AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

January 2009

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

 
Notes from the Department Head will return next month.

DHIA Funds TMR Mixer

Thank you to Minnesota DHIA for helping to fund a new TMR mixer for the St. Paul Campus Dairy Barn. The new vertical TMR mixer allows us to more uniformly blend mixtures of hay and corn silage controlling particle size and bulk density for feeding to our campus dairy herd. These are important considerations in research studies. The new mixer supports the Department's dairy research programs and improves our feeding management efficiency.

Thank you DHIA Board and dairy producers!
  

MN Select Sires Announces 2008 "Future Leaders" Scholarship Winners
Source: MN Select Sires

Minnesota Select Sires has awarded multiple $500 scholarships to agricultural leaders of tomorrow annually for 9 years now. This year, six very deserving students have been awarded the “Future Leaders” Scholarship. Five of those students are Animal Science majors at the U of M.

This year’s winners are: Jessica Achen, daughter of Craig and Cindy Achen, Sauk Centre, MN; Jennifer Becker, daughter of Joseph and Karen Becker, Eden Valley, MN; Brent Boyum, son of Al and Jean Boyum, Battle Lake, MN; Londa Johnson, daughter of Richard and Linda Johnson, LaCrescent, MN; Elinor Opitz, daughter of Joe Opitz and Sherry Newell-Opitz, Cold Spring, MN; and Brandon Thesing, son of Doug and Cindy Thesing, Winona, MN.

Jessica Achen, a junior at the U of M majoring in Animal Science, hopes to eventually own her own farm. In the meantime, Jessica would like to work for an A.I. organization or become a nutritionist. Born and raised on a dairy farm, Jessica assists with the family's 90-cow herd and their custom heifer raising facility (800 baby calves). Jessica notes, “Since moving to Minnesota in 2000, I have developed a huge passion for the dairy industry and plan to continue my strong involvement to make this industry even stronger and better than it is today.” 

Currently an assistant manager intern at a dairy farm in Culverden, New Zealand, Jennifer Becker plans to pursue her Master’s degree in dairy cattle breeding. She explains, “The dairy industry has been such a huge part of my life and given so much to me, now I feel that I can give something back to it.” Jennifer has already gained extensive work experience while attending the U of M. She has been involved in two research projects for the College of Veterinary Medicine, worked as a quality assurance laboratory technician at First District Association, Litchfield, MN, and been a farm management student intern at the William H. Miner Institute, Chazy, NY.

After earning his BS degree in Animal Science at the U of M, Brett Boyum will continue on at the University's College of Veterinary Medicine focusing on production animal medicine. Passionate and eager to begin a career in food animal nutrition, Brett states, “Eventually, I would like to open a facility specializing in ruminant nutrition research and dairy cattle operations.” In addition, Brett plans to take over the home farm and consolidate his private farm and professional research in one location. When the physical demands of his career become too much, he would like to become a USDA inspector making sure that products that enter our food supply are safe.

Londa Johnson is currently a junior at the UW-River Falls. She plans to use her BS degree in Dairy Science to pursue a career in the dairy industry focusing on public relations, sales or genetics. Currently a junior, Londa is building her own herd of registered Jersey cattle. Londa says, “It is my goal to have a world recognized herd that is successful in the barn and in the show ring.” She continues, “I will need to invest countless hours and stay focused on achieving my goals to be successful.”

Elinor Opitz, who did not grow up on a dairy farm, has faced many unique challenges with her business, New-Vue Ayrshires. She fully owns and makes all the management decisions for the business, which now consists of 12 head. Once she graduates, she would like a place of her own, graze 200 to 300 Ayrshires, and market top Ayrshire genetics. In October, she exhibited two of her yearlings at World Dairy Expo. Elinor is currently a sophomore at the U of M majoring in Animal Science.

Brandon Thesing is an Animal Science major at the U of M. He states, “My ultimate goal is to take over my family’s 130-cow commercial dairy farm.” Brandon has slowly started to obtain some ownership and hopes to eventually have a herd of registered Holsteins and Jerseys. He’s actively involved in the home farm, planning corrective matings, studying ways to improve the rations, and paying attention to cow comfort. He wants to breed high producing, high indexing cows that can compete at dairy shows. Brandon would also like to develop a successful ET program that sells embryos worldwide as well as merchandising bulls to A.I. and females through public and private sales. Brandon has purchased some elite heifers out of solid sire stacks and deep-pedigreed cows and currently owns 15 registered Holsteins and 4 registered Jerseys. After college, he plans to work as a nutritionist or for an A.I. company to further his education before returning to the home farm.

To qualify for the Future Leaders Scholarship, candidates must be a family member of a Minnesota Select Sires cooperative member in good standing. A selection committee evaluates applicants based on dairy industry pursuits, academic achievement, and active involvement in activities aligned with support of the dairy industry. Chris Sigurdson, General Manager of Minnesota Select Sires, comments, “Being on the selection committee for the first time allowed me to get a great sense of the impact our leaders of tomorrow are already having on our industry. This scholarship program is one part of our effort to be a foundational supporter of the dairy industry here in Minnesota.”

Applications for next year's scholarships are due October 31, 2009. In addition to being a family member of a current Minnesota Select Sires member/customer, applicants must be completing at least the first semester of their second year in a two or four year program. An application, grade transcripts and a written essay must also be submitted. For more information, contact Minnesota Select Sires at 800-795-1233.
  

CFANS Student is 2008 Recipient of Dr. Frank Mann Award

The Dr. Frank Mann Award for excellence in dairying was presented to Randi Staudinger, a U of M freshman pursuing a degree in Agricultural and Food Business Management with a minor in Animal Science, during the 50th Annual Olmsted County 4-H Dairy Banquet held in November.

Randi is a reigning Olmsted County Dairy Princess who has promoted the dairy industry throughout the year. She has been a member of the Salem Sailors 4-H Club for 13 years and has served as the group's vice president and president. In 2006, she won Grand Champion at the Minnesota State Junior Holstein Show. Her family owns Poly-Kow-Holsteins, a 250-head registered Holstein herd south of Byron, MN. Randi co-owns about a dozen head with her uncle, Brian Polikowsky.

Dr. Frank Mann was a Mayo Clinic staff member who owned a dairy farm south of Pleasant Grove, MN. Mann traveled to dairy shows nationwide to study blood lines and production. He passed away in 1962. The award has gone to an Olmsted County 4-H'er every year since 1963.

Recipients of the prestigious Dr. Frank Mann Award are determined by the applicant's interest in the purebred Holstein business, number of purebred Holsteins owned and their value, interest in pursuing a career in the purebred business or an ag-related field, plans for promoting and expanding the breed, number of years in the 4-H program, and number of years exhibiting purebred cattle. Applicants of this prestigious award must be at least 18 years old and must submit a written application.
  

Gopher Dairy Club Seniors Tour Sunny California

The annual trip of Gopher Dairy Club seniors to California took place January 2 to 12, 2009. This year, a record number of club members (24) in the senior class qualified for the trip to California. The students flew into San Francisco to spend time as tourists during the first weekend. During the week, the group drove south through the central valley of California and toured 9 dairies on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. On Thursday, they then drove to the coast to visit the campus of Cal Poly, where they toured both the dairy cattle production facility and the dairy processing plant there, before mingling with members of the Cal Poly's dairy science club into the evening. The GDC seniors finished out the trip with a long weekend seeing the sights of Los Angeles, while staying at a hotel along the coast in Redondo Beach. 

The seniors had wonderful weather for the trip this year, with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s before heading home to the very cold temperatures of the week of January 12 in Minnesota. All expenses for the trip, as well as $150 spending money, were allotted to each senior by the club from funds generated at the Gopher Dairy Bar at the Minnesota State Fair. Chaperons for the trip this year were GDC alumnus Tara Sammon Meyer and her husband Nick Meyer, who is a dairy producer in Stearns County. Tara is currently employed with the Minnesota Farm and Food Coalition, and she also serves as one of the coaches of the U of M's dairy cattle judging team.
  

Workshop on Beef Value Cuts Held in Meat Lab

The Minnesota Beef Council held its annual research meeting in the Andrew Boss Laboratory of Meat Science on January 20. Before that meeting, a workshop was held in the meat laboratory to address novel beef cutting trends and the Beef Value Cuts. The workshop was conducted by Ryan Cox with contributions by Pete Nelson and the laboratory staff. Attendants of the workshop included the Minnesota Beef Council Research committee as well as local beef retailers and wholesalers.

Special thanks to the Minnesota Beef Council and Mr. Ron Eustice for continued support and involvement in these programs.

New! Quarterly Webinars for Horse Owners
Source: Krishona Martinson, Department of Animal Science

Beginning in January, the U of M Horse Team will begin offering quarterly “Lunch and Learn” webinars (web-based seminars) on a variety of horse related topics. The webinars will be held on the third Wednesday of January, April, July, and October from noon to 1:00 p.m. (central time). There is no charge to participate. 

The webinars will feature U of M faculty presenting research-based information on a variety of topics including horse health, nutrition, forage utilization, manure management, and general care. Participants will have the opportunity to submit questions via an online chat during the seminar, and presenters will address them the end of the webinar. The webinars will also be archived on the U of M Horse website and available for viewing at any time. 

The January webinar (Wednesday, January 21, at noon) featured Krishona Martinson, U of M Equine Extension Specialist, presenting “Optimizing Your Hay Supply”. The April webinar (April 15 at noon) will feature Molly McCue, U of M Equine Veterinarian, presenting “Equine Genetics”.       

To connect to the webinars, participants will need an Internet connection (DSL/cable or higher recommended; dial-up is not recommended), a supported operating system and web browser, Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher (Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher for Linux and Solaris), a sound card, and a computer with speakers (to hear the audio).

Test your web browser at https://umconnect.umn.edu/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm. If there is any difficulty, make sure the URL is correct, and be sure your mute is off and your volume is turned up. Contact umconnect@umn.edu with additional questions or problems. 

To join the webinars, go to: https://umconnect.umn.edu/horsewebinars/ and enter as a guest. Please login to the webinar 10 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  

Shurson Displays DDGS Research at MN Ag Expo

Dr. Jerry Shurson represented the Department of Animal Science with a trade show display at the 2009 Minnesota Ag Expo, January 7-8 at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton, MN. Our Department was invited by the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council to show highlights of our research and extension programs related to increasing the the use of distiller's grains (a by-product of ethanol production) in livestock and poultry feeds. In addition to the DDGS poster display, the Department put together an informational brochure, which was made available to Expo participants. Approximately 800 Minnesota corn and soybean growers attended the annual meeting and trade show.
  

Professor Hansen Traveled for a 2nd Time to The Netherlands in 2008

Professor Les Hansen spoke at a field day in the Friesland area of The Netherlands hosted by the artificial insemination organization called X-Sires. That organization markets semen from the Austrian Fleckvieh, the Finnish Ayrshire, and the Norwegian Red breeds for the dairy industry in The Netherlands. The Fleckvieh breed of dual-purpose cattle is being used increasingly for crossbreeding by Dutch dairy producers. The selection emphasis of the breed is roughly 70% dairy traits and 30% meat traits. The European dairy industry receives greater economic return on the meat from dairy cattle than does the U.S. dairy industry.

More than 500 dairy producers attended the two educational presentations by Dr. Hansen on Wednesday, December 10. Dr. Hansen reported on the research results from crossbreeding at the U of M with the Montbeliarde breed of dairy cattle from France, which shares some ancestry with the Fleckvieh breed. 

Dr. Hansen remained in The Netherlands until December 14, attended the HHH Holstein Show, and visited numerous herds of dairy cattle that used the Fleckvieh breed for crossbreeding. He returned to Minnesota with greater knowledge of the potential value of the Fleckvieh breed for crossbreeding systems with dairy cattle internationally.
  

MMPA & U of M Extension Offer Dairy Management Workshops

Minnesota Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and the U of M Extension are offering three Dairy Management Workshops in early February. Dairy Management Workshops are designed to educate, challenge and connect the dairy industry across Minnesota. Top-notch speakers will present topics relating to today's dairy producers. including the future of Minnesota's dairy industry, economics of milking with robotics, selecting and developing personnel, transition cow management, propelling your business forward, and new skills for success.

The workshops will take place on February 3 at Perham, February 4 at St. Joseph, and February 5 at Rochester, MN. The registration fee is $30 for MMPA members, and $40 for non-members. For more information, see the brochure or contact MMPA at 763-355-9686 or mmpa@mnmilk.org.
  

Poultry Testing Agent Training Course - Register by February 13

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is offering a Poultry Testing Agent Training Course on Saturday, February 28. This course and field training will qualify attendees to test their own or others' poultry. Those holding "Temporary" testing authorizations are required to attend a training session.

The course will be held at the Best Western Kelly Inn in St. Cloud, MN. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the course will begin at 9:00 a.m. The registration fee is $25 per person and covers course materials and lunch. Those who wish to attend the training course must submit a registration form along with payment by February 13. Enrollment is limited to 40.

For more information, please contact the Minnesota Board of Animal Health/Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory, 320-231-5170 or poultry@bah.state.mn.us
  

Don't Miss Beef Cow/Calf Days in February

Cow Size is the theme of the 2009 Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days, and Dr. Bryan McMurry from Cargill Animal Nutrition is the keynote speaker. Dr. McMurry will discuss the functionality of cow size; Dr. Alfredo DiCostanzo, Animal Science professor and U of M Beef Team member, will address the nutritional effects of cow size; Dr. Grant Crawford, U of M Beef Team, will give a presentation on postweaning calf management; and Ryon Walker, U of M Beef Team, will provide updates on current Beef Team activities. In addition, emerging issues will be discussed by the U of M Beef Team and Minnesota Department of Ag representatives.

The 2009 Minnesota Beef Cow Calf Days program will be held in northern Minnesota (February 9-13) and southern Minnesota (February 17-20). Registration is $25 per family or farm and includes a meal and the proceedings. Pre-registration one week prior to the program date is encouraged. See the flyer for specific dates/times, locations and local contact phone numbers, or check the U of M Beef website at http://www.extension.umn.edu/beef/.
  

It's the 17th Annual Carver County-U of M Dairy Expo

The 17th Annual Carver County/U of M Dairy Expo will be held on Monday, February 16th at Central High School in Norwood Young America beginning at 9:30 a.m. with registration and booth browsing, and educational sessions starting at 10:30 a.m. The program features a large trade show with over 50 exhibitors. The cost is $10 per person and includes continental breakfast, entry to all sessions, trade show, lunch and proceedings.

Topics and speakers include a producer panel addressing Keys to Reproductive Success; Addressing Agricultural Stereotypes by Cris Peterson of Four Cubs Farm, Grantsburg, WI; Maximizing the Economic Benefits of Manure by Dr. Jose Hernandez, U of M Extension; Moderate Energy Diets for Dry Cows by Dr. Noah Litherland, Department of Animal Science, U of M; Using Genomic Predictions as a Breeding Tool by Dr. Tom Lawlor of Holstein Association USA; and Business Planning in Today’s Economic Turmoil by Gary Sipiorski of Vita Plus Corporation. 

For more information about the program, please see the brochure or visit the U of M Dairy Extension website. Questions about sponsorship or trade show availability can be directed to the Carver County Extension office at 952-466-5300.
  

Get Everyone Certified in 2009

The Minnesota Pork Board and U of M Extension have partnered to develop a quality assurance initiative to “Get Everyone Certified” in 2009. Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) and Transport Quality Assurance (TQA) individual certification training events will take place across Minnesota during 2009.

PQA Plus training sessions certify adults (age 18 and older) in the PQA Plus program's Ten Good Production Practices. The certification applies to owners, managers, employees, and others who work with the daily care of pigs. The PQA Plus sessions will also describe the Site Assessment process. Site Assessment status is achieved after a PQA Plus advisor completes an on-farm educational assessment.

TQA training will educate and test individuals for TQA certification. TQA is required by most hog packers for drivers who deliver hogs to the plant and for on-farm animal handlers.

See the Get Everyone Certified brochure for a preliminary schedule of monthly training sessions. Additional training sessions will be added (nights, Saturdays, additional locations, etc.) so check for updates on the Minnesota Pork Board and Swine Extension websites. The PQA Plus and TQA training events are free but please pre-register through the Minnesota Pork Board either by email (colleen@mnpork.com) or phone (800-537-7675).

In addition to the quality assurance training events, the U of M and Minnesota Pork Board will host Mock PQA Plus Site Assessments, which include demonstrations that will explain the assessment process and illustrate the roles of advisor and producers. Attendees will walk through U of M swine research facilities with a trained PQA Plus advisor.

The Mock PQA Plus Site Assessments are scheduled for February 6 at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca and February 27 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, MN. Demonstrations will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude with a complimentary lunch at noon. For more information or to pre-register, please contact the Minnesota Pork Board at 800-537-7675.
  

CFANS Scholarship Applications Now Available

Undergraduate students can apply now for the following academic year using one electronic application for nearly 50 named scholarships based on a multitude of criteria, such as scholastic achievement, consistency of academic record, extracurricular and leadership activities, major and career objectives, place of residence, grade level, and financial need. Typically more than 100 students earn awards between $500 and $5500.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in CFANS full-time (at least 13 credits per semester) in the 2009-2010 academic year, show evidence of making due progress on the four year degree plan in an approved CFANS major, and remain in good academic standing. Students with multiple-year or multiple-semester awards that carry into the 2009-2010 academic year are not eligible. Other eligibility criteria, such as those established by scholarship sponsors, are outlined on the application and/or award information sheets.

The Scholarship Committee will screen applications and make selection decisions based on criteria and information submitted. By early May, scholarship winners will be notified by the College. Applicants who have also applied for financial aid (completed the FAFSA), will receive a second notice that outlines their complete financial aid package including grants, scholarships, loans, expected family contribution, etc.

Apply by Monday, February 26, 2009 (enter application site).
  

Friends and Colleagues Celebrate WinterFest 2008

Friends and colleagues of Animal Science gathered in Haecker Hall on December 18 for food and fun at WinterFest 2008, the Department's annual holiday celebration. Ryan Cox and Pete Nelson from the Animal Science Meat Lab provided and prepared a selection of meats for the main dish, and faculty, staff and graduate students brought in a variety of side dishes, salads and desserts for the event. We had a good turnout from all including visiting scholars, several retirees with their wives, and a former staff member with sleeping newborn son in tow.

Jing Yang

Jing Yang is a first year graduate student pursuing a Master's degree in Animal Science. Jing's advisor is Dr. Yang Da. Her research will concentrate on quantitative genetics especially in dairy cattle.

Jing is originally from XinJiang, a beautiful place located in the northwestern part of China. She completed a BS in mathematics from Fudan University, ShangHai, China in 2002. After working for several years in China, Jing came to the U of M for further education.

During her leisure time, Jing enjoys shopping and fishing with her husband. Moreover, she loves cooking and hanging out with her friends.
  

Roberta Amaral successfully defended her Masters thesis on December 23, 2008. Title: Assessment of energy content of low-solubles corn distiller's dried grains and its effect on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and pork fat quality in growing-finishing pigs. Advisor: Lee Johnston.

Farm Animal Attendant Jason Leonard and wife Anjali were blessed with a 7 lb, 8 oz baby boy on December 17, 2008. Deven Kumar Leonard has an older brother, Kiran.

Marty Moen, CFANS Associate Director, has been reassigned to the Bell Museum. There, Marty will assist with the museum's ongoing campaign for a new facility on the St. Paul Campus, and lead their overall communications and marketing activities.

Jeff Reneau is a grandfather! Daughter Anne and husband Tim welcomed a baby girl into the world on January 10, 2009. Amae Isabelle Reneau-Major is their first child. She weighed 7 lb and was 21 inches in length at birth.
  

- no new grants -
 

- January 2009 -

9 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, U of MN Extension Office, McLeod County Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, MN. Local contact: Nathan Winter, 320-587-0770.

13 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Wright County Courthouse, Buffalo, MN. Local contact: Brenda Postels, 763-682-7381.

14 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, McIntosh, MN. Local contact: Jim Stordahl, 218-563-2465.

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

15 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Community Center, Ottertail, MN. Local contact: Vince Crary, 218-385-5420.

16 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Orchid Inn, Sleepy Eye, MN. Local contact: Heidi Sellner, 507-794-7993.

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

20 - Spring Semester classes begin

20 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Good Times Restaurant, Caledonia, MN. Local contact: Jerry Tesmer, 507-765-3896.

21 - CFANS College Assembly (2:30-4:30 p.m.), Northstar Ballroom, Student Center, U of M St. Paul Campus.

22 - Minnesota Dairy Days Workshop, Joseph's Restaurant, Avon, MN. Local contact: Eric Sonnek, 320-255-6169.

27-28 - Midwest Forage Association Annual Symposium, Wisconsin Dells, WI. Contact: Midwest Forage Association, 651-484-3888.

29 - 4th Annual I-29 Dairy Conference "Going Green in a Black & White World: Understanding Sustainability and the Opportunities for Our Dairy Farms and Industry", Best Western Ramkota Inn, Sioux Falls, SD. Contact: Chris Mondak, ISU Extension, 712-737-4230.

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

- February 2009 -

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!  

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.
 

- March 2009 -

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

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

19 - Minnesota Livestock Breeders Association Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet, Northstar 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.
  

- May 2009 -

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