September 5, 2017 at 3:32 p.m.
A quarter century of learning, networking
Recognizing 25 years of Carver County Dairy Expo
The daylong Carver County Dairy Expo is known for its educational programming, trade show and networking opportunities. Each year - and this year in particular - is a reunion of sorts for the industry to gather, learn and network.
"There is a real feeling of camaraderie," said Colleen Carlson, Extension educator in Carver and Scott Counties.
Carlson spoke with retired Extension educator Vern Oraskovich about the origin of the Dairy Expo.
"There was a group of us (Minnesota Dairy Initiative) who met with dairy farmers as a team to help them become better producers. We looked for ways to address herd health, nutrition, production and profitability. We decided we could help more farmers if we had a program where more dairy producers could get information and learn about University of Minnesota Extension research. So we hosted our first Carver County Dairy Expo," Oraskovich said.
Oraskovich attended the Expo this year, along with dairy producers, students and agricultural professionals. The event drew more than 300 people, representing more than 24,000 cows and 23 Minnesota counties.
"We are fortunate that Vern had the forethought to bring a group of producers and industry people together," said Bob Nelson, UFC Nutrition Management Consultant and 25-year member of the Carver County Core Team.
Over the years, the Carver County Dairy Expo programs have had an impact.
"Milk quality was a topic for many years," said Jim Kline, Bongards field representative. "In the 1990s, milk somatic cell count ran in a higher range. But, today with the new guidelines and education, we have lowered the somatic cell count. Low somatic cell count contributes to improved milk quality, increased milk production and the reduction of antibiotic use."
The Carver County Dairy Expo programs have introduced production benchmarks, addressing age of breeding heifers, calving intervals and days in milk production for better herd management. In the last 10 years, cow comfort has been a focus. The 2017 event covered dairy industry outlook, management techniques, forage production and dairy technologies.
Carlson, who led this year's event planning, said, "I feel honored to carry on this tradition."[[In-content Ad]]
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