AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

December 2009

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

Happy Holidays!

At this joyous time of year, the Department Head note is simple, but meaningful. I want to extend my warmest thoughts and best wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year to all. Thank you to all who work in the department, studied with us and supported us this past year. I look forward to seeing all of you again in 2010.

Faculty Highlights

The next Faculty Highlights will appear in our January issue.
  

Lori Jones - One of Many Scholarship Donors

CFANS held a Thanksgiving for Scholarships program on November 19 to recognize and acknowledge the generosity of the individuals and organizations who give gifts of scholarships that help hundreds of students in the College. Among the many scholarship donors is Lori Jones, a 1986 U of M graduate in Animal Science and member of the 1986 Junior Livestock Judging Team. Undergrads Laura Weisz and Isaac Salfer were 2009 recipients of a Lori Jones Scholarship award. Photo at right (L-R): Lori Jones, Laura Weisz, Isaac Salfer, and Animal Science Department Head Dr. Jim Linn.

Lori, a native of Lake Crystal, MN, created the Lori Jones scholarship to provide the opportunity for future students to study in Animal Science. She wrote this brief statement on why she selected the U of M to receive her gift:

"During my senior year of high school, the question everyone asked was: Where are you going to college?  My answer was easy: the U of M! I had made that decision during my freshman year of high school. I attended the state FFA convention, and I knew that this was where I wanted to be!"

"My freshman year at the U, I was a resident of Pioneer Hall. I recall that I astonished most of my speech class when I told them that my hometown population would fit in the quad dorms (Pioneer, Frontier, Centennial and Territorial). Many of the students asked me why I wanted to attend college at a place where I was just another number. I informed them that I had spent my life in a place where the majority knew my parents and siblings. And many people had expectations about me due to that fact. I wanted to be someplace where the information and expectations people had about me were about me and what I wanted and could do for myself." 

"When I was an orientation leader, I encouraged the incoming students to make the U part of them by becoming involved in student activities and organizations. When I was a student, my constant companion was my calendar….. so I would know which meetings or events I would be attending that week! I was involved enough that I received the President’s Student Leadership and Service Award during my junior year."

Thanksgiving for Scholarships was held at the McNamara Alumni Center and included a reception, dinner and a program. Scholarships strengthen the student body and provide outstanding educational opportunities. To all who make these scholarships possible, Thank You!
 

Factsheets Address Current Concerns in Swine Industry

"Preparing Swine Barns to Sit Empty" and "Low Test Weight Corn for Swine" are new factsheets that address some current concerns in the swine industry. These factsheets and other resources for pork producers and allied industry are available for download from the U of M Swine Extension website.

Along with many other industries, the pork industry has endured difficult financial conditions in the last several years. Many swine producers have indicated their intent to leave barns sit empty until economic conditions improve. In "Preparing Swine Barns to Sit Empty", Mark Whitney, U of M Extension Swine Team Leader, summarizes the steps that should be taken if a livestock facility will be left empty for an extended period of time, particularly if intentions are to bring the barn back into production in the future.

With the cooler growing season experienced this past summer, reports of corn bushel weights below average (less than 54 to 56 lb/bu) have been prevalent. "Low Test Weight Corn for Swine", prepared by Lee Johnston of the West Central Research and Outreach Center, reports that corn with test weight as low as 45 lb/bushel can support pig performance similar to corn with test weights of 56 to 59 lb/bushel.
 

Holiday Specials at Meat Science Salesroom

Gift boxes, dining specials and breakfast specials are now available from the Meat Science Salesroom. These holiday specials feature meats and sausages from the U of M Department of Animal Science Meat Laboratory, 100% pure maple syrup and jumbo honeycrisp apples from the U of M Department of Horticulture, and 100% pure honey from the U of M Department of Entomology.

The holiday dining specials include specially priced prime rib roast (bone-in or boneless), brown sugar cured hardwood smoked ham, premium leg of lamb, and more. Of the breakfast specials, choose from several varieties of bacon as well as breakfast links and sausage patties. Sixteen different holiday gift boxes dressed in attractive packages and ready to give are also available.

Visit the Meat Science Salesroom website for more information about the products available for purchase, hours of operation and contact information.
 

Poultry News

Poultry Area Meetings were held around the state in September. The meetings were organized and conducted by the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Broiler and Egg Association of Minnesota, Minnesota Board of Animal Health and U of M Extension. The educational program covered biosecurity with particular emphasis on prevention of avian influenza.  Producers learned about the basics about avian influenza, Minnesota’s disease alert system, and science-based biosecurity practices. Program speakers were Steve Olson (MTGA/BEAM), Dale Lauer (BOAH), and Dave Halvorson, Sally Noll, Rob Porter and Andre Ziegler (U of M).

Faculty from the U of M presented their most recent research to the turkey industry at the Turkey Research Review Meeting held in Willmar, MN in October. The meeting was sponsored by the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. Topics covered research on clostridial dermatitis, lighting of breeder hen candidates, environmental impact of turkey litter, and response of heavy toms to diet protein and energy. The presenters were Doug Foster, Mohamed El Halawani and Sally Noll (Department of Animal Science), John Moncrief (Department of Soil, Water, and Climate), and Simone Oliviera (Veterinary Population Medicine).  

Turkey Media Day was held November 18 at the Turkey Research Unit at UMore Park. Media from WCCO, KSTP, CNN and KARE conducted interviews with turkey producers and took photos and video of turkeys. Program sponsors were Jennie-O, Willmar Poultry Company, Minnesota Sawdust and Savings,  Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Professional Veterinary Products, and BVS. The stars of Turkey Media Day are shown in the photo at right.

To find information about the Minnesota turkey industry, learn about turkey traditions or to find turkey recipes, visit the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association website.
 

Minnesota 4-Hers Compete at National Poultry and Egg Conference

Minnesota took top honors in the poultry cooking contests at the 2009 National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference held November 18-19 in Louisville, KY. Reba Van Beusekom placed 1st out of 12 in the Chicken Barbecue Contest, and Tiffany Londeen was 1st out of 9 in the Turkey Barbeque Contest. Contestants received a plaque, gold pin and $500 savings bond.

In the Avian Bowl, the Minnesota team (Grant Hopke, Heidi Jenkins, Adam Orbeck and Whitney Sabrowsky) placed 2nd behind California.

The Poultry Judging Team from Minnesota, Andrew Theis, Brent Huls, Whitney Sabrowsky and Alexandra Sevenich, placed 7th in the Market Poultry Division; Whitney Sabrowsky placed 10th in the same division. The team placed 11th overall.

A Poultry Careers Workshop was also held at the conference. The workshop exposes 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. Dr. Jacquie Jacob, Poultry Extension Associate at the University of Kentucky (and former U of M Poultry Specialist), was one of two speakers at the workshop. She talked about her career path and discussed some potential careers available to 4-Hers. Mr. Blake Van Denburgh of Center Fresh Group discussed his his involvement with 4-H poultry programs as a youth. Blake holds a bachelor’s degree from the U of M in Animal Sciences with a poultry production emphasis and is now working with the egg industry.

The National 4-H Poultry and Egg Conference draws 4-Hers from all over the country to compete in educational events designed to help them learn to make and defend decisions, speak publicly, and gain poultry-related skills. The conference holds five separate events: Poultry Judging, Chicken Barbecue, Turkey Barbecue, Egg Preparation Demonstration and the Avian Bowl. The conference is funded through contributions of goods, finances and services from many individuals, companies and commodity organizations.

Above (photo on left): Chicken Barbecue Winner, Reba Van Beusekom (center) with coach Lisa Van Beusekom (left) and presenter Paul Pressley of the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (right). Above (photo on right): Turkey Barbecue Winner, Tiffany Londeen (center) with coach Dave Londeen (left) and presenter Paul Pressley, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association (right).
  

Dairy Genetics Group Enjoyed the Cuisine, Wine, and Hospitality of France

Faculty Les Hansen and Tony Seykora, as well as graduate students Brad Heins and Amy Hazel, traveled to France for the annual meeting of the federal multi-state research project, S-1040, which involves "Selection and crossbreeding to improve the health and fertility of dairy cattle". This was the first time in history a multi-state project on dairy cattle genetics has met outside the U.S. The 2.5-day meeting itself took place in downtown Paris on November 18-20 at the Institute for Ruminant Livestock. During the meeting in Paris, federal dairy researchers from France provided a welcome and a half-day review of dairy genetics research in France. A 1.5-day scientific exchange included four additional dairy genetics researchers from Europe (Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Denmark).

The group was provided a gratis pre-tour to the Franche-Comte region of France by the A.I. company Coopex Montbeliarde near the Swiss border and a gratis post-tour to the Normandy region of France by a group of A.I. organizations that sells semen from the Normande breed. The French were wonderful hosts, and the U.S. researchers were exposed to herds of Montbeliarde dairy cattle and herds of Normande dairy cattle. Furthermore, touristic sites, most notably the American WWII cemetery near Omaha Beach in Normandy, were included in the trip.
 

Sophomores are 1st Individuals in Three Out-of-State 4-H Contests

Three Minnesota 4-H women, who are all sophomores at the U of M, placed 1st at each of three major 4-H dairy cattle judging contests this fall. Megan Udermann placed 1st overall as an individual at the 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held at the All-American Dairy Show, Harrisburg, PA, and Karen Anderson placed 1st overall in the 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held at World Dairy Expo, Madison, WI. To set an amazing record, Caitlin Durow placed 1st overall in the 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held at the North American International Livestock Exposition, Louisville, KY. Anderson and Durow are majoring in Animal Science, and Udermann is studying Nursing.
 

Winterfest is December 17

Animal Science celebrates the holiday season with Winterfest, an annual get-together for faculty, students, staff, retirees, and friends and family of the Department. This year's Winterfest is Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. in 365 Haecker Hall where we'll have our traditional potluck meal. As in the past, it is suggested that faculty bring the desserts, and students and staff bring salads, veggies or sides. The Department will provide the meat and beverages.

See you at Winterfest!

Help Alleviate Hunger — Contribute to the Borlaug Food and Fund Drive

Each year CFANS coordinates the Borlaug Food and Fund Drive in honor of Norman Borlaug, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and U of M graduate who has been credited with saving more than a billion people from starvation. The Food and Fund Drive benefits Second Harvest Heartland, the largest hunger-relief organization in the upper Midwest.

This year's goal is to raise $1,500 and collect 1,500 pounds of food. Help meet the goal and join the effort to alleviate local domestic hunger. Drop off non-perishable food items in 190 Coffey Hall and/or make a monetary contribution by Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Contributions can be made online at the Second Harvest Heartland Food and Fund Drive web page.
  

Arboretum Offers Holiday Membership

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is offering a special holiday membership promotion. Purchase a membership by December 31 for yourself or as a gift and receive a $10 gift card to Santorini's Taverna and Grill in Eden Prairie. Memberships start at $45 and come with benefits such as free admission and reciprocal privileges at over 200 arboreta and gardens around the country, and discounts at the gift store and on Arboretum classes. The Arboretum also offers gift cards that are redeemable for merchandise or for an Arboretum class in art or gardening.

Memberships are tax-deductible and can be purchased on the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum website. For additional information or to join by phone, contact the Membership Office at 952-443-1440.
 

Register for I-29 Dairy Conference by January 14

Door prizes! Register for the I-29 Dairy Conference by January 14, 2010 and you will be eligible to win door prizes. "Sustaining Our Dairy Families, Farms and Rural Communities" is the theme of the 5th Annual I-29 Dairy Conference. The conference will be held January 21 and 22 at the Best Western Ramkota Inn and Conference Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

The conference kicks off on Thursday afternoon with exhibits, a social and a dinner, and keynote speaker Jolene Brown presenting "When Pigs Fly". Brown is a nationally known professional speaker who, in her presentation, offers the opportunity to laugh and celebrate who you are and what you do.

On Friday morning there will be a workshop on strengthening the family and breakout sessions that will focus on the dairy enterprise with topics that address sustaining the dairy herd, sustaining the family and its goals, and sustaining the farm business. The noon luncheon will include a presentation on national dairy initiatives and afternoon sessions will explore options for sustained production and profitability. The final session is a panel that includes local dairy producers who will discuss milk marketing opportunities and risk.

The program agenda, information about the speakers, registration information and other details can be found in the conference brochure or on the conference website.

The I-29 Dairy Conference is coordinated by NSDU Extension Service, U of M Extension, SD Cooperative Extension Service, ISU Extension, U of NE-Lincoln Extension and the SW MN Dairy Profit Group, and would not be possible without the generous support of the sponsors.
 

U of M Extension Offers Regional Horse Owner Programs

The U of M Extension Horse Team is offering two Regional Horse Owner Education programs in early 2010. Each program offers research-based information presented by knowledgeable speakers. The programs are held on Saturdays and begin at 1:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.) and end at 4:30 p.m. The dates, locations and topics are as follows:

Saturday, January 16, 2010
Heintz Center, Rochester, MN
Topics include: Diseases; Optimizing Your Hay Supply; What the Judge Looks For: English and Western Pleasure; Preventing and Treating Colic; Top 10 Things You Should Know About Feeding Your Horse; Behavior; Vaccinations and Deworming; Management of Established Pastures; and Making the Most of Your Equine Business.
The registration deadline is January 14. Register online at https://www.regonline.com/RochesterHorse.
     
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Cloquet Forestry Center, Cloquet, MN
Topics include: Vaccinations and Deworming; Optimizing Your Hay Supply; Daddy I Want a Horse—Please!; Preventing and Treating Colic; Top 10 Things You Should Know About Feeding Your Horse; Understanding Herd Dynamics and Behaviors; First Aid Away From Home; Hoof Care Roundtable; and Equine Liability.
The registration deadline is March 25. Register online at https://www.regonline.com/CloquetHorse.

The cost to attend the programs is $20 per person. The fee includes a printed proceeding and light refreshments. In case of cancellation due to inclement weather, an email will be sent to all participants. Programs are recommended for ages 13 and up, but are open to everyone. For questions about or help with online registration, please call (800) 876-8636.  
 

Next Horse Lunch and Learn Webinar is January 20

"Preventing and Treating Colic" is the topic of the next U of M Horse Team Quarterly Lunch and Learn Webinar. Dr. Stephanie Valberg, U of M Veterinary Population Medicine, will present the 1-hour webinar, which will begin at noon on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. To join the webinar, go to https://umconnect.umn.edu/horsewebinars on the day of the webinar.
 

MMPA and U of M Extension Present Dairy Management Workshops

Participants of the 2010 Dairy Management Workshops will get a look at the ups and downs of milk marketing and learn about marketing strategies that have or haven’t worked well, hear about economic feeding benchmarks and the lessons learned with low milk prices, learn more about planning for the next generation and how to keep the success in your succession plan, take a look back and ahead at the Minnesota dairy industry, and get information about the current issues in dairy animal welfare.

The 1-day Dairy Management Workshops, presented by Minnesota Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and U of M Extension, will be held at three locations in February: St. Cloud (Holiday Inn) on February 2, New Ulm (Holiday Inn & Suites) on February 3, and in Rochester (International Event Center) on February 4.

The program’s featured speakers are Dr. Marcia Endres, Associate Professor and Extension Dairy Specialist in the Department of Animal Science at the U of M; Dr. Michael Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist with Dairy and Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois; Dr. Kenneth Bailey, Agricultural Economist and consultant employed by FCStone; and from Lookout Ridge Consulting, Marv Siekman (business planning consultant), Al Bennett (negotiation and conflict resolution) and Cathy Olson (agriculture consulting specialist).

The registration fee is $30 for members of MMPA and $60 for non-members. Registration includes all program materials, educational sessions, lunch and breaks. Pre-registration (by January 25) is not required but is strongly encouraged to help with meal planning. See the Dairy Management Workshops brochure for additional information.

The Dairy Management Workshops are made possible by the support of MMPA’s dairy producer members and other associate members in the dairy industry, which include AgStar Financial Services, Bongards Creameries, Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Davisco Foods International, Inc., Elanco Animal Health, Land O’Lakes, Inc., Minnesota Soybean Growers, Modern Farm Equipment, and Wells Fargo Bank.
 

Cow/Calf Days Coming in February

The 2010 Beef Cow/Calf Days will be held at 10 locations during the first two weeks in February. The registration fee is $25.00 per family or farm. The dates and locations are as follows:

Northern Route
February 2 - Staples, MN (9:30 am to 3:00 pm)
February 2 - Bagley, MN (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
February 3 - Lancaster, MN (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
February 4 - Baudette, MN (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
February 5 - Grand Rapids, MN (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)

Southern Route
February 8 - Mora, MN (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
February 9 - Glenwood, MN (9:30 am to 3:00 pm)
February 10 - Pipestone, MN (9:30 am to 3:00 pm)
February 11 - Rochester, MN (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
February 12 - New Prague, MN (9:30 am to 3:00 pm)

Topics at 2010 Cow/Calf Days will include Beef Team Research and Updates; What’s to Know About Grazing Systems; The Basics and Cost of Developing Heifers; and The Economics Behind the Cow. In addition, a producer/speaker panel will discuss "Keeping the Younger Generation in the Beef Business".

Watch for more information on the U of M Beef Center website. Questions may be directed to Ryon Walker, Beef Cow/Calf Extension Educator, at 763-767-3847 or walke375@umn.edu.
 

President's Outstanding Service Award

The President's Award for Outstanding Service was established in 1997 to recognize faculty and staff who have provided exceptional service to the University. This University-wide award honors active or retired faculty or staff members who have gone well beyond their regular duties and have demonstrated an unusual commitment to the University community. Nominations for this award are due by March 5, 2010. The awards are presented in the spring.

Nominators must be current University faculty or staff, or alumni of the U of M. 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.

Complete details about the award and nomination procedure can be found online at http://uawards.umn.edu/Awards/Presidents_Award_Outstand.html. Questions may be directed to the University Senate Office at 612-625-9369.
 

Don't Miss the 2010 MPF Convention

Mark your calendar for the 39th Annual Midwest Poultry Federation (MPF) Convention scheduled for March 17-18, 2010 (pre-show events on March 16) at the Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN. This annual convention is the largest regional poultry show in the U.S. and is known for providing a quality program with nationally-recognized speakers. This event brings together attendees and exhibitors from all segments of the poultry industry — egg layer, broiler, turkey and organic/specialty poultry production.

Registration and hotel reservations will be available on the Midwest Poultry Federation website beginning December 15, 2009.
  

Beth Allen

Beth Allen is a first year Animal Science graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in equine nutrition under advisor Dr. Krishona Martinson. Her work will focus on different methods of feeding horses, which include conducting a grazing trial, working with differing types of hay feeders, and possibly studying the effect of DDGS on equine body weight gain.

Beth is originally from Duluth, MN and has been interested in horses ever since she rode a family member's horse at the age of 2. Since then she grew up riding horses and eventually completed a B.S. in Equine Science in the Spring of 2008 at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. While at River Falls, Beth was involved in every equine opportunity available. She competed on the River Falls riding team (Intercollegiate Horse Show Association) for 3 years, participated in club activities of the school's Horseman's Association, and spent 2 years traveling around the Midwest competing on the Equine Judging Team. Additionally, Beth gained plenty of hands-on experience training young colts and breeding mares and stallions in several of the equine classes offered at UW-RF.

Outside of school Beth enjoys hanging out with friends, riding horses, snowboarding, traveling and playing recreational sports.
 

Laura Kieser, Extension educator in agricultural production systems and member of the U of M Extension Dairy Team, was a national finalist in the National Association of County Agricultural Agents 'Search for Excellence in Livestock Production' for Carver County Dairy Day.
 

Dr. Ryan Cox (PI) and co-investigators Ryon Walker and Jolene Kelzer received a Grant-in-Aid of Research, Artistry, and Scholarship award of $27,270 from the U of M Office of the Vice President for Research. Project: Evaluation of fatty acid composition, retail shelf stability and consumer acceptance of beef enhanced with natural antioxidants from forage-finished cattle. Period: January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.  
 

- December 2009 -

3 - Solution-Driven Science Symposium: "Sustainable Animal Agriculture in the 21st Century" (1:00-5:00 pm), North Star Ballroom, Student Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. FREE. Registration required.

3 - NOTE DATE/LOCATION CHANGE! Minnesota Dairy Leaders Roundtable Meeting (9:30 a.m.-Noon), Cherrywood Room, St. Paul Campus Student Center, in conjunction with CFANS Solution-Driven Science Symposium: "Sustainable Animal Agriculture in the 21st Century" (1:00-5:00 pm). For more information about the Roundtable, contact: Ed Frederick, 507-835-3422.

3-5 - Minnesota State Cattlemen's Annual Convention and Trade Show, Cragun's Resort, Brainerd, MN. Contact: MSCA, 612- 850-5027 or maysteve@comcast.net.

7 - PQA Plus & TQA Training, Le Sueur County Fairgrounds, Le Center, MN. Contact: MN Pork Board, 800-537-7675 or colleen@mnpork.com.

7 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), Prairie Inn, Morris, MN. Contact: Grant Crawford, 320-234-0441.

8 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days (6:00-9:00 p.m.), Blue Mound Banquet Center, Luverne, MN. Contact: Grant Crawford, 320-234-0441.

8-9 - Midwest Dairy Expo, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: Minnesota Milk, 763-355-9697 or 877-577-0741 (toll-free).

9 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days (9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), Royal Loon, Slayton, MN. Contact: Grant Crawford, 320-234-0441.

9-11 - North Dakota Poultry Industries Convention, Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND. For more information, contact Protein Alliance, Inc. at 877-289-8875 or send email to Carl Wittenburg.

10 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.), Southwest ROC, Lamberton, MN. Contact: Grant Crawford, 320-234-0441.

10 - Minnesota Cattle Feeder Days (6:00-9:00 p.m.), LaQuinta Inn, Rochester, MN. Contact: Grant Crawford, 320-234-0441.

14 - PQA Plus & TQA Training, Farmers Room, Nobles County Government Center, Worthington, MN. Contact: MN Pork Board, 800-537-7675 or colleen@mnpork.com.

17 - PQA Plus & TQA Training, Southern ROC, Waseca, MN. Contact: MN Pork Board, 800-537-7675 or colleen@mnpork.com.

17 - Winterfest (11:30 a.m.), Department of Animal Science, 365 Haecker Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Kim Reno, 612-624-3491.

21 - 2009 CFANS Fall College Assembly (9:00-11:00 a.m.), 105 Cargill Bldg., U of M St. Paul Campus.

23 - Fall Semester ends. 

- January 2010 -

1 - University is Closed for New Year's Day holiday.

7 - PorkBridge: Marketing Your Hogs at the Ideal Weight. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

15 - Beef Quality Assurance Workshop (10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.), 125 Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Ryan Cox, U of M Meat Science, 612-624-3063 or Ron Eustice, MN Beef Council, 952-854-6980.

16 - Regional Horse Owner Education Program (1:00-4:00 p.m.), Heintz Center, Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester, MN. Register online at: www.regonline.com/RochesterHorse. Registration deadline: January 13, 2010.

18 - University is Closed for Martin Luther King holiday.

19 - Spring Semester begins.

20 - U of M Horse Team Quarterly Lunch and Learn Webinar Series (Noon-1:00 p.m.). Topic: Preventing and Treating Colic presented by Stephanie Valberg, DVM, PhD. To join the webinar, go to https://umconnect.umn.edu/horsewebinars on the day of the webinar.

21-22 - 5th Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Best Western Ramkota Inn, 3200 Maple Street, Sioux Falls, SD. Contact: JW Schroeder, 701-231-7663.

26-27 - Midwest Forage Association Symposium, Chula Vista Resort, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

27 - Legislative Briefing and Reception (5:30-7:30 p.m.), McNamara Alumni Center, Memorial Hall, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis.

- February 2010 -

2 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Staples, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

2 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Bagley, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

2 - Dairy Management Workshop, Holiday Inn, St. Cloud, MN. Contact: MN Milk, 763-355-9686 or 877-577-0741 (toll-free), or Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093.

3 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Lancaster, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

3 - Dairy Management Workshop, Holiday Inn & Suites, New Ulm, MN. Contact: MN Milk, 763-355-9686 or 877-577-0741 (toll-free), or Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093.

4 - Dairy Management Workshop, International Event Center, Rochester, MN. Contact: MN Milk, 763-355-9686 or 877-577-0741 (toll-free), or Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093.

4 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Baudette, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

5 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Grand Rapids, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

8 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Mora, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

8 - Minnesota Forage Days, Detroit Lakes, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

9 - Minnesota Forage Days, Cromwell, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

9 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Glenwood, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

10 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Pipestone, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

10 - Minnesota Forage Days, Avon, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

11 - Minnesota Forage Days, Lamberton, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

11 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Rochester, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

12 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), New Prague, MN. Contact: Ryon Walker, 763-767-3847 or Lori Schott, 320-225-5055.

12 - Minnesota Forage Days, Rochester, MN. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

- March 2010 -

9-12 - Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Capri Centre, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Contact: WCDS at University of Alberta, 780-492-3236.

15-19 - Spring Break.

17-18 - Midwest Poultry Federation Convention (pre-show on March 16), Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN.

27 - Regional Horse Owner Education Program (1:00-4:00 p.m.), Cloquet Forestry Center, Cloquet, MN. Register online at: www.regonline.com/CloquetHorse. Registration deadline: March 24, 2010.

- April 2010 -

12-17 - Minn Royal, U of M St. Paul Campus.