AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

December 2008

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

Season's Greetings!

On behalf of the Department of Animal Science, we wish everyone Happy Holidays. May your holiday be filled with joy and happiness as you celebrate with family and friends, and reflect on the meaning of the holiday season. We also extend our best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

In the spirit of the Holidays, I thought you might enjoy a little history and background on one of Christmas’ most readily identifiable symbol, the reindeer.

Rock paintings indicate reindeer were domesticated several thousands years ago. Today, reindeer are native residents of northern Scandinavia and northern Russia where they are raised for their meat, hides, antlers and, to a lesser extent, for milk and transportation. The reindeer of northern Europe and the Caribou of northern North America are the same species. Reindeer (caribou) are ruminant animals.

The relationship of reindeer to Christmas has various legendary interpretations. One  mythical story relates back to the Norse and the tale of Thor, the god of Thunder. Thor flew through the stormy skies in a chariot drawn by magical goats termed Gnasher and Cracker. The role of the goat at Christmas evolved over time and in different ways. In Sweden, the goat became a symbol of the season and a gift bringer in the tradition of Santa Claus during the 18th century. Though Thor eventually disappeared, the goat carried on for several years as a seasonal symbol in places such as Denmark and Finland as an icon that would frighten small children and warn them to behave. In Finland, the traditional gift bringer was Joulupukki or the Yule buck.

Historians believe reindeer first appeared in a Christmas rhyme written by Major Henry Livingstone Junior in 1807. It was entitled “Account of a visit from St. Nicholas”. Clement Moore later made many alterations to the rhyme and authored “Twas the Night Before Christmas” where a team of flying reindeer is described pulling a sleigh carrying Santa Claus and gifts. Moore named his Santa’s reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen. Curiously, the name “Donder” means “thunder” in Dutch and “Blitzen” means “lightning” in German.

Moore’s poem established reindeer as a beloved symbol of the season, but a clerk at a Montgomery Ward's department store by the name of Robert May brought notoriety to the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolf. In 1939, to help marketing, he wrote the poem Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The story was later heightened when May's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, developed the lyrics and melody for the song. The song was recorded by Gene Autry in 1949 and sold two million copies in the first year, going on to become one of the best-selling songs of all time.
  

Meat Lab Offers Holiday Specials

The holidays are approaching quickly! Let the Meat Lab take care of your dining and entertaining needs this season. A variety of gift boxes are available containing various meat products, U of M pure maple syrup, U of M jumbo sized apples, U of M honey, and/or U of M cheddar cheese. Check out holiday specials on the Meat Lab website for more information.

The Meat Lab will be open additional hours for the holidays:

• December 16-17, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
• December 22-23, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
  

They will be closed on December 24 and December 31.
  

Lori Jones Scholarship Recipients Named

Recipients of the Lori Jones Scholarship, Tyler Evink and Danielle Kiefer, were recognized at the Thanksgiving for Scholarships banquet on November 20, 2008 at the McNamara Alumni Center. The scholarship is awarded to first year or transfer students entering CFANS with preference for students studying Animal Science.

The $100,000 scholarship fund was established by Lori Jones, a 1986 graduate of the U of M in Animal Science. In 2002, a car accident changed Lori’s life. The accident left her comatose for a month and in rehabilitation for more than a year. Remembering the good times and the inspiring teachers she had at the U, she donated part of her settlement money to set up the Lori Jones Scholarship fund.

Lori was recognized at the banquet with membership in the President's Club, which was presented by Dean Allen Levine. The University-wide Presidents Club recognizes the U’s most generous benefactors — individuals, families and organizations — who want to see the University continue to be one of the nation's great universities.

Above (L-R): Danielle Kiefer, Lori Jones and Tyler Evink; Dean Allen Levine and Lori Jones.
  

Reserve Champion Team at the American Royal Highlights a Successful Fall Season for Livestock Judging Team

The 2008 U of M Livestock Judging team walked away with several individual and team honors throughout this past judging season, which concluded at the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, KY on November 17th.

The 2008 livestock judging team accomplished its year-long goal of a top 10 national finish by winning 7th place in the National Contest. The competition capped a year-long effort that began with the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO last January and ended in Louisville.  

The team vied for honors in four major and numerous regional competitions, and had its first highlight by earning Reserve Champion honors at the All-Eastern Livestock Evaluation Contest earlier this year in Lexington, KY.

Other contests they competed in include the Houston Stock Show, the Sioux Empire Stock Show, the Aksarben Livestock Judging Contest, the National Barrow Show, and the American Royal in Kansas City, MO where they finished as Reserve Champions. The team performed with consistency all year as they placed within the top 10 in all the contests they competed in while earning top five honors in five contests.

Representing the Department of Animal Science and the University, the students traveled more than 25,000 miles and had been in 16 states learning about the livestock industry as they prepared to compete in these contests.

Some of the individual highlights for the fall season included: Valerie Ujazdowski became the first Minnesota student ever named to the All-American Livestock Judging Team; Valerie was also high individual in swine at the Premier Stockman Contest; Colby Lind was 6th high individual overall at the American Royal; Scott Franke was 2nd high individual in sheep and 8th high individual overall at the American Royal; Katie Church was high individual in cattle at the Aksarben Livestock Contest, and 5th high in swine at the American Royal and 12th overall.

  

Pictured above: Reserve Champion Team - 2008 American Royal; Livestock Judging Team members (L-R), Kyle Rozeboom (coach), John Boyum, Katie Church, Scott Franke, Valerie Ujazdowski, Kyle Compart, Jackie Popowski, Colby Lind, Greg Harder (assistant coach).
  

Dairy Judging Team Wins Two Breeds and Places 4th Overall

The U of M placed 1st in Holstein, 1st in Jersey, and 4th overall among 19 teams in the Dairy Cattle Judging contest at the North American Livestock Exhibition, Louisville, KY.

The Minnesota team also placed 2nd in Brown Swiss and 4th in Guernsey. Individually, Jessica Achen was 4th overall and 4th in Guernsey; Brandon Thesing was 14th overall, 2nd in Holstein, and 3rd in Jersey; and Mike Donnelly was 5th in Guernsey and 5th in Jersey. Staci Sexton was also a member of the team.

Dr. Les Hansen coaches the Dairy Cattle Judging Team along with three alumni, Scott Ellinghuysen, Tara Sammon, and Alicia Thurk.

Accompanying the collegiate team to Louisville was the team representing Minnesota 4-H. Alumnus Barry Visser served as coach of both the collegiate and 4-H team for the Louisville contest. The 4-H team placed 1st overall, 1st in Holstein, and 1st in Guernsey among 20 teams.

4-H team members included two freshmen in Animal Science at the U of M - Elizabeth Olson and Karen Anderson. Individually, Olson was 3rd overall and 3rd in Ayrshire, and Anderson was 4th overall and 3rd in Guernsey. The two Minnesota teams earned 1st place honors for 4 of the 10 breed awards in the contest.

Congratulations!

Pictured below is the U of M's Dairy Cattle Livestock Judging Team at the Louisville contest - (L-R) Dr. Les Hansen, coach; Tara Meyer, coach; Mike Donnelly, Jessica Achen, Brandon Thesing, Staci Sexton, Alicia Thurk, coach; and Scott Ellinghuysen, coach.

Minnesota Participates in National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference

The 2008 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference was held November 19-20 in Louisville, KY. There are several events held at this national event including poultry judging, chicken and turkey barbecues, egg preparation demonstration, and avian knowledge bowl.

There were 19 teams with a total of 79 individuals participating in the national poultry judging event this year, and Minnesota placed 15th overall. In a poultry judging event, participants are required to judge live past production hens and grade ready-to-cook chicken and turkey carcasses, and market eggs. The Minnesota poultry judging team included Rachel Schroeder (Renville, MN), Clara Linehan (Lindstrom, MN), Adam Hatlestad (New London, MN), and Alysha Thielen (Zimmerman, MN), and they were coached by Mary Linehan.

Minnesota also competed in the Avian Bowl event finishing 3rd out of 13 teams that participated. The Minnesota Avian Bowl team included Anthony Weisz (Hillman, MN), Peter Borash (Bowlus, MN), Richie Pekarek (Foley, MN), and Emileah ZumBerge (Little Falls, MN). They were coached by Ann Borash. The Avian Bowl contest is a round robin tournament in which the participants are required to answer questions regarding poultry science, poultry meat and egg production, and information about the poultry industries.

In addition, Jessica Morgan (Afton, MN) placed 5th in the chicken barbecue event. In this contest, participants barbecue four chicken halves, handing in two for sensory evaluation, and give an oral presentation on the broiler industry. This year there were 14 participants in the chicken barbecue event.

There were 10 participants in the turkey barbecue contest. Lizabeth Wemeier (Arlington, MN) placed 10th. Participants in this event barbecue two turkey fillets, handing in one for sensory evaluation, and give an oral presentation on the turkey industry.

Theresa Boyle (Otsego, MN) participated in the egg preparation demonstration event. There were 12 participants in the contest this year and Theresa placed 8th. In this event, participants demonstrate the preparation of an egg containing dish while presenting information on the use eggs.
  

    

Above (L-R): Minnesota Avian Bowl participants; Cooking Contest participants; Poultry Judging Team.
  

Hansen Speaks on Dairy Cattle Crossbreeding in Germany and England

Dr. Les Hansen made a return trip to Europe in November to speak at a conference held in Hanover, Germany. The full-day conference had the topic of crossbreeding in dairy cattle and was attended by dairy producers, dairy consultants, educators, staff of A.I. organizations, as well as the dairy media.

Hansen then moved on to the U.K. to speak to dairy producer audiences about crossbreeding in dairy cattle at three locations in the south, south central, and central regions of England.

Hansen’s host in Germany was CRV (formerly called Holland Genetics) Deutschland, which is an A.I. organization, and his host in England was another A.I. organization - Genus/ABS Global.
  

I-29 Dairy Conference - Going Green in a Black-n-White World

"Going Green in a Black-n-White World: Understanding Sustainability and the Opportunities for Our Dairy Farms and Industry" is the theme of the 4th Annual I-29 Dairy Conference to be held January 29, 2009. The program will focus on the economic and scientific issues and public perception associated with going 'green'.

Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, kicks off the program. His presentation will cover balancing ethics, science and economics while building sustainable farming systems and maintaining profitability.

Rick Naczi, CEO of the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc., will speak over the lunch hour. He will explain how the industry-wide effort to create consumer value is improving the economic, environmental and social aspects of milk.

The morning program also includes a panel discussion with Jason Brockshus, a producer from Ocheyedan, IA; Dennis Haubenschild of Haubenschild Farms in Princeton, MN; and Dennis Johnson from the West Central Research and Outreach Center at the U of M-Morris. The panel's topic is "What we're already doing and what we need to do as dairy producers".

Three breakout sessions will be held in the afternoon. Attendees will have the opportunity to rotate to all three 30-minute sessions.

Breakout session 1 with speakers Jim Paulson and Jim Salfer, U of M Extension, will focus on the profitability side of sustainability with emphasis on feed efficiency, income over feed costs, net margins needed to survive, and other things to think about in 2009.

In breakout session 2, Alvaro Garcia of SDSU Extension will address overall practices that can potentially save money on the farm without hurting animal health and/or production.

The speaker for breakout session 3 is Donna Moenning of Industry Image and Relations at Midwest Dairy Association. Donna will present practical ways to build relationships with neighbors and community to enhance the farm's image and to improve public perception of the dairy industry.

The I-29 Dairy Conference will take place at the Best Western Ramkota Inn and Conference Center, Sioux Falls, SD. Registration is $20 per person and includes lunch. Members of the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance and the Minnesota Milk Producers Association will receive $10 off registration. Pre-register by January 23, 2009 to be eligible for door prizes! Make checks or money orders payable to 'SDSU Dairy Science Dept' and send with your name, address, phone number, and email to:

Valerie Denison
SDSU Dairy Science
Box 2104 Dairy Microbiology Bldg, Rm 109
Brookings, SD 57007

For more information, contact Chris Mondak, Iowa State University Extension (712-737-4230).
  

Three Regional Horse Owner Education Programs Offered

U of M Extension, in partnership with the Department of Animal Science and the College of Veterinary Medicine, invite horse owners to attend any or all of the 2009 Regional Horse Owner Education Programs, scheduled for January 31 at St. Paul, MN; February 21 at River Falls, WI; and March 14 at Ottertail, MN.

Each program offers research-based information presented by University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin faculty and staff, Extension Educators, local veterinarians, and other professionals in the horse industry. Programs are recommended for ages 13 and up but everyone is welcome.

Topics to be presented at St. Paul include: Manure Management, Common Causes of Equine Lameness and Treatment Options, Cushing and Elderly Horses Care, Winter Care, Equine Genetic Disorders, Pasture Management, Equine Behavior, and Equine Legal Issues. In addition, veterinarians will discuss cases and frequently asked questions, then take questions from participants during an 'Ask the Vet' Roundtable.

Topics at River Falls will cover Optimizing Your Hay Supply, Improving Your Existing Facility, Lameness in the Performance Horse, Pasture Management, Equine Behavior, Metabolic Myths, Top 10 Things You Should Know About Feeding Your Horse, Rehabilitation and Complementary Therapies, Prevention Medicine, and Western Saddle Fitting. In addition, a session titled "So You Have a Horse... Now What?" will be offered as well as a Roundtable on Hoof Care.

The Ottertail program will address Winter Horse Care, Equine Genetic Disorders, Manure Management and Composting, Elderly Horse Care, Poisonous Plants, Equine Behavior, and First Aid and Wound Management. Also offered are Roundtable sessions on Nutrition, Humane Options for Unwanted Horses, and Ask the Vet. Equine research updates will also be presented here.

Registration is $35.00 per person. Secure on-line registration, as well as mail-in registration forms and detailed schedules, are available on the Horse Extension website at: www.extension.umn.edu/horse. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. and each program runs 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; however, the St. Paul program offers an optional tour of the Leatherdale Equine Center on the U of M St. Paul campus at 3:00.

For additional information, see the Horse Extension website or contact Krishona Martinson at 612-625-6776 or krishona@umn.edu.
  

'Cow Size' is Focus of 2009 Beef Cow/Calf Days

The 2009 Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days program will focus around Cow Size, and programs will be held in northern Minnesota (February 9-13) and southern Minnesota (February 17-20). The 2009 program topics include:

• Functionality of Cow Size - Dr. Bryan McMurry (Cargill Animal Nutrition)
• Nutritional Effects on Cow Size - Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo (U of M Beef Team)
• Postweaning Calf Management - Dr. Grant Crawford (U of M Beef Team)
• Emerging Issues Talk

2009 Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days Schedule:

Northern Route
Mora - Feb. 9, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Staples - Feb. 10, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Bagley - Feb. 10, 5:30-9:30 pm
Lancaster - Feb. 11, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Baudette - Feb. 12, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Grand Rapids - Feb. 13, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Southern Route
Glenwood - Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Pipestone - Feb. 18, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Rochester - Feb. 19, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
New Prague - Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Registration is $25 per family or farm. Please check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for registration details.
  

Thanksgiving/Turkey Media Day Held November 19

The annual Media Day, held at the Turkey Research Unit at UMore Park in Rosemount, was put together by the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the U of M turkey research program.

Every year, a flock of turkey is raised at the Turkey Research Unit with inputs provided by various sponsors and then marketed with product donated to food shelves. Several media visited the turkey farm and had opportunities to view the turkeys being raised there as well as interview turkey producers and U of M faculty.

Media in attendance were from the Agri News, Pioneer Press, WCCO TV, KARE TV and WXOW TV-LaCrosse. Other TV stations from Santa Barbara, Mason City, Knoxville and Lincoln also picked up some of the video across the nation.

Dr. Sally Noll thanks the U of M staff (Jeanine Brannon and Turkey Research Unit staff, Fred Hrbek and Terrance Yourchuck) for their assistance in getting the displays and flock ready for exhibit. Sally also extends her thanks to the sponsors of the event: Best Veterinary Solutions, Gillis Agri Systems, Huvepharma, IVESCO, Jennie-O Turkey Store (Willmar), Jennie-O Turkey Store (Barron), Melrose Central Turkey Open, Minnesota Sawdust and Shavings, and Willmar Poultry Company. Thank you also to Drs. Bev Durgan, Al Levine and Jim Linn for attending and addressing the group.

Check out the following links to video clips that feature UMore Park:

KEYT-TV Santa Barbara
WXOW-TV La Crosse
Midwest AgNet
KARE-TV Minneapolis
KIMT-TV Mason City
WVLT-TV Knoxville
KOLN-TV Lincoln

  
   

Pictured: (L-R) Animal Science Department Head Jim Linn and MTGA Executive Director Steve Olson; (L-R) U of M Researcher Larry Jacobson, MTGA President Kim Gorans, and U of M Researcher John Moncrief; Dean Bev Durgan and a turkey poult; Members of the MTGA Board of Directors.
  

President's Award Nominations Due March 9

The President's Award for Outstanding Service recognizes faculty and staff who have provided exceptional service, have gone well beyond their regular duties, and demonstrated commitment to the University community. Nominations for this award are due by March 9, 2009.

Nominators must be current members of the U of M faculty, staff, or alumni. Nomination letters should focus on the nominator's personal knowledge of the nominee's exceptional service, such as innovative service to students, the University community, individual units of the University, or outreach beyond the University.

For further information about the President's Award for Outstanding Service and the nomination process, please call the
University Senate Office at 612-625-9369 or visit: http://uawards.umn.edu/Awards/Presidents_Award_Outstand.html.
  

Technology Update
Source: CFANS OIT

Why is my network connection not working? And what do I do about it?

If Networking and Telecommunications Services (NTS) detects a virus, spyware activity, a program sending out spam email or other malware on your computer, you will not be allowed you to use the Internet or have the ability to connect to the University wireless system. If this happens to you, there are several things you should be aware of.

• If you are using an ethernet jack, don't connect to a different one. The University will detect this and turn it off too.
• If you are using wireless, don't have someone else try to authenticate to the wireless system or their access will also be turned off.
• If your computer contains private data, contact OITSEC immediately (abuse@umn.edu) and wait for instructions. Also contact the CFANS IT support staff via email (cfans.help@umn.edu) using another computer.
• If your computer does not contain private data, contact the CFANS IT support staff via email using another computer. They will determine if the computer can be safely cleaned or if it must be reformatted, and data and software reinstalled. Some viruses and malware cannot be removed in any other way. NTS will not allow the computer to reconnect to the network until CFANS IT provides a report of what was done to solve the problem.

Reboot for a Safer Computer

Many parts of your operating system and other software installed on your computer will 'phone home' for updates when your start your computer. Updates may be installed to a program file previously installed but won't install to whatever part of the program is loaded in memory. In order for that to happen, your computer must be rebooted. Other updates are cached when downloaded and installed at shutdown or the next time your computer starts up. It is very important to restart your computer on a regular basis - at least once per week is recommended.

Laptop Checkout Available

The CFANS Laptop Checkout Program offers students Dell laptops with expanded features available for up to one week at no charge. These laptops have all the software found in the CFANS computer labs, as well as SAS statistical software and Cisco VPN software to allow you to work on certain University systems from off-campus. All laptops have DVD +/- RW drives, wireless networking, and the ability to be plugged into a LCD projector for presentations.

The Laptop Checkout Program is only available to CFANS students who have paid their CFANS Student Technology Fees. Students interested in checking out or reserving a laptop should stop in to or call one of three libraries to make a reservation:

• Forestry Library - B50 Skok
• EFW Library - 375 Hodson
• Plant Pathology - 395 Borlaug

Christina Phillips

Christina Phillips is originally from Wallace, North Carolina, a small town in Duplin County that located in the southeastern part of the state. Her husband, also from North Carolina, is employed here at the U of M as a Research Fellow in the Wildlife Department.

Christina completed a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Agriculture Business Management from North Carolina State University in 2004. She then went on to complete a Masters degree in Animal Science concentrating in Swine Nutrition under the direction of Dr. Eric van Heugten at North Carolina State University.

After getting married, Christina moved to Kingsville, Texas, where she worked as the University Farm Manager at Texas A&M University-Kingsville for a year before deciding to continue her education.

This fall, she started her Ph.D. program in Animal Science at the U of M, concentrating in Swine Behavior and Welfare. Her co-advisors are Dr. Yuzhi Li and Dr. Jerry Shurson. Christina plans to start her project entitled “Analysis of production and maternal traits associated with pre-weaning mortality of piglets in two farrowing systems” in the spring of 2009.

In her spare time, Christina enjoys shopping, camping, fishing, canoeing, walking her dog “Gravy”, and bird hunting with her husband. She is looking forward to ice fishing for the first time ever this winter!
  

Ryon Walker and wife welcomed a baby girl, Sidney, on November 21, 2008. Ryon is an Extension Educator in Andover and a member of the U of M Beef Team.

Former Animal Science Grad Program Coordinator, Jennifer Welsh and husband Corey welcomed a baby boy, Isaac Dylan, into their family on November 19, 2008. Isaac is their first child.
  

Dr. Sally Noll, PI, was awarded $45,000 by AURI. Project title: Oligosaccharide free meal. Period: 10/01/2008-09/30/2009.

PI's, Michael White, William Dayton and Marcia Hathaway, and collaborator Kyle Rozeboom, were awarded $350,000 by USDA/NRI. Project title: Defining the cellular mechanisms of steroid-enhanced muscle growth in steers. This was one of the top 3 grants in the nation in the Animal Growth and Nutrient Utilization Program and was fully funded at the maximum for this section.
 

- December 2008 -

4 - Fall Forage Day (noon-3:00 p.m.), Jordan, MN. Contact: Laura Kieser, 952-492-5410.

4-5 - Artificial Insemination Training Course, Southern ROC, Waseca, MN. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

5-7 - Minnesota State Cattlemen's Convention, Craguns Resort, Brainerd, MN.

9 - Dairy Calf and Heifer 2008 Profit Seminar, MidWay Hotel, 1835 Rose Street, LaCrosse, WI. Contact: DCHA, 636-449-5077.

9 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Day (9:30-2:00 p.m.), Morris, MN. For more information, visit the Beef Team website.

9 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Day (5:30-9:00 p.m.), Luverne, MN. For more information, visit the Beef Team website.

9-10 - Midwest Dairy Expo, St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Eir Garcia-Silva, MMPA, 763-355-9697 or Jim Salfer, U of M Extension, 320-203-6093.

10 - Minnesota Dairy Leaders Roundtable Meeting (12:30-3:00 p.m.) - in conjunction with the Midwest Dairy Expo - St. Cloud Civic Center, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Ed Frederick, 507-835-3422.

10 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Day (9:30-2:00 p.m.), Slayton, MN. For more information, visit the Beef Team website.

11 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Day (9:30-2:00 p.m.), Lamberton, MN. For more information, visit the Beef Team website.

11 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Day (5:30-9:00 p.m.), Rochester, MN. For more information, visit the Beef Team website.

11 - Farm Transfer and Estate Planning workshop (9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), Cologne, MN. Contact: Laura Kieser, 952-492-5410.

16-17 - Gold Medal Panel on Cellulitis in Turkeys, Park Plaza Hotel, Bloomington, MN. Contact: MN Turkey Research and Promotion Council, 763-682-2171.

18 - WinterFest, Department of Animal Science, 365 Haecker Hall, St. Paul Campus.

20 - End of Fall Term

25 - Christmas Day - U of M-Twin Cities is closed

26 - Floating Holiday - U of M-Twin Cities is closed
  

- January 2009 -

19 - Martin Luther King Holiday - U of M-Twin Cities is closed

20 - Spring Semester classes begin

29 - I-29 Dairy Conference "Going Green in a Black-n-White World: Understanding Sustainability and the Opportunities for Our Dairy Farms and Industry", Best Western Ramkota Inn, Sioux Falls, SD. Contact: Chris Mondak, ISU Extension, 712-737-4230.

31 - Winter Regional Horse Owner Program, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776. Press release.
  

- February 2009 -

9 - U of M Job and Internship Fair (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), Minneapolis Convention Center. Free. Transportation available (free shuttle buses from the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses).

9 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Mora, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

10 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Staples, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

10 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Bagley, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

11 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Lancaster, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

12 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Baudette, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

13 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Grand Rapids, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

12-13 - Swine Wean to Finish Training Course, Southern ROC, Waseca, MN. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

16 - Carver County/U of M Dairy Expo, Norwood-Young America, MN. Contact: Laura Kieser, 952-492-5410.

17 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Glenwood, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

18 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Pipestone, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

19 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Rochester, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

20 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), New Prague, MN. Check the Beef Team website after January 1, 2009 for more info.

21 - Winter Regional Horse Owner Program, River Falls, WI. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776. Press release.
 

- March 2009 -

14 - Winter Regional Horse Owner Program, Ottertail, MN. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776. Press release.