Oklahoma dairy producers attend Dairy Days

Noah Litherland, OSU Cooperative Extension Service dairy specialist said, those involved in the Oklahoma dairy industry are hungry for information and Oklahoma has lacked in this area. He said it is time to get the dairy industry thriving in Oklahoma and help people stay in business. 

“We really hope that participants who came to Dairy Days will take something they learned and apply that knowledge to their dairy herd,” Litherland said. “In addition, I hope the sessions stimulated additional thoughts allowing dairy producers to think toward better management and to try new products or practices.”

Topics included Dairy Efficiency: Managing During Challenging Times; 2007 Dairy and Feed Situation Outlook; Johnes Disease: Facts About Prevention, Control and Management; National Animal Identification System: The Real Facts; OSU Dairy Cattle Unit Update; and Use of By-products for Dairy Cattle Diets.

Les Hansen from the University of Minnesota was the keynote speaker covering the topic of genetic improvement in dairy cows.

“Dr. Hansen is very knowledgeable when it comes to the dairy industry and the genetics involved within the industry,” Litherland said. “Having him come and speak to producers really added value to our program.”

According to 2006 data from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, Oklahoma has 340 operating dairies, 75,000 dairy cows and ranks 27^th in U.S. milk production.

This was the first year to conduct Dairy Days in Oklahoma and there are plans to continue with these information sessions at Pryor and Chickasha and additional ones in Stillwater and Tahlequah.

“There are many issues challenging the dairy industry, ranging from milk prices, drought and feed costs,” Litherland said. “By getting valuable information to dairy producers they will be better able to manage their herds. These information sessions are key ways to keep producers abreast on industry information. Next year’s sessions will include information on feed quality appraisal and cow comfort.”

This year Dairy Days was sponsored by Midwest Dairy Association, Dairy Max, Southwest Dairy Farmers and OCES.

###

 

Katie L. Reim

Communication Specialist
OSU Agricultural Communication Services
140 Printing Services Building
Stillwater, Ok 74078
(405) 744-6792
katie.reim@okstate.edu

  Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.