Free, educational dairy meetings in south central Minnesota

University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Dairy Initiative will host a series of free, dairy-focused educational events throughout the winter of 2019. This Winter Dairy Series includes three meetings from January to March that cover timely and diverse topics for Minnesota dairy producers. Join us for one or all of these informative, conversational meetings.

January’s meeting, Staying in the Game, will be held at 11:00 am, Monday January 21, 2019 at the American Legion in Montgomery (Post 79), 102 Elm Ave. SW. This meeting is held in conjunction with Midwest Dairy – District 15 meeting. Pam Uhlenkamp, Farm Business Instructor at South Central College, will discuss strategies for minimizing costs and maximizing profitability for the farm. Pam will be joined by a panel of local dairy producers who will discuss the management tools they use to stay in business.

February’s meeting, Manure Management: Overview, Testing, and Efficient Application will be held at 12:00 pm, Monday February 11, 2019 at the 4-H Family Center at 320 S. Plut Ave. and Hwy 99 in Le Center. Chryseis Modderman, University of Minnesota Educator in Manure Management, will be discussing when and how often to test manure, as well as teach about proper spreader calibration using a hands-on activity.

The series wraps up with a social evening in March. Producers are invited to attend for a nice meal after chores. Supper and the educational topic, Recordkeeping: Why it Matters and Strategies to Simplify it, will be held at 8:00 pm, Tuesday March 19, 2019 at the Jordan Supper Club at 20201 Johnson Memorial Hwy in Jordan. Joleen Hadrich, University of Minnesota Extension Economist, will discuss the necessity of and strategies for good recordkeeping.

This year’s dairy series aims to cover a broad range of topics which are relevant to dairy producers in Minnesota, all with the ultimate goal of addressing how to manage through the tough times and make the right decisions for your dairy operation.

Pre-registration is not necessary, but is appreciated for a meal count. Please contact Colleen Carlson, Extension Educator for Carver and Scott Counties at 952.466.5300.