Monsanto Moblie Tech Unit to Visit the Dairy Center

The Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) will be at The Dairy Center, near Calmar, on June 30 and July 1-2. Monsanto's unique Mobile Technology Unit – a custom-made 18 wheeler that can run on biofuels – has begun touring throughout the U.S., showcasing innovations in plant breeding and biotechnology to support farmer success. The event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, is open to the public and admission is free.

The new 53-foot-long traveling unit, with 1,000 square feet of exhibit space, will visit rural communities, agricultural trade shows and other special events across the country. In its first year, it is expected to make an estimated 40 stops, hosting tours for thousands of invited farmers, family members and other participants.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to have the Monsanto Technology Unit at the Dairy Center. In addition to learning about the latest in ag technology, visitors can also tour our modern dairy farm and learn about the Dairy Foundation while they are here,” said Kelli Boylen, Director of the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation.

Aboard the MTU, farmers will first view an introductory video featuring football legend and Iowa farm boy Kurt Warner, and then take a guided tour through exhibit areas which feature displays, videos and interactive elements about breeding, crop analytics, biotechnology, product pipeline and ethanol.

A large turnout is expected for the three-day event. On June 30, KVIK radio will broadcast live and the Iowa Corn Growers Association will attend that night. Civic groups and city, county and state decision makers will arrive on July 1, and FFA groups from throughout Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota and Southwest Wisconsin will make their visit on July 2. Additional guests may also attend, as planning continues.

The Dairy Center is located just south of Northeast Iowa Community College’s Calmar campus. NICC and Iowa State University partnered with the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation to create the center, which was built in 2000. The Center consists of a 200-cow dairy farm and 17,000 square feet of classrooms, displays a milking observation area, a freestall barn, an educational exhibit titled Iowa’s Dairy Story and Iowa’s Dairy Museum. The Foundation is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the future of the dairy industry. No RSVP is needed, everyone is welcome.

June Dairy Celebration to be Held Near Spencer

Families and the public are encouraged to visit a modern dairy farm, learn about Iowa’s dairy farmers, eat a free meal and sample some great, wholesome dairy products during a June Dairy Celebration. The Jones Dairy Farm will host the event near Spencer on Tuesday, June 30, from 5-7 p.m.

“This is the public’s opportunity to visit a dairy farm and observe the efforts of Iowa’s dairy farmers to be environmental stewards while providing consumers with safe and wholesome milk products,” said Kayla Lyon, of the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance (WIDA).

Tours of the dairy farm will be given by local dairy farmers, the Clay County Cattlemen’s will be cooking a free meal for all participants and ice cream will be provided Wells Dairy.

Sponsors of the June dairy celebration include the WIDA, Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa State Dairy Association and the Jones Dairy Farm.

The Jones Dairy Farm is located at 2508 270th St., Spencer, IA 51301. Driving directions from Spencer: Head North on Hwy 71; turn right on 300th street; turn left on 250th street; turn right on 270th street.

For more information, contact Kayla Lyon, WIDA, 712-441-0893 or Megan Ritter, CSIF, 515-225-5481.

Dairy Celebration on Friday, June 12, near Ames

Come see a modern dairy farm, learn about the commitment Iowa’s dairy farmers have to their animals, environment and communities and sample delicious dairy products during a June Dairy Month celebration and open house Friday, June 12, 5-11 a.m. at the Iowa State University (ISU) dairy farm near Ames.

WHO Radio's "Van & Bonnie" program will be broadcast live from the farm from 5-9 a.m. Van may even try his hand at milking! If you can't attend, be sure to tune in to WHO Radio, located at 1040 on your a.m. dial.

The event will include guided tours of the milking parlor and cow and calving barns, an ag discovery center for children and free samples of milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream courtesy of Iowa’s dairy processors.

Sponsors of the celebration include the Iowa State Dairy Association, Midwest Dairy Association, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Western Iowa Dairy Alliance and the ISU Dairy Farm.

The ISU Dairy Farm is located at 52470 260th St., Ames, IA 50014. Driving directions: from Hwy 30 take the University Blvd. Exit #146 south of ISU campus; travel south on University Blvd/530th Ave.; turn right on 260th St.

Hope to see you there!

ISU team wins Hoard's Dairyman Cow Judging Contest

An Iowa State University dairy judging team, coached by Dr. Lee Kilmer, won the college division of the 79th Hoard's Dairyman Cow Judging Contest. The team scored 458.8 out of 500 to edge out a team from Ohio. Members of the team were Missey Tegtmeyer, Erin Hanson, Jess Kenefick, Ashley Christensen, Jennifer Mormann, Pete Schultz, Ross Reynolds, Zach Deutmeyer, Henry Nolte and Mike Roling. The team received a $100 cash prize which was used for a pizza party. Congratulations to Dr. Kilmer and all the team members!