Annual Meeting

Welcome New Sponsors:

Minerva Dairy

&

Wheatfield Grain

Pregnancy Checks

DMC Extension

Calf Operation Bio-Security

Feed Ingredient Update

The 2022 Regional Meetings concluded last week. This event consisted of 3 meetings scattered throughout Indiana over 3 consecutive days. It was my first opportunity to meet many of the members, especially in the northern areas of our state. I was delighted the attendance was great and interaction with the trade show exhibitors was excellent.

Each meeting began with a presentation by the Purdue Extension Succession Planning team. Succession planning can be very complicated, but the presentation focused on the need to get started. They touched on the basic components of planning and some of the issues that farm families need to address. Often, getting started is very difficult…but every good initiative has a starting point! You may not do anything more impactful in your life than build a plan of succession for your business. What legacy do you want to leave your family?

“Beef on Dairy: From Concept to Bottomline” was the second discussion topic. Pete Duppengiesser highlighted important considerations when crossing your dairy cows with beef service sires. Knowing your market, creating your brand, and understanding the value these can create adds value to your bottom line. Pete also pointed out the tremendous impact breeding low genetic females to beef sires has on accelerating the genetic progress of your dairy herd, so it’s not just about the value of cross-bred market animals but also about moving your milking herd performance higher.

Jenni Browning, CEO of American Dairy Association of Indiana, gave an excellent presentation on dairy consumption trends. We all know Covid has had a major impact on consumer buying habits, so what is the new normal or is there a new normal? We must understand differences of the younger generation to understand the dairy consumer of the future. Jenny did an excellent job outlining the differences between the “generation X” consumers verse the “boomer” generation.

The afternoon programs began with a presentation titled, “Sustainability on Dairy Farms: How to Make it Work for You”, presented by Rachel Turgasen who is with Foremost Farms. She helped define what it means, why it is important, how it will impact your future and how it can add value to your business.

The final topic was “A Different Approach to On-Farm Processing”. Adam Mueller, a fifth-generation butter maker with Minerva Dairy, shared very practical tips on how to begin planning if you have interest in processing on your farm. We all know “farm-to-table” is a hot trend. Adam explained how to work your way through the thought process and planning of an on-farm venture.

I am grateful to all the speakers for their presentations. The feedback was excellent and I am very grateful for their willingness to devote three days to this event.

Don’t forget, we will return to French lick for the Indiana Dairy Forum on February 8^th and 9^th 2023. If you have ideas for topics and speakers, please contact me! See you in French Lick!