/horse. To register by mail, contact Kristi (888-241-0719). In case of inclement weather, call 888-241-0719.

17-21 - Spring break.

21 - Floating holiday (U of M-TC is closed). 

- April 2008 -

1-3 - Dairy Calf and Heifer Association National Conference, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN. Contact: DCHA at 636-449-5077 or Dr. Hugh Chester-Jones at 507-837-5618.

28-30 - State FFA Convention, U of M St. Paul Campus.

- May 2008 -

20-22 - Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, Continuing Education and Conference Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 800-380-8636.