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.
1.14.2010
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
10.26.2009
NICC to Hold Consignment Sale
The Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Dairy Science club members will be holding their fifth annual consignment sale at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in West Union.
They will be selling approximately 50 lots, featuring consignments from the top Holstein breeders in Iowa. All animals will be Holsteins, with some Red and Whites. A special feature for buyers this year will be the opportunity to bid on “Picks of Flushes” and embryos.
A unique consignment this year is a pick of the flushes from Cotton, a favorite in the Dairy Foundation herd of many current students and alumni. AI companies are supporting the sale with semen to be used in a silent auction. Select Sires has donated five units of Planet and five units of Alexander; Excaliber has donated five units of Reality and five units of Cade; Genex has donated five units of ToyStory and five of Kolten. Taurus has donated five units of the buyer’s choice, and ABS will also be making a donation.
John Hager Sales will be assisting the student managers of the sale. For more information call one of the following student managers:
Adam Englert 812-779- 7270
Mark Simon 563-542-1297
Carly Lyons 563-419- 2808
Matt Henkes 563-880- 8614
They will be selling approximately 50 lots, featuring consignments from the top Holstein breeders in Iowa. All animals will be Holsteins, with some Red and Whites. A special feature for buyers this year will be the opportunity to bid on “Picks of Flushes” and embryos.
A unique consignment this year is a pick of the flushes from Cotton, a favorite in the Dairy Foundation herd of many current students and alumni. AI companies are supporting the sale with semen to be used in a silent auction. Select Sires has donated five units of Planet and five units of Alexander; Excaliber has donated five units of Reality and five units of Cade; Genex has donated five units of ToyStory and five of Kolten. Taurus has donated five units of the buyer’s choice, and ABS will also be making a donation.
John Hager Sales will be assisting the student managers of the sale. For more information call one of the following student managers:
Adam Englert 812-779- 7270
Mark Simon 563-542-1297
Carly Lyons 563-419- 2808
Matt Henkes 563-880- 8614
10.08.2009
Vaccination Myth Busters Clinics to be Held
Proper handling and administration of vaccines, along with customized, written vaccination protocols are essential to provide maximum disease protection in successful dairy operations. Are you adequately protected? Because of the importance of this topic, Northeast Iowa Community College and The Northeast Iowa Community Based Dairy Foundation Program Committee will be offering the Midwest Dairy School—Vaccination Myth Busters in two different locations.
Vaccination Myth Busters Clinics
Monday, November 23, 2009
12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Manchester Livestock Auction
Manchester, Iowa
OR
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dairy Center Room 115
Calmar, Iowa
*Review the common myths associated with vaccines and vaccine protocols.
*Learn the five possible USDA levels of protection that can be granted and the difference between each level.
*Review proper handling and proper injection technique.
*Where to find the level of protection for a particular vaccine.
*Learn the concept of vaccine ‘stacking’ and how to work around it.
The effectiveness of the Midwest Dairy School – Myth Busters is enhanced with live animal demonstrations at both sites.
Presenters include:
Dr. Vic Cortese - Director of Cattle Veterinary Operation – Cattle Immunology for Pfizer Animal Health, Adjunct professor with U of WI College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Chris Harvey - Northeast Iowa Community College Dairy Science faculty
Dr. Gary Neubauer - Minnesota’s Veterinarian of the year in 2001, Dairy Veterinarian Operations Pfizer Animal Health
There is limited space at both sites. To register for the Midwest Dairy School, please call Northeast Iowa Community College at 800-728-2256 Ext 399. The reduced registration fee of $15.00 includes lunch and refreshments and materials. For more information, call Mary Steen Ext 341 or email Steenm@nicc.edu.
Vaccination Myth Busters Clinics
Monday, November 23, 2009
12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Manchester Livestock Auction
Manchester, Iowa
OR
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dairy Center Room 115
Calmar, Iowa
*Review the common myths associated with vaccines and vaccine protocols.
*Learn the five possible USDA levels of protection that can be granted and the difference between each level.
*Review proper handling and proper injection technique.
*Where to find the level of protection for a particular vaccine.
*Learn the concept of vaccine ‘stacking’ and how to work around it.
The effectiveness of the Midwest Dairy School – Myth Busters is enhanced with live animal demonstrations at both sites.
Presenters include:
Dr. Vic Cortese - Director of Cattle Veterinary Operation – Cattle Immunology for Pfizer Animal Health, Adjunct professor with U of WI College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Chris Harvey - Northeast Iowa Community College Dairy Science faculty
Dr. Gary Neubauer - Minnesota’s Veterinarian of the year in 2001, Dairy Veterinarian Operations Pfizer Animal Health
There is limited space at both sites. To register for the Midwest Dairy School, please call Northeast Iowa Community College at 800-728-2256 Ext 399. The reduced registration fee of $15.00 includes lunch and refreshments and materials. For more information, call Mary Steen Ext 341 or email Steenm@nicc.edu.
10.01.2009
Northey Joins Agriculture Officials from Across the Nation to Support Proposal to Help Dairy, Pork and Turkey Producers
“Meat the Need” Initiative would Help Farmers, Make Additional Products Available to Families
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has joined top state agriculture officials from across the nation to offer the federal government a new proposal, called “Meat the Need,” to help the nation’s embattled dairy and pork farmers.
“Pork and dairy farmers in Iowa and across the nation are hurting, and this proposal is a way to support them during this difficult time and get nutritious and wholesome products to needy families,” Northey said. “Right now these farmers are losing money on every gallon of milk they produce and every pound of pork they raise, that is unsustainable.”
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) put forward the plan as a means to take extra dairy and pork supplies off the market and bringing up prices paid to producers. The commodities will then be available through a supplemental food assistance program to people who could not otherwise afford them.
Meat the Need calls for the federal government to purchase up to three installments of 75 million pounds of cheese and other dairy products over 120 days and up to three installments of 100 million pounds of pork products over 180 days. If the target price of $16 per hundredweight of milk and 49 cents per pound of pork, the average cost of production for each product, is reached before the second or third installment, the purchases would stop.
The plan also includes of a one-time purchase of 100 million pounds of turkey.
The purchased meat and dairy products would be distributed to food banks, school lunch programs and a new SNAP‐PLUS program, as well as into foreign military food assistance.
The SNAP-PLUS program would allow USDA to increase allocations to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and require SNAP beneficiaries to spend the new allocations on meat and dairy products only. Participants would be given separate electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to purchase the products.
The initiative is projected to cost between $2 and $3 billion dollars and the proposal calls for the funding to come from unspent stimulus dollars.
“I worry that if something isn’t done quickly to help these farmers we could lose a significant number of dairy and pork producers, which could hurt our economy,” Northey said. “A recent study showed that 1 in 6 jobs in Iowa is related to agriculture, so the potential economic impact of these ongoing losses reaches far beyond the farmers raising these animals.”
NASDA is comprised of the commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture from the 50 states. (Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship)
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey has joined top state agriculture officials from across the nation to offer the federal government a new proposal, called “Meat the Need,” to help the nation’s embattled dairy and pork farmers.
“Pork and dairy farmers in Iowa and across the nation are hurting, and this proposal is a way to support them during this difficult time and get nutritious and wholesome products to needy families,” Northey said. “Right now these farmers are losing money on every gallon of milk they produce and every pound of pork they raise, that is unsustainable.”
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) put forward the plan as a means to take extra dairy and pork supplies off the market and bringing up prices paid to producers. The commodities will then be available through a supplemental food assistance program to people who could not otherwise afford them.
Meat the Need calls for the federal government to purchase up to three installments of 75 million pounds of cheese and other dairy products over 120 days and up to three installments of 100 million pounds of pork products over 180 days. If the target price of $16 per hundredweight of milk and 49 cents per pound of pork, the average cost of production for each product, is reached before the second or third installment, the purchases would stop.
The plan also includes of a one-time purchase of 100 million pounds of turkey.
The purchased meat and dairy products would be distributed to food banks, school lunch programs and a new SNAP‐PLUS program, as well as into foreign military food assistance.
The SNAP-PLUS program would allow USDA to increase allocations to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and require SNAP beneficiaries to spend the new allocations on meat and dairy products only. Participants would be given separate electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to purchase the products.
The initiative is projected to cost between $2 and $3 billion dollars and the proposal calls for the funding to come from unspent stimulus dollars.
“I worry that if something isn’t done quickly to help these farmers we could lose a significant number of dairy and pork producers, which could hurt our economy,” Northey said. “A recent study showed that 1 in 6 jobs in Iowa is related to agriculture, so the potential economic impact of these ongoing losses reaches far beyond the farmers raising these animals.”
NASDA is comprised of the commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture from the 50 states. (Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship)
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