The Dairy Center Connection.

Hi, [firstname|there]!

We’ve been busy! From community events to youth experiences, and now planning farmer programs later this fall, we’ve had lots going on here at Iowa’s Dairy Center. Though it’s fun hosting events at the Dairy Center, we’re excited to step off the farm and visit World Dairy Expo next week. If you’re heading to Expo, make plans to meet us in Madison. Our booth will be located on the main concourse of the Coliseum at both 21tt. Stop by to say “hi” and learn more about the events we have coming up this fall.

See you there!

Mariah Busta
Coordinator, Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation


What's Happening at Iowa's Dairy Center

Reimer & Lyon Families Recognized in New Exhibits

Dr. Ken Reimer and the family of Norma “Duffy” Lyon were recognized in an appreciation and ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 23. The ceremony dedicated two new exhibits at Iowa’s Dairy Center. The newly installed floor-to-ceiling graphics surrounding the life-size model cow sculpted by Duffy Lyon honors Dr. Ken Reimer. Dr. Reimer is a career veterinarian and founding member of Iowa’s Dairy Center. The graphics and cow model are key components of the Iowa’s Dairy Story curriculum.

Additionally, the ceremony officially welcomed the cow/calf statue sculpted by Duffy, known as the “Butter Cow Lady” who sculpted the butter cow at the Iowa State Fair for more than 40 years. The statue originally sat outside of Duffy’s hometown of Toledo until it was damaged by a derecho in 2020. The cow/calf statue was repaired, repainted and rehomed to Iowa’s Dairy Center in the summer of 2022. It now greets the 10,000 annual visitors to the Dairy Center.

Farmer Events Planned this Fall

Join us for the upcoming events planned this fall at Iowa’s Dairy Center. Be sure to stay up-to-date with our website and Facebook page to learn more as event details are announced.

Community Enjoys Food Trucks & Moo-vie Night on the Farm

The weather was finally perfect for an evening of fun at Food Trucks & Moo-vie Night on the Farm held Sunday, Sept. 4. Visitors were able to try a variety of delicious food from local vendors and enjoy barn tours, lawn games, music and more. At dusk, the movie Barnyard was projected on a giant 20-foot screen. Thank you to Midwest Dairy for sponsoring the event and Iowa Corn for providing the popcorn for attendees.

Tri-State Ag & Dairy Expo Offers a Unique Learning Opportunity

More than 450 FFA members from 35 Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin high schools participated in the annual Tri-State Ag & Dairy Expo held on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Iowa’s Dairy Center. The expo featured dairy cattle and dairy products judging contests where students enhanced their evaluation skills. In addition to a competition for students, the expo offered seminars on agriculture topics which included calf care and dairy advocacy along with a visit from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. View results.


NICC News

Agriculture Students Assist with Tri-State Ag & Dairy Expo

NICC agriculture students played an integral role at Tri-State Ag & Dairy Expo. The students prepared four classes for the dairy judging contest, which included breaking the cattle to lead, clipping and showing during the contest. Additionally, they assisted with the Moo Mobile and preparing the facilities for the event.

Employers Invited to the Agriculture Career Fair

Tuesday, Oct. 25 | 9-11 a.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

The agriculture faculty at NICC invite you to the annual Agriculture Career Fair. Students from the following majors will be in attendance: Ag Business, Ag Finance, Ag Production, Agronomy Beef Science and Dairy Science. Set up can begin at 8:15 a.m. Each employer will be provided a 2x4 table. There is no cost for employers to attend. Learn more.

Mark Your Calendars for Agriculture and Animal Sciences Program Preview

Friday, Nov. 4 | 10 a.m.-12:15 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: LeRoy Messler

LeRoy Messler of Decorah was recognized as the recipient of the Dennis Rud Memorial Award at Tri-State Ag & Dairy Expo. The annual award is in memory of Dennis Rud, a former FFA instructor and longtime employee of Nelson Dairy Consultants. LeRoy has been a field representative at Wapsie Valley Creamery for the past 26 years where he has built relationships with dairy farmers and youth, encouraging them to become the next generation of dairy leaders. He was recognized for his significant role in the success of the Expo over the years.


Industry News

Field Trip Program Awards available to schools to pay up to 75% of the transportation costs to visit any farm or Heritage Area Site in the Heritage Area, including Iowa’s Dairy Center. Learn more.

Lance and Jonna Schutte honored with the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award. Read more.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Read more.

Make plans to attend the Building Your Best Feed Team Field Day and Tailgate, Oct. 7-8 in Ames. Learn more.

Dairy Nutrition Field Days planned this fall. Learn more.


Calendar of Events

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

NICC Agriculture Career Fair
Oct. 25 | 9-11 a.m. | Iowa's Dairy Center

Dairy Nutrition Field Day: Alternative Forages for Sustainable and Profitable Dairies
Oct. 26 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation Board Meeting
Oct. 28 | 12 p.m. | Iowa's Dairy Center

Agriculture and Animal Sciences Program Preview
Nov. 4 | 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

Artificial Insemination Class
Nov. 8-10 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Iowa’s Dairy Center

Midwest Dairy & Beef Day: Foundations of Forage and Feeding
Nov. 30 | 10 a.m.-2 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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