AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

January 2010

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

Out With 2009 Into 2010

2009 was a challenging economic year within and outside the University. The deficit in the state budget reduced support to the University resulting in significant budget reductions across the University. In CFANS, we were fortunate the College absorbed a significant portion of the budget reduction through saving and leaving positions unfilled. However, in 2010, the budget cuts will be more severe and the College resources have been expended leaving departments to answer the budget crisis. What the budget cuts will be and how we will handle them is uncertain at this time. We have begun discussions in preparation for the reductions both within the Department and at the College level. It appears certain that in the future we will not be able to do everything we have done, and tough choices on resource allocations will have to be made. You will be hearing more on our Department and College budget issues during the next few months, and I welcome input from all into how we address operating with less resources. However, one thing is certain and that is we will not decrease our commitment to providing high quality education to our students. Animal Science continues to have the highest enrollment of undergraduate students in the College. We are proud of our students for their leadership on campus and their excellent accomplishments in and outside the classroom.

2009 was a very challenging year for animal agriculture. Low commodity prices were devastating to many livestock operations and the industry. While focusing to maintain efficient and profitable production, animal agriculture saw a shift in emphasis from production issues per se to how animals are raised and the impact animal agriculture has on our environment and natural resources. ‘Sustainable Animal Agriculture in the 21st Century’ was a CFANS and Animal Science symposium held in December to discuss global food production, the environment, livestock production and animal care. As we move into 2010, the focus will continue to be more on the sustainability of our animal agriculture system rather than production. Some see these as opposing forces; however, they are mutually integrated and maybe even synonymous as an efficient, profitable production system will provide the best animal care while providing for stewardship and protection of our natural resources. 

Our Livestock Extension teams recently held a Livestock Summit and began planning education programs around sustainable animal agriculture. They spent a day and a half discussing and learning facts on climate change, carbon footprint, clean air and water, nutrient management and animal care. Our goal, as it has been with all of our education programs, is to bring forth unbiased factual information on animal agriculture sustainability into the 21st century. Watch for programs on this topic in the coming months from our Livestock Extension teams.
  

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Marshall Stern

Dr. Marshall D. Stern is a Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor of Animal Science with responsibilities in teaching and research. His teaching responsibilities include AnSc 1403–Companion Animal Nutrition and Care; AnSc 2401–Animal Nutrition; AnSc 4403–Ruminant Nutrition (co-taught with Dr. James Linn); AnSc 8330–Concepts and Developments in Animal Nutrition (co-taught with Dr. Sam Baidoo); and as a guest lecturer in the Freshman Veterinary Nutrition course and the Dairy Nutrition elective course in the Veterinary College. Dr. Stern is proposing a new course for the 2010 Fall semester entitled “Hot Button Issues in Companion Animal Society”.

Professor Stern’s teaching excellence has been recognized by his receipt of many teaching-related awards including the prestigious U of M Morse Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education and induction into the University’s Academy of Distinguished Teachers. He also received two national teaching awards, the Jim Corbin Award in Companion Animal Biology (ASAS) and the Land O’Lakes Dairy Production Teaching Award (ADSA). In addition, Dr. Stern has been the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Member by the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences (COAFES) Alumni Society; Outstanding Teacher Award, COAFES Student Board; Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award, Animal Science Graduate Club; and the Teaching Award of Merit from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture.

Dr. Stern’s primary research objective has been to develop methods for enhancing efficiency of protein utilization by dairy cattle. He built a unique and elaborate dual flow continuous culture system to study factors that affect digestion by ruminal microbes and is recognized as a world renowned expert on the use of microbial markers to differentiate microbial and dietary protein flow to the small intestine of dairy cattle. Dr. Stern and his Ph.D. student, Sergio Calsamiglia, developed a three-step in situ/in vitro procedure as an alternative to using duodenal and ileal cannulated animals for estimating intestinal digestion of dietary protein. This technique is applicable to a wide variety of protein sources and it accurately reflects differences in protein digestion. Dr. Stern’s use of this technique provided invaluable data, that was previously lacking, to the 2001 National Research Council (NRC) Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle. Dr. Stern has mentored 26 graduate students at the U of M, many who have made significant contributions to the dairy industry. Since 2000, he has guided 19 undergraduate students to completion of their senior thesis research projects.

Dr. Stern received the 1991 AFIA Dairy Nutrition Research Award and, more recently, the 2008 AFIA Ruminant Nutrition Research Award (only the third recipient of both AFIA Research awards) signifying the relevance of  his research on protein utilization by dairy cattle during the past twenty years.

Dr. Stern’s life outside the University has included coaching his two sons, Matt and Dan, in soccer and basketball, playing his Fender Stratocaster guitar (made a guest appearance with the Johnny Holm Band at MN Royal), making wine (16 different varieties), playing racquetball (won the State Tournament), attendance at many sporting events (Gophers and Vikings), and going to rock concerts and the theater (mostly musicals) with Elana, his wife of 35 years.
    

Johnston is Named Director of Operations

Dr. Lee Johnston is the new Director of Operations at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, MN. Lee is a professor of animal science whose expertise is in swine nutrition and management. In his new position, he will take on the additional role of site administration and management of the center.

Johnston will work closely with Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach Greg Cuomo who recently took on the role of overseeing the CFANS Research and Outreach Centers (ROCs). In this new arrangement, the eight ROCs around the state will be administered as a single unit, which will allow for more efficient and relevant agricultural and national resources research.

Congratulations Lee!
 

Great Timing of GDC Trip to California

Nineteen members of the Gopher Dairy Club (GDC) in their senior year earned an 11-day trip to California. The group of 19 students departed the Twin Cities on New Year's morning and flew to San Francisco. They spent Friday and Saturday night at a hotel at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, and toured the city during the day before visiting wine country north of the Bay Area on Sunday, January 3. On Monday to Thursday, January 4 to 7, the seniors visited 11 dairies in the central valley of California to see a broad variety of approaches to dairying (breeds of cattle, size of operation, confinement versus grazing). On Friday, January 8 they spent the day visiting Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo. The seniors concluded the trip by spending a weekend sightseeing in Los Angeles, and staying evenings at an ocean-side hotel in Redondo Beach.

The timing of the trip was nearly perfect -- while Minnesota experienced a plunge in temperatures from January 1 to 11, the seniors experienced mild temperatures with sunshine for almost their entire time in California. Profit from the Gopher Dairy Bar on the north wall of the Cattle Barn during the Minnesota State Fair allows the seniors in the Gopher Dairy Club each year to experience this all-expense paid trip to California. Each student also received $300 in spending money from the club for use during the trip. Chaperon for the senior trip to California this year was Greg Golombeski, a Ph.D. student in dairy cattle nutrition at the U of M.
 

U of M Beef Team Presents Research Info at Ag Expo

On January 11, 2010 U of M Beef Team members Ryan Cox, Alfredo DiCostanzo, Jackie Popowski and Grant Crawford presented research information at the 2010 Ag Expo held at Jackpot Junction in Morton, MN. Ag Expo is an annual gathering of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association that includes association meetings, educational seminars, an industry trade show, and networking opportunities for producers in addition to the research updates. The Beef Team was invited to present research information on distillers grains-related experiments funded by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council.

Three research experiments were included in the Beef Team’s presentation: 

• Use of manganese oxide to attenuate negative effects of high sulfur concentrations in distillers grains-based finishing rations.
• Effect of finishing cattle on low soluble distillers grains on animal performance and carcass and meat characteristics.
• Interaction of distillers grains sulfur concentration and dietary roughage on microbial fermentation. 

The U of M Beef Team enjoyed the opportunity to share their research projects with the attendees at Ag Expo and also the opportunity to show the mutual importance of Minnesota’s crop and livestock industries. As all three of the presented experiments are still in progress, the U of M Beef Team is looking forward to returning to next year’s Ag Expo to share the final results from these experiments.
  

Undergraduates, Are You Planning to Graduate This Spring?

The deadline to apply for spring 2010 graduation is Tuesday, February 2, 2010. Visit the One-Stop website to review the degree application procedures and complete an online 'Application for Undergraduate Degree'. CFANS commencement will be held on May 14, 2010 at Northrop Memorial Auditorium. For more information about graduation and commencement, visit the CFANS website at http://www.cfans.umn.edu/UndergraduateStudents/CurrentStudents/Graduation/index.htm.

To save time and money while preparing for graduation, consider attending GradFest 2010 on March 24 (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and March 25 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) in Coffman Memorial Union's Great Hall. GradFest is a great source for commencement information, services and products all in one location.
  

Mileage Rate Change

Effective January 1, 2010, the mileage rate for U of M travel reimbursements is $0.50. The change is reflected on the updated Employee Expense Worksheet found online at: http://policy.umn.edu/Forms/formresults.cfm?TitleCode=employee+expense+worksheet

Questions about travel reimbursements and the rate change may be directed to Crystal Langeberg (Animal Science Accounting) at lehn0050@umn.edu or 625-7774.
  

You May Qualify for a Department Scholarship

The Department of Animal Science awards 12 to 15 scholarships of $600 to $1000 annually to a junior or senior in CFANS who have completed at least 70 credits. Additional requirements include:

• Must be an Animal Science major or have completed 15 credits in AnSc courses and be a member of Block and Bridle, Gopher Dairy Club, Pre-vet Club or Poultry Club, or be on the Equestrian Team, an AnSc Judging Team or the Academic Quadrathalon Team
• GPA must be 2.8 or greater
• Must have completed at least 30 credits while enrolled in CFANS on the St. Paul campus

To apply, complete an application, which is available online in two different formats: Word doc or pdf version. Typed applications are preferred. Submit the application to Dr. Tony Seykora either in person at 225B Haecker Hall or via email no later than Monday, February 1, 2010.
 

Apply for Center of Excellence by February 8

The Midwest Poultry Consortium's Center of Excellence (COE) program is a unique educational experience for undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in the poultry industry. The program offers 18 poultry science credits in two 6-week summer sessions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the credits are transferable to the student's home university.

The application deadline is February 8, 2010. Find more information about the COE program and an application online at http://www.mwpoultry.org/COEhome.html.
 

NRC Offers Research Associateship Program

The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies sponsors a number of awards for graduate, postdoctoral and senior researchers at federal laboratories and affiliated institutions. These awards provide generous stipends and the opportunity to conduct independent research in some of the best-equipped and staffed laboratories in the U.S. Research opportunities are open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and for some of the laboratories, foreign nationals.

Stipends for recent Ph.D. recipients range from $42,000 to $75,000 per year and higher for additional experience, and Master's level stipends are $38,000 per annum.

The program has four review cycles annually. The deadline dates for 2010 are:

• February 1
• May 1
• August 1
• November 1

Applicants should begin a dialogue with prospective lab advisers as early as possible — before their anticipated application deadline. Detailed program information, including instructions on how to apply online and a list of participating laboratories, is available on the NRC Research Associateship Programs website. Questions should be directed to the NRC at 202-334-2760 or rap@nas.edu.  
  

Application Deadline for Ranelius Scholarship is Nearing

The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association's (MTGA) Ranelius Scholarship Program is designed to encourage students enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution in Minnesota to prepare for a career in some phase of the turkey industry. A total of $2,000 is available for scholarship awards. Actual scholarship amount awarded to worthy recipient(s) will be designated by MTGA Board of Directors based on eligibility requirements and judging criteria.

To be eligible for the MTGA scholarship, recipient(s) must be a citizen of the state of Minnesota and either be enrolled or plan to be enrolled in a post high school educational program that will prepare them for employment in some phase of the poultry industry. While there are no restrictions on the major or program selected, it must provide suitable training for the applicant's stated career goals. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received an MTGA scholarship, and who are either members of the MTGA, or who are family members or employees of members of the MTGA.

The selection of the scholarship recipient will be made by an MTGA Board of Directors and based on the applications received. The committee may withhold the scholarship award if there are insufficient worthy applicants. An applicant's scholastic record is a major factor. Experience, activities and honors received will be considered. The applicant's demonstrated interest in the poultry industry, as reflected by past activities, and a statement of career plans are also important considerations.

The application consists of a 3-page listing of requested information (format provided by the MTGA); a 1-page written statement from the applicant; and one letter of recommendation. The deadline for receiving entries is February 15, 2010. Entries should be mailed to:

Minnesota Turkey Growers Association
Scholarship Selection Committee
108 Marty Drive
Buffalo, MN 55313

For additional information or an application, please visit www.minnesotaturkey.com/education or contact the MTGA (Tel: 763-682-2171; Fax: 763/682-5546; Email: lara@minnesotaturkey.com).
  

Apply for Several Scholarships with One CFANS Application

The CFANS scholarship application is now available on the CFANS website along with eligibility requirements and instructions for students. With one electronic application, students can apply for nearly 50 named scholarships. Typically more than 100 students receive awards of between $500 and $5500. All eligible CFANS students are encouraged to apply.

The final deadline for submitting the application is Monday, March 1, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. Application review will take place during March and April, and applicants will be notified of award decisions by the beginning of May.

Questions? Please contact Scott Graves, CFANS Scholarship and Faculty Initiatives Coordinator, at 612-626-5602 or sgraves@umn.edu.
  

Extension Beef Cow/Calf Days Scheduled at Ten Locations

Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days is the U of M Extension Beef Team's annual flagship program designed for the cow/calf producer. This program offers up-to-date information on issues and technologies being used within the beef industry, and creates an atmosphere filled with thoughts, experiences and discussion. Each year, topics presented at Cow/Calf Days are selected based on producer surveys from the previous year and on current issues related to the beef industry.

The 2010 event will take place at five northern Minnesota locations and five southern Minnesota locations in February. The dates and locations are listed below along with contact telephone numbers:

Feb. 2 - Central Lakes College, Staples
  (9:30 am to 3:00 pm)
Contact: Todd Co. Ext., 320-732-4435

Feb. 2 - American Legion, Bagley
  (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
Contact: Clearwater Co. Ext., 218-694-6151

Feb. 3 - Old City Hall, Lancaster
  (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
Contact: Roseau Co. Ext., 218-463-0294

Feb. 4 - Rosalie's Restaurant, Baudette
  (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
Contact: U of M Ext Regional Center, 218-327-5958

Feb. 5 - Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids
  (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
Contact: U of M Ext Regional Center, 218-327-5958
 

Feb. 8 - Fish Lake Resort, Mora
  (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
Contact: North Central ROC, 218-327-4490

Feb. 9 - Minnewaska House, Glenwood
  (9:30 am to 3:00 pm)
Contact: Kandiyohi Co. Ext., 320-231-7890

Feb. 10 - MN West Community & Tech College, Pipestone
  (9:30 am to 3:00 pm)
Contact: Pipestone Co. Ext., 507-825-6715

Feb. 11 - La Quinta Inn, Rochester
  (5:30 pm to 9:30 pm)
Contact: North Central ROC, 218-327-4490

Feb. 12 - KC Hall, New Prague
  (9:30 am to 3:00 pm)
Contact: Le Sueur Co. Ext., 507-357-8230
 

At each location, the U of M Beef Team will present 'Current Beef Team Research and Education Updates', Dr. Dan Larson of Great Plains Livestock Consulting, Inc. will address 'The Basics and Cost of Developing Heifers', and a panel of invited speakers and beef producers will discuss 'Keeping the Younger Generation in the Beef Business'. In addition, 'What's to Know About Grazing Systems' will be presented by Russ Mathison, North Central ROC, at the northern locations and by Dr. Paul Peterson, U of M Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, at the southern locations, and 'The Economics Behind the Cow' will be presented by Regional Extension Educators Lori Weddle Schott (northern locations) and Ryon Walker (southern locations).

Registration is $25 per family or farm and includes a meal and a CD or paper copy of the proceedings. Please register by calling the location contact number one week prior to the event. For more information, visit the Minnesota Beef Team website.
  

Get 'Equipped for Success' at MN Forage Days

Equipped for Success is the theme for the 2010 Minnesota Forage Days offered at five locations in Minnesota the week of February 8-12. The program is co-sponsored by U of M Extension and the Midwest Forage Association (MFA). Dr. Dan Undersander, UW Extension Agronomist and Professor, is the keynote speaker at all five meetings. Undersander is an internationally-renowned St. Cloud native and U of M graduate. He will share his extensive research and practical experience with several key aspects of profitable forage management, and discuss his pioneering methods to consistently conserve high-quality forage via equipment strategies to speed hay and haylage curing in the field. Undersander will also address research-based seeding date recommendations for perennial legume and grass forages, and methods to reduce ash continuation in stored forage.

Dates and locations are listed below along with a location contact:

• Feb. 8 - Holiday Inn, Detroit Lakes  (Contact: Doug Holen, 218-998-5787)
   
• Feb. 9 - Cromwell Pavilion, Cromwell  (Contact: Troy Salzer, 888-241-4536)
   
• Feb. 10 - Joseph’s Restaurant, Avon  (Contact: Dan Martens, 320-968-5077)
   
• Feb. 11 - Southwest ROC, Lamberton  (Contact: Doug Holen, 218-998-5787)
   
• Feb. 12 - UCR Heintz Center, Rochester  (Contact: Lisa Behnken, 888-241-4536)

The agenda varies somewhat at each location. See the individual meeting brochure for each location (Detroit Lakes; Cromwell; Avon; Lamberton; Rochester) for the agenda, list of speakers, registration form and additional details.

Please pre-register with Midwest Forage Association by telephone (651-484-3888) or email (midwestforage@comcast.net) by January 29, 2010 to receive a discount (except at the Cromwell location). 2010 MFA members pay only $15 if pre-registered by the 29th, and $20 on-site at the February 8, 10, 11 and 12 meetings. On-site check-in/registration for all meetings opens at 9:30 a.m. with presentations from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration includes attendance, lunch, refreshments, proceedings and several other publications/handouts.

The U of M Extension Forage Team and MFA are grateful to the program sponsors, DHIA Laboratories, Barenbrug USA, NK-Brand Alfalfa, Croplan Genetics, Cargill, Dairyland Seed, Kemin AgriFoods North America and Monsanto, and to U of M Extension administration for their generous support of the 2010 Minnesota Forage Days.

For information about the Midwest Forage Association, please visit their website.
     

Carver County/U of M Dairy Expo and Trade Show is February 15

The 18th Annual Carver County/U of M Dairy Expo will be held on Monday, February 15, 2010 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 expo features a large trade show with nearly 50 exhibitors. The cost is $10 per person and includes continental breakfast, entry to all sessions, trade show, lunch and proceedings.

The program agenda includes a producer panel that will address 'Calf Management' as well as the following topics and speakers:

• Human Dietary Myths About Dairy and Other Animal Food Products - Dr. Lance Baumgard, Iowa State University
• Basic Reproduction for the Advanced Dairyman - Dr. John Zimmerman, Liberty Vet Services
• How to Use Claw Health Records to Reduce Dairy Herd Lameness - Dr. Jeff Defrain, Zinpro Corporation
• Revising Rumensin’s Role in Energy Nutrition - Dr. Lance Baumgard, Iowa State University
• Effects of Exercise and Nutrition on Bred Heifers - Laura Kieser, U of M Extension
• Risk Management: Managing Financial Success in an Insane World - Joe Spader, Dairy Visor, Inc. 

For more information about the Carver County/U of M Dairy Expo and Trade Show, please see the brochure or visit the U of M Dairy Extension website at www.extension.umn.edu/dairy. Questions about sponsorship or trade show availability may be directed to the Carver County Extension office at 952-466-5300.
  

MBAH to Hold Poultry Testing Agent Training

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health (MBAH) will hold a Poultry Testing Agent Training course in Hutchinson, MN, on March 5, 2010. This course provides current information on poultry diseases and regulations, gives tips on practicing good biosecurity, and teaches attendees how to collect samples from poultry. Attendees who complete the course and field training will be qualified to test their own or others' poultry. Anyone who holds "Temporary" testing authorizations are required to attend. Authorized Testing Agents must meet the minimum age requirement of 18.

The Poultry Testing Agent Training Course will be held at the Best Western Victorian Inn, 1000 Hwy 7 West, Hutchinson. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with the course beginning at 9:00 a.m. and adjourning at approximately 4:00 p.m. The fee is $25 per person (payable in advance to the MBAH office), and includes course materials and lunch. Mail in your registration early as enrollment is limited and will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. The registration deadline is February 26, 2010.

See the program flyer/registration form for more information or contact the MBAH Poultry Testing Lab at 320-231-5170.
 

Registration is Now Open for MPF Convention

The Midwest Poultry Federation (MPF) was formed in 1971 and held its first convention in Minneapolis in 1972. The MPF's membership consists of 14 state poultry organizations representing 8 states. The MPF Convention, now in its 39th year, will be held at the Saint Paul RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul, MN. This year's show features a pre-show nutrition symposium on March 16, and exhibits and educational sessions on March 17-18.

Registration for the convention is now open. Find all the latest details about the convention including information on pre-registering on the MPF website. The cost to attend for university and government officials is $20 by February 26, 2010 or $30 onsite. Qualifying students receive complimentary registration.

"The 2010 MPF Convention is jam-packed with education opportunities, an expanded exhibit hall and networking/hospitality events," said Pete Rothfork, MPF President and a turkey producer from Melrose, MN. "The past year has been challenging for the poultry industry. That's why now - more than ever - it's important to look forward and find ways to secure a bright future for ourselves and future generations in the poultry industry. The 2010 MPF Convention is the perfect opportunity to do just that."

Also, in conjunction with the 2010 MPF Convention, the North Central Avian Disease Conference will be held March 14-16 at Saint Paul RiverCentre as well as a USDA-ARS Turkey Breeder Symposium on March 17-18. Separate registration fees apply to these events; details are available on the MPF website.

Booth space is still available but going quickly. Potential exhibitors may contact Exhibits Manager Theresa Neddermeyer by email at theresa@midwestpoultry.com or by phone at 763-682-2171. Approximately 1,800 attendees and exhibitors are expected to attend the 2010 MPF Convention, which features a variety of education workshops and exhibits for the turkey, broiler, egg layer and organic/specialty poultry production industries.

For more information on the convention, registration and hotel reservations, please visit www.midwestpoultry.com or contact Lara Durben at 763-682-2171 or lara@midwestpoultry.com.
  

Winterfest — A Big Hit

Winterfest, the Department of Animal Science's annual holiday celebration and potluck get-together, was held on December 17, 2009. This year's event was a big hit with a great turnout of students, staff, faculty, retirees, and friends and family. It was especially nice to see several people who drove from distances outside the metro area to attend.

Dr. Ryan Cox, Pete Nelson and their crew from the Meat Lab prepared the main course and took charge of the meat carving station. We had an awesome variety of sides and salads brought in by graduate students and staff, and faculty provided a delicious assortment of desserts.

A huge "Thank You" to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of Winterfest 2009. "Thank You" to all who were involved in planning and setting up for the event and to the Meat Lab personnel for all their time. And, a very special "Thank You" to those (you know who you are) who brought an abundance of beverages.

The Graduate Student Profile will return next month.
 

Liz Seitz, a first year Master's student advised by Dr. Marshall Stern, became engaged over the holidays to Joe Binversie from Wisconsin.  Joe is a graduate student at Mississippi State where he is advised by Dr. Jamie Larson.

David Weinand (M.S. in Animal Sciences, 1999) and wife Aimee are expecting their second child in late May. Their daughter Miriam is now 2 years of age.
 

Drs. Krishona Martinson (Animal Science) and Julia Wilson (Veterinary Population Medicine) received $6,723 from the Minnesota Horse Council for "Evaluating different round bale feeders for hay waste, intake and horse health". Period: January 2010-December 2010.

- January 2010 -

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

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

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

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

18 - University is closed for Martin Luther King holiday.

19 - Spring semester begins.

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

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

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

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

- February 2010 -

2 - Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Days (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), 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.

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.

- 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.

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.

15-19 - Spring Break.

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

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

- April 2010 -

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