Western Pulse: February 2011
Conservation tillage conference March 9-11
California’s Conservation Tillage and Cropping Systems Workgroup will present educational tours and programs at three locations in California March 9-11 to convey information on innovative conservation tillage crop production systems that are being developed in irrigated regions of South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado and Washington.
In addition to sharing information about the conservation cropping systems in these states, the speakers will discuss how the principles and practices can be implemented on California farms.
The first conference will be held March 9 at UC Davis. The second meeting convenes on March 10 at the SCE Ag-TAC facility in Tulare and continues in the afternoon with tours of three Central Valley farms. The final session is March 11 at the UC West Side Research and Extension Center in Five Points. The presentations at the three locations will be the same. There is no registration fee.
The three featured speakers, all national leaders in the practice of conservation tillage, are:
• Dwayne Beck, manager of the Dakota Lakes Research Farm in Pierre, South Dakota. Beck has been inducted into South Dakota’s Hall of Fame for introducing cost-saving conservation tillage practices to the region’s agricultural industry when, in the early 1990s, farms were closing due to a lack of economic viability.
• Mike Peterson, retired USDA NRCS Conservationist and currently the California precision tillage specialist for Orthman Mfg. Throughout his career, Peterson has researched and developed information on strip-till approaches.
• Andy McGuire, cropping systems adviser with Washington State University in Moses Lake, Washington. McGuire has been working to evaluate and develop high-residue cropping systems for the irrigated crops of the Central Washington region.
“The main reason we invited these out-of-state experts is to learn how the conservation tillage systems they have developed relate to California,” said Jeff Mitchell, UC Davis Cooperative Extension cropping systems specialist and coordinator of the conference. “All of them come from areas where farmers practice irrigated agriculture. We are planning to very thoroughly and thoughtfully consider with them, through a series of dialogues and discussion, the relevance and application of their work on farms in California.”
Conservation agriculture systems reduce overall tillage or soil disturbance, maintain surface residues, seek make production systems more efficient, and reduce costs. Speakers will address the integrated management of the conservation production systems.
For additional information on these conferences see the Conservation Tillage and Cropping Systems Workgroup website or contact Mitchell at mitchell@uckac.edu, 559-646-6565.
Dairy Herdsman Short Course set April 26-28
The University of California Cooperative Extension in Fresno County is hosting its 2011 Dairy Herdsman Short Course April 26-28 in Tulare. On-line registration is now open for the course to be held at the Consumer Education Pavilion at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center (VMTRC), 18830 Road 112.
The dairy herdsman short course is designed for working dairy employees. Its purpose is to provide the people who do the actual work on the dairy the opportunity to receive information about the latest technology and training in all aspects of dairy management.
Personnel from University of California Cooperative Extension, UC School of Veterinary Medicine, and California State University-Fresno will assist in instruction. Simultaneous translation will be available at the sessions to assist Spanish-speaking attendees.
The seminar will consist of morning classroom teaching with afternoons providing hands-on training. Notebooks with written handouts will be provided to each participant.
Registration fee for the short course is $280. Companies and/or dairies with more than one participant will be $280 for the first participant and $260 thereafter. Students will be charged $220. This fee includes a notebook with hand-outs, lunch, plus short course shirt. Pre-registration is required.No registration at the door will be accepted. Enrollment in the short course will be limited to 40 participants. This limit is set to provide personalized teaching and hands on training. Acceptance will be on a first come, first serve basis. All money will be returned in full for those not accepted. You can register online at http://ucanr.org/2011herdsmanshortcourse.
If you need further information please contact Gerald Higginbotham, dairy advisor, at 559-456-7558.
CV Water Board sends out 60 monitoring well notices to area dairies
The Central Valley Water Board has sent out letters to approximately 60 dairies recently asking them to install monitoring wells as required by the WDR adopted in 2007.
Letters were not sent to dairies that are members of the Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP).
“The benefits of CVDRMP membership are already accruing to those who joined the coalition,” said Paul Sousa, Western United Dairymen’s environmental specialist. The WUD board of directors endorsed the program last December. The purpose of the program is to significantly reduce regulatory costs for member dairies by administering a representative groundwater monitoring program. The letter sent in late January is different from previous letters sent to dairies asking them to install monitoring wells because this letter gives dairies the option of installing their own monitoring wells or joining the coalition.
“If you have not yet joined the coalition, whether or not you got a letter, you can contact your WUD field representative for the forms and assistance in completing the forms,” noted Sousa. However, there is a late fee for signing up after the deadline. WUD members who have questions about the letters and the well monitoring program are encouraged to contact their local WUD field representative.
Rubes cartoonist will entertain at Western United Dairymen conference
Leigh Rubin, creator of the syndicated cartoon “Rubes,” will be the evening banquet speaker at Western United Dairymen’s annual convention on Thursday, March 17 at the Visalia Convention Center.
Leigh began his cartooning career in 1978 by establishing his own greeting card company, Rubes Publications. His first cartoon collection, the popular Notable Quotes musical cartoons, was published in 1981.
Rubes, Leigh’s syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. His most recent cartoon collection, The Wild and Twisted World of Rubes celebrates 25 years of cartoon craziness. Originally self-syndicated, Rubes is now distributed by Creators Syndicate to more than 400 newspapers worldwide.
Besides appearing in Western Dairy Business magazine, Rubes appears in major daily metropolitan papers, such as the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Toronto Sun, Washington Times, Sacramento Bee, Houston Chronicle, Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Pasadena Star- News, Whittier Daily News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
AJCA names 40 to Jersey Youth Academy in Ohio
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio, – David Chamberlain, president of the American Jersey Cattle Association, today announced the 40-member class for the second Jersey Youth Academy, July 17 to 22 in Columbus, Ohio.
“Building upon AJCA programs initiated over 50 years ago, the Jersey Youth Academy is an in-depth educational program focused specifically on the Jersey cow and the Jersey business,” Chamberlain explained. “At the same time, Academy challenges its participants to explore the broad range of career opportunities involving Jerseys and the dairy industry.
“These 40 young people from 17 states exemplify the many talented, interested Jersey youth in the United States that we want to encourage towards careers in the Jersey dairy business.”
The participants in the second Jersey Youth academy from the West will be:
California: Kelli Carstensen, Petaluma; Jordan Dunn, Visalia; Rylin Lindahl, Visalia; Colin Russell, Hilmar; Natalie Sanders, Hilmar; and Theresa Sweeney, Visalia.
Oregon: Mariah Fjarlie, Tillamook; and Taryn Martin, Tillamook.
Texas: Mitchell Gilpin, Hico.
Selection was based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in the written application and goal statement. Applications were reviewed by a committee appointed by Chamberlain and chaired by AJCA Director James Quist. All program costs, including round-trip transportation for participants, will be paid by the Academy.
The 2011 keynote address will be given by James Ahlem, vice-chair of Dairy Management Inc. and past-President of National All-Jersey Inc.
A highlight of the 2011 program will be an expanded “Meet the Deans” program, where the young people will meet leaders from the Jersey community to gain their unique insights about the future of the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow.
Other confirmed speakers are Calvin Covington, former CEO of Southeast Milk Inc. and the USJersey organizations; Stan Erwine, Vice President of Producer Relations with Dairy Management Inc., and Francis Fluharty, Research Associate Professor, Ohio State University, and member of the AJCC Research Foundation advisory committee.
Budge crowned 2011 Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador
Jessica Budge, representing Clackamas County, was crowned the 2011 Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador during ceremonies at the 52nd Annual Coronation Banquet hosted by the Oregon Dairy Women.
Ms. Budge was crowned by outgoing 2010 Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador, Hanna Emerson, to the theme “Road Trip” amid more than 300 guests and four other Oregon County Princess-Ambassador finalists. The finalists were evaluated by a three judge panel over the course of two days. In addition to Saturday evening’s onstage personal interview and 4 minute dairy related speech, the judges conducted personal interviews, evaluated an impromptu speech, creative commercial for a dairy product, and a mock classroom presentation.
Ms. Budge, 19, is a graduate of Sherwood High School and is currently attending Oregon State University, Class of 2014. She plans to obtain a degree in agriculture communications, with a goal to work in the public relations field. Her parents are Rebecca and Joseph Budge. While in high school, Ms. Budge won many 4-H and FFA awards with her dairy animals. In addition, she was a member of the National Honor Society and has been active in volunteer activities for her community.
She is looking forward to the opportunity to inform and educate the public about the dairy industry. She will spend the next year traveling statewide attending fairs, town meetings and public events as a representative of Oregon’s dairy farmers. She will spend much of her reign in Oregon elementary schools delivering educational presentations about life on a dairy farm and the nutritional benefits of consuming dairy products.
Upon being crowned, Ms. Budge received more than $1,600 in scholarships, and will receive additional scholarships at the end of her reign. Outgoing princess, Hanna Emerson, was awarded more than $11,000 in scholarships for her year dedicated to the Oregon dairy industry.
Rebecca Thomas, representing Washington County was named First Alternate Oregon Dairy Princess-Ambassador. Carly Hartenstein, representing Marion County, received the Congeniality Award. Other candidates for the 2011 competition were: Amanda Worman representing Columbia County and Emily Whalen representing Tillamook County.
National DHIA awards scholarships to 24 students
VERONA, Wis. – The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) Scholarship Committee selected 24 high school seniors and college students as recipients of $750 scholarships. Among them was Briar Jeg of Chebalis, Wash.
Judges evaluated applicants on scholastic achievements, leadership in school and community activities, and responses to DHI- and career-related questions. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, applicants must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee, or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a National DHIA member.
This year marks the third consecutive year for awarding a scholarship in memory of Joe Drexler, who worked for NorthStar Cooperative DHI Services. NorthStar members and employees, friends and family contributed more than $8,000 to establish this scholarship fund.
Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization’s scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. To make a donation to the fund, contact National DHIA Scholarship Committee Chair Barb Roth at 616-897-7435, or roth250@ix.netcom.com; or National DHIA communications and events manager JoDee Sattler at 608-848-6455, ext. 112, or jdsattler@dhia.org.
Virtus Nutrition launches first iPad dairy app
CORCORAN, Calif. – Virtus Nutrition has launched the Omega Value Calculator, the first iPad app designed specifically for the dairy industry. The free app hosts a wealth of information on omega fatty acid technology for dairy producers, nutritionists, veterinarians, and others interested in projecting potential returns on feeding a modern dairy diet that is accurately balanced with the proper amount of Omega-3s and Omega-6s at the right stage of lactation.
Virtus Nutrition has developed this app to help producers make more rigorously informed buying decisions about the inclusion of timed and balanced Omegas in their dairy diets and to provide a mobile reference hub of performance data, both at the university and on the dairy.
The application, available free through Virtus Nutrition and iTunes, is designed to support progressive dairy professionals interested in gathering nutrition information in new ways and using it to chart a more stable and profitable business course.
“In the dairy industry today, many things are out of our control and margins are squeezed. Producers need to take an offensive stance by leveraging all advantages available,” said Matt Swanson, owner of Virtus Nutrition. “Omega Nutrition technology is exactly the tool the industry is seeking. With the new Virtus iPad app, leading edge solutions to enhanced profitability are just a touch away.”
This app is the latest example of a continuing effort by Virtus Nutrition to provide practical, cutting edge technology solutions for the dairy industry. The way producers are accessing information is rapidly changing and the new iPad app is an innovative, interactive mobile platform that gives producers more control with decision making tools to improve the profitability of their dairies.
The new app includes:
1) The Omega Value CalculatorTM to compute the projected return on investment from feeding a diet that is balanced with the right levels of omega-3s and omega-6s and able to deliver them at the right time in the right place;
2) Current university and field research on omega fatty acid nutrition, including research on Virtus Nutrition’s Prequel 21 with omega-6s and StrataG with EPA and DHA omega-3s;
3) Information on the Omega Nutrition Solution program by Virtus Nutrition and a locater tool to assist users in contacting their local Virtus Nutrition representative for additional Omega product information and personal support for the Omega Value Calculator.
For information, visit www.virtusnutrition.com or email info@virtusnutrition.com.
Funding reason for delay in Idaho Livestock, Enviro Studies Center
JEROME, Idaho – Plans to build the proposed Idaho National Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies are still in the works but the project has been crippled — and delayed indefinitely — by the economy.
That was part of the message presented by Rick Naerebout, of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association, to members of the Jerome Chamber of Commerce during the organization’s monthly meeting recently.
“Without the funding, we can’t move forward,” Naerebout told the Times-News. “We still are very committed to the project and plan on seeing it through.”
Naerebout told the chamber a possible site in Jerome had been identified but said they are waiting on the University of Idaho, a project partner.
“It’s just taken a lot longer than originally thought,” he said.
Although the University of Idaho’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences was scouting possible center sites in southern Idaho in October, Rich Garber, the university’s director of Industry and Government Relations, said the school was waiting for property values to correct.
The university had planned on using land sale proceeds to help fulfill its $10 million pledge.
Simply put, the university just doesn’t have the money to allocate, although Garber said it looks forward to the day when the center is built.
The center, expected to cost upwards of $35 million to build, would replicate existing Idaho dairies, Naerebout said, with about 1,500 milk cows.
The center also will feature several hundred head of rangeland cattle and be used for interdisciplinary research, education and outreach, with a partnership between the University of Idaho, state and private industries. The center is to be jointly funded, Naerebout said, with the IDA pledging $5 million, paid over several years.
Naerebout said it is IDA’s intention for the foundation to be an ongoing financial supporter of the research center.
