Four-State Dairy Meeting Is June 9-10

Feeding economics, improving transition-cow performance and silage troubleshooting are a few dairy-nutrition topics to be presented at the 2010 Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference, June 9-10 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, IA.

The conference is a collaborative effort of Iowa State University, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin Extension professionals.

Conference topics and speakers include:

• Feeding economics – Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois.
• Dairy economic panel – consultants Gary Siporski and Jim Barmore, veterinarian Ed Kreykes and dairy producer Doug Scheider.
• Improving transition-cow performance – Mike Overton, University of Georgia.
• Troubleshooting silage problems – Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Hi-Bred International.
• Chemistry of high-moisture corn – Pat Hoffman, University of Wisconsin.
• Improving starch digestibility – Randy Shaver, University of Wisconsin.
• Calf liquid program feeding with new antibiotic regulations – Noah Litherland, University of Minnesota Extension.
• Talks on culling, improving TMR consistency, FARM animal well-being program and benchmarking feed costs.

The first day, at 8 a.m., a preconference symposium sponsored by Virtus Nutrition will take place. Symposium speakers include Jude Capper, Washington State University, covering the compatibility between dairy efficiency and carbon footprint; Mike Overton, University of Georgia; Bill Thatcher, University of Florida; and Tom Jenkins, Clemson University.

Conference registration costs are $135 before May 28, $160 after that date and at the door and include conference proceedings, listed meals and breaks. Register online or download a brochure or contact the Wisconsin Agri-Service Association, 608-223-1111, or Jim Salfer at salfe001@umn.edu or 320-203-6093.