In the News - March 2008
New dairy farming method to be discussed March 13 meeting
BEE BRANCH, Ark. - Arkansas dairy, beef and cattle producers can learn a
money-saving method of raising stock through a method developed in New Zealand,
at the Central Arkansas Dairy Meeting, set for Thursday, March 13 in Bee Branch.
Registration for the meeting at the Catfish House on Hwy. 65 starts at 9:30
a.m., with the program running from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sponsors will provide a
catfish lunch. Contact your county extension office for more information about
this meeting or if you other assistance pertaining to the dairy industry.
The meeting will focus on saving money on feed costs by using the New Zealand
method of dairy farming. Drs. Tony Rickard and Stacey Hamilton, dairy
specialists from the University of Missouri, will discuss their recent trip to
New Zealand and how the New Zealand pasture-based dairy farming method, where
cows are fed limited grain, is working in southern Missouri.
Andy Miller with Southeastern Energy Company will also address the effects of
the Fayetteville shale play on Arkansas.
"The conference will provide participants with an update the of pasture-based
dairy industry in New Zealand and recommendations to save on fertilizer costs,
current dairy legislation to improve milk prices and information that can help
them in these times of high feed prices and relatively wet weather," said Dr.
Jodie Pennington, extension dairy specialist with the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
He said the meeting also would include topics of interest to beef and goat
producers.
Other speakers include Pennington and Dr. Bobby Coats, U of A economist, who
will discuss proposed changes in the farm bill as they relate to the dairy
industry. Mike Fisher, a top dairy producer from the state and a member of the
Arkansas Milk Stabilization Committee, will explain proposals to change milk
marketing in the state.
Van Buren County Agent Danny Griffin will tell how many of his producers have
cut fertilizer costs. Dr. Karl VanDevender, U of A engineer, will discuss recent
changes in environmental standards for dairy farmers. Faulkner County Agent
Jennifer Hawkins will conduct an interactive session with the attendees to see
what they view as topics for future meetings. Dr. Kelly Loftin, U of A
entomologist, and Sheri Brazil will have posters concerning fly control at the
meeting and all speakers will take audience questions.
"This is an excellent opportunity to learn what is going on in the dairy
industry with milk markets and minimizing feed and fertilizer costs," said
Pennington.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
This meeting is open to all interested persons without regard to race, color,
national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status,
or any other legally protected status. Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information should notify the
county extension office as soon as possible prior to the activity.
March 7, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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