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AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science
February 2010 |
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Notes from the Department Head | Faculty Highlights | News & Announcements | Graduate Student Profile | Congratulations
Recent Grants | Calendar of Events | Animal Science Seminars | External Employment Opportunities |
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Notes from the Department Head
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Minnesota just released a county health report ranking the citizens of Jackson County the healthiest of all Minnesotans. Jackson County is located in Southwest Minnesota and is primarily an agricultural crop and livestock community. The health of people in a particular region is dependent on many factors including access to health care, personal life styles, education, and environment. I was intrigued by an interview I heard on public radio discussing the report when the woman being interviewed listed 4-H, FFA and working in agriculture, particularly with livestock, among the positive factors contributing to good health. This person credited the work ethic, working outside, and the exercise that youth receive in raising animals and participating in livestock programs as healthy factors. She also inferred these factors were important in adulthood and contributed to the good health of citizens in Jackson County.
As I listened to this report, I started thinking, are we in the Animal Science program contributing to the health of our students? If working with animals has a health link, to what degree are students taking animal science courses being exposed to this healthier lifestyle? We teach about 40 undergraduate courses each year not counting tutorials, research opportunities, or special problems/workshops. Of these 40 courses, I conservatively counted 16 that have some to moderate levels of direct hands-on animal learning activities involving dairy, beef, swine, or sheep. Most all of the learning animal laboratories occur in one of our animal units, but some courses take students to commercial farms. Many of our other courses involve discussions or lectures on animals and/or use animal models in class; they just don’t offer the direct live hands-on learning experience.
If working with animals contributes to a healthier lifestyle, I’d like to think we are doing our part in helping keep University of Minnesota Animal Science students healthy. I would also add, animal science programs are a whole body fitness program as we challenge and exercise the mind as well as the body in the animal science curriculum.
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Faculty Highlights
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Faculty Highlights is expected to return next month.
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News and Announcements
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Undergrad from China Working with Swine Group
 The Animal Science swine group will have the company of a visiting student from China for the next two months. Mo Jia is originally from Beijing, the capital city of China. Currently on winter break, Mo Jia is a third year undergraduate student majoring in veterinary medicine at the Northwest Agriculture and Forest University in China. There he works as a lab assistant with Dr. Yong Zhang, a professor of animal genetics. Although Mo Jia is studying veterinary medicine in China, he is also very interested in animal science, especially swine nutrition, which is what brought him to the U of M.
During his stay, Mo Jia will work with the swine group, and Dr. Jerry Shurson will serve as his advisor. "It is a great opportunity for me to learn about swine nutrition, help graduate students with their projects and experience a different culture from China," Mo Jia said.
Mo Jia likes music and, in his spare time, he plays bass with fellow band members. He also spends some leisure time playing tennis, his favorite sport.
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Visiting Scholar to Spend 3 Months in Morris, 3 Months in St. Paul
 Dr. Lihua Wang, an associate professor at the Qingdao Agricultural University in China, came to Minnesota in December 2009 on a grant awarded by the Shandong
Province that supports outstanding young
faculty to work abroad for six months. The objectives of her visit are to explore the possibility of establishing collaborations with U of M faculty, exchange research ideas and be exposed to research being conducted at the U of M, and to learn novel teaching approaches by observing classes, seminars and workshops. To get the breadth of the CFANS, she will spend three months at the WCROC in Morris and three months at the St. Paul campus.
At the WCROC, Dr. Wang is working with Dr. Yuzhi Li and is actively involved in several research projects in the
alternative swine production program.
She assists with data collection, data
analysis, literature search, as well as drafting
manuscripts. To get the first-hand experience,
she also works in the swine barns
to help with videotaping the behavior of pigs,
and catheterizing and bleeding sows. Although the U of M
has a long history of exchanging scholars
with China, Dr. Wang is the first visiting
scholar at the WCROC who is from China.
In St. Paul, Dr. Wang will work with the dairy extension team and learn about our dairy management program, including feed management, dairy welfare and organic dairy production. She will also observe classes and get
involved in teaching on the St Paul campus.
After earning a Ph.D. at the Northeast
Agricultural University, she took a
faculty position at the College of Animal
Science and Technology, Qingdao Agricultural
University. Currently, Dr. Wang advises
six graduate students. She lectures
to both undergraduate and graduate students, and the classes she teaches include
Evaluation of Feed Ingredients, Environmental
Management, and Livestock Housing.
Her research program focuses on
small ruminant nutrition.
Dr. Wang grew up in northeast China. She now lives in Qingdao, a beautiful city by the coast in Shandong Province, with her husband and their 7-year old daughter. Wang has been enjoying her stay in Minnesota. She says, “The winter
here reminds me of my home town.”
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U of M Alumnus and Pork Magazine Editor Receives Distinguished Service Award
Source: Amy Brandel, Director of Communication, Minnesota Pork Board
Rice County native and Pork magazine editor, Marlys Miller, merges her pork production knowledge with communication skills to provide U.S. pork producers the information and commentary necessary for the 21st century. Miller’s dedication to accurately report and analyze pork production trends and issues are among the reasons that she was selected as the recipient of the Minnesota Pork Industry’s 2010 Distinguished Service Award, which is sponsored by Minnesota Farm Bureau.
Miller has a 22-year history at Pork magazine as associate editor and editor, and served nearly four years at the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) as editor of producer communications. She grew up on a Morristown, MN, crop and livestock farm and graduated from the U of M with degrees in agricultural journalism and animal science. She and husband, Tony Smick, live in Madison, WI, although her ties to Minnesota remain strong through family and career.
"I've always had a soft spot for the Minnesota pork industry and Minnesota pork producers," she said. "They are innovative folks and I've always held them in high regard."
Her parents raised purebred Chester Whites, and Miller, a sister and two brothers all took part in showing pigs through 4-H and open class. She combined her interest in pork production and writing by pursuing a journalism career. Among her career mentors are older brother and National Hog Farmer magazine editor, Dale Miller, plus several encouraging U of M professors who both challenged and advocated for their students.
She understands the importance of speaking with a common voice to get results. Resources in the legislative arena, she says, should focus on a message that all pork producers can support—feeding people—rather than trying to impose a production method or type of product on all pork producers.
"That is how you make progress and keep from getting beat up," she said. "There are not enough people (in agriculture) to remain dissected. Agriculture needs to join together more and speak in support of what we do—feed Americans and the world efficiently."
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Boniface Recognized at ASI Convention
Source: American Sheep Industry Association
Richard ‘Dick’ Boniface of Oak Grove, MN, received the Camptender Award at the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)/National Lamb Feeders Association Convention in Nashville, TN on January 22, 2010. The Camptender Award is presented to a professional in the sheep and wool industry who has shown a strong commitment and made significant positive and long-lasting contributions to the industry above and beyond what is called for in his/her professional capacity.
Boniface began and finished his wool-marketing career at the North Central Wool Marketing Corporation, a regional co-op. He started working on a grading crew in the warehouse, became a wool buyer, supervisor of field staff, and Director of Public Relations. During his time there, he originated the grade and yield method of marketing wool. This made it possible to sell an individual producer’s wool on the current market based on its quality and yield. In addition, he implemented and helped operate the wool-testing lab. He traveled and spoke at grower meetings and events in many states, and organized and led buyer-training sessions throughout the fleece wool states. As Public Relations Director, he arranged annual meetings and edited the company paper “The Wool Sack”, which had a circulation of 20,000 that included wool growers, industry personnel and agriculture libraries in the U.S. and abroad.
Boniface worked with the Universities of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa State, North Dakota State, and South Dakota State teaching livestock classes the basics of wool grades and proper wool preparation with lectures or warehouse tours. He was also a popular wool show judge, which included over 20 years at the Wisconsin State Fair.
Boniface helped organize the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association (MLWP)
and continues to support the organization's events at the Minnesota State Fair. He is a donor of 4-H State Fair awards in Lamb Lead and the wool show. Dick and his wife, Juanita, have been long time contributing buyers at the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Auction in sheep. The Dick Boniface and Juanita Reed-Boniface 4-H Endowment was established to assure support of these awards for the future. Dick and Juanita also sponsor special awards for several categories of hand constructed wool items in the Creative Activities Department at the Minnesota State Fair.
From 1997 to 2008, Dick and Juanita were program coordinators for the Minnesota Foundation for Responsible Animal Care through their consulting firm, JRB Associates, Inc. They gave leadership to designing and implementing Minnesota’s Livestock Quality Assurance and Ethics Program for young producers, a program that now reaches 40,000 youth in the Minnesota 4-H program. In 2004, they were inducted into the Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame, and today they both serve as officers of the Anoka County Farm Bureau.
 Acknowledging he had been given a great honor, Boniface said while accepting his award, “It’s been a privilege to spend my career working in this industry. It’s not a job that has made me a millionaire, but I am rich in another way. Getting to know and work with hundreds of the greatest people in the world—the farmers and ranchers in the North Central and Western parts of the United States—has been truly rewarding. The friends I gained through my work are among my life’s prized possessions.”
Pictured at left is the American Sheep Industry (ASI) Camptender award winner, Dick Boniface with his wife Juanita, his "partner in agriculture" and a partner in her family beef operation at Ainsworth, NE. This award is one of four given to industry leaders each year at the ASI National Convention held recently in Nashville. |
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Students Win Reserve Champion in First Judging Contest
In their first competition of the year, a team of Minnesota students brought home Reserve top honors from the National Western Stock Show Collegiate Judging Contest. Minnesota team members along with their coaches, Kyle Rozeboom and Greg Harder, traveled to Denver, CO, January 15-16, 2010, where they competed against 135 contestants from 27 universities.
Competing in two judging events, the Minnesota team won Reserve top honors in the Carload Cattle Judging Contest and placed 13th in the general livestock contest. Two Minnesota students also earned top ten honors individually in the Carload Contest; Amanda Zwieg was 6th and Tyler Evink earned 8th high overall.
Pictured above are the members of the Minnesota Livestock Judging Team (L-R): Greg Harder (coach), Matte Pearson (Grove City, MN), Justin Johnston (Morris, MN), Amanda Zwieg (Lowry, MN), Tyler Evink (Morris, MN), Brandi Modene (Hartland, MN), Dan Fox (Rosemount, MN), Lakyn Lind (Rushford, MN), Andy Kryzer (Lewiston, MN), and Kyle Rozeboom (coach).
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GDC Recognition Banquet was Impressive to Those in Attendance
More than 210 people—members, parents of members, and industry representatives—attended the 26th annual recognition banquet of the Gopher Dairy Club (GDC) mid-day on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at the Ramada Plaza hotel near the U of M St. Paul campus. Charlie Schiller, GDC President, was emcee for the banquet. Vice President Jessica Achen provided the invocation and introduced the featured speaker, who was CEO/Executive Secretary John Meyer of the Holstein Association USA, Brattleboro, VT.
Welcomes were provided by Department Head Jim Linn, CFANS Dean Allen Levine, and Princess Kay of the Milky Way Elizabeth Olson. |
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The club's Distinguished Service Award was presented to Michele Dammann Schroeder for her tremendous contributions to the Gopher Dairy Camp since its inception. Larry Tande was presented the Golden Graduate Award, and this was just the second time the award has been presented to an alumnus of the U of M. An oral citation for Mr. Tande was presented by David Pierson, who is also an alumnus of the U of M.
Plaques, sponsored by the Midwest Dairy Association, were presented to the senior dairy cattle judging team. The U of M's two nominees to the National Dairy Shrine's (NDS) Student Recognition Competition, Jessica Achen and Charlie Schiller, received plaques sponsored by Genex/CR. Members of the Dairy Challenge team received plaques sponsored by Minnesota Select Sires.
The Douglas Siem Memorial Cash Award of $2,000 was presented to freshman Jacob Achen. Gopher Dairy Club new student cash awards of $1,500 were presented to Willie Coyne, Taylor Engquist, David Hanson, Mikayla Krause, Emily Krekelberg, Kyle Mathews, Isaac Salfer, Ashley Swenson, and Theresa Twohey. The R.W. Touchberry Outstanding Junior Award in Animal Science was presented to Brandon Thesing. Outstanding Rookie Awards were presented to both Karen Anderson and Elizabeth Olson, and Staci Sexton was the Outstanding Senior. A slide show reviewing the senior club trip to California in January rounded out the festivities.
Brandon Thesing (left), winner of the R.W. Touchberry Outstanding Junior Award, and Staci Sexton (right), Outstanding Senior. |
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Michelle Dammann Schroeder (left) was presented with the GDC Distinguished Service Award by Erica Seitzer (right).
Larry Tande (left) received the Golden Graduate Award presented by David Pierson (right), a Lake City, MN dairy producer.
Charlie Schiller (left) and Jessica Achen (right), NDS Student Recognition nominees, received plaques presented by Judd Hansen (center), a representative of Genex/CRI. |
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Shurson Speaks at NPB Symposium
At the National Pork Board (NPB) Symposium on the Role of Fat Quality in Pork Processing, Dr. Jerry Shurson presented a research summary on the effects of feeding biofuels co-products on pork fat quality. The data he presented came primarily from studies conducted by the U of M swine group over the past few years.
Over 80 people representing all of the major North American pork packer/processors, nutritionists and researchers attended the symposium held in Des Moines, IA, on January 19, 2010. The goal of the symposium was to identify challenges in measuring and improving pork fat quality in the U.S. pork industry.
Jenna Pomerenke (M.S. student advised by Shurson) and Aldane Greco (B.S. student advised by Shurson) also attended the symposium.
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Christians Receives Silver Bell Award
 Animal Science professor emeritus Dr. Charles Christians received the 2009 Silver Bell Award from the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association at the Shepherd's Holiday conference and trade show held in Alexandria, MN, in December. The Silver Bell Award recognizes those who have excelled in modern sheep, lamb, or wool production for over 25 years.
Christians made numerous contributions to the sheep industry over his career including the development of new lines of Montadale sheep and his involvement in the Montadale Regeneration Project, a project designed to increase the genetic base of the Montadale breed. He also helped establish Country Meadow Farms, a cooperative that markets its products to Twin Cities natural foods stores. His passion for the sheep industry extends to helping producers and getting youth involved in the industry.
Congratulations, Chuck!
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Grassfed Exchange Seminar and Sale
The Grassfed Exchange is a coordinated effort of producers and buyers of grass-fed genetics whose purpose is to promote grass-fed beef, educate consumers and producers through the exchange of ideas and the development of strategies to increase the value of the grass-fed industry, to improve genetics for the grass-fed industry, and to improve the skills of grass-fed producers.
On February 26, 2010, the Grassfed Exchange is holding a seminar titled "Live Evaluation of Grassfed Genetics" followed by a grass-fed cattle sale on the 27th. Both events will take place at the Stockmen's Livestock Market in Yankton, SD. All seminar sessions will be hands-on demonstrations with livestock and equipment, and the topics will cover finishability/marketability, cutability/ultrasound, longevity/fertility, functionality/bonsma, and cow efficiency.
Registration for this 2-day event begins on the 26th at 9:00 a.m., and the seminar will start at 10:00 a.m. Livestock display pens will be available for viewing on both days from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the sale will take place at 1:00 p.m. on the 27th. On the 26th at 6:00 p.m., a grass-fed steak dinner will be held at nearby Kelly Inn.
To register for the seminar, contact UNL Extension in Knox County, NE (tel: 402-288-5611). For more information about the sale and livestock display, please contact Wayne Rasmussen or visit the Grassfed Exchange website.
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U of M Extension Offers Workshops for Small Farm and Acreage Owners
Do you have the dream of owning acreage in the country? Do you have an existing acreage that is need of a plan and strategies for the best possible results? Get answers to all of your land management questions at the Living on the Land Workshop Series being offered this spring by U of M Extension.
The eight-week course is designed to arm landowners with agricultural information to enable them to be good stewards of their 40-acre (or less) tract. 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 regarding small acreages. The class series incorporates knowledge and experience from a team of instructors to address topics on goal setting and property inventory, understanding available resources and regulations, water quality, soils and farm equipment, how plants grow, what to do about weeds, and lawn and pasture maintenance. The workshop also includes a tour of a local small farm operation.
The series will be taught by Extension educators and natural resource professionals, and offered at two locations. Register for only one location:
- Monticello High School - Tuesday evenings from March 2-April 20, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- Ranchero Supper Club in Webster - Thursday evenings from March 4-April 22, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Early registration is $150 until February 19, 2010 and all registrations received after will be $175. 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. Benefits include numerous educational publications, an educational farm tour and dinner, a site visit consultation from a U of M Extension educator in your area, as well as the tools to help you succeed with your goals and dreams on your country acreage.
Register now because space is limited at each location. Visit the Small Farm Extension website for more information and for additional details about registration. Questions or requests for brochures may be directed to Brenda Postels regarding the Monticello location at 763-682-7394 or post0060@umn.edu, or Laura Kieser regarding the Webster location at 952-466-5306 or torb0022@umn.edu.
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2010 PQA Plus and TQA Training Programs in Minnesota
U of M Extension and Minnesota Pork Board will again be teaming up to provide a number of Pork Quality Assurance (PQA Plus) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) training and certification programs throughout Minnesota in 2010. Both programs are being required by most hog packers, and certification is valid for 3 years.
PQA Plus training sessions cover ten on-farm good production practices that affect pork quality while discussing current issues affecting animal welfare and describing the PQA Plus site assessment process. Adults who successfully complete the training receive PQA Plus certification.
TQA training sessions educate individuals in pig behavior, animal handling and transport, and involve passing an open-book exam for certification.
Participation by pork producers in these quality assurance programs demonstrates to consumers and the public that our pork industry takes food safety and animal welfare very seriously, and that we implement production practices to ensure the highest level of both. There is no cost to attend any of the sessions, but pre-registration is requested by calling the Minnesota Pork Board office at 800-537-7675.
Training sites include Albert Lea, Melrose, Marshall, Waseca, Rochester, Morris, Mankato, Fergus Falls, Hutchinson, and Worthington. An updated schedule of quality assurance trainings is maintained at the Minnesota Pork Board website.
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National Swine Nutrition Guide to be Distributed
The National Swine Nutrition Guide will be distributed and explained at a series of regional conferences, including one held in Owatonna, MN, on March 11, 2010. The National Swine Nutrition Guide, funded by a United Soybean Board grant, was developed in collaboration with land-grant universities, agri-businesses, and the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence. The guide, consisting of nutrition fact sheets, nutrient recommendation tables, and diet formulation and evaluation software, will be included with an $80 conference registration or available for purchase separately for $125.
The training conferences will be administered by members of the National Swine Nutrition Guide Steering Committee. The sessions will focus on the use and application of the guide and also will include a demonstration of the Diet Formulation and Evaluation software program.
To learn more about the National Swine Nutrition Guide, please visit the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence website or call 515-294-8891. Online registration is available through the Iowa State University Extension Online Store.
“This development effort has been a great collaboration between the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence, several extension nutritionists, and all the major feed companies. The result is a reference book and software that will be of great value to the industry for years to come,” says David Meisinger, director of the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence.
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Emphasis on Dairy Families at I-29 Conference
The 5th Annual I-29 Dairy Conference, Sustaining Our Dairy Families, Farms and Rural Communities, was held January 21-22, 2010 in Sioux Falls, SD. This year’s event planners put major emphasis on what many believe is the core of the Midwest dairy industry—our dairy families. Over 165 people pre-registered for this day and a half event to hear topics ranging from family dynamics to industry sustainability.
Upon exit of the conference, attendees were asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire. Respondents ranked the value of the meeting a 3.2 on a scale of 1-4 (1=strongly disagree or not useful; 4=strongly agree or very useful). Included in the questionnaire were strategic questions aimed at determining a change in attitude, philosophy, and plan of additional action. The following is a summary of these impacts:
- 65% responded that the material caused them to consider developing business goals
- 69% responded they will more clearly establish the role of people in their operation
- 83% responded that they would more clearly establish business details
- 31% responded that they would more clearly establish a marketing plan
- 70% responded that they would further utilize financial markets to protect expenses and income
The I-29 Dairy Conference has become a collaboration of Extension specialists from the five regional Land Grant Universities of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. For these partners, this joint effort is all about creating synergies to enhance our educational resources and service to better meet the needs of this regional dairy community.
The 2010 planning committee included J.W. Schroeder (program chair), North Dakota State University; Chris Mondak (program publicity), Iowa State University Extension; Alvaro Garcia (event sponsorship) and Tracey Renelt, South Dakota State University; Paul Kononoff, University of Nebraska; Jim Paulson and Jim Salfer, U of M Extension; Merri Post, SW Minnesota Dairy Profit Group; and Roger Scheibe, Midwest Dairy Association.
Contributing to the success of the 5th Annual I-29 Dairy Conference was the generous support of the program sponsors: Davisco Foods; Farm Credit Services of America, Ag Country Farm Credit Services, AgStar Financial Services, ACA partnering with United FCS; Midwest Dairy Association; Pfizer Animal Health; Progressive Dairyman; Adisseo; Akey; Alltech; Citura; Dairy Farmers of America; Elanco; Heartland Milk Labs, Inc.; Merial; Prince Agri Products, Inc.; Standard Dairy Consultants; Trouw Nutrition; AgUnited partnering with South Dakota Dairy Producers and South Dakota State University Dairy Science Department; Associated Milk Producers, Inc.; Central Plains Dairy Expo; Dairy Calf & Heifer Association; Dean's Foods; First Bank & Trust; High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health & Safety; Huvepharma; NW Iowa Power Cooperative partnering with NW Rural Electric Cooperative; Pioneer; POET Nutrition; Rabo AgriFinance; and Valley Queen Cheese Factory.
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Consider Nominating a Colleague for a CFANS Award
Nominations for 2009-2010 college-level awards are now being accepted. CFANS awards are a way to recognize outstanding members of your unit for their contributions to the unit, CFANS and to the U of M. Nominations are due no later than 12:00 noon on Monday, March 22, 2010.
Information about the individual awards, eligibility, nomination procedure, and evaluation criteria can be found online at the following links:
Questions regarding the awards can be directed to Holly Klinger (612-624-0822). For a look at past award recipients, see CFANS Award Recipients by Year.
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Our Condolences
Judy E. Johnson of Farmington, MN, died on February 16, 2010 at the age 66. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Verlyn Johnson of the U of M's Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, their two sons, Brian and Kevin, five grandchildren, and several siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends. (Obituary)
John T. O'Connor of Lakefield, MN, passed away on January 6, 2010 following a tragic fall from a barn roof. He was 46. John graduated from CFANS in 1986 with a degree in Animal Science and was a member of the Farmhouse Fraternity. His surviving family is welcoming stories and memories to share with his two children. Submit your stories and messages about John to the family at the CaringBridge website. (Obituary)
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Graduate Student Profile
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Muhammad Qamer Shahid
 Muhammad Qamer Shahid is a 2nd year Ph.D. student in the Department of Animal Science. His research interests are in dairy cattle management. Currently, he is working with Dr. Marcia Endres to study the risk factors associated with high mortality in dairy cows, an important economic and welfare issue in the dairy industry.
Muhammad received his Master’s degree in Livestock Management from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore, Pakistan, and his undergraduate degree in Animal Husbandry from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. He has been engaged in teaching small and large ruminant production courses to undergraduate students at UVAS. The UVAS awarded Muhammad a scholarship to pursue his Ph.D. studies abroad. After he completes his Ph.D. degree, he will resume his duties of teaching and research at UVAS in Pakistan.
Muhammad likes to watch political talk shows and read newspaper columns from his home country (Pakistan), and occasionally he plays cricket.
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Congratulations!
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Bob Marzolf ('78 Agricultural Education) was named the 2010 VFW Teacher of the Year in Minnesota. His award was announced January 16, 2010 during the VFW State Mid-Winter Conference in St. Paul. He will go on to national level competition for teacher of the year. Marzolf is currently teaching ANSC 1101: Introduction to Animal Science to his high school students through the U of M's College in the Schools program.
Martin Ruiz-Moreno passed his Ph.D. written prelims on December 14, 2009 and his oral prelims on January 21, 2010.
Kent Thiesse ('75 Animal Sciences; '92 Ag Education) was awarded the Minnesota Ag Communicator of the Year award by the Minnesota Farm Bureau at their annual meeting last November. Also in November, he was named President Elect of the Minnesota School Boards Association Board of Directors. Thiesse is a former U of M Extension educator and current Vice President and Ag Loan Officer for MinnStar Bank in Lake Crystal.
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Recent Grants
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No new grants this month.
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Calendar of Events
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- February 2010 -
2 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Central Lakes College, Staples, MN. Contact: Todd County Extension, 320-732-4435.
2 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), American Legion, Bagley, MN. Contact: Clearwater County Extension, 218-694-6151.
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.), Old City Hall, Lancaster, MN. Contact: Roseau County Extension, 218-463-0294.
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.), Rosalie's Restaurant, Baudette, MN. Contact: U of M Extension Regional Office, 218-327-5958.
5 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids, MN. Contact: U of M Extension Regional Office, 218-327-5958.
8 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), Fish Lake Resort, Mora, MN. Contact: North Central ROC, 218-327-4490.
8 - Minnesota Forage Days-Detroit Lakes, Holiday Inn (formerly Clubhouse). Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.
9 - Minnesota Forage Days-Cromwell, Cromwell Pavilion. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.
9 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Minnewaska House, Glenwood, MN. Contact: Kandiyohi County Extension, 320-231-7890.
10 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), MN West Community & Tech College, Pipestone, MN. Contact: Pipestone County Extension, 507-825-6715.
10 - Minnesota Forage Days-Avon, Joseph's Restaurant. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.
11 - Minnesota Forage Days-Lamberton, Southwest ROC. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.
11 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (5:30-9:30 p.m.), La Quinta Inn, Rochester, MN. Contact: North Central ROC, 218-327-4490.
12 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), KC Hall, New Prague, MN. Contact: Le Sueur County Extension, 507-357-8230.
12 - Minnesota Forage Days-Rochester, UCR Heintz Center. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.
14 - Valentine's Day 
15 - 18th Annual Carver County/U of M Dairy Expo and Trade Show, Central High School, Norwood Young America, MN. Contact: Carver County Extension Office, 952-466-5300.
26-27 - Grassfed Exchange Seminar and Sale, Stockmen's Livestock Market, Yankton, SD.
- March 2010 -
2 - Land Stewardship Project's Family Farm Breakfast & Lobby Day at the Capitol, Christ Lutheran Church, 105 University Avenue W., St. Paul, MN. Contact: Sarah Lesnar, 612-722-6377.
2-Apr 20- Living on the Land Workshop Series (Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.), Monticello High School, Monticello, MN. Contact: Brenda Postels, 763-682-7394.
4-Apr 22- Living on the Land Workshop Series (Thursdays, 6:30-9:30 p.m.), Ranchero Supper Club, Webster, MN. Contact: Laura Kieser, 952-466-5306.
5 - Poultry Testing Agent Training Course, Best Western Victorian Inn, Hutchinson, MN. Contact: Minnesota Board of Animal Health-Poultry Testing Lab, 320-231-5170.
9-12 - 28th Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Capri Centre, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Contact: WCDS at University of Alberta, 780-492-3236.
11 - National Swine Nutrition Guide Training Conference, Owatonna, MN. For more information, visit the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence website or call 515-294-8891. Online registration is available through the ISU Extension Online Store.
15-19 - Spring Break.
17-18 - Midwest Poultry Federation Convention (pre-show on March 16), Saint Paul RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN.
19 - The University's Twin Cities campus is closed (floating holiday).
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.
- May 2010 -
31 - The University's Twin Cities campus is closed (Memorial Day holiday).
- June 2010 -
9-10 - 4-State Dairy Conference, Dubuque, IA. Contact: Marcia Endres, 612-624-5391.
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