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  College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences

AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

February 2009

 
 
 

Notes from the Department Head
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  James G. Linn, Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science

Last month, I attended the annual meeting of Animal Science Department Heads and Chairs from across the U.S. in Atlanta, Georgia. The meeting involved a full day of discussion on items common to all animal science programs. As one would expect this year, the economy and university budgets were a major topic of discussion with almost all universities experiencing a budget deficit and looking for ways to reduce expenditures and increase revenues. However, despite the gloomy budget news, there were several bright spots related to programs, students and agricultural jobs. 

One bright spot was the fact that job markets for well trained animal science graduates with bachelor’s degrees or advanced degrees continue to be relatively strong. Most universities reported that companies have open positions and are still recruiting, and most of their seniors are getting job interviews. Advanced degree students are still in high demand, especially those with a combination of science knowledge and animal agricultural experience. A lengthy discussion then ensued as to what is a well trained animal science graduate and are we providing a curriculum to prepare students for future positions. One university reported on a recently completed survey from a limited number of animal science graduates from 1999 to 2003. The graduates indicated chemistry and math skills were of high importance along with communication and interpersonal skill building. They expressed a strong desire to have had more business management training and courses integrating discussion on current topics, government regulations and finances. Hands-on, practical lectures were the most important and webcast and/or large lectures were the least effective learning method.

From this discussion, criteria of what qualified and exemplified a strong curriculum in animal science were put forth. The criteria included a curriculum that taught students

  • critical thinking skills
  • problem solving abilities
  • good communication skills
  • team building and working experience

and provided them with

  • science-based animal science and agriculture knowledge
  • experiential learning with animals
  • and concluded with capstone courses.

I am proud to be able to say with great confidence that our curriculum in Animal Science is meeting all these criteria and doing so with the highest quality. We have maintained an excellent curriculum, which provides students with many opportunities to develop skills in math, science and communication. Our courses provide direct hands-on experiential learning with several farm animal species. Our seniors are taking capstone courses in areas that require the integration of their science learned skills with animal experiences, problem solving skills, team building experiences and good communication. The quality and strength of our curriculum is exemplified by our graduating seniors finding good jobs or continuing their academic careers in veterinary school or seeking other advanced degrees. Our most powerful contribution to a positive impact on the future of animal agriculture is educating our young people today for opportunities and roles in tomorrow’s industry and society.
  

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News and Announcements
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U of M Student Named 2009 MN Pork Industry Ambassador
Source: Minnesota Pork Producers Association

Justin Johnston was chosen as the 2009 Minnesota Pork Industry Ambassador during a competition held in conjunction with the Minnesota Pork Congress in Minneapolis on January 21 and 22. A three-judge panel selected Justin out of 14 county pork ambassadors.

The Minnesota Pork Board’s ambassador program strives to create a learning environment for young leaders in the pork industry, and provides opportunities for participants to increase their knowledge of the swine industry and to learn more about the issues affecting agriculture and livestock production.

Justin will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Minnesota Pork Board. Throughout the year, he will represent Minnesota’s 4,700 pork producing families at various pork-related functions across the state including consumer and producer educational events, and promotional activities that encourage pork consumption and public understanding of swine production.

The son of Lee and Judy Johnston of Morris, MN, Justin is an Animal Science major at the U of M , serves as the Stevens County Pork Ambassador, and is active in FFA and 4-H. Justin will receive an additional $250 for his winning essay on how and why livestock producers can build positive neighborhood relationships.
  

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U of M Hosts 2009 Midwest Dairy Challenge

The U of M was the host school for the Midwest Dairy Challenge contest this year. Dr. Marcia Endres was the local host coordinator and she served as coach to U of M students Pat Leuer, Amanda Rasmussen, Staci Sexton and Virginia Westlie. They traveled to Rochester on January 29 to participate in the event.

The contest was held January 29-31 in Rochester, MN. It featured 68 participants from 15 different schools. Schools that were represented included University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Lakeshore Technical College, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Northeast Iowa Community College, Ohio State University, Purdue University, Ridgewater College, South Dakota State University, SW Wisconsin Tech College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and UW Short Course.

Working in four- or five-person, mixed university teams, students assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm and presented recommendations for improvement to a panel of judges and the participating farm families. Students were given 90 minutes to visit and evaluate one of two dairies located in the region. Host dairies for this year’s contest were Gar-Lin Dairy (Eyota, MN) and Whitewater Dairy (Plainview, MN). We are very thankful for their participation.

After the farm visits, herd owners entertained questions from both students and judges about their farming operations. Armed with detailed production and financial records from the farms, as well as their own observations, the participants developed a presentation about what they saw and made suggestions for improvement. On Saturday, teams were given 20 minutes to present their suggestions. A Q&A session followed along with a critique of their presentation by a panel of judges.

Award levels are platinum, gold and silver. Amanda Rasmussen was member of a team that received a gold award, and Pat Leuer, Staci Sexton and Virginia Westlie received silver awards.

Congratulations to all students for a job well done!
  

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Another Strong Showing for B & B at Spring Barrow Show

The Block and Bridle (B & B) Club exhibited swine from the U of M Swine Research and Teaching Facility at the 2009 Minnesota State Spring Barrow Show held on February 5 and 6 at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds in Albert Lea, MN. With help from Sam Holst, Swine Facility Manager, members of the club were able to contribute to the fitting and exhibiting of the swine.

Thirteen animals were exhibited in total, with the club taking home the award for Reserve Champion Open Gilt. The club also won the lightweight truckload class as well as the middleweight truckload class. The swine facility and B & B helped to showcase the purebred swine industry as the middleweight truckload was a set of purebred Durocs.

Along with the success in the show ring, club members also won first place in the senior judging contest held earlier that day. The team consisted of Jackie Popowski, who placed tenth individually, Katie Church, placing sixth individually and Valerie Ujazdowski, who won the overall judging contest.

It was another strong showing and the club hopes for continued success in the future.

U of M Livestock Judging Team    Valerie Ujazdowski showing gilt

Above left: B & B members who participated in the judging event prior to the show. From left to right are Jackie Popowski, Justin Johnston, Katie Church and Valerie Ujazdowski. Above right: Valerie Ujazdowski shows one of the University pigs during the open gilt class, which took home the Reserve Champion prize.

Showing team
 

At left: B & B members collectively showed in three classes at the Spring Barrow Show. From left to right are Sam Holst, Brandon Thesing, Jackie Popowski and Valerie Ujazdowski.

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Graduate School to Restructure

The U of M has announced a restructuring of the Graduate School in an effort to enhance graduate education for students, strengthen the programs, and reduce costs. The current Graduate School will be changed from a free-standing administrative unit, to which all graduate programs report, to the Office of Graduate Education within the Provost's Office.

The Office for Graduate Education will approve changes to Ph.D. programs, promote and facilitate the evolution of new interdisciplinary programs, and serve as an advocate for graduate education. Ultimate responsibility and accountability for the quality of individual graduate programs will reside with collegiate deans and their faculties.

New reporting lines will be effective July 1, 2009 with full implementation expected by fall 2010. Learn more about the restructuring plans on the Provost's Office website.
  

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Minnesota Royal is 93

The 93rd Annual Minnesota Royal will take place the week of April 13-18, 2009 on the U of M St. Paul Campus. Minnesota Royal is a celebration of agriculture in Minnesota and a rich tradition that goes back to the year 1916 when it was known as Ag Royal.

Minnesota Royal events are open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and those from the surrounding community. Alumni and Showmanship Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 18. For a complete list of events and more detailed information, visit the Minnesota Royal website.
  

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For Shurson, 50 is the New 20

Dr. Jerry Shurson turned the big FIVE-O on February 2nd. Swine graduate students Christina Phillips, Luis Souza, Jenna Pomerenke, Sarah Shieck, Ran Song, Xiaojing Li and Pai Liu, and undergraduate Aldane Greco helped Jerry celebrate the momentous occasion by throwing him a black-themed surprise birthday party.

The students decorated his office with black balloons and streamers, dressed in black, and served a black (chocolate) cake decorated with a Hampshire pig and the sentiment “50 is the NEW 20”. They all feasted on pizza and enjoyed a variety of other foods that students brought in including fried rice, chips with guacamole and salsa, and veggies with dip.

Dr. Shurson celebrates his 50th birthday   Dr. Shurson with students

Happy Birthday, Jerry!
  

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Gopher Dairy Camp - A Great Place to Develop Skills

Gopher Dairy Camp is a great place for students to start developing animal fitting and judging skills, and to make new friends. The 3-day camp is for those who want to increase their dairy cattle expertise and learn about show ring preparation of cattle including feeding, grooming and showmanship. Students will participate in hands-on fitting demonstrations, dairy workshops and a dairy cattle judging clinic. Other camp highlights are the Gopher Gold auction and Friday evening activities.

"The relationships built, partnered with the dairy knowledge gained, make Gopher Dairy Camp a great value,” said Gopher Dairy Club Vice-President Lucas Sjostrom of Bernadotte, MN.

This year is the sixth annual Gopher Dairy Camp, which is sponsored by the Minnesota 4-H Dairy Committee and the U of M's Gopher Dairy Club. The camp will be held June 11-13, 2009 on the U of M St. Paul Campus.

Participants must have completed the sixth grade but have not yet started twelfth grade. Campers from all states are welcome; however, registration will be limited to the first 100 who apply.

Lodging for two evenings will be in Bailey Hall, the dormitory on the St. Paul Campus. All costs (dorms, meals, and materials) are included in the $80 registration fee. Donations cover about one half of the cost of the camp. Registration materials may be downloaded from the Gopher Dairy Camp website. Call 612-625-9294 to have registration materials mailed out.

The Gopher Dairy Club, a co-sponsor of the event, is the largest student organization at the U of M and is involved in many activities to promote the dairy industry—including the Dairy Bar at the Minnesota State Fair.
  

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Learn About the CFANS Undergrad Education Strategic Plan

Claiming Our Future: Launching the Strategic Plan for CFANS Undergraduate Education will take place on February 27, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in the North Star Ballroom, St. Paul Student Center. Plan to attend this interactive and conversation-based event where the final undergraduate strategic plan will be shared with the CFANS community.

Come learn about the College budget process, where we are in the current economic climate, the admissions process, recruitment strategies, and how CFANS will create a culture and a St. Paul campus identity that is inclusive.

The day will include panel discussions with University and College leadership, round table conversations, and an interactive fair. Bring your lunch to the fair and visit with faculty, staff and students at interactive booths designed to provide more information about the opportunities, key priorities and initiatives associated with the strategic plan.

While attendance for the entire day would be beneficial, it is structured in a way that allows people to come and go based on their schedules. For more information on the strategic planning process, and to review supporting documents and background information that has shaped the plan, visit CFAN’s strategic planning website.
  

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Economy the the U Website

A new website has been created to address the serious budget challenges that the U of M faces as a result of the current economic crisis and the state’s budget deficit. Economy and the U provides ongoing information about the challenges ahead, key communications from University leaders, links to related information, and support resources for employees and supervisors.

The site also provides the opportunity to share ideas and make cost savings suggestions. Anyone may submit a response to a specific question, which will be shared with University leaders and considered for implementation. That question will change periodically to focus on different strategies for cost savings.

Please visit the new Economy and the U website. Check the site periodically for updates and watch for upcoming events such as Support the U Day on February 25 at the state capitol.
 

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PorkBridge 2009 Focuses on Grow-Finish

The distance educational series, PorkBridge, will begin its 4th year in March. Driven by popular demand, the PorkBridge 2009-2010 educational series features a new lineup of speakers and topics focused on the grow-finish segment of the pork production chain.

PorkBridge provides relevant and accurate information on specific topics to people who own, manage or work in swine grow-finish facilities. Producers can get the information they need without the hassle of traveling or giving up an entire day to attend a meeting.

The PorkBridge program combines electronic information viewed on computer with live oral presentations by topic experts via phone. The week before each session, subscribers receive a CD containing that session's topic-specific presentation and additional information. Each session is 90 minutes, beginning at noon Central time.

The cost for participating in this subscription-only series is $125. This covers materials and phone calls for all six sessions, which are scheduled on an every other month basis from March 2009 through January 2010. Enroll by February 20, 2009 in order to participate in the first session on March 5, 2009.

The PorkBridge brochure outlines dates, topics and speakers for each session, and provides contact information and a registration form. Registration can also be made by phone (contact Sherry Hoyer at 515-294-4496). Any questions may be directed to Mark Whitney at 507-389-5541.
  

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Living on the Land Workshop Series at Two Locations

The Living on the Land Workshop Series, being offered this spring by U of M Extension, is for those who dream of owning acreage in the country or those who have an existing acreage in need of a plan and strategies for the best possible results.

Living on the Land is an eight-week course designed to arm landowners with agricultural information enabling them to be good stewards of their 40-acre (or less) tracts. The course will begin with goal setting and individual property inventory, then address soil, plant and water basics.

The Living on the Land curriculum addresses a growing need for information about small acreages. The workshop series incorporates knowledge and experience from a team of instructors to explore what you have, what you want, and what you can do with your land. Additional topics address water quality, protecting household drinking water, how plants grow, what to do about weeds, lawn and pasture maintenance, and getting down and dirty with soils. Participants will receive numerous educational publications, an educational farm tour and dinner, and a site visit consultation by a U of M Extension educator.

The series will be taught by Extension educators and natural resource professionals at two locations: Wednesday evenings (6:30-9:30 p.m.) at the Rogers Community Room (Rogers, MN) March 4 to April 29, and Thursday evenings (6:30-9:30 p.m.) at the U of M Extension office in Scott County (near Jordan, MN) March 5 to April 30. Register for only one location. Space is limited at each location so register soon.

Early registration is $150 until February 24 and $175 for registrations received after that date. The registration fee includes participation of two people; for example, a husband and wife team or two siblings who may attend together and share materials.

For more information or to register, visit the Extension online registration website for Living on the Land at http://umnext.cmiregistration.com/ProgramHome.aspx, or contact Betsy Gilkerson Wieland, Hennepin County Extension Educator (612-596-1175 or eliza003@umn.edu).
  

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Living on the Land Livestock Workshop to be held in St. Paul

The Living on the Land Livestock Workshop Series is a three-week course for those interested in or currently raising livestock. Workshop topics will cover health, feeding, facilities, manure management and other aspects of raising livestock. Several livestock species will be discussed.

Living on the Land Livestock workshops will be held on on the U of M St. Paul Campus on Monday evenings (6:30-9:45 p.m.) from May 4 to May 18. Early registration is $50 until April 24 and all registrations received after that will be $75. The registration fee includes participation of two people; for example, a husband and wife team or two siblings, who may attend together and share materials.

For additional information, please contact Wayne Martin, Alternative Livestock Systems Extension Educator (612-625-6224 or marti067@umn.edu). Register for Living on the Land Livestock online at http://umnext.cmiregistration.com/ProgramDetail.aspx/LivingLandLivestockStPaul.
  

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B&B Annual Pig Sale in April

The U of M Block & Bridle (B & B) Club will hold its 4th Annual Club Pig Sale on Sunday, April 19th at 2:00 p.m. in the Livestock Pavilion on the St. Paul Campus. This year's consignors include U of M Swine Farm, Storm Showpigs, Lind Family, OC Swine Genetics, Beyer Brothers, and Kelton and Owen Rozeboom. All pigs are eligible for Minnesota and Wisconsin state fairs.

For more information, contact Katie Church (651-271-6463), Matt Pearson (320-221-1086) or Justin Johnston (320-287-1057).
  

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Nominate a Deserving Someone for a College-Level Award

Consider submitting a nomination for an outstanding member of your unit as a way to recognize their contributions to your unit, CFANS and the U of M. This year, a new award is being introduced to recognize faculty for outstanding graduate and professional education.

The 2008-2009 CFANS Award categories are listed below and are linked to more information about each individual award including the nomination process and required materials.

All nomination materials are due via electronic submission to Holly Klinger by noon on March 23, 2009. Questions about these college-level awards should be directed to Holly (612-624-0822 or kling175@umn.edu).

CFANS awards will be presented during the College Assembly in May. In addition to the college-level awards, the CFANS Honors and Awards Committee wants to ensure all faculty and staff award winners are recognized during the spring College Assembly. All known award winners and their awards will be included in the College Assembly program. Non-University awards (and even some offered at the University level) can be difficult to track. Please help with awards record keeping by completing the Award Announcement Form.
  

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Graduating This May?

Check out GradFest! GradFest is the U of M's annual graduation event that promises "no hassle for a tassel". This is the official one-stop source for graduation information, services and products. GradFest will save you time and money while preparing for commencement and life after college.

GradFest 2009 will take place in Great Hall in Coffman Memorial Union on March 25 (10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.) and March 26 (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). There you can pick up a cap and gown, order graduation announcements, have a commencement portrait taken, join the Alumni Association, have your resume evaluated, learn about health care options, and much more.

For more information about the event, visit the GradFest 2009 website.

Apply for CFANS Commencement by March 6! CFANS Commencement will take place on Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Northrop Auditorium. The College has only one ceremony during the year so if you wish to walk in the commencement ceremony, you must apply by March 6, 2009.

Students who graduated in Fall 2008 and those who have applied for Spring 2009 will be automatically invited. If you intend to graduate May Session 2009, Summer Session 2009 or Fall 2009 and you wish to march, you need to fill out the on-line graduation application to be invited to the spring 2009 commencement.

Any questions about CFANS Commencement may be directed to Linda at 612-625-8778 or Karen at 612-625-5233.
  

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Wilson and Badass Finally Make Peace

You may have seen Wilson romping through the hallways of Haecker Hall with Dr. Marshall Stern recently. Wilson is the newest addition to the Stern family... and he's finally beginning to feel at home. The yellow lab puppy had made peace with Badass the family cat (photos below).

Wilson and BA   Wilson and BA
  

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Graduate Student Profile
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Lance Hellstrom

Lance Hellstrom is a first year Animal Science graduate student pursuing a Master's degree focusing on molecular biology. His advisor is Dr. Doug Foster. Lance’s research consists of tracking the evolutionary change of the swine influenza virus and how he can use the information to form a vaccine.

Lance is originally from Worthington, MN. He completed a BS in Animal Science and a minor in Chemistry at South Dakota State University in 2007. He then went on to work in Research and Development at Newport Laboratories in Worthington. After working full time for a year, Lance decided to advance his education with the full cooperation of the company to benefit both parties involved.

During his leisure time, Lance enjoys being active. Some of his favorite activities are downhill skiing, snowboarding, water skiing, riding motorcycle, hanging out with friends and even helping out on his home farm.
  

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Congratulations!
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The Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering is celebrating its 100th year of engineering education, research and extension at the U of M.

On February 16, Jamie Larson successfully defended her doctoral thesis "Supplementation of progesterone on establishment of pregnancy, resynchronization of estrus, and development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos". Jamie's advisors are Drs. Cliff Lamb and Alfredo DiCostanzo.

Ahnna Olson, U of M alumnus and former Animal Science student office assistant, has accepted a position as a credit associate with AgStar in Blue Earth, MN. She starts her new job on March 2.

U of M undergraduate Abby Udermann is the Department’s new student office assistant. Abby be working out of Room 305 Haecker Hall. Stop by to welcome her and introduce yourself.
     

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Recent Grants
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Dr. Doug Foster was awarded $35,741 by the Midwest Poultry Research Program. Project title: Development of immunogens to protect against turkey cellulitis. Period: 9/1/08-8/31/08.

Dr. Sally Noll was awarded $26,439 by the Midwest Poultry Research Program. Project title: Market turkey response to dietary protein as an energy source - Is Protein the new ‘fat’? Period: 9/1/08-8/31/09.
 

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Calendar of Events
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- February 2009 -

3 - Dairy Management Workshop, Mulligan's at the Lakeside Golf Club, Perham, MN. Contact: MMPA, 763-355-9686.

4 - Dairy Management Workshop, College of St. Benedict Gorecki Conference Center, St. Joseph, MN. Contact: MMPA, 763-355-9686.

5 - Dairy Management Workshop, International Event Center, Rochester, MN. Contact: MMPA, 763-355-9686.

5-6 - 65th Minnesota State Spring Barrow Show, Freeborn County Fairgrounds, Albert Lea, MN. Contact: Daryl Mattson, 507-265-3482 or Clair Drescher, 507-874-3780.

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.), Fish Lake Resort, Mora, MN. Contact: Mora Extension Office, 320-225-5050.

9 - 2009 Minnesota Forage Days, Southwest ROC, Lamberton, MN. Contact: Doug Holen or Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

10 - 2009 Minnesota Forage Days, Savanna Portage, Floodwood, MN. Contact: Russ Mathison, or Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

10 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Central Lakes College, Staples, MN. Contact: Todd County Extension Office, 320-732-4435.

10 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), American Legion, Bagley, MN. Contact: Clearwater County Extension, 218-694-6151.

11 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), American Legion, Lancaster, MN. Contact: Kittson County Extension, 218-843-3674.

11 - 2009 Minnesota Forage Days, ClubHouse Hotel, Detroit Lakes, MN. Contact: Doug Holen or Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

12 - 2009 Minnesota Forage Days, American Legion, Royalton, MN. Contact: Dan Martens or Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

12 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Sportsmen's Lodge, Baudette, MN. Contact: Itasca County Extension, 218-327-5958.

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

13 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids, MN. Contact: Itasca County Extension, 218-327-5958.

13 - 2009 Minnesota Forage Days, UCR Heintz Center, Rochester, MN. Contact: Lisa Behnken or Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

14 - Happy Valentine's Day!  heart

16 - 17th Annual Carver County/U of M Dairy Expo, Central High School, Norwood-Young America, MN. Contact: Laura Kieser, 952-492-5410.

17 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Minnewaska House, Glenwood, MN. Contact: Kandiyohi County Extension, 320-231-7890.

18 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), MN West Community & Technical College, Pipestone, MN. Contact: Pipestone County Extension, 507-825-6715.

19 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Holiday Inn South, Rochester, MN. Contact: Mora Extension Office, 320-225-5050.

20 - MN Beef Cow/Calf Day (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), KC Hall, New Prague, MN. Contact: Rice County Extension, 507-332-6109.

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

25 - Support the U Day, State Capitol, St. Paul, MN.
 

- March 2009 -

4 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Pizza Ranch, Pipestone, MN. Local contact: Merri Post, 507-825-6784.

Mar 4-Apr 29 - Living on the Land Workshop Series (Wednesdays 6:30-9:30 p.m. for 8 weeks), Rogers Community Center, Roger, MN. Contact: Betsy Gilkerson Wieland, 612-596-1175. Online registration: http://umnext.cmiregistration.com/ProgramHome.aspx.

Mar 5-Apr 30 - Living on the Land Workshop Series (Thursdays 6:30-9:30 p.m. for 8 weeks) - U of M Extension Office, Scott County (near Jordan, MN). Contact: Betsy Gilkerson Wieland, 612-596-1175. Online registration: http://umnext.cmiregistration.com/ProgramHome.aspx.

14 - POSTPONED until October 24 with location change to Red Horse Ranch Arena, Fergus Falls, MN - Winter Regional Horse Owner Program, Ottertail, MN. Contact: Krishona Martinson, 612-625-6776. Press release.

19 - Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet, North Star Ballroom, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Steve Pooch, 651-288-4314.

24-26 - Dairy Calf & Heifer Association National Conference, Tucson, AZ. Contact: Hugh Chester-Jones, 507-837-5618 or Dairy Calf & Heifer Association, 636-449-5077.
  

- April 2009 -

13-18 - Minnesota Royal, U of M St. Paul Campus.

19 - Block & Bridle 4th Annual Club Pig Sale (2:00 p.m.), Livestock Pavilion, U of M St. Paul Campus.
  

- May 2009 -

4-18 - Living on the Land Livestock Workshop Series (Mondays 6:30-9:45 p.m. for 3 weeks), U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Wayne Martin, 612-625-6224. Online registration: http://umnext.cmiregistration.com/ProgramDetail.aspx/LivingLandLivestockStPaul.

10 - CFANS Commencement (2:00 p.m.), Northrop Auditorium, U of M Minneapolis Campus.

19-21 - Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education, 612-624-3434 or 800-380-8636.
 

- June 2009 -

11-13 - Gopher Dairy Camp, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Brad Heins, 612-625-9294.
  

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