AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

May 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

This is finals week and with it marks the end of another school year. For many, the summer will be filled with jobs and internships, and a chance to apply some of the knowledge they acquired over the last year to real world opportunities. For our graduating seniors, commencement is this Friday (May 14). They have worked hard for their Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science over the last four years, but the lifelong rewards for their accomplishments will be well worth it. First and foremost is that employment opportunities are much greater for a college graduate than a person with a high school diploma. According to the Wall Street Journal, the unemployment rate in April among four-year college graduates between 20 and 24 years old was 6.1% compared to 19.6% for the same age population with only a high school diploma. In Animal Science, our placement rate for graduating seniors the last three years has exceeded 90%. Most of the students find jobs in the industry, but some return home to farms and others continue their education in a professional school. Even though the farm economy and the animal agriculture industry has seen difficult times these last few years, good opportunities await the well trained students from the University of Minnesota. To all our graduating students, we enjoyed having you in class and getting to know you over the last 4 years; we wish you all the best as you began your new career.

As we say goodbye to this class, we prepare to welcome a new group of students into Animal Science this fall. The interest in Animal Science continues to grow with the freshman class this fall being over 100 students. To our new incoming students and our returning underclassmen, be assured you will receive the same high quality education and college experience that this year’s graduating seniors received. Even though the budget and budget deficit has consumed much of the discussion at the University the last few months, we are preparing for next fall and another school year. Our commitment and dedication to education will not diminish, even during times of budget reductions. Have a great summer; we look forward to seeing you in September.
 

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Marcia Endres

Dr. Marcia Endres is an associate professor of dairy science with responsibilities in extension and research. Her extension and research programs focus on dairy cattle management, well-being and behavior. Her expertise has led to several successful collaborations within the University of Minnesota as well as nationally and internationally. The results and findings from Dr. Endres’ research are now being implemented on dairy farms throughout North America and internationally in countries such as Japan, Denmark, and Canada.

Dr. Endres’ research and outreach work has yielded more than 150 publications, including 1 book chapter, 14 peer-reviewed journal articles, 14 abstracts, and 35 conference proceedings. She wrote or was a contributor to 98 popular press articles. Her team’s work was one of the projects featured in the University’s Driven to Discover television commercials in 2008-2010, which aired nationally. The work was also featured in a Driven to Discover print ad, which was published April 2010 in the Delta Sky Magazine among other publications.

In addition to her applied research activities, Dr. Endres is invited to speak at various national and regional events on the topics of cow comfort, compost barns or results of her various research projects, and she serves as U of M Dairy Extension Team Leader. She was invited to serve on a national three-person independent review panel that evaluates dairy well-being programs for their consistency with the guidelines of the National Dairy Animal Well-Being Initiative, including the new National Milk Producers Federation’s FARM Dairy Well-Being program. She is coordinating educational efforts on FARM for the U of M.

Dr. Endres does not have a formal teaching appointment, but is the coach for the regional and national Dairy Challenge contests, assists in teaching AnSc 4604-Dairy Production Systems Management and AnSc 4614-Advanced Dairy Production Systems Management, co-teaches AnSc 4612-Tools for Dairy Consultants in the 21st Century, and has given lectures on animal welfare in Department of Animal Science courses. She has advised three graduate students to completion of M.S. degrees, and currently advises two Ph.D. students and one M.S. student, and is co-advising one M.S. student. In 2009-2010, she also advised a visiting professor from Turkey who worked on a project with her and, for the last 2 months, hosted a visiting professor from China.

Dr. Endres is originally from Brazil but now considers herself a Minnesotan. She enjoys traveling and has visited 20 countries and 40 U.S. states mostly with her husband Berkan, but her travel wish list is still quite long. Their travel is usually close to nature, as they enjoy hiking, backpacking, photographing, and other outdoor activities.
 

Pomerenke Chosen to Participate in MARL

Jenna Pomerenke was recently nominated and chosen to be part of an elite group who will participate in the Minnesota Agricultural and Rural Leadership (MARL) Program. MARL, a privately funded project co-sponsored by Southwest Minnesota State University and the University of Minnesota, is a dynamic leadership development program. Every two years a class of approximately 30 participants is selected for the MARL program, which consists of in-state seminars, a national study tour in Washington, DC, and an international study tour in a another country.

The MARL mission is to develop the skills of Minnesota agricultural and rural leaders so they may maximize their impact and effectiveness in local, state, national and international arenas.

Jenna is completing her M.S. degree in swine nutrition in Animal Science and is advised by Dr. Jerry Shurson. She was also the first recipient of the Ralco Nutrition Graduate Student Fellowship in Swine Nutrition in 2008.

Congratulations Jenna! 
 

Eight U of M Students Receive ASAS Undergraduate Scholarship Awards

Eight U of M Animal Science undergraduates received Undergraduate Scholarship Awards from the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) for demonstrating high scholastic standards and outstanding leadership. In addition to the certificate awarded, they will be recognized in the July issue of the Journal of Animal Science.

U of M award winners are seniors Brett Boyum, Grace Dahlgren and Abby Rudenick; juniors Brandon Thesing, Amy Esselman and Abby Udermann; and sophomores Andrew Kryzer and Tyler Evink.

Four of the eight U of M award winners are shown in the photo (L-R): Abby Udermann, Brandon Thesing, Tyler Evink and Amy Esselman.
 

Petersen Symposium to Focus on Graduate Education

The 5th W.E. Petersen Symposium, "Challenges and Opportunities in Animal Science Education", will take place on May 20, 2010, at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Minneapolis. The symposium will focus on graduate education in the Animal Sciences with the goals of identifying priority areas and specific courses graduate students will need in the future to be successful, and developing strategies for cooperation between universities in offering needed courses in an efficient and sustainable manner.

The program speakers include Dr. Don Boggs, Associate Dean for Academic Programs, College of Agriculture, Kansas State University; Dr. Ronnie Green, Senior Director, Pfizer Animal Genetics; Dr. Ron Lewis, Associate Professor, Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech; Ms. Amber Marks, Assistant Director, Course Sharing and Professional Development for the Committee on Institutional Cooperation; and Dr. Jim Linn, Head and Professor, Department of Animal Science, U of M. Also from the U of M, Dr. Abel Ponce de León, Senior Associate Dean in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Sciences, will give the opening address, and Dr. Bill Dayton, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Animal Science, will make introductions.

The symposium is free and open to the public. Prior registration is not required. The program agenda and other details are outlined in the symposium brochure. Questions may be directed to Kim Reno (tel: 612-624-3491).

Professor W.E. Petersen was a highly influential dairy scientist at the U of M in the mid-1900s. In his memory, Dr. Petersen's family established a fund to sponsor dairy-related symposia. This year's program was supplemented with financial support from the Midwest Dairy Consortium.
 

Plan on Attending the MN Nutrition Conference

Don't miss the 71st Minnesota Nutrition Conference on September 21 and 22, 2010, at the Holiday Inn (next to Cabela's) in Owatonna, MN. The conference offers sessions on ruminant, non-ruminant and equine nutrition as well as updates on U of M research. This year's pre-conference symposium "Redefining Trace Mineral Nutrition: Less is More" is sponsored by Alltech.

Please check for program updates and registration information on the Minnesota Nutrition Conference website at http://www.ansci.umn.edu/mnc.html.

Several sponsorship opportunities are currently available; to inquire, contact Lee Johnston at 320-589-1711 or johnstlj@morris.umn.edu.
 

Baidoo and Shurson Host Chinese Agribusiness Leaders at SROC

A group of 24 feed manufacturing and livestock and poultry production leaders from several provinces in China visited the swine research facilities at the Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) in Waseca on April 16 to learn more about modern U.S. pork production technology and U of M research. Drs. Sam Baidoo and Jerry Shurson led the facility tours, and answered many questions related to U.S. nutrition and feeding practices on commercial farms as well as highlights of U of M swine nutrition research.

The group, sponsored by the American Soybean Association (ASA), spent two weeks in the U.S. attending feed manufacturing workshops, visiting feed manufacturers, feed processing technology companies, and livestock farms before completing their visit at the U of M. Dr. Jack Cheng, Technical Director of Feed Technology for ASA in Beijing, organized the program and served as translator. Jack completed his Master's degree at the U of M with Jerry Shurson in the mid-1990s. Pai Liu, current Ph.D. student with Jerry Shurson, was a huge help in providing translation assistance and discussing technical information during the program.
 

Shurson Travels to Norway to Establish Research Collaboration with APC

Dr. Jerry Shurson will spend 3 weeks in May visiting researchers at the Aquaculture Protein Centre (APC) in Ås, Norway. APC is affiliated with the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), and the Centre Director is Dr. Margareth Overland. Overland spent 2 years at the U of M working on her Ph.D. program in swine nutrition.

The U of M has had a strong collaborative research partnership with UMB involving numerous faculty and programs on campus for a number of years. Dr. Judd Sheridan, Norwegian Centennial Interdisciplinary Chair and Professor Emeritus of Genetics in the College of Biological Sciences, is the overall coordinator of this program at the U of M. However, one of the purposes of Jerry's visit is to develop a new collaborative research program involving comparative studies with swine, poultry, and aquaculture related to enhancing the feeding value of corn co-products produced by the U.S. ethanol industry. 

In addition to initiating a pilot research project involving feeding high protein dried distillers grains with solubles to rainbow trout, Shurson will be giving guest lectures to graduate students on the use of feed processing technology to improve the nutritional value of feeds, and a seminar on the latest research on feeding ethanol co-products in monogastric nutrition. He will also learn some novel lab techniques for assessing gut barrier function and have discussions on developing an exchange program for Ph.D. and post-doctoral fellows between the APC and the Department of Animal Science at the U of M.
  

Beef Team Members Attend/Present Research at PNC Conference

Beef Team members Jolene Kelzer, Jackie Popowski, Devan Paulus, Jeff Jaderborg, Alfredo DiCostanzo and Grant Crawford attended the 2010 Plains Nutrition Council (PNC) Spring Conference held April 22-23, 2010, in San Antonio, TX. The PNC spring conference is one of the best attended and most respected conferences focusing on feedlot cattle nutrition and management. Feedlot nutrition consultants, feedlot managers, university researchers, extension personnel and allied industry representatives from across the feedlot regions of the U.S. and beyond were in attendance for sessions focusing on feedlot nutrition, management and economics.

Jolene Kelzer, Jackie Popowski and Jeff Jaderborg presented research posters as a part of the PNC graduate student poster session. Their posters displayed research data from experiments focusing on the effects of supplement type (dry vs. liquid) on feed mixing and nutrient dispersion; the effect of spaying and implant strategy on feedlot heifer performance; the effect of manganese oxide supplementation to feedlot diets containing high concentrations of sulfur; and a comparison of a long-acting implant strategy with a traditional two-implant strategy on feedlot steer performance and carcass characteristics. All total, 43 graduate student research posters were presented representing 17 universities.

Several U of M Department of Animal Science alumni also attended the PNC spring conference; Dr. Tom Peters (M.S. '89), a feedlot nutritional consultant with Superior Attitude Livestock Technology (SALT) in Oregon, IL, presented and participated in a panel discussion on nutritional management approaches for receiving and starting cattle, and Dr. Fred Owens (Ph.D. '68), a senior research scientist with Pioneer Hi-Bred International in Johnston, IA. Owens received a special award to commemorate his professional excellence in the field of feedlot cattle nutrition and management.
 

Owens is Recipient of PNC Professional Excellence Award
Source: Dr. N. Andy Cole, USDA-ARS, Bushland, TX

Department of Animal Science alumnus Dr. Fred Owens received the Plains Nutrition Council (PNC) Professional Excellence Award at the PNC spring conference held April 22-23, 2010, in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Owens was recognized for his career-long contributions to beef cattle nutrition research and development, academic training of professionals in industry and academics, and service to professional organizations.

Dr. Owens attended the U of M after graduating from Wisconsin State University-River Falls (now UW-River Falls). While at the U of M, Owens completed his graduate work under the guidance of Drs. Jay Meiske and Richard Goodrich. Owens then spent six years with the Animal Science Department at the University of Illinois before joining the faculty at Oklahoma State University. At Oklahoma State, Owens conducted research on rumen function, metabolic disorders, feed intake, feed additives, and growth and development. During his 24 years at Oklahoma State, Owens was elected President of the American Society of Animal Science, served on the NRC Beef Cattle Subcommittee that developed the 1984 NRC Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle, was Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Animal Science, and won the Morrison Award from the American Society of Animal Science.

In 1998, Owens retired from Oklahoma State to start a new career with DuPont Specialty Grains, which was folded into Pioneer Hi-Bred when DuPont purchased Pioneer. As Senior Ruminant Research Nutritionist at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Owens is involved with developing and testing cereal crops and oilseeds that have been or can be altered to improve both nutrient availability and quality of milk and meat produced by ruminants. To this day, Dr. Owens is recognized as a worldwide leader in the field of ruminant nutrition, and, in particular, the area of beef cattle feedlot nutrition and management. His nearly 200 refereed journal articles and numerous landmark review articles and symposia proceedings papers on topics such as grain processing, acidosis, starch digestion, nitrogen metabolism, and growth and development have greatly impacted the beef cattle industry.

The Professional Excellence Award is the highest honor presented by the PNC, and Dr. Owens is just the fourth recipient of the award. Previous recipients are Dr. Kenneth Eng, a well-known feedlot cattle consultant and feedlot industry pioneer; Dr. Rodney Preston, a longtime beef industry leader and beef cattle nutrition researcher at Texas Tech University, Ohio State University, and Washington State University; and Dr. John McNeill, a well-known beef cattle extension specialist in the Texas Panhandle and later Department Head at Texas A&M University.  
 

Pettigrew is Medal of Excellence Award Winner

Professor Jim Pettigrew, University of Illinois swine nutritionist, will receive the prestigious 2010 Alltech Bioscience Medal of Excellence at Alltech's 26th International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium on May 16-19, 2010, at the Lexington Convention Center, Lexington, KY. Dr. Pettigrew is being recognized for his revolutionary research in the area of food production and his work to provide solutions to the challenges of feeding a growing global population.

Dr. Pettigrew is a former U of M Department of Animal Science faculty member who led the development of the first mathematical model of pig metabolism with a focus on the lactating sow. He left the U of M after 17 years to start up Pettigrew Consulting International, LLC, which involved a wide range of activities and included travel to several different countries.

Pettigrew was recruited by the University of Illinois in 2001 through the Faculty Excellence Program, a program that contributes to the university's excellence by recruiting highly qualified individuals with an outstanding record of accomplishment and the ability to provide scholarly leadership from the outset of their appointment. He is currently researching the connections between diet and health with a focus on gut bacteria.

Read the complete details in Pork magazine.
  

MN Team Gets Gold at NAIDC

The U of M team received a Gold Award in the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) held April 9 and 10, 2010, in Visalia, CA. A total of 28 teams from the U.S. and two from Canada, divided into four divisions, competed in the ninth annual event.

The Minnesota team was coached by Dr. Marcia Endres. Team members Jessica Achen, Abby Rudenick, Charlie Schiller and Staci Sexton are all seniors in Animal Science. The team gave a very professional presentation and the judges were very pleased. Congratulations team!

Dairy Challenge was designed by professionals from the dairy industry and university educators to bring classroom training to life in the real world for students preparing for dairy careers. Teams spend two days at the contest. On the first day, they evaluate cow and farm management data, as well as financial records, and visit a dairy farm. Later that day, they interview the farm manager. This year, for the first time, they had the opportunity to review the farm data for a couple of hours the day before they visited the farm.

After identifying opportunities to increase efficiency and profitability for the herd owner, the team presents its findings to a judging panel of dairy industry experts. Teams are judged on their analysis of the operation, recommendations and overall presentation.

The challenge provides students the opportunity to network with sponsors, students and coaches from various universities in North America, as well as agricultural professionals. The challenge is indeed a novel educational activity that has brought universities and industry together to develop future employees and leaders.

The 2010 Dairy Challenge Team is pictured at left (L-R): Marcia Endres (coach), Jessica Achen, Charlie Schiller, Staci Sexton and Abby Rudenick.

Academic Quadrathlon Team Competes at Midwest SDSA/ASAS

The Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon (AQ) Team competed March 14 and 15, 2010, during the Midwest ADSA/ASAS meeting in Des Moines, IA. Team members Jacob Albrecht,  Lindsey Beckendorf, Kevin Borst and Jon Ertl earned the right to represent the U of M by outscoring three other teams in the local competition held in February. The Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon consists of four components: Quiz Bowl, Lab Practicum, Written Exam, and Oral Presentation. After competing in the regional AQ, team members attended educational sessions of the Midwest ADSA/ASAS meetings.

The Animal Science Academic Quadrathlon Team is pictured above (L-R):
Jacob Albrecht, Lindsey Beckendorf, Kevin Borst and Jon Ertl.
 

Animal Science Students Show Calves at Annual Hog Roast and Showmanship Contest

Students from Dr. Tony Seykora's Introductory Animal Science class (ANSC 1101) displayed the results of training and grooming their assigned calves from the St. Paul Campus dairy facility at the annual Showmanship Contest (photos below) and Hog Roast held on the evening of April 22. Winners of their respective heats were Jake Achen, Taylor Engquist, Elizabeth Waliser, Erica Wipperfurth, Daniel Finch, Kirsten Kjorsvig, Kathryn McGranahan, Shelby Lingen, Kathryn Bursaw, Meg Hintzen, Theresa Twohey, Isaac Salfer and Barbara Scheiding. 

Showmanship judges were Brandon Thesing and Jeff Pagel. Over 300 people were served dinner. Pulled pork was provided by the Animal Science Meat Lab and the rest of the fixings were prepared by Rel Seykora (wife of Dr. Tony Seykora) with help from Megan Herberg.

     
 

 

Annual FANS Division Picnic is June 17

Don't miss the FANS Division Annual Picnic for the students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees and friends of the Departments of Animal Science and Food Science and Nutrition at 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 17, 2010. The picnic will be held outside the St. Paul Campus Livestock Pavilion, and in case of inclement weather, it will be moved inside.

The Animal Science Meat Lab will be serving up their hot-off-the-grill burgers and brats. Sides, beverages and dessert will be provided by Animal Science and Food Science and Nutrition.

The Department of Animal Science awards ceremony will take place during the picnic also. Awards will be presented to the Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Outstanding M.S. Student, and Outstanding Graduate Faculty.

If you would like to volunteer your time to help set up and/or clean up, please contact Kim Reno (tel: 612-624-3491).

See you at the FANS Division Annual Picnic on June 17!
 

Siehl Prize Ceremony

The Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture recognizes agricultural achievements by honoring those special people who have turned their love for the land into a lifetime of exemplary work. By honoring excellence, the Siehl Prize enhances public awareness and knowledge of agriculture, and encourages accomplished professionals to extend their leadership throughout the world. The Siehl Prize awards individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the production of food and alleviation of hunger in three separate categories: production agriculture, agribusiness, and knowledge (teaching, research and outreach).

A ceremony will be held at McNamara Alumni Center on Thursday, May 27, 2010 (3:30-6:00 p.m.), to honor the winners of this year's Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture awards. The 2010 laureates are:

Sander Ludeman (Production Agriculture), a farmer from Tracy, MN, led the drive to create a National Soybean Checkoff, the commodity self-funding program that has dramatically increased awareness and production of soybeans around the globe over the past two decades.

Donald Helgeson (Agribusiness) of St. Cloud, along with his brother Jerry, bought the family's small hatchery in the 1950s and grew it into what is now known as Gold'n Plump Poultry. The largest fully integrated chicken producer in the upper Midwest, Gold'n Plump breeds and hatches its own chickens, mills its own feed, and processes its products in company-owned plants.

Ronald Phillips (Knowledge) is one of the U of M's most distinguished faculty. He is known for his groundbreaking discoveries in plant genetics and genomics. His was the first laboratory to regenerate corn plants from cells in tissue culture, a contribution that allowed for development of genetic engineering in cereal crops.

Those who wish to attend the ceremony may RSVP online. Questions may be directed to Lisa Hartwig at siehlprz@umn.edu.
 

You've Graduated, What Now?

"You've Graduated, What Now?" is a 1-day intensive seminar to help U of M seniors and recent graduates search for jobs in this challenging economy. You'll learn how to conduct a creative job search, craft an outstanding resume, interview effectively, and use LinkedIn as a networking tool. You will also have the opportunity to network directly with employers. Those who wish to participate must have a graduation date between December 2009 and August 2010.

The seminar will be held in the Mississippi Room on the 3rd floor of Coffman Memorial Union on May 27, 2010, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The cost is $10.00 and registration is required. Sign up via GoldPASS at http://goldpass.umn.edu. Click on "Career Events" and search for "What Now". (Carlson students should register via The Edge.)

Questions may be directed to your college career center or to Liz Hruska at 612-624-2172.
  

Provost's Inaugural Scholarship Open

The Provost's Inaugural Scholarship Open is a golf tournament to benefit U of M students by raising funds to endow student scholarships. The tournament, hosted by the Department of Recreational Sports and the University Golf Course, will be held at the U of M Golf Course on Friday, June 4, 2010, beginning at 8:30 a.m. (shotgun start). The tournament is open to the entire University community, including faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. The entry fee is $95.00 per golfer and includes a golf shirt, greens fee, cart, practice range balls, putting contest entry, and food at the post event barbeque. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place teams, and various field events throughout the day.

Registration forms are due by May 28, 2010. (Download a registration form.)
 

Small Farms Program Offers Livestock Course for Beginners

The U of M Extension Small Farms Program will offer a short course on livestock on Monday evenings, June 7, 14, 21, and 28. This is a continuation of the Living on the Land-Livestock series. The classes are for farmers who have little or no experience with livestock, or for urban dwellers who would like to own livestock at some time in the near future but are not well-versed in the care and management of livestock.

The four-session series will give an overview of all domestic species and issues related to production management. The first two sessions will be taught in 365 Haecker Hall on the U of M St. Paul Campus. Topics to be covered during the first two nights include but are not limited to: facilities, feeds, zoonotics, disease and prevention, and manure management. Poultry and pork, and their management needs will be discussed during these two nights.

The last two sessions will be taught at the University’s UMore Park/Rosemount facility. On June 21, we’ll discuss topics related to management of sheep and goats for wool, meat and dairy production. On June 28, we’ll look at issues related to management of beef. There is a flock of sheep and a beef herd at UMore Park, so participants will be able to observe various handling/management practices during those sessions.

The fee for the course is $80, for which participants can bring a spouse or a friend. For more information, please contact Wayne Martin (tel: 612-625-6224).
 

Registration Now Open for 2010-2011 PorkBridge Program

Those involved in the daily care of growing/finishing pigs should consider enrolling in the 2010-2011 PorkBridge program. This includes independent and contract growers, employees, owners, and technical service providers. You’ll have access to university and industry professionals with a variety of expertise. You can share in their insights, and ask questions of them and other producers throughout the year-long series. You’ll be able to take part in this educational opportunity without having to worry about time off from work, travel distance or inclement weather.

The sessions take just one hour, plus question and discussion time, every two months. You can spend the session time wherever it best suits your schedule: at your home, office, or swine unit. All you need is a phone line and a computer that reads CDs. The cost is only $125 for all six presentations, but registration is required by May 25, 2010.

The 2010-2011 program includes:

• June 10, 2010: Mycotoxins—What We’ve Learned and What You Need to Know
       -Dr. Bob Thaler, South Dakota State University
   
  
• August 5, 2010: Current Understanding on Pit Foaming, Barn Explosions, and Safety Precautions
       -Dr. Larry Jacobson and David Schmidt, University of Minnesota
   
• October 7, 2010: Preparing Your Ventilation and Heating Systems for Winter’s Challenges
       -Dr. Mike Brumm, Brumm Swine Consultancy, Inc.
   
• December 9, 2010: Going Hot-Shot Free: Tips to Improve Hog Handling
       -Alan Evers, Cooper Farms; Dr. Matt Ritter, Elanco Animal Health
   
• February 3, 2011: Euthanasia Techniques, Tools and Protocols
       -Dr. Michelle Sprague, AMVC Management Services
   
• April 7, 2011: National Update on the Livestock Antibiotic Use Issue
       -Dr. Jennifer Greiner, National Pork Producers Council

View the PorkBridge brochure for more details regarding this distance learning opportunity. Questions? Contact Mark Whitney (tel: 507-389-5541). 
 

6th Annual Reception to Honor Women in Agriculture

Lt. Governor Carol Molnau and Minnesota Agri-Women are hosting the 6th Annual Reception to Honor Women in Agriculture at the Governor's residence in St. Paul. The reception will be held on June 29, 2010, beginning at 1:30 p.m., and will include an afternoon tea and a short program.

There is no charge for this event and space is limited. For security purposes, all attendees must RSVP by June 22 to Doris Mold via email (doris@sunriseag.net), by phone (715-822-6347), or by fax (715-822-6351). Please include your name and affiliation with your RSVP. 
 

An Opportunity to Promote U.S. Agricultural Interests

The USDA is seeking outstanding senior and graduate level college and university students with excellent analysis, marketing, writing, language and organizational skills and experience to work in their overseas offices promoting U.S. agricultural interests. U.S. citizen students who are majoring in a business or science related agricultural field are eligible to apply for the International Agricultural Internship Program (IAIP). IAIP is a 10-16 week paid internship. The program places about 10 students each semester (spring, summer and fall) to work on international ag trade policy issues, commodity and market analyses, and organizing trade events.

The online application deadline for spring 2011 is July 1, 2010. Applications for summer 2011 close on November 1, 2010, and the fall 2011 application deadline is March 1, 2011.

For more information, see http://www.fas.usda.gov/admin/student/iaip/index.asp.  
  

Online Training for DairyCOMP305 Begins in July

The Center for Dairy Health, Management, and Food Quality at the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine is offering online DairyCOMP305 training beginning July 19, 2010. Over 1,000 learners from all over the world have already completed this innovative online training using DairyCOMP 305 software to manage and evaluate a dairy farm. The course material for the introductory section is in the process of being totally re-written so that it is updated with the new DairyCOMP305 program release.

For additional information about the DairyCOMP 305 training curriculum, please contact Dr. Paul Rapnicki or contact Veterinary Continuing Education (tel: 800-380-8636 or 612-624-3434).  
  

100th Anniversary of National Cattle Congress "Waterloo"
Source: Danielle Kiefer, Senior, CFANS, U of M

Not so long ago, every dairy producer around knew of “Waterloo”. They knew that Waterloo, Iowa, held much more than a John Deere Factory—it was home to National Dairy Cattle Congress. For those who have never heard of “National Cattle Congress” or “Waterloo”, think of it as yesteryear's World Dairy Expo with the first show taking place in October of 1910.

Although in the 1960s the show lost its status of the most prestigious dairy show, it held on for many years. Due to some financial difficulties in 1997, National Cattle Congress was unable to continue the show the following year. Then in 2005, National Cattle Congress and the head of the dairy committee reorganized and welcomed nearly 100 head of cattle back into its barns. The show has continued since, growing in popularity once again. This September, National Cattle Congress will again open its gates to dairy cattle from across the nation.

2010 marks the 100th anniversary of National Cattle Congress, and the Dairy Show has a few special events planned for the occasion. Show entries may begin arriving Wednesday, September 15 for the Dairy Show on Friday, September 17. The show this year will have increased premiums for classes and will also be adding a few classes like a bull calf and bull yearling class for each breed. But that's not all—National Cattle Congress will also be the host to Dallas Burton’s Big Ten Sale, which will be held the day before the show on Thursday, September 16. The sale will have over 100 consignments from all over the U.S., and each live consignment will be entered into the show so a purchaser may choose to show their animal(s) the following day. In addition to the sale and show will be a dance and a meal.

National Cattle Congress is already expecting show herds form New York, Illinois, California and Wisconsin.  All of these herds are excited about their participation in this year's National Cattle Congress. So plan on joining the fun at 100th Annual National Cattle Congress (September 16-19 in Waterloo, IA). Come to the Big Ten Sale and then enjoy the show.

For more information about the sale and show, please contact: Doug Kiefer (tel: 319-233-8813), Norm Nabholtz (tel: 563-422-3692).
 

Pre-Vet Club's New Officers

Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the U of M Pre-Vet Club:

• Channing Sebo, President
• Erica Mortensen, Vice President
• Kerri Haider, Secretary
• Ethan Mollet, Treasurer
• Jane Bergquist, Historian
• Thyra Bierman, Public Relations

For information about the Pre-Vet Club, please email the Club at pvc@umn.edu.
 

Jackie Popowski

Jackie Popowski is a first year Animal Science graduate student pursuing a Master’s degree in meat science and is advised by Dr. Ryan Cox. Her work will focus on animal feeding and its affects on meat quality, food safety, and sensory attributes.

Jackie is originally from Ivanhoe, MN, and became interested in meat science through her undergraduate research project. She completed her B.S. in Animal Science this past summer at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. While an undergrad, she was involved in Block and Bride, Gopher Dairy Club, and Delta Theta Sigma.

Outside of school, Jackie enjoys being outdoors with friends and family, watching movies, and traveling around the country.
 

Congratulations to all the CFANS graduating seniors.
 

Drs. Jerry Shurson (PI) and Alfredo DiCostanzo were awarded $166,060 by the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council/Minnesota Corn Growers Association for a project titled, "Fate and Biological Activity of Antibiotics Used in Ethanol Production". Project period: April 15, 2010-April 15, 2011.

Drs. Jerry Shurson and Dan Gallaher (Co-PIs) received $80,000 from the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council/Minnesota Corn Growers Association for their project, "Determination of Potential Human Health Benefits from DDGS." Project period: April 15, 2010-April 15, 2011.

Drs. Krishona Martinson, Craig Sheaffer, and Hans Jung received a grant of $2,000 from Midwest Forage Association for "Seasonal Forage Quality Variation of Twelve Cool Season Grass Species Used for Pasture". Project period: April 2010 to April 2011. 
 

- May 2010 -

5 - PQA+ and TQA Training/Certification, MN Pork Office, 151 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 810, Mankato, MN. Contact: Colleen at MN Pork, 800-537-7675.

5 - SowBridge: Beating Summer Heat For Sows. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

6 - Season Extension Field Day, Southwest ROC, 23669 130th Street, Lamberton, MN.

8-9 - 6th Annual Minnesota Meat Goat Producers (MMGP) All Goat Expo, Washington County Fairgrounds, Lake Elmo, MN. Contact: Wayne Martin, 612-625-6224.

10 - CFANS Spring College Assembly (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.), 105 Cargill Bldg., U of M St. Paul Campus.

14 - CFANS Commencement Ceremony (7:00 p.m.), Northrop Auditorium, U of M Mpls. Campus.

18-20 - Minnesota Dairy Health Conference, Continuing Education and Conference Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Pre-conference Symposium, "Dairy Welfare Programs and Audits" (May 18, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), Ben Pomeroy Student-Alumni Learning Center. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education at vetmedce@umn.edu or 800-380-8636.

19 - PQA+ and TQA Training/Certification, Wells Fargo Bank Bldg, 220 W. Washington Avenue, Fergus Falls, MN. Contact: Colleen at MN Pork, 800-537-7675.

20 - W.E. Petersen Symposium "Challenges and Opportunities for Animal Science Graduate Education", Ramada Plaza, 1300 Industrial Blvd. NE, Minneapolis, MN. Contact: Kim Reno, 612-624-3491.

27 - Seminar: "You've Graduated, What Now?" (9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), Mississippi Room, Coffman Memorial Union. Contact: your college career center or Liz Hruska, 612-624-2172.

27 - Siehl Prize Ceremony (3:30-6:00 p.m.), McNamara Alumni Center, U of M Mpls. Campus. RSVP online. Contact: Lisa Hartwig.

31 - The University's Twin Cities campus is closed (Memorial Day holiday).

- June 2010 -

2 - SowBridge: Air Filtration Systems for Sow Barns. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

4 - Provost's Inaugural Scholarship Open (8:30 a.m.), U of M Golf Course, St. Paul. Download a registration form.

7, 14, 21, 28 - U of M Extension Small Farms Program. For more information, contact Wayne Martin, 612-625-6224.

9-10 - 4-State Dairy Conference, Dubuque, IA. Contact: Marcia Endres, 612-624-5391.

9-11 - World Pork Expo, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA.

10 - PorkBridge: Mycotoxins—What We've Learned and What You Need to Know. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

17 - FANS Division Annual Picnic (noon), St. Paul Campus Livestock Pavilion. Contact: Kim Reno, 612-624-3491.

29 - 6th Annual Reception to Honor Women in Agriculture (1:30-3:30 p.m.), Governor's residence, 1006 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN. RSVP with your name and affiliation by June 22 to Doris Mold, 715-822-6347 (fax: 715-822-6351).  

- July 2010 -

5 - The University's Twin Cities campus is closed (Independence Day holiday).

7 - SowBridge: Timing of AI. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

24 - Livestock Tour Extravaganza with the Wild Rice Stockman's Association (8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), Mahnomen County Farigrounds, Mahnomen, MN. Four-stop bus tour farm/pastures in the Mahnomen/Norman County area. No charge. Contact: Deb Hoseth, 701-429-4050.

- August 2010 -

4 - SowBridge: Pregnancy Detection Technology for Troubleshooting. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

5 - PorkBridge: Current Understanding on Pit Foaming, Barn Explosions, and Safety Precautions. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

19 - Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (ROC) and UMore Park Open House "Ag for the 21st Century: Healthy Living" (4:00-8:00 p.m.), 1605 160th Street West, Rosemount, MN. Phone: 651-423-2455.

26-Sep 6 - Minnesota State Fair, Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN. Contact: MN State Fair, 651-642-2372.

29 - 2nd Annual Minnesota 4-H Dairy Showcase, Swine Barn Arena, Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul, MN. Contacts: Sarah Schmidt, 507-6783-2245; Leah Johnson, 614-296-3631; Karyl Diersen, 507-724-2330.

- September 2010 -

1 - SowBridge: Emergency Action Plans for Hog Barns. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

6 - The University's Twin Cities campus is closed (Labor Day holiday).

15-19 - National Cattle Congress Fair & PRCA Rodeo, 257 Ansborough Avenue, Waterloo, IA.

18-21 - Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, Saint Paul RiverCentre, 174 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education or call 612-624-3434. Registration opens June 1.

21-22 - 71st Minnesota Nutrition Conference, Holiday Inn, Owatonna, MN. Contacts: Lee Johnston, 320-589-1711; Noah Litherland, 612-624-6789; John Goihl, 800-322-0437.

24-Oct 2 - Homecoming Week, U of M Twin Cities.

- October 2010 -

1 - Women's Center 50th Anniversary Gala (3:00-5:00 p.m.), McNamara Memorial Hall, U of M Mpls. Campus. Phone: 612-625-9837.

2 - Equine Fall Conference, Nutrena Conference Hall, Leatherdale Equine Center, U of M St. Paul Campus. Contact: Veterinary Continuing Education at vetmedce@umn.edu or 800-380-8636.

6 - SowBridge: Managing Feed Drops in Gestation. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.

7 - PorkBridge: Preparing Your Ventilation and Heating Systems for Winter's Challenges. Contact: Mark Whitney, 507-389-5541.