2009

Nov. 9-11: "Swimming with the Tide" animal welfare symposium organized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) at the MSU Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing. Veterinarians, educators, researchers, students and others interested in animal welfare education and research are invited to attend this first of its kind symposium. The AVMA/AAVMC Joint International Educational Symposium on Animal Welfare will engage international experts in exploring animal welfare as an evolving discipline and how to best educate veterinarians to be effective decision makers and advocates. For more information including an agenda and registration information, visit www.avma.org/awsymposium/agenda_pf.asp.

Nov. 11: "Making it in Michigan" conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lansing Center hosted by the MSU Product Center. In addition to hearing the announcement of the Best Barrier Buster, Most Successful Business Transition, Best Innovative Business Idea and 2009 Product Center Counselor awards, participants can take part in two of four educational breakout sessions: food safety, packaging, new consumer trends and regulatory issues. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Elizabeth Sloan, PhD, who will present "Nifty Niches and Very Big Ideas for New Consumer Products." The Marketplace Trade Show featuring one-on-one time with the MSU Product Center team and business development resource providers takes place from noon to  4 p.m. The early conference registration fee (received prior to Oct. 16) is $60; late registration (received after Oct. 16) is $75. The conference registration includes continental breakfast, educational sessions, admission to the Marketplace Trade Show and lunch. For $15, participants can purchase a USB with digital copies of all of the speakers' presentations. For additional information, visit www.makingitinmichigan.msu.edu.

December 1: "Healthy Hooves: The On-farm Edition" hoof trimming health workshop will be held at Trierweiler Dairy (9123 Grange Rd., Portland) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop organized by the MSU Extension dairy educators will help dairy producers learn how to optimize foot and leg health and improve performance in their herds. Karl Burgi, director of Dairyland Hoof Care Institute in Baraboo, Wis., will cover a variety of topics during the interactive on-farm session, including how to identify lame cows and the roles cow comfort and nutrition play in reducing cow stress. Educators will also share low-stress cow handling practices. Registration is limited to 45 people. The $25 per person registration fee includes lunch and all meeting materials. The registration deadline is Nov. 23. To register, contact Faith Cullens, MSU Extension dairy educator in Clinton Co., at cullensf@msu.edu or call 989-224-5249. Workshops will also be held Dec. 2-4 at other locations across the state. 

December 2: "Healthy Hooves: The On-farm Edition" hoof trimming health workshop will be held at WRL Daniels Dairy (8189 Prescott Rd., Whittemore) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop organized by the MSU Extension dairy educators will help dairy producers learn how to optimize foot and leg health and improve performance in their herds. Karl Burgi, director of Dairyland Hoof Care Institute in Baraboo, Wis., will cover a variety of topics during the interactive on-farm session, including how to identify lame cows and the roles cow comfort and nutrition play in reducing cow stress. Educators will also share low-stress cow handling practices. Registration is limited to 45 people. The $25 per person registration fee includes lunch and all meeting materials. The registration deadline is Nov. 23. To register, contact Phil Durst, MSU Extension dairy educator in Oscoda Co., at durstp@msu.edu or call 989-826-1160. Workshops will be held Dec. 1-4 at locations across the state. 

December 3: "Healthy Hooves: The On-farm Edition" hoof trimming health workshop will be held at Koster Dairy Farm (1871 S. 7-Mile Rd., Falmouth) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop organized by the MSU Extension dairy educators will help dairy producers learn how to optimize foot and leg health and improve performance in their herds. Karl Burgi, director of Dairyland Hoof Care Institute in Baraboo, Wis., will cover a variety of topics during the interactive on-farm session, including how to identify lame cows and the roles cow comfort and nutrition play in reducing cow stress. Educators will also share low-stress cow handling practices. Registration is limited to 45 people. The $25 per person registration fee includes lunch and all meeting materials. The registration deadline is Nov. 23. To register, contact Kathy Lee, MSU Extension dairy educator in Missaukee Co., at leeka@msu.edu or call 231-839-4667. Workshops will be held Dec. 1-4 at locations across the state. 

December 4: "Healthy Hooves: The On-farm Edition" hoof trimming health workshop will be held at Bradford Dairy Farm (11435 Sparta Ave., Sparta) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This workshop organized by the MSU Extension dairy educators will help dairy producers learn how to optimize foot and leg health and improve performance in their herds. Karl Burgi, director of Dairyland Hoof Care Institute in Baraboo, Wis., will cover a variety of topics during the interactive on-farm session, including how to identify lame cows and the roles cow comfort and nutrition play in reducing cow stress. Educators will also share low-stress cow handling practices. Registration is limited to 45 people. The $25 per person registration fee includes lunch and all meeting materials. The registration deadline is Nov. 23. To register, contact Bill Robb, MSU Extension dairy educator in Ottawa Co., at robbg@msu.edu or call 616-846-8250. Workshops will be held Dec. 1-4 at locations across the state. 

December 15: Value-added dairy marketing workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kellogg Biological Station (academic building auditoreum) near Hickory Corners. Topics include developing a marketing plan for your farm, adding value with on-farm processing and sales, and differentiating your product by marketing it as organic or grass-based. Workshop participants will also have an opportunity to tour the robotic milking facility. Lunch and snacks are included with the $30 pre-registration fee ($25 for second person attending from the same farm). To register or receive additional information, contact Mat Haan at 269-671-2360 or send an e-mail to haanm@msu.edu. The workshop flier can also be found at www.kbs.msu.edu/research/pasture-dairy.

2010

January 13: We Care! Embracing Social Accountability in the Pork Industry meeting sponsored by the MSU Extension Pork Team and United Producers, Inc. in Dowagiac. Topics will include PQAPLUS Certification, transport quality assurance (TQA) certification, getting ready for PQAPLUS assessment and the PQAPLUS self-assessment examination. The meeting will begin in the afternoon with PQAPLUS certification and TQA training held sequentially. The evening meeting will provide insight into PQAPLUS site assessment. The exam for producers to complete self-assessment will be available for those wanting to conduct their own PQAPLUS site assessment. For more information, visit the MSU Extension Pork Team Web site. Additional meetings are scheduled for Jan. 14 (Coldwater), Jan. 20 (Mount Pleasant) and Jan. 21 (Zeeland).

January 14: We Care! Embracing Social Accountability in the Pork Industry meeting sponsored by the MSU Extension Pork Team and United Producers, Inc. in Coldwater. Topics will include PQAPLUS Certification, transport quality assurance (TQA) certification, getting ready for PQAPLUS assessment and the PQAPLUS self-assessment examination. The meeting will begin in the afternoon with PQAPLUS certification and TQA training held sequentially. The evening meeting will provide insight into PQAPLUS site assessment. The exam for producers to complete self-assessment will be available for those wanting to conduct their own PQAPLUS site assessment. For more information, visit the MSU Extension Pork Team Web site. Additional meetings are scheduled for Jan. 13 (Dowagiac), Jan. 20 (Mount Pleasant) and Jan. 21 (Zeeland).

 January 20: We Care! Embracing Social Accountability in the Pork Industry meeting sponsored by the MSU Extension Pork Team and United Producers, Inc. in Mount Pleasant. Topics will include PQAPLUS Certification, transport quality assurance (TQA) certification, getting ready for PQAPLUS assessment and the PQAPLUS self-assessment examination. The meeting will begin in the afternoon with PQAPLUS certification and TQA training held sequentially. The evening meeting will provide insight into PQAPLUS site assessment. The exam for producers to complete self-assessment will be available for those wanting to conduct their own PQAPLUS site assessment. For more information, visit the MSU Extension Pork Team Web site. Additional meetings are scheduled for Jan. 13 (Dowagiac), Jan. 14 (Coldwater) and Jan. 21 (Zeeland).

January 21: We Care! Embracing Social Accountability in the Pork Industry meeting sponsored by the MSU Extension Pork Team and United Producers, Inc. in Zeeland. Topics will include PQAPLUS Certification, transport quality assurance (TQA) certification, getting ready for PQAPLUS assessment and the PQAPLUS self-assessment examination. The meeting will begin in the afternoon with PQAPLUS certification and TQA training held sequentially. The evening meeting will provide insight into PQAPLUS site assessment. The exam for producers to complete self-assessment will be available for those wanting to conduct their own PQAPLUS site assessment. For more information, visit the MSU Extension Pork Team Web site. Additional meetings are scheduled for Jan. 13 (Dowagiac), Jan. 20 (Mount Pleasant) and Jan. 20 (Mount Pleasant).

January 30: 2010 Green and White Education Fair and Show at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education in East Lansing. This day-long youth event will feature a swine quiz bowl, swine skillathon, Powerpoint presentation contest, essay contest, scholarship contest and market hog show. For more information, contact Carla McLachlan at mclachl2@anr.msu.edu or Ken Geuns at geuns@msu.edu.

February 2 (CST): MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" at Bay College, Escanaba. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Ben Bartlett at 906-439-5880.

February 2: Nutrient management workshop addressing issues facing small and mid-sized dairy farms will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kellogg Biological Station (academic building auditoreum) near Hickory Corners. Topics include ration balancing to reduce air emissions from dairies, managing pasture nitrogen fertilizer, anaerobic digesters, managing nutrients on dairy farms, on-farm composting and information on the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). Speakers will be Charles Gould, Dana Kirk, Rich Leep and Wendy Powers from MSU and Mark Powell, USDA. Participants will also have an opportunity to tour the KBS robotic milking facility. The $30 pre-registration fee includes lunch and snacks ($25 for second participant from the same farm). The registration fee increases to $40 per person after Jan. 26. To register or receive more information, contact Mat Haan at haanm@msu.edu or 269-671-2360.

February 3: MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" at Alpena Community College, Alpena. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Mary Dunckel at 989-354-9870 or Phil Durst at 989-826-1160.

February 4: MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" at the Quality Inn in West Branch. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Phil Durst at 989-826-1160.

February 11: The 2010 Professional Pork Producers Symposium at the Lansing Center, Lansing. Co-sponsored by the Michigan Pork Producers Association and Elanco Animal Health. Topics will include an industry outlook, fibre for gestating sows, European trends in pork production, the future of environmental stewardship, carcass merit selling, feed contaminants and industry data collection and use. For more information, contact the Michigan Pork Producers Association.

February 11-13: The Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference at the Bavarian Inn Lodge & Conference Center, Frankenmuth. Educational sessions and trade show. Speakers include Charlie Arnot and Dr. David Kohl. For more information, visit www.glrdc.msu.edu or call Megghan Honke at 517-432-1555.

February 16: MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Cadillac. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Kathy Lee at 231-839-4667.

February 17: MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" at the Isabella County Building, Mt. Pleasant. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Mike McFadden at 989-772-0911, ext. 302.

February 18: MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" at the Ubly Heights Country Club, Ubly. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Craig Thomas at 810-648-2515.

March 2: MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" in St. Johns. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Faith Cullens at 989-224-5249.

March 3: MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds, Hillsdale. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Dean Ross at 517-546-3950.

March 4: MSU Extension Dairy Team winter meeting "Fresh Cow Health: Surviving the Transition Period" at the Allegan County MSU Extension Office, Allegan. Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the meeting concludes at 2:30 p.m. Topics include: what makes a good tool (Kathy Lee) and tools for metabolic wellness (Mike Allen), reproductive health (Richard Pursley), milk quality and mastitis control (Phil Sears) and cow comfort and well-being (Phil Durst). The $20 registration fee ($10 for each additional person from a farm) includes meeting materials, lunch and breaks. Please submit registration at least ten days prior to the meeting. For more information or to register, contact Ira Krupp at 517-278-5064.

June 19: Second annual Breakfast on the Farm; this year's event will take place at the Albert and Els Steenblik family dairy operation at 3844 N. Hubbardston Rd., Pewamo. To learn more about this year's event, send an e-mail to event coordinator Faith Cullens, MSU Extension dairy educator, at cullensf@msu.edu.

Click here for a complete calendar listing of events taking place at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education!

Contact Sara Long, AAI Communications manager, to have your event listed on the calender.

Last updated: November 6, 2009