The University of Illinois is offering a series of online courses for feed industry representatives, dairy farm managers and other dairy professionals.
Developed by the university’s Department of Animal Sciences, course material will cover applied research and knowledge of the dairy and feed industry using case studies that test the knowledge of principles learned in class. The upcoming spring semester course Advanced Dairy Nutrition 423 will be taught by Dr. Michael Hutjens.
The courses offer undergraduate and graduate credit, continuing credit for veterinarians, and professional training for feed industry representatives and dairy farmers. To register as a non-degree student, click here.
Learn more about Dr. Hutjens in some of our previous Corn Feed posts:
Cornell University’s Dairy Executive Program, made up of three multi-day sessions, began its first session Sunday, Dec. 5, and runs through Thursday, Dec. 9.
The cutting-edge training is designed to help dairy executives create business plans, evaluate current goals and practices, discuss challenges of family business management, and develop business relationships with other dairy professionals. Two additional sessions in 2011 will be held Feb. 20-24 and Dec. 4-8
While the 2010-2011 program is currently full, contact the program for information on the next available session.
Every other month, the NutriDense Silage team puts together a technical e-Newsletter called Have You Herd. Tailored to the needs of dairy nutritionists, veterinarians and consultants, the e-Newsletter is a high-level resource on topics such as agronomy, feed efficiency and dairy nutrition. It also includes a roundup of industry news and upcoming events.
After every harvest, many dairy producers’ thoughts turn to silage sampling. Last year, Courtney talked with Jerry Weigel, manager of nutrition and technical service, about sampling questions he receives year in and year out.
Listen in here to learn how he answers the following questions:
The Midwest Dairy Expo will be Nov. 30-Dec.1, in Saint Cloud, Minn. The event, coordinated by the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, is a free tradeshow where dairy producers gather for educational and networking opportunities.
Find more information on the expo’s website, including details on the $35 deluxe registration that includes meals, special events and seminars.
Wondering how NutriDense Silage hybrids can have an impact on improving feed efficiency and ultimately your clients’ bottom lines? Stop by and talk to Rich about how feeding corn silage hybrids with increased fiber digestibility has been shown to significantly increase feed efficiency in dairy herds. Dairy consultants utilizing feed efficiency to evaluate dairy production profitability should consider how silage quality and hybrid selection affect those values.
Additionally, since time and communication management also affects your efficiency with your clients, you can also register to win an Apple iPad™ at the workshop.
We recently shared an article from the October issue of Dairy Herd Management titled “Three’s Company.” Its timely examination of the many factors that go into seed selection is a good reminder for producers who are already planning for 2011.
While you’re thinking about the year ahead, remember there are a select group of seed partners that offer NutriDense grain and silage. As experts, these partners are able to provide key insights into the NutriDense opportunities offered. Learn more about our seed partners here.
And don’t forget the NutriDense Rewards program: place your NutriDense seed order with a NutriDense seed partner by Feb. 15, 2011, and you’re eligible for a variety of rewards. Want more details? Contact your seed rep, call 1-800-233-8942 or visit www.nutridense.com/rewards for more details on this offer.
The Penn State Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop will kick off Wednesday, Nov. 10 in Granville, Pa.
Speakers from across the country will gather to discuss the latest research in dairy nutrition. In addition to gaining valuable insight from seminars, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in two workshops led by industry experts from the dairy community.
NutriDense’s own forage specialist Rich Lutz will be in attendance. Stop by and tell him hello. For more info, visit the workshop website to register and view a program agenda and list of workshops, speakers, and sponsors.
One of the highlights for us at the 2010 World Dairy Expo was sponsoring and attending Dr. Mike Hutjens’ seminar “Managing Feed Costs 2010.” The recently retired University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professor discussed strategies for evaluating forage inputs, building rations for optimal performance in high-producing cows, and determining nutrient levels and forms. We were also honored to establish the “Michael F. Hutjens BASF Graduate Student Travel Awards” scholarship fund at the seminar to mark his service to the dairy industry.
World Dairy Expo recorded and posted the seminar online:
Dairy Herd Management’s article “Good corn silage harvest practices pay off” examines the importance of following your corn silage best practices through to harvest. As the article points out, quality corn silage is the basis for proper harvest management and increased milk production:
It all starts with harvest timing. Proper harvest management is critical for high-quality corn silage, which increases milk production in cows. Silage that is too wet when harvested may not ferment properly and can lose nutrients through seepage. If silage is too dry, it has lower digestibility because of harder kernels and more lignified stover. In addition, dry silage does not pack as well, increasing the potential for air pockets and mold, say agronomy experts at Minnesota State University.
To learn more about guidelines for moisture testing and cut and crop processing, read the entire article here. In addition, check out these previous blog posts on ways to maximize corn silage and harvest:
