Early registration deadline nears for dairy conference

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Dr. Temple Grandin and a top-notch slate of dairy industry experts will focus on animal well-being and sustainability topics at the sixth annual I-29 Dairy Conference on Feb. 9 and 10 at the Ramkota Inn in Sioux Falls.

Several early registrants will also win door prize packages of Minnesota Vikings memorabilia, including an autographed football and autographed helmets.

Producers who complete the online registration form at www.sdstate.edu/sdces/resources/animals/dairy/i-29.cfm by Tuesday will be eligible for the early-registration prize drawing.

The event is coordinated by dairy extension specialists from North Dakota State University, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska and South Dakota State University. Other partners coordinating the conference are the Midwest Dairy Association and the Southwest Minnesota Dairy Profit Group.

Grandin, a livestock handling expert who was featured in HBO's Emmy Award-winning film "Temple Grandin," has received worldwide acclaim for her ability to design livestock handling systems that reduce stress on animals and improve safety for people working with the livestock. Her keynote presentation is at 7 p.m. on Feb. 9.

Other presentations on Feb. 10 include:

• "How Do You Define Sustainability?" Jim Paulson, University of Minnesota.
• "Reducing Fear Improves Milk Production," Grandin, Colorado State University.
• "Livestock Care Issues: Past, Present and Future," Scott Higgins, Ohio Dairy Producers Association.
• "Lameness: Effects on Performance, Profit and Welfare," Jan Shearer, Iowa State University.
• "Dairy Carbon Footprints: A Tool for Your Farm," Crystal Powers, University of Nebraska.
• "Mold and Mycotoxins in Your Dairy Feeds," Lon Whitlow, North Carolina State University.

Registration for the full conference is $25, including the dinner and the keynote presentation on Feb 9 and sessions on Feb. 10. The public is invited to Grandin's keynote presentation on Feb. 9. The admission fee for the keynote presentation only is $10. Registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the door.
More information and the full program schedule is available at www.sdstate.edu/sdces/resources/animals/dairy/i-29.cfm .