UW-Extension workshop focuses on dairy facilities and cow comfort
November 3rd, 2009 extension.news
Contact: Abby Huibregtse, 920-834-6852, abby.huibregtse@co.oconto.wi.us
UW-Extension is hosting two workshops focusing on dairy facility design and featuring one of the most current speakers in facility design, cow behavior and animal welfare. The meetings will be held on Dec. 1 in Green Bay and Dec. 2 in Fond du Lac. Both meetings will include the same presentations.
Dr. Marina von Keyserlingk, professor and researcher of animal behavior and welfare from the University of British Columbia, is the featured speaker. Her research includes understanding the links between behavior and nutrition particularly in welfare related issues. Her studies also include understanding how knowledge of natural behavior can help provide practical solutions to current problems in the housing and management of food production animals.
The workshops include local experts as well:
– Dr. Brian Holmes, UW-Extension agricultural engineering specialist, will discuss dairy barn ventilation. He’ll explain the improvements we’ve made over the past few decades, and talk about current options farmers have for air flow and cooling in their facilities.
– Brian Hoskens, agricultural lender from Investors Community Bank, will discuss financing from a bank’s perspective. He’ll cover what agricultural lenders are looking for from a farm, and what producers can do to make themselves more appealing to banks and more apt to receive financing.
– Paul Dyk and Mark Hagedorn, local UW-Extension agriculture agents, will be leading an interactive presentation on Dairy Beef Quality Assurance. Dairy farmers are still beef producers, and animal handling, farm management, and facilities all play a role in producing a quality beef product.
Cost of this program is $20, which includes lunch and materials. The meetings will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both locations. On Tuesday, Dec. 1 the meeting will be in Green Bay at the Rock Garden Supper Club, and on Wednesday, Dec. 2 the meeting will be in Fond du Lac at the UW-Fond du Lac Campus. For more information, please contact Abby Huibregtse, Oconto County UW-Extension, at 920-834-6852.
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Entry Filed under: Agriculture
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