March 26, 2009

Opportunities in dairy industry featured at youth conference

"Even though it's the fifth year for the conference, this is the first time it's going to be on an actual farm," said Kelly Easterday, Purdue University Cooperative Extension educator in Kosciusko County. "We think participants will really benefit from being on an active farm."

Youth will learn about opportunities in the dairy industry and what it takes to raise and show livestock, through hands-on activities.

Registration is $15 per person and is due by April 8. Registration includes meals, breaks, ice cream sundaes and a T-shirt. A downloadable registration form and agenda are available at www.ces.purdue.edu/ces/LaPorte/files/4-H/IDYC09.pdf  

The workshop is open to youth ages 8-19 and will be divided into senior and junior groups. Both groups will be exposed to all segments of the dairy industry, from how cheese is made to what it's like to be a dairy farmer. Participants will take a tour of Fair Oaks and the birthing barn, learn about dairy financing in a "Cowculus" class, get tips about reproduction management and watch a 3-D movie about how the dairy industry plays an important role in everyday life.

Senior participants are expected to take what they've learned and implement it into their own operations or community, Easterday said.

Along with the workshop the Indiana Dairy Ambassador Program will be electing two new ambassadors for 2009, a junior and a senior representative. The ambassadors will serve for one year and must have a passion for the dairy industry, Easterday said.

 The ambassador application, which can be downloaded at www.ces.purdue.edu/kosciusko/IDA07.htm, is due by April 6 and consists of a form, a three-page (maximum) essay and a resume. The ambassadors will be required to submit a quarterly report to the Indiana Professional Dairy Producers, seek opportunities to participate in dairy related activities, attend and help organize the 2010 Indiana Dairy Youth Conference.

The senior ambassador will receive $1,000 scholarship and the junior ambassador will receive $500 to purchase a dairy animal within the next 12 months. For more information about the Indiana Dairy Youth Ambassador Program and how to apply, visit www.ces.purdue.edu/kosciusko/IDA07.htm

Sponsors of the conference include Dairy Marketing Service LLC, Foremost Farms USA, Elanco Animal Health, Fair Oaks Dairy Farm, Indiana Professional Dairy Producers, Indiana State Dairy Association, Milk Promotion Services of Indiana Inc. and Michigan Milk Producers Prairie Farms.

For questions and more information, contact Easterday at 574-372-2340 or keasterday@purdue.edu

Writer: Sayde Rayburn, 765-494-8402, srayburn@purdue.edu

Source: Kelly Easterday, 574-372-2340, keasterday@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-8415;
Steve Leer, sleer@purdue.edu
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