The University of Minnesota Extension will be hosting a three-part Dairy Discussion Series on hot topics for dairy farmers this summer.
The series will be held on Aug. 3, 4 and 5 from noon to 12:30 p.m., and guests should come prepared to share ideas, ask questions and engage in a discussion with other farmers and extension educators.
On Monday, Aug. 3, the topic will be Feeding in Hot Weather & Dealing with Forage Shortages. Strategies for feeding in hot weather, ideas for balancing total mixed rations, adjusting feedstuffs, alternatives for feeding schedules and how to address forage shortages will be discussed, along with alternatives to buying hay. Discussion leaders will be Jim Salfer, Issac Salfer, Stacey Caughey and Dr. Andy Mueller.
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, the topic will be Beat the Heat: Strategies to Help Keep Cows Cool. Strategies will be discussed on how to keep cows cool and comfortable this summer, with video footage from a Minnesota farm who focuses on good cooling strategies for their cows. Discussion will also be on ventilation, fans, and sprinkler use on dairy farms. Session leaders will be Karen Johnson, Kevin Janni and Jim Salfer.
On Wednesday, Aug. 5, the session will be Managing Flies on the Dairy. Topics covered will be fly biology, life cycles, and strategies for managing flies on the dairy. Discussion leaders will be Claire LaCanne, Brad Heins and Jim Salfer.
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Pre-registration is required, and can be done at z.umn.edu/lunchtimedairy by noon on Friday, July 31. Those who register will receive a Zoom link after registration closes. Those unable to attend the live session will receive the recordings via email. Any questions should be directed to Adam Austing at aausting@umn.edu or Claire LaCanne at lacanne@umn.edu.
