1 Graduate Research Assistant
2 Extension Dairy Specialist
Department of Animal Sciences, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The Texas A&M University System
1. Del Rio Dairy Saudi Barns: Management of Saudi barns and water use, and a brief history and welcome. Rocky Gingg, owner of Del Rio Dairy, Jennifer Spencer, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, AgriLife Extension Dairy Specialist, Stephenville, Texas and Robert Hagevoort, Ph.D., New Mexico State University, Extension Dairy Specialist, Clovis, New Mexico.
2. Del Rio Dairy Milking Parlor: Automation in the rotary parlor; robotic pre- and postdipping; activity monitors and sorting gates. Nathan Maroney, Del Rio Dairy farm manager, and Sushil Paudyal, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Dairy Science in the Department of Animal Science, Bryan-College Station, Texas.
3. Del Rio Dairy Anaerobic Digester: Manure management and anaerobic digester system. Justin Pitsch, Del Rio Dairy anaerobic digester project manager, and Zong Liu Ph.D., AgriLife Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Bryan-College Station, Texas
This event garnered an impressive turnout, with approximately 500 attendees comprising of dairy families, allied industry professionals, AgriLife Extension personnel, university personnel, students, and local community residents. There was approximately 59 sponsors and 55 booths set up for vendors, displaying their companies’ products and services. Moreover, universities from all over Texas sent undergraduate and graduate students to volunteer and support the event. These dedicated students also set up booths to spotlight their club activities and demonstrate their involvement within the dairy industry.
Amidst the pleasant atmosphere of the sponsored lunch by Hi-pro Feeds and Westway, Drs. Juan Pineiro and Jennifer Spencer, Assistant Professors and AgriLife Dairy Extension Specialists, took a moment to express their deep appreciation. Gratitude was extended to our generous sponsors and the devoted dairy producers, whose unwavering support was instrumental in bringing the event to fruition. Special recognition was given to Mondo Vasquez, manager at SD Farms, for offering his property and barn for check-in and sponsor setup. Further acknowledgment was reserved for the Gingg family, owners of Del Rio Dairy, for their gracious hosting and educational efforts, enriching the event through insightful tours and speakers. In addition, special recognition was extended to the dedicated individuals whose efforts played a pivotal role in making this event a reality. Among those acknowledged were the AgriLife Extension County Agents and personnel, with a special nod to Janelle Duffey, the Extension Agent for Parmer County where the event was held, sponsors, and university students.
If you are interested in hosting the 2024 Southwest Dairy Day or would like to be a sponsor for next year, please send us an email (Drs. Jennifer Spencer or Juan Piñeiro at jennifer.spencer@ag.tamu.edu or juan.pineiro@ag.tamu.edu) and we will answer your questions or add you to our sponsor email list.
Acknowledgements
We extend heartfelt gratitude to the Gingg family for graciously hosting the 2023 Southwest Dairy Day, Mondo Vaquez for hosting sponsors on his property, and express our thanks to the allied industry representatives, university dairy clubs, AgriLife Extension Agents, and universities for their invaluable support. Your collective efforts were instrumental in making this event a resounding success. The Gingg family’s warm hospitality set the tone, while the expertise of industry representatives, the enthusiasm of university dairy clubs, and the dedication of AgriLife Extension agents ensured a seamless and enriching experience for all attendees.
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