The Dairy Center Connection.

Hi, [firstname|there]!

Fall is more than just a busy season for harvest and field work. At Iowa’s Dairy Center, we have lots happening this time of year. Check out opportunities for everyone, including students, farmers and the public. We have an Agriculture & Animal Sciences Program Preview and artificial insemination training scheduled for November and the Santa on the Farm event on the horizon. Keep scrolling for more information about these upcoming events (and more!)

Best,

Mariah Busta
Coordinator, Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation


What's Happening at Iowa's Dairy Center

Applications Open for Summer Communications Intern

Join the team at Iowa’s Dairy Center as the Communications Intern. The Communications Intern will be responsible for assisting with marketing, education and tourism efforts for the Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation and Iowa’s Dairy Center. The intern will work closely with the Coordinator to carry out the mission of the Foundation. This paid internship position is full-time (40 hours per week) from May-August (dates flexible) and located at Iowa’s Dairy Center near Calmar. Learn more.

Save the Date: Drive-Thru Santa on the Farm

Dec. 10 | 5-7 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be coming to town, or should we say to the farm! Iowa’s Dairy Center will be hosting a Drive-Thru Santa on the Farm event where attendees will be able to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus from their vehicles. The drive-thru route will loop through farm’s freestall barn to see a close-up view of the milking cows visitors will enjoy milk and cookies served right to their vehicles. Learn more.

Registration Open for Fall A.I. Class

Nov. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

This is a three-day hands-on class for those who wish to artificially inseminate their own cattle or gain experience to work for others. The class will cover all aspects of bovine reproduction, from anatomy and hormones to heat detection. Students have actual insemination practice on cattle at Iowa's Dairy Center. The minimum age requirement for this class is 16. The class is taught by Select Sires.

Register


Parlor Talk

Parlor Talk features bits of news from the Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation and Iowa’s Dairy Center. The monthly column is written by Dave Lawstuen, NICC Agriculture Instructor and Chair of Iowa’s Dairy Center. 

  • The triticale and rye cover crops seeded after corn silage harvest are doing great. It looks like we have a green carpet on the campus fields.
  • Dr. Kevin Helgerson and Dr. David Gibbs of Driven Embryo Services flushed our top Holstein, Jersey and Red Angus heifers as part of the Dairy and Beef Science lab. The Holstein, who is a granddaughter of our former class flushing project, Irish, produced 11 viable embryos. Additionally, the Red Angus produced five viable embryos and two from the Jersey.
  • Last week's lab class included calfhood vaccination of 50 Holstein and Jersey heifers. This week's lab will include evaluating rumen pH, as well as checking urine pH for both pre and post-fresh cows. Additionally, the students will check blood protein levels on calves under a week of age.  
  • Registration at NICC for the Spring semester started this week. Of the 21 Dairy Science students, three will graduate and 18 are planning to return for spring semester for a 100% retention rate. Additionally, we have multiple prospects to start new in January.
  • NICC hosted an Agriculture Career Fair today for employers to visit with students for potential internships and employment. Thank you to the following companies for participating: Waukon Feed Ranch, Lynch Livestock, Select Sires, ST Genetics, Farmers Winn Coop, Innovative AG Services, Viafield, Growmark, Gary's Feed Store, Iowa State University and Upper Iowa University.
  • The NICC Dairy Science Advisory Committee met earlier this month to review and consult on the direction of curriculum. The committee finalized the new applied 2+2 transfer degree that guarantees junior status at four-year institutions. The online Animal Science certificate was also approved. NICC plans to offer an online swine and dairy goat options as part of the certificate. Committee members include Jenn Bentley, Iowa State Extension & Outreach; Megan Kregel, dairy farmer; Justin Schaffer, dairy farmer; Josh Corcoran, Nelson Dairy Consultants; Mike Koester, Zoetis; Dr. Pat Boe, South Winn Vet Clinic; Ryan Royer, Elakder Vet Clinic; Blake Courtney, Viking State Bank; Nate Gebel, Farm Credit Services; Lars Sivesind, Select Sires; Brodie Bushman and Mariah Busta, Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation; Kristi Creek, Sherry Massman, Kyra Bellrichard and Bruce Bearinger, NICC. Jenn, Megan, Justin and Josh are alumni of the Dairy Science program at NICC.


NICC News

Dairy Judging Team Competes in Practical Contest at World Dairy Expo

The NICC Dairy Judging Team placed third in the Practical Contest at World Dairy Expo. The team consisted of students Kaylee Gibbs of Waterville, Michael Hagen of Waukon, Caleb Brumm of Staceyville and Riley Reis of Cresco. Together, the team placed second in registered heifers, second in corrective mating and Riley placed fifth individually in linear evaluation.

Dairy and Beef Science Students Enjoy World Dairy Expo Trip

NICC Dairy and Beef Science students ventured on their annual four-day trip to World Dairy Expo, visiting several farms and businesses along the way. On the trip, students learned about many different aspects of the dairy and beef industry. Stops included Hendel Farms, Johnson’s Rolling Acres, Rein Dairy,  Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery, Gar-Lin Dairy, Compeer Financial, Sheeknoll Farms, Daley Farms, Ag Partners, Woodhill Farms and Select Sires. Thank you to all who welcomed the students to their farms and facilities. View photos.

Mark Your Calendars for Agriculture and Animal Sciences Program Preview

Friday, Nov. 5 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

This program preview day is designed for students interested in programs in Agriculture and Animal Science fields at NICC. Faculty are proud to showcase our College, Iowa's Dairy Center with state of the art necropsy lab and expand your understanding of the programs, career opportunities and earning potential in each career field. The program preview option is similar to a regular visit day with the addition of being customized to provide in-depth information on a specific area of study. Learn more.


Dairy Profile: Dr. Ken Reimer

After 24 years, Dr. Ken Reimer has retired as the Chair of the NICC Board of Trustees. Dr. Reimer’s leadership at the College has been instrumental and he was a driving force behind Iowa’s Dairy Center. We thank him for his many years of hard work, dedication and leadership. Read more.


Industry News

Grassley announces staff office hours in 30 counties around Iowa, including stop at Iowa’s Dairy Center. Read more.

Maynard Lang, a strong leader in Iowa’s dairy industry, passes away. Read more.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announces Choose Iowa Marketing and Promotion Grants. Read more.

Tri-State Ag Lender's Seminar scheduled for November 9 in Dubuque. Learn more.


Calendar of Events

Visit our website to see all upcoming events and continuing education courses.

Agriculture and Animal Science Program Preview
Nov. 5 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

Bovine Artificial Insemination Class
Nov. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation Board Meeting
Nov. 19 | 12 p.m. | Iowa's Dairy Center

Drive-Thru Santa on the Farm
Dec. 10 | 5-7 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

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Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation 
1527 Hwy. 150 S., Calmar, Iowa
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