6.01.2010
June is Dairy Month!
June is Dairy Month and it's the perfect time to thank a dairy farmer for the delicious and nutritious dairy products that he or she produces and also to thank him or her for all the hard work that goes into dairy farming.
5.07.2010
ISDA to Award College Scholarships
The Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA) is proud to announce that it will award six college scholarships of $500 to Iowa students. “We are very excited to present these scholarships,” says Wayne Dykshorn, President of the Iowa State Dairy Association. “With the recent tough times dairy producers have faced, we feel it’s important to continue to emphasize the significance of a good education, and we’re happy to be able to help a few Iowa students pursue their education.”
The scholarships are available to any level student, incoming freshmen through seniors, pursuing a degree in any field. “We didn’t want to limit the scholarships to only agriculture or dairy students because there are deserving students studying all disciplines,” says Dykshorn.
Candidates must complete the ISDA scholarship application and attach a one-page essay. The essay should state his/her plans for the future and why the scholarship would help the applicant in his/her future endeavors. The essay should also explain the applicant’s connection to the dairy farm (i.e. what the dairy farm has meant to him/her and what he/she has learned from being on the dairy farm). All applications and essays must be received by July 1, 2010. The ISDA scholarship application can be downloaded from the ISDA Web site (www.iowadairy.org) or contact Jessica Bloomberg, ISDA industry relations manager, to request an application at (515) 971-3620 or jessicab@iowadairy.org.
Return completed application and essay via email to jessicab@iowadairy.org, fax to 515-964-5498 (attention: Jessica Bloomberg), or mailed to: Iowa State Dairy Association, Scholarship Application, 101 NE Trilein Dr., Ankeny, IA 50021.
Applicants must be the child or grandchild of a current ISDA member. If you are not currently an ISDA member but would like to join, you can find a membership application on the ISDA Web site or contact Jessica Bloomberg to request a membership form.
The scholarships are available to any level student, incoming freshmen through seniors, pursuing a degree in any field. “We didn’t want to limit the scholarships to only agriculture or dairy students because there are deserving students studying all disciplines,” says Dykshorn.
Candidates must complete the ISDA scholarship application and attach a one-page essay. The essay should state his/her plans for the future and why the scholarship would help the applicant in his/her future endeavors. The essay should also explain the applicant’s connection to the dairy farm (i.e. what the dairy farm has meant to him/her and what he/she has learned from being on the dairy farm). All applications and essays must be received by July 1, 2010. The ISDA scholarship application can be downloaded from the ISDA Web site (www.iowadairy.org) or contact Jessica Bloomberg, ISDA industry relations manager, to request an application at (515) 971-3620 or jessicab@iowadairy.org.
Return completed application and essay via email to jessicab@iowadairy.org, fax to 515-964-5498 (attention: Jessica Bloomberg), or mailed to: Iowa State Dairy Association, Scholarship Application, 101 NE Trilein Dr., Ankeny, IA 50021.
Applicants must be the child or grandchild of a current ISDA member. If you are not currently an ISDA member but would like to join, you can find a membership application on the ISDA Web site or contact Jessica Bloomberg to request a membership form.
3.17.2010
Dairy Farm Family Nominees Wanted!
The Iowa State Fair is searching for 5 farm families to highlight during the Iowa State Fair. These families exemplify farm values derived from hard work and a love for the occupation of farming. Selected families must show dedication to animal agriculture in their daily lives and in the lives of their family members!
Eligibility:
• Must be an Iowa resident
• Farming operation must be centered on animal agriculture
Entry Procedure:
• Must submit a 500-1500 word essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped your and your family’s life
• Submit a family picture that illustrates your family’s commitment to your farming operation
• Entries may be mailed to the address listed below or online entries will also be accepted, please visit www.iowastatefair.org
All entries must be submitted or postmarked by May 1, 2010
Send mailed entries to:
The Way We Live Award
Iowa State Fair
PO Box 57130
Des Moines, Iowa 50317-0003
Winning families will receive:
• $200 cash award
• Iowa State Fair gate admission tickets
• Vehicle permit for their day of recognition
• A coupon book from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, Iowa Sheep Industry Association, Iowa Pork Tent, Iowa Turkey Federation Turkey Grill and Midwest Dairy Association
• Introduction and award presentation on the Christensen Farms Stage in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center
• Recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the 2010 Fair
Eligibility:
• Must be an Iowa resident
• Farming operation must be centered on animal agriculture
Entry Procedure:
• Must submit a 500-1500 word essay describing how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped your and your family’s life
• Submit a family picture that illustrates your family’s commitment to your farming operation
• Entries may be mailed to the address listed below or online entries will also be accepted, please visit www.iowastatefair.org
All entries must be submitted or postmarked by May 1, 2010
Send mailed entries to:
The Way We Live Award
Iowa State Fair
PO Box 57130
Des Moines, Iowa 50317-0003
Winning families will receive:
• $200 cash award
• Iowa State Fair gate admission tickets
• Vehicle permit for their day of recognition
• A coupon book from the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters, Iowa Sheep Industry Association, Iowa Pork Tent, Iowa Turkey Federation Turkey Grill and Midwest Dairy Association
• Introduction and award presentation on the Christensen Farms Stage in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center
• Recognition in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the 2010 Fair
1.14.2010
Dale Thoreson Retires From ISU Extension
Dale Thoreson, ISU Extension Dairy, Beef and Forage specialist, will retire January 31st, 2010 from ISU Extension after serving the agricultural community for 37 years. There will be an open house on Sunday, January 31, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., St. James Lutheran Church, 421 N. Main St., Allison, to visit with Dale and wish him well in his retirement.
Dale started with ISU Extension in January, 1972, as the Butler County Extension Director. Prior to Extension, Dale received his bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University in 1969, worked for Hormel and served in the military before receiving his Masters degree from Oklahoma State University in 1972. In 1992, Dale became the area dairy, beef and forage specialist for ISU Extension. Dale and his wife Linda have made Allison, Iowa, their home since 1972. They have two children, John and Mark and two grandchildren.
Dale is one of the most renowned dairy specialists in Iowa and the Upper Midwest. He has been awarded the Ralph Keeling Leadership Award for his contributions to the Iowa dairy industry, the ISU Extension Distinguished Service Awards and many other accolades recognizing his service and expertise as an extension educator.
There will be no “program” at Dales’ retirement open house as he wishes to spend time visiting with the public and friends. Cards, letters of memories/appreciation, can be sent to Mr. Kay Connelly, 5025 Bluebell Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. If further questions, contact (319) 267-2707.
Dale started with ISU Extension in January, 1972, as the Butler County Extension Director. Prior to Extension, Dale received his bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University in 1969, worked for Hormel and served in the military before receiving his Masters degree from Oklahoma State University in 1972. In 1992, Dale became the area dairy, beef and forage specialist for ISU Extension. Dale and his wife Linda have made Allison, Iowa, their home since 1972. They have two children, John and Mark and two grandchildren.
Dale is one of the most renowned dairy specialists in Iowa and the Upper Midwest. He has been awarded the Ralph Keeling Leadership Award for his contributions to the Iowa dairy industry, the ISU Extension Distinguished Service Awards and many other accolades recognizing his service and expertise as an extension educator.
There will be no “program” at Dales’ retirement open house as he wishes to spend time visiting with the public and friends. Cards, letters of memories/appreciation, can be sent to Mr. Kay Connelly, 5025 Bluebell Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. If further questions, contact (319) 267-2707.
12.28.2009
The Cows Don’t Know It’s Christmas
by Steve Cherry, Denison, Texas
Today’s the day we celebrate
Our Savior’s birth; a special date.
We’ll go to church, but we’ll be late,
‘Cause the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
It’s cold outside and frosty, too.
I’ve got some Christmas things to do,
But I can’t stop; I hear ‘em moo.
The cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
The kids are anxious, dancin’ round;
They want to get their stockings down.
I’d like to help; I see them frown.
But the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
The rooster’s up; I heard him crow.
The geese are walking in a row.
I’d like to stay in bed, but no…
The cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
The baby lambs, they’re layin’ down.
“Too cold for us,” they seem to frown.
My baby girl’s still in her gown.
But the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
I’ve got to go down to the barn.
To all the world it’s a special morn,
But each day’s the same here at the farm,
‘Cause the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
I’ll bust the bales and drop them down
(All’s left are th’ square…done fed the round).
And soon enough, we’ll go to town,
But the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
You gotta wonder ’bout it all;
So long ago, in that manger stall,
When they heard the Baby Jesus bawl,
And the cows did know… it’s Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the Iowa State Dairy Association! We wish you a blessed 2010!
Today’s the day we celebrate
Our Savior’s birth; a special date.
We’ll go to church, but we’ll be late,
‘Cause the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
It’s cold outside and frosty, too.
I’ve got some Christmas things to do,
But I can’t stop; I hear ‘em moo.
The cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
The kids are anxious, dancin’ round;
They want to get their stockings down.
I’d like to help; I see them frown.
But the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
The rooster’s up; I heard him crow.
The geese are walking in a row.
I’d like to stay in bed, but no…
The cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
The baby lambs, they’re layin’ down.
“Too cold for us,” they seem to frown.
My baby girl’s still in her gown.
But the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
I’ve got to go down to the barn.
To all the world it’s a special morn,
But each day’s the same here at the farm,
‘Cause the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
I’ll bust the bales and drop them down
(All’s left are th’ square…done fed the round).
And soon enough, we’ll go to town,
But the cows don’t know it’s Christmas.
You gotta wonder ’bout it all;
So long ago, in that manger stall,
When they heard the Baby Jesus bawl,
And the cows did know… it’s Christmas!
Merry Christmas from the Iowa State Dairy Association! We wish you a blessed 2010!
12.04.2009
Iowa State Animal Science Professor Earns USDA Excellence in Teaching Award
An Iowa State University professor of animal science has been awarded the annual USDA Food and Agricultural Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award. Douglas Kenealy is one of two people to receive the national award, which encompasses all the food and agricultural disciplines.
“I believe that you can push students, whether first-year or upper-class, if you consistently remind them of where they will use the building blocks of their education and how it will enhance future success in the classroom or in their career,” Kenealy said. An Iowa State alum, Kenealy joined the animal science faculty in 1975 and established a record as an exceptional teacher, adviser and a leader in curriculum development in animal science. Throughout his career he has taught or advised more than 13,000 students.
Kenealy received the award on Nov. 11 in Washington, D.C. The award is based on teaching quality, philosophy and methodology; service to the profession and students; and professional growth and development. It requires endorsements by an administrator, colleague and alumnus.
In addition to his significant undergraduate teaching load and graduate advising, Kenealy assists with job placement activities for animal science and dairy science. During his tenure, annual placement rate has never fallen below 90 percent and for the past five years, placement for undergraduates has averaged 97 percent.
“I believe that you can push students, whether first-year or upper-class, if you consistently remind them of where they will use the building blocks of their education and how it will enhance future success in the classroom or in their career,” Kenealy said. An Iowa State alum, Kenealy joined the animal science faculty in 1975 and established a record as an exceptional teacher, adviser and a leader in curriculum development in animal science. Throughout his career he has taught or advised more than 13,000 students.
Kenealy received the award on Nov. 11 in Washington, D.C. The award is based on teaching quality, philosophy and methodology; service to the profession and students; and professional growth and development. It requires endorsements by an administrator, colleague and alumnus.
In addition to his significant undergraduate teaching load and graduate advising, Kenealy assists with job placement activities for animal science and dairy science. During his tenure, annual placement rate has never fallen below 90 percent and for the past five years, placement for undergraduates has averaged 97 percent.
11.16.2009
Milk Price Could be $4 Higher Next Year
The all-milk price is predicted to average between $16.05 to $16.95 per hundredweight next year, according to the USDA’s “World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates” report released Nov. 10.
That would be $4 higher than this year’s predicted range of $12.60 to $12.70 per hundredweight.
“Improved milk prices are expected to more than outweigh higher feed costs and slow the pace of liquidation,” the report said. “Improving global demand and concerns about world supplies of dairy products have pushed international dairy prices higher and are expected to result in higher U.S. dairy exports during the remainder of this year and into 2010.”
“Even though the price projection was raised, the response in the futures market was limited,” says Greg Scheer, dairy analyst with Doane Advistory Services.
However, Scheer notes there has been an uptrend in the futures lately. “Last month, milk traded at $13.80 per hundredweight. Prices should continue to rise and we should get near break-even prices in the first quarter of 2010,” he says.
Another positive note is that cheese and butter prices continue to rally. Scheer notes that cheese and butter prices are the highest they’ve been all year. Export demand has picked up for butter. And, the month of November is the highest month for commercial disappearance of butter.
Source: USDA, Dairy Herd Management
That would be $4 higher than this year’s predicted range of $12.60 to $12.70 per hundredweight.
“Improved milk prices are expected to more than outweigh higher feed costs and slow the pace of liquidation,” the report said. “Improving global demand and concerns about world supplies of dairy products have pushed international dairy prices higher and are expected to result in higher U.S. dairy exports during the remainder of this year and into 2010.”
“Even though the price projection was raised, the response in the futures market was limited,” says Greg Scheer, dairy analyst with Doane Advistory Services.
However, Scheer notes there has been an uptrend in the futures lately. “Last month, milk traded at $13.80 per hundredweight. Prices should continue to rise and we should get near break-even prices in the first quarter of 2010,” he says.
Another positive note is that cheese and butter prices continue to rally. Scheer notes that cheese and butter prices are the highest they’ve been all year. Export demand has picked up for butter. And, the month of November is the highest month for commercial disappearance of butter.
Source: USDA, Dairy Herd Management
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