Iowa State University Extension’s annual Dairy Days will be held at four Eastern Iowa locations and one northwest Iowa location during February and March 2025.
With slightly differing agendas, the programs will primarily focus on crop and forage management, highly pathogenic avian influenza updates, dairy market and industry updates, and a listening session with producer and industry participation.
Dairy Days will be offered Feb. 18 at the Elma Community Complex in Elma, Feb. 20 at Johnson’s Restaurant in Elkader, Feb. 25 at the Kalona Chamber of Commerce in Kalona, Feb. 27 at the New Vienna Community Center in New Vienna and March 5 at the Dordt University Ag Stewardship Center near Sioux Center.
Check-in for all events starts at 9:30 a.m. The programs will conclude by 2:30 p.m.
The day-long event has been developed to help dairy producers learn about current best practices supported by the latest research. Presenters are nationally recognized experts in their fields, with seminars offering time for questions and networking.
Participants are encouraged to bring feed samples (haylage, silage, Total Mixed Ration) for a free near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy analysis during the program.
They can also enter a drawing to win a hay probe that will be held at the conclusion of all Dairy Day events.
Dairy Days 2025 topics and presenters
Gail Carpenter and Larry Tranel, with Iowa State, will discuss tools such as the Crop Budget and FeedVal to help better manage feed costs.
Shelby Gruss, from Iowa State, and local extension field agronomists will talk about cover crops and small grains potential in an operation and the benefits of having an alternative silage like forage sorghum.
Phillip Jardon, with Iowa State, will give an update on current cases of HPAI and biosecurity measures for the future.
Fred Hall, with Iowa State, will provide a summary of current FMMO rulings.
Extension dairy team members will facilitate a discussion of the results of the most recent Iowa dairy survey.
“Dairy Days isn’t just a great educational opportunity for dairy producers; it’s our chance as a dairy team to hear about what farmers are dealing with every day.
“I’m especially excited to share the results of our Iowa dairy industry survey and engage with farmers on discussing those results,” said state extension specialist Gail Carpenter.
There is no cost to attend any of the Dairy Days. However, registration is encouraged to plan for the noon meal and proceedings. Local sponsors will be recognized at each event.
Preregistration is requested before each event to reserve a meal and participants may register online. Visit the event page for more information or contact the ISU Extension and Outreach dairy field specialist in your area.
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