3rd W. E. Petersen Symposium

"Exploring Viable Dairy System Alternatives for Minnesota"

Presented by the Department of Animal Science, April 25, 2005

The objective of the 3rd W.E. Petersen Symposium was to explore which dairy system alternatives are most likely to be successful over the next 10-20 years in Minnesota and identify likely impacts of the dairy industry moving in this direction. This seminar explored implications of various systems relative to economics, human resources, farm families, rural communities, environmental impacts and animal welfare considerations. Top experts at the symposium discussed the impacts of alternative dairy systems.

Symposium Presentations:

• Introduction
   
• Economically Feasible Dairy System Alternatives for Minnesota
  - Stephen B. Harsh, Professor, Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University
    
• Successful Transitions Engaging Everyone
  - Robert A. Milligan, Sr. Consultant, Dairy Strategies LLC and Professor Emeritus, Economics, Cornell University
    
• Is the Family a Trampoline, a Press or a Pulley (Dairy Systems Impact on the Family
  - Sharon Danes, Professor and Extension Specialist, Family Social Science, University of Minnesota
   
• Dairy Systems Impact on the Environment
  - Neil C. Hansen, Associate Professor, Soil and Crop Sciences, Colorado State University
   
• Dairy Systems Impact on Animal Welfare
  - Daniel M. Weary, Professor, Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia