Dairy industry short course slated

Individuals interested in learning about large herd management and the major issues facing the industry in the Southwest should plan to attend the Dairy Industry Short Course Oct. 12-14 at the Ambassador Hotel in Amarillo, Texas.

This short course is specifically designed for individuals who are either new to the industry or wish to learn more about how large dairies operate in the Southwest, said Ellen Jordan, Texas AgriLife Extension Service dairy specialist in Dallas, Texas.

The Southern Great Plains Dairy Consortium, in conjunction with New Mexico State University and AgriLife Extension, developed this service course in response to industry requests, Jordan said. The industry wanted a shortened version of the successful Southern Great Plains Dairy Consortium-Teaching program held for university students each summer.

The course will run daily from 8 a.m. on Oct. 12 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 14 and provide a knowledge foundation regarding the life cycle of the dairy cow for those individuals serving the industry, she said.

Pre-registration for the class, which is limited to 20 people, is required by Oct. 4.  Complete registration (including fees required) and schedule information can be obtained by visiting http://texasdairymatters.organd downloading the registration form or by calling Choyia Holley, (254) 968-4144.

Specific presentations will include: calving and transition cow management; calf and heifer raising; lactating herd management (nutrition, reproduction, health and lactation); environmental issues such as air, water and nutrient management; economic impact; and labor management.

Each day’s program will include formal classroom instruction as well as on-farm tours and training so participants can see first-hand different management systems, facility types and milking parlors, Jordan said.

Instructors include: Todd Bilby, AgriLife Extension and Texas AgriLife Research, Stephenville; Ralph Bruno, AgriLife Extension, Canyon; Jordan; Kevin Lager, AgriLife Extension, Canyon; and Robert Hagevoort, New Mexico State University Extension, Portales, N.M.

Course participants needing hotel accommodations should reserve a hotel room at the Ambassador Hotel 3100 W. I-40, Amarillo by Sept. 27. Identify yourself as an attendee of the Large Herd Dairy Training to receive the special room rate.

The Southern Great Plains Dairy Consortium is a multi-university, multi-disciplinary and inter-agency Consortium focused on developing and adapting technologies in an environmentally sound manner and delivering educational programs to enhance the efficiency and quality of milk production and processing, and their related impact on the Southern Great Plains economy and dairy industry.

Source: Texas AgriLife Extension

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