AnSci Connection
The newsletter of the Department of Animal Science

September 2011

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

Notes from the Department Head

 Welcome to the class of 2015 and all returning students to a new academic year. We are glad to have everyone on campus and look forward to an exciting year! I have discussed it before in this newsletter and I will repeat it here; the Animal Science major is an exciting and broad based academic major that offers great opportunity and promise. A recent survey of Animal Science and CFANS alumni supports this with a 90 plus percent employment or continuing education placement upon graduation, and a high job satisfaction for those who sought employment. This is a reflection of our diverse curriculum offerings allowing students the opportunity to design a program to fit their individual interest in many animal species and discipline areas. Best wishes for a truly great year to our Animal Science majors and all students in CFANS. Also, remember the CFANS picnic on September 20 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on the St. Paul campus mall.

As we begin this academic year, we also want to extend a welcome to our new University of Minnesota President, Eric Kaler. His official inauguration will be held the week of September 19 with many activities and events across the University. He has been very busy since starting in July touring the state and learning about the University of Minnesota and its programs. We look forward to working with him and sustaining the excellence of this great institution. 

It has been another busy summer for Department of Animal Science faculty, staff and students. As you read through this newsletter, you see the academic achievements of students, awards and recognitions our faculty and students received this summer, and the places faculty and others traveled to over the summer. Add into all this attendance at professional meetings and summer was not a quiet time for members of the Animal Science Department. 

This is my last newsletter column as I will be retiring September 30. I have been very fortunate to have been employed in a great state, at a great institution and worked with the finest people anywhere over the last 30 some years. As I look back over the years, there is no doubt this is an outstanding Department of Animal Science with some of the best teaching, extension and research programs anywhere in the country. Animal Science has changed over the years from a focus on farm animal production to one that now includes companion animals, animal models in human medicine along with a greater diversity in food animal production systems. The Department has changed in congruence with the animal sciences over the years and is addressing the new frontiers and interests of animals in our society and environment. With the continuing support of our students, alumni and friends, the Department’s excellent teaching, extension and research can continue to enrich our lives and meet the challenges of feeding a growing global population. 

The University of Minnesota has one of the strongest animal science departments and programs in the country. Minnesota has one of the best and strongest animal agriculture industries in the world. It has been a pleasure to serve both. Thank you.
      

Faculty Highlights

Dr. Ryan Cox

Dr. Ryan Cox received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Auburn University and his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Ryan currently serves as Extension Meats Specialist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition. His appointment is 60% extension and 40% research. 

Ryan concentrates his extension efforts in providing Minnesota meat processors and livestock producers with opportunities to add value and alternatively market safe and wholesome meat products to an informed consumer. In targeting efforts to this purpose, flagship programs that Ryan has developed during his 3 years at the University of Minnesota are categorized as Meat Science for Meat Processors, Livestock Producers, or Consumers and Youth. These programs include the Value-Added Meat Processing Workshop, the Minnesota State Fair Processed Meats Championship, the HACCP, Sanitation and Auditing Workshop, the Cattle Harvest Day Workshop, the Deer Processing Workshop, the Meat Science 101 Evening Course, and the 4-H Meats Judging Contest. Additionally, Ryan consults with processors and producers to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, while also meeting the demands of the modern consumer. 

Ryan’s research focus includes adding value and safety to meat products and addressing the emergence of novel markets. Consequently, research projects are commonly categorized as pre-mortem or post-mortem effects on meat quality and safety. A substantial portion of research has been devoted to the effects of feeding cattle and swine byproducts from the ethanol and biodiesel industry on meat quality, more specifically fat quality. Additionally, a number of projects have evaluated meat processing effects on the physic-chemical characteristics of meat fats, and consequently, sensory quality. Moreover, Ryan has worked with a number of projects evaluating the prevalence of viruses and pathogenic bacteria in beef and pork products throughout the production chain.

In addition to his roles in extension and research, Ryan serves as the faculty coordinator of the Meat Science Laboratory. Working closely with Pete Nelson, the Meat Laboratory Supervisor, he continues to seek strategies to provide extension, research and teaching entities within and outside of the university with opportunities and access to animal derived products. Whether through classroom interaction, project development or access to the salesroom, Ryan hopes that all users of the laboratory understand that it is a critical component of the animal and food science education.

Ryan and his wife, Mercedes live in St. Paul and enjoy spending time with friends and family. They also enjoy traveling, volunteer work and opportunities to show their two dogs all of the great outdoor opportunities in the Twin Cities. 
  

News and Announcements

Congratulations to Dr. Linn!

Jim will be officially retiring at the end of September. His University of Minnesota career spans 33 years during which time he made outstanding contributions in teaching, extension and research. As a teacher, Jim has left a legacy of undergraduate and graduate students educated with skills and knowledge for successful careers in the animal sciences. Through his extension programs, Jim has had a profound impact on dairy producers and the dairy industry. As a researcher, Jim has been a key contributor in the area of dairy nutrition. Dr. Linn’s dedication and service to professional societies in animal science and his recognition in various leadership roles in the department, university and profession is another attribute of his exemplary career. Many of our readers’ careers and programs have been enriched by collaborations and interactions with Jim. The Department of Animal Science has been honored to have Jim serve as Department Head. While he is officially retiring this month, his presence will still be seen. He will continue to support our department’s teaching mission in the classroom this fall. Respecting Jim’s wishes, we will not have a formal retirement event. Please join us in congratulating Jim on his retirement!
  

Tan Wins Outstanding Grad Student Poster Award

Wenfang (Spring) Tan received the John Clark Outstanding Graduate Student Poster Award at the 8th Transgenic Animal Research Conference held in Tahoe City, CA in August. The title of her winning poster was "Gene targeting of the swine myostatin gene using rAAV and TALENs. For her efforts, she received free registration to the conference in the form of a $1,500 refund.

The Transgenic Animal Research Conference, hosted by UC-Davis, brings together representatives from the leading laboratories worldwide who are conducting cutting-edge transgenic research in non-murine animals, including livestock, fish and poultry. This year's conference focused on state-of-the-art science in the field of transgenic research. Presentations addressed cutting-edge methodology, technical improvements, and current progress towards producing transgenic animals for biomedical and agricultural applications.
 

One Busy Summer for Popowski

Jackie Popowski received second place in the M.S. Division of the Graduate Student Poster Competition at the Reciprocal Meats Conference, June 19-22, 2011 at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS. Her poster was titled "Effect of high protein dried distillers grains used in beef finishing diets on fatty acid profile, and retail shelf life of fresh and further processed beef products". This event marks the first time that a University of Minnesota student has received an award at this research conference, which is attended by more than 700 meat scientists in both academia and industry.

Additionally, Jackie received the Phibrochem Distillers Grains Scholarship at the National Distillers Grains Symposium, May 11-12, 2011 in Kansas City, MO. There she also presented a poster representing her research.

Jackie also received an award for her poster titled "Prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle fed distillers grains in feedlots and harvested through a commercial abattoir in Minnesota" presented at the Plains Nutrition Conference, April 14-15, 2011 in San Antonio, TX. The Plains Nutrition Conference is a yearly gathering presenting the latest in cattle feeding advances in the southern plains, and hosts a graduate student competition for poster presentations. The University of Minnesota has been competing with posters for about 9 years, and Jackie is the first University of Minnesota student to receive an award.

Jackie defended her M.S. thesis in Meat Science on June 3rd. Her advisor is Dr. Ryan Cox and collaborators on her research include Drs. Alfredo DiCostanzo, Grant Crawford, Zata Vickers, Francisco Diez-Gonzalez and Ryan Fink. Jackie is currently seeking a position in the meat industry.
  

El-Halawani is One of Three New PSA Fellows

Dr. Mohamed El-Halawani, University of Minnesota Department of Animal Science, was one of three new Fellows of the Poultry Science Association (PSA) recognized at the 2011 annual meeting in July. Sacit F. Bilgili (Auburn University) and Henry R. Wilson (University of Florida) also were named.

“This year we have selected three outstanding long-time PSA members to be the recipients of the highest honor that the Poultry Science Association can bestow, the title of Fellow of the Poultry Science Association. The award of Fellow represents the highest level of achievement in and contributions to the various disciplines within the broad context of poultry science,” said Dr. Lilburn.

The status of Fellow recognizes members of the Poultry Science Association for professional distinction and contributions to the field of poultry science without concern to longevity. Not more than five members may be elected as Fellows at any one annual meeting. A two-thirds majority vote by the Board of Directors is required to elect any nominee as Fellow. Election to Fellow is one of the highest distinctions a PSA member can achieve.
 

Mauro Chosen for ASM/NSF Biology Scholars Program

Dr. Laura Mauro was one of 14 exemplary biologists chosen by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) to participate in the 2011 ASM/NSF Biology Scholars Program Research Residency.

The Biology Scholars Program is a national leadership program established in 2008 to improve student learning in the lab or classroom and sustain reform efforts in undergraduate biology education. The program has brought together more than 100 Scholars to create and disseminate examples of scholarly teaching in biology; these examples have been made possible through the program’s independent, but intertwined, virtual residency programs — the Assessment, Research, and Transitions Residencies.

“Every year I am amazed at the quality of faculty who apply for this program. So many are already researching their students’ learning in an informal way, and are thrilled to find other faculty involved in the same type or work. It is very exciting that with the Biology Scholars Program, we are building an actively engaged community of scholars in biology education to support one another, solicit feedback, and build collaborations,” says Alix Darden, Residency Program Leader.

This year’s Research Residency kicked off with the intensive Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Institute, held July 13-16 in Washington, D.C. Along with Darden, several former ASM Scholars were on hand as facilitators: Loretta Brancaccio-Taras (Kingsborough Community College), Bill Cliff (Niagara University), Michèle Shuster (New Mexico State University), and Jim Smith (Michigan State University). They brought the voice of experience to helping residency participants navigate the best practices for conducting and publishing education research.

The Biology Scholars Program was developed with the support of the National Science Foundation under grant number DUE-1022542. The program is sponsored by ASM with support from the NSF, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and American Association for the Advancement of Science BioSciEdNet Collaborative. In addition, several life science professional societies partner with and contribute expertise to the program; these include the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Physiological Society, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society for Cell Biology, American Society for Plant Biology, American Society of Human Genetics, Ecological Society of America, Genetics Society of America, Human Anatomy and Physiology Society, and Society of Toxicology.

Congratulations to the Scholars of the 2011 Research Residency:

Laura Mauro, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
Anne Bernhard, Connecticut College, CT
Laurie Caslake, Lafayette College, PA
Laurence Clement, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Lisa DiGirolamo, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Wendy Dustman, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Eric Hanson, University of Southern Nevada, South Jordan, UT
Kendra Hill, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Jean Huang, F.W. Olin College of Engineering, Needham, MA
Ann McDonald, Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI
Kirt Moody, Columbia College, Columbia, SC
Rongsun Pu, Kean University, Union, NJ
Robyn Puffenbarger, Bridgewater College, Bridgewater, VA
Naomi Wernick, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA
  

Reneau Wins Award at ADSA

Dr. Jeff Reneau was presented with the West Agro, Inc. Award at the 2011 American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) annual meeting in July. Jeff was selected based on his outstanding contributions to milk quality research.

The West Agro, Inc. Award was established to recognize outstanding research of milk quality as affected by control of mastitis, management of milking, and practices in production of milk. The recipient of this award must have meritorious scientific or technical contribution in research of one or more of the areas of mastitis, including epidemiology, microbiology, prophylaxis, therapy, immunity, anatomy, and physiology of mammary gland; milking management and systems related to hygiene, udder health, and milk quality; milk yield, composition, flavor, and microbiological quality as related to feeding or management; and/or detection or analysis of foreign substances in milk or of abnormal milk, prevention or elimination of milk adulteration, particularly of those contaminants that have significance to public health or an impact on product technology. The winner must have made the contribution within the five years immediately preceding nomination, and have been a member of ADSA for at least five successive years.

Jeff has responsibilities in extension, teaching, and research in the Department of Animal Science. His research over the past five years has focused on improving milk quality and animal housing, and has led to the publication of 13 refereed publications and book chapters, 11 abstracts, 25 popular press articles, plus over 40 invited presentations, conference proceedings, and extension publications.

In 2009, Jeff had won ADSA's DeLaval Dairy Extension Award.
 

Martinson Receives ESS Outstanding Young Professional Award

Dr. Krishona Martinson, assistant professor and equine specialist in the Department of Animal Science, was awarded the 2011 Equine Science Society (ESS) Outstanding Young Professional Award at the ESS annual meeting in Murfreesboro, TN in May. The award is presented to an equine professional under the age of 40 who has made meritorious contribution to Equine Science in teaching, research, public service, or industry.

Krishona was described as the linchpin and driving force behind the successful and effective University of Minnesota Horse Program. Krishona has secured over $85,000 in grants and sponsorships to support her Extension programming and almost $650,000 in research funding. She has advised one MS student, one Postdoctoral student, and five undergraduates. Since 2008, she has published 3 book chapters, 2 refereed journal articles, 9 abstracts, 8 proceedings articles, 6 Extension fact sheets, and 59 newsletter articles. Dr. Martinson was also commended for her service activities. She was nominated by Dr. Marcia Hathaway, University of Minnesota, and Dr. Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska.
       

U of M Students Compete at ESS  

Two University of Minnesota students competed in the Equine Science Society’s graduate student oral presentation competition in Murfreesboro, TN, which took place May 31 through June 3.

Kristen Clearly won the competition in the Production and Management graduate student section when she presented the paper “Round-bale feeder design affects hay waste and economics during horse feeding”. Although Kristen was an undergraduate student when she conducted the research, her current standing as a second year veterinary student made her ineligible for the undergraduate contest, thus placing her in the graduate student category.

Beth Allen placed 4th in the same section. Beth presented a paper titled “Equine grazing preferences and persistence of twelve cool-season grasses”. Beth also presented a posted titled “Yield and quality of twelve cool-season grasses under horse grazing”.

There was stiff competition with 16 students in the Production and Management section. Cash awards were given to the first three places. Kristen and Beth are both advised by Krishona Martinson, and Marcia Hathaway and Craig Sheaffer serve on Beth Allen’s committee.

Congratulations to both Kristen and Beth on a job well done!   
  

eXtension Horse Leadership Team Wins Excellence in Teamwork Award 

The Joint Council of Extension Professionals awarded the 2011 Excellence in Teamwork Award to the eXtension Horse (HorseQuest) Leadership Team. The Leadership Team is comprised of Betsy Greene (past chair), University of Vermont; Kathy Anderson (chair), University of Nebraska; Krishona Martinson (vice chair), University of Minnesota; Chris Skelly and Karen Waite, Michigan State University; and Elaine Bailey, University of Maryland.

The eXtension Horse Leadership Team was instrumental in developing and sustaining both web content and a team of national experts, resulting in an innovative, educational resource. The website (www.extension.org/horses) provides a variety of methods and learning opportunities related to health, care, management, and training of horses. Website resources include: Interactive Learning Lessons, Webinars, Frequently Asked Questions, Basic Information, and "Ask the Expert". The eXtension Horse Community of Practice has led the way in providing unique educational opportunities for their clientele.   
  

Seven Animal Sciences Grad Students Participate in Commencement

Seven of our graduate students in the Animal Sciences Graduate Program participated in the Arts, Sciences, and Engineering Graduate Commencement at Mariucci Arena on April 29. Greg Golombeski, Amy Hazel, Karen Lobeck, Christina Phillips, Jenna Pomerenke, Jackie Popowski, and Martin Ruiz-Moreno all took part in the first graduate commencement to be held in Mariucci Arena. Northrop Auditorium closed this spring for renovation. It was also the first graduate commencement under the restructuring of graduate education. Formerly, commencement for about 150 programs was hosted by the Graduate School.

Participating colleges included the College of Biological Sciences (CBS), College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS), College of Liberal Arts (CLA), College of Science and Engineering (CSE), and the Medical School basic sciences departments.

The graduates were greeted by Senator Amy Klobuchar, who invoked her family's history on the Iron Range in northern Minnesota to emphasize the power of graduate education.

The keynote address was delivered by Margaret Anderson Kelliher, president and CEO of the Minnesota High Tech Association and a former Minnesota legislator.

"We're pinning the hopes and dreams of this great state on you," said Kelliher. "Never forget where you came from."

Presentation of the degree candidates was made by professors Alptekin Aksan and Doreen Leopold. The Honorable David McMillan, elected to the Board of Regents this year, conferred the degrees.

Above (L-R): Martin Ruiz-Moreno, Greg Golombeski, Christina Phillips,
Jenna Pomerenke, Karen Lobeck, Amy Hazel, Jackie Popowski.
  

Eight U of M Students Receive NDS Scholarships

National Dairy Shrine (NDS) awarded eight of 32 scholarships to University of Minnesota students this year.

Erin Daninger was selected as the recipient of the Maurice Core Scholarship, which is limited to students who have completed only their freshman year of college work. A single student is selected nationally. Erin is the daughter of Patrick Daninger and Sharlene Fingerson Daninger, who are both CFANS alumni and dairy producers in Washington County.

For the Student Recognition program for graduating seniors, both of our nominees, Brandon Thesing and Abby Udermann, were national winners with Brandon placing first overall.

The NDS/Dairy Management Inc. Scholarship program awards one scholarship of $1,500 and numerous scholarships of $1,000. Laura Weisz was selected as the first place recipient ($1,500), and Jason Kaare, Theresa Twohey, and Issac Salfer were all among the $1,000 recipients.

Karen Anderson received one of the four Klussendorf/McKown Scholarship awards of $1,500.
  

Heins Appointed to MN Organic Advisory Task Force

Brad Heins, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science based at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, has been appointed to the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force by Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. Brad will represent University of Minnesota Extension on the task force.

The Organic Advisory task force advises the Commissioner of Agriculture and the University of Minnesota about policies and programs that will improve organic agriculture in Minnesota, including how available resources can most effectively be used to meet the needs of the organic agriculture community.
  

Organic Dairy Research Team Visits New Hampshire and North Carolina

Brad Heins (Department of Animal Science), Roger Moon (Entomology), Jim Paulson (University of Minnesota Extension dairy specialist) and Animal Sciences graduate student Elizabeth Bjorklund traveled to New Hampshire and North Carolina to expose planning team members to university research facilities that are currently in the process of conducting organic research. The visits also built relationships that will establish a collaborative atmosphere across the universities involved in organic research. The New Hampshire visit took place in May during peak grazing season, and the North Carolina visit took place in August during the hot, humid and draught conditions of the southeast United States.

During the visits, Dr. Andre Brito and Dr. Pete Erickson of the University of New Hampshire and Dr. Steve Washburn and Dr. Wes Watson of North Carolina State University provided opportunities to view their research facilities and provide insight on current organic dairy research. At New Hampshire, the group learned about current nutrition research of organic dairy cows, and North Carolina provided the opportunity to view current research helping to improve fly control on organic dairies. Both universities were wonderful hosts, and the Minnesota researchers were exposed to many different facets of the organic dairy industry in the northeast and southeast U.S. Furthermore, the group experienced the cuisine of both regions of the U.S.

The photos below were taken while traveling in North Carolina and New Hampshire.

  
 

 

Dairy Club Members Attend National ADSA Meetings

Ten Gopher Dairy Club members attended the National American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) – Student Affiliate Division meetings in New Orleans in July.  In addition to attending the scientific and business meetings, the students went on a swamp tour and took in many of the sites around New Orleans. 

Gopher Dairy Club member, Mike Donnelly, completed his term as secretary-treasurer of the Student Affiliate Division and Emily Krekelberg was elected to serve as the secretary-treasurer for 2011-2012. 

Five of our club members received outstanding scholarship awards: Jacob Achen, Mike Donnelly, Jason Kaare, Isaac Salver, and Laura Weisz.

The club's yearbook placed 2nd in national competition and their website took home 1st place honors. The quiz bowl team consisting of Isaac Salfer, Emily Krekelberg, Megan Udermann and Ashley Swensen placed 5th.

Front row (L to R): Ashley Swenson, Emily Krekelberg, Mile Donnelly, Elizabeth Olson, Laura Weisz.
Back row (L-R): Stephanie Kasper, Isaac Salfer, Jacob Achen, Jason Kaare, Megan Udermann.
  

Minnesota Pork Ambassador Named
Source: Minnesota Pork Board

Three University of Minnesota students from southeastern Minnesota were among those honored by Minnesota's pork industry at an event held in conjunction with Farmfest on August 3, 2011.

Katie Winslow of Fountain will serve as the new Minnesota Pork Ambassador. Winslow, the daughter Scott and Jean Winslow, represented the Fillmore County Pork Producers Association. She is a University of Minnesota student majoring in agricultural education and minoring in political science. As Minnesota Pork Ambassador, she will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the Minnesota Pork Board. After college, Winslow's career path includes becoming an ag instructor or working with commodity or farm groups to carry out promotional and educational programs.

"My political science background will help me in any career, as well as one at the state capitol where the telling of our story is vitally important," she said.

First runner-up was Ryan Strobel of Pemberton, the son of Greg and Robin Strobel. He represented the Blue Earth County Pork Producers Association. Strobel is a veterinary medicine student at the University of Minnesota. His career goals are to work as a swine veterinarian and to remain actively involved on his parent's crop and hog farm. He will receive a $750 scholarship.

Second runner-up was Natalie Johnston of Morris, the daughter of Lee and Judy Johnston, representing the Stevens County Pork Producers Association. Johnston is pursuing an animal science degree at the University of Minnesota, preparing for a career in animal health and pharmaceuticals. She will receive a $500 scholarship.

Winslow, Strobel and Johnston will represent the state's 4,000 pork producing families at various functions throughout their term as pork ambassadors, including consumer and producer educational events, and promotional activities that encourage pork consumption and public understanding of how pig farmers care for their animals. They will also have opportunities to enhance their understanding of the U.S. pork industry and to expand their leadership and communication skills.

The Minnesota Pork Ambassador program, funded through the Pork Checkoff and sponsored by the Minnesota Pork Board, strives to develop young pork industry leaders. For more information, please visit the Minnesota Pork Board website at www.mnpork.com/.

Johnston is One of Five Recipients of MBP Scholarship
Source: Minnesota Pork Board

In June, the Minnesota Pork Board (MPB) announced the recipients of five $1,000 scholarships to individuals pursuing careers with an emphasis in pork. The MPB scholarship program goal is to encourage and support young people in their decision to enter one of the many occupations within the swine industry.

This year's recipients include Justin Johnston, son of Lee and Judy Johnston of Morris; Sarah Jacobs, daughter of Randy and Joyce Jacobs of Rushmore; Leah Sample, daughter of Mark and Teresa Sample of Le Sueur; Ethan Spronk, son of Arwin and LuAnn Spronk of Edgerton; and Seth Spronk, son of Randy and Beth Spronk of Edgerton.

"The members of the Human Capital Committee believe it's our obligation to put into place programs and tools that can help develop and encourage the next generation of livestock professionals," said Ed Hubly, a swine nutritionist and committee member from New Ulm.

This is the first year of the MPB scholarship program. Applicants were required to be Minnesota residents attending a two- or four-year institution and pursuing an undergraduate degree that focuses on swine production or related field. The application process included their plans for future involvement in pork production and/or the pork industry, an essay on a pork industry challenge and their ideas for solving the issue, two letters of reference, and a professional resume.

"The selection committee members were very impressed with the quality of applicants and selecting only five was a tremendous challenge," Hubly said. "We feel good about the quality of individuals pursing ag careers and believe the future of our swine industry is in good hands."
   

Meat Lab Host to Recent Workshops

Deer hunters, educators and students worked through the steps necessary to safely field dress, fabricate, further process and cook venison products at a Deer Processing Workshop. University of Meat Science held the workshop in the Andrew Boss Lab of Meat Seicne on September 10, 2011. Read more; view photos.

The University of Minnesota Meat Lab presented their 3rd Annual Value-Added Meat Processing Workshop on August 25-26. There were 39 participants at the 2-day workshop that explored the challenges of producing novel, safe and wholesome meat products. Read more; view photos..

University of Minnesota Meat Science and the Minnesota Association of Meat Processors held the Minnesota State Fair Processed Meats Championship at the Andrew Boss Lab of Meat Science on August 24th. Greg's Meats won Grand Champion in all four categories: Ring Bologna, Cooked Summer Sausage, Bacon, and Cured Bone-In Ham. Read more, view photos.
   

Farmers Feed US, Take 3!

Minnesota Turkey Growers Association (MTGA), Broiler and Egg Association of Minnesota (BEAM), and GNP Company (Gold'n Plump) have embarked on phase 3 of the Farmers Feed US campaign. These organizations have joined other ag commodity groups to give away free groceries for a year ($5,000 value) plus two $1,000 grocery prizes. All 13 featured farmers from the first two phases will be highlighted, along with four new farmers. The sweepstakes includes TV advertising, social media, and a big presence at the State Fair.

Poultry's featured farmers include Kent Meschke (turkey), Brian Asmus (egg layers), Bill Wuertz (chickens), and John Gorton (turkey). The sweepstakes opened August 15 at www.FarmersFeedUS.org.
   

Condolences

Robert (Bob) W. Touchberry Sr. of Ely, IA, died Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at the age of 89. Touchberry was born October 27, 1921 in South Carolina, the son of Samuel and Lynwood (Gibson) Touchberry.

Bob proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He graduated from Clemson University, class of 1944. Bob received his Master of Science and Ph.D. in animal breeding and genetics at Iowa State University (1947-48). He was a professor teaching Genetics and Statistics at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, was Chairman of the Animal Science Department at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, and concluded his career as the Sesnon Endowed Chair of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. He was a Fulbright Research Fellow in Denmark (1956-57) and served at the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, D.C. (1967-68).

Bob was involved in animal breeding and agriculture for over 44 years until his retirement from university academics in 1992. He remained involved in professional agricultural societies (ASAS, ADSA), and the family farms in Iowa and South Carolina. His giving to universities continues to aid the success of ag students.

Bob was active in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) in California and Iowa, and he was a member of the Ely American Legion and First Presbyterian Church near Ely.

Bob is survived by his children, Bob Jr. (Jenny) of Longmont, CO, Pam Touchberry of Marion, Lee (Cindy) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Alan (Marlene) of St. Louis Park, MN, and 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Caroline (Fuhrmeister) on September 12, 2006.

Services were held at the First Presbyterian Church near Ely, with burial in Rogers Grove Cemetery, rural Ely. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to NAMI of Linn County.
 

Graduate Student Profile

Samuel Fessenden

Samuel Fessenden is an incoming graduate student pursuing a master's degree in ruminant nutrition, advised by Dr. Marshall Stern. Sam's research interest is primarily in ruminants, especially understanding efficiencies and coordinated utilization of feedstuffs.

Sam grew up in King Ferry, NY, where his family has been involved in dairy farming and agriculture for many generations. He recently completed his undergraduate degree in Animal Science with a Distinction in Research at Cornell University. While at Cornell, Sam was an active member of the Dairy Science Club, serving as president for two years. Additionally, he has participated in the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, helping the team win 1st Platinum at the 2011 competition. Sam has enjoyed many trips around the country and abroad as part of his undergraduate experience. He especially enjoyed a summer internship in Italy, and a semester abroad in New Zealand. Sam is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys traveling, outdoor recreation, exploring, cooking, and caring for animals.
  

Congratulations!

Abby Udermann and Brandon Thesing, recent University of Minnesota graduates, were marred on August 6, 2011. PHOTO.
 

Recent Grants

Brad Heins (PI), West Central ROC, Morris
Sponsor: CERES Trust Graduate Student Grant
Title: Effect of whole milk feeding duration with group fed calves on growth, health, and behavior of organic dairy calves
Amount: $10,000
Period: 9/1/11 - 6/30/12

Brad Heins (PI), West Central ROC, Morris
Sponsor:University of Minnesota
Title: Production and economic effects of select herd characteristics of Minnesota organic dairies
Amount: $19,138
Period: 9/1/11 - 12/30/12

Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota; Christine Skelly, Karen Waite and Gwyn Heyboer, Michigan State University; Kathy Anderson, University of Nebraska; and Peggy Miller, Iowa State University (co-investigators)
Sponsor: North Central Regional Center for Rural Development
Title: Business development and enhancement for rural equine businesses in the North Central region
Amount: $11,455

Stephanie Valberg, Veterinary Medicine; Krishona Martinson, Animal Science; Robert Blanchette, Plant Pathology; Jeff Gillman, Horticulture; and Jeff Bender, Veterinary Medicine (co-investigators)
Sponsor: Rapid Agricultural Response Fund
Title: Seasonal pasture myopathy: An emerging disease in Minnesota
Amount:  $150,404
    

Calendar of Events

- September 2011 -

13-15 - Iowa Poultry Association Fall Festival, West Des Moines Marriott Hotel, West Des Moines, IA. Phone: 515-727-4701.

15 - Southern ROC Open House (4:00-8:00 pm), Waseca, MN.

17-20 - Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, RiverCentre, St. Paul, MN. Contact: U of M Vet Med Continuing Education, 800-380-8636 or 612-624-3434, or email VetMedCE@umn.edu.

20-21 - 72nd Annual Minnesota Nutrition Conference, Holiday Inn, Owatonna, MN. Contact: Noah Litherland, 612-624-6789.

- October 2011 -

4-8 - World Dairy Expo, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI. Tel: 608-224-6455; Email: wde@wdexpo.com.

16-22 - Homecoming 2011: "All That Glitters is Gold"

- December 2011 -

7-9 - North Dakota Poultry Industries Convention, Fargo, ND. Contact: Carl or Sharlene Wittenburg at carlproalli@tds.net, carlwitt@wisper-wireless.com, or call 877-289-8875.

- January 2012 -

24-26 - International Poultry Exposition, Atlanta, GA.

- February 2012 -

15-18 - National Turkey Federation Annual Convention, Tampa, FL. Contact: Jen Zukowski, 202-898-0100.

- March 2012 -

14-15 - Midwest Poultry Federation Convention, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Lara Durben, 763-682-2171.