VOL. 19, NO. 1 SPRING 2016Dairy CenterConnectionNews from the Nor theast Iowa Community-Based Dair y Foundation

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Northeast Iowa Community-Based Dairy Foundati onP.O. Box 400Calmar, IA 52132

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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Be sure to visit us online at www.iowadairycenter.com

The Mission of the Northeast Iowa Community Based Dairy Founda-tion is to enhance and grow the dairy industry through people by provid-ing education, demonstration and research. Vision:Successful dairy farm families sup-ported by a thriving dairy industry which in turn supports vital local communities.

The Northeast Iowa Community Based Dairy Foundation works with Northeast Iowa Community College and Iowa State University to offer educational programs to students and existing dairy farm families to help them prepare for the future.

Connect ionThank you for your generosity & memberships!

Have an idea, comment or suggestion for the Northeast Iowa Community-Based Dairy Foundation?

Let us know! Call 563-534-9957, email info@iowadairycenter.com or

talk to a member of the executive board. Thanks!

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDNEW HAMPTON

IAPermit No. 150

A huge thank you to the individuals and businesses who have recently

become members:Caledonia Haulers, Lifetime Member

American Agco Trading CompanyAssociated Milk Producers Inc.

Becker Hardware Inc. Decorah Bank & Trust Co.Cresco Bank & Trust Co.

Farmers Union Co-op

Freedom BankHacker Nelson & Co., P.C.

Hugo Ramirez Nelson Dairy Consultants

Norwegian Mutual InsurancePOET Nutrition

River City PavingShawver Well Co.

Wicks Construction, Inc.

The Dairy Founda-tion received cow nominations from

membership of each state breed associa-tion in order to se-

lect seven new cows to be featured as

life-size images in the Hall of Breeds

at Iowa’s Dairy Center. This project

is part of a grant project through Silos & Smoke-stacks National

Heritage Area. In order to be nomi-nated a cow must have been bred or

owned in Iowa and have made a posi-

tive impact on their respective breed. Nominated cows

were then voted on via ballot by their breed’s member-

ship. It’s our plea-sure to announce

the winners.

EXCELLENCE IN

DAIRY

Announcing the New Hall of Breeds!

Right Angle T HarleyBreeder: Right Angle Ayrshires, Dehli, IA

Owners: Ski Pal Ayrshires, Epworth, IA

Yarrabee Cows, Brooklyn, IA

Onword Combo ViolaBreeder: Dennis L. Worden/Onword Swiss,

Oelwein, IA

Owner: Dennis L. Worden/Onword Swiss,

Oelwein, IA

Prairie Moon Y AntebellaBreeder: Prairie Moon Guernseys, Waukon, IA

Owner: Prairie Moon Guernseys, Waukon, IA

Snow-N Denises Dellia-ETBreeder: Robert Snow, Viroqua, WI

Owner: Regancrest, Waukon, IA

Henkeseen Talent Ripple-Red-ETBreeder: Henkeseen Holsteins, Luana, IA

Owner: Henkeseen Holsteins, Luana, IA

Lyon CharacterBreeder: Lyon Jerseys, Toledo, IA

Owner: Lyon Jerseys, Toledo, IA

Lands-Brook Christina-EXP-ETBreeder: Lands-Brook Farms, St. Olaf, IA

Owner: Lands-Brook Farms, St. Olaf, IA

www.iowadairycenter.com

866.474.4692

*Winners must be able to meet photo requirements.

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Upcoming Events for Iowa’s Dairy Center Call 563-534-9957 if you are interested in learning more about any of these programs/events. April 18-22 - Iowa Dairy StoryApril 22 - Operations/Executive Committee MeetingsApril 25-27 - Iowa Dairy Story April 25-29 – Lely FMS L1 Training May 4-6 - Iowa Dairy StoryMay 16-20 - Iowa Dairy Story May 26 – Beef Facility Open House, 4-7pmMay 27 - Operations/Executive Committee MeetingsMay 30 – Campus ClosedJune 7-9 – AI Course June 9 & 16- Bus toursJune 10 – WCCVB ‘Fam’ TourJune 14 – Dairy Iowa, Waverly June 18 - Breakfast on the FarmJune 24 – Operations/Full BOD Meetings

Iowa’s Dairy Center will be hosting Silos & Smokestacks’ “It Takes An Iowan” exhibit June 2-25, 2016. The exhibit focuses on Iowans as leaders in the ongoing endeavor of providing food for the nation and the world.

“It Takes An Iowan” launched at the 2015 Iowa State Fair and was ranked is number seven on the fair’s list of “Top 11 at the Fair.” The exhibit features interviews and commentary from Iowa farmers, educators, inventors and

agriculture leaders including United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the global population will hit nine billion by 2050. Feeding the world is no small task and this exhibit features Iowans role in assisting those in need

to meet the changing diets of billions. Visitors will learn Iowans are not only leaders in agriculture, but also in education, technology, communication, legislation and transportation.

Registration Information:Wisconsin Agri-Business Association Phone: (608) 223-11112801 International Lane, Suite 105 email: denise@wiagribusiness.orgMadison, WI 53704 Register Online: wiagribusiness.org/store

Artifi cial Insemination - BovineThis is a three-day, intensive hands-on class for those who wish to artifi cially inseminate their own cattle or gain experience to work for others. The class will cover all aspects of bovine reproduction, from anatomy and hormones to heat detection. Support materials such a “Breeding Betsy” and an endoscope will be available for practice before going to the barn for actual insemination practice. Please read: Please bring clean farm work clothes and boots each day. Lunch will be provided.

Dates: June 7 – 9, 2016Times: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMLocation: Calmar, Iowa’s Dairy Center, Room: 111Instructor(s): Accelerated Genetics Class ID: 50583 Tuition: $149.00

Register online at www.nicc.edu/solutions or call 800-728-2256, ext. 399.

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NICC Places Second at National PASThe National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Orga-nization (PAS) is an organization associated with agri-culture, agribusiness and natural resources in approved postsecondary institutions offering bachelor degrees, associate degrees, diplomas and/or certifi cates.The National Conference was held March 16-19, 2016 in Kansas City, MO where twenty-three NICC students competed in various dairy, beef and John Deere contest areas.

Highlights were as follows: Dairy:Team of Ryan Gaul, Austin Vander Haak, and Rachel Selke placed second overall.Team of Shawn Johnson, Andy Houdek, and Chase Sax-ton placed third overall. Beef: Team of Karl Klocke, Adam Fliehler, and Brady Mc-Cabe placed second overall.

Above: Beef Team, Karl Klocke, Adam Fliehler, Brady McCabeLeft: Dairy Team, Ryan Gaul, Austin Vander Haak, Rachel Selke (not pictured)

Dairy Science Club Hosts Successful Sale

Congratulations to the NICC Dairy Science Club on putting on an exceptional sale on April 2, 2016. Their hard work, dedication, and attention to detail were noticed by all, the top seller was Henkes-Brook Mogul Blair

consigned by Trent and Matt Henkes. The sale averaged $2,280. Special recognition to the sale committee for their leadership: Scott Stempfl e, Andy Houdek, Austin Smith, Shawn Johnson, and Austin Vander Haak.

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A Word from the President - Phil HemesathAs we prepare for another spring season at Iowa’s Dairy Center, I am reminded of how far this facility and program has come in sixteen years. Then college president Rob Denson’s vision for the dairy pro-gram was to bring it up to date and make it relevant to the modern dairy industry in Iowa as well as the Tri-State area. It was a good vi-sion and it grew beyond any of our original expectations. The Dairy Center is not only a viable resource for the upper Midwest, but has edged into the nationwide and international dairy picture.

The new beef program, along with the Beef Educational Facility, is the next anticipated addition to the NICC agriculture programs. There has been some question about how this will work with the rest of the programs; knowing the personnel who are leading these pro-grams, I feel confi dent that they will mesh well and will take NICC agricultural education to a higher level. The old saying of “if you are not moving forward, you are falling behind” applies. We, on the Foundation Board, plan to keep moving forward and hope everyone involved plans to move forward also.

The conservation plan for the college’s acreage is also progressing. The cooperation of the Soil and Water Conservation District has been very helpful in developing a visually pleasing, practical and effective overall plan for the farm and campus. We now have neigh-boring farmers signed up to use our surplus manure production; a win-win for all participants, in my opinion.

Don’t forget to put the June 18 on your cal-endar for our annual Breakfast on the Farm event. Encourage your friends, relatives and neighbors to attend. They’ll get an excellent meal, a guided tour on a tram and there will exhibits to be enjoyed also.

The Dairy Foundation would like to thank Phil for his leadership during

the past two years as President. Your service is greatly appreciated!

Seeing is Believing for U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said he couldn’t imagine how cows can be milked automatically before touring Iowa’s Dairy Center in Janaury. “But I saw it happen,” Grassley said after seeing the center’s two Lely A4

robotic milkers. “Seeing is believing.”

Awards Given at AgriScience CeremonyOutstanding Students Recognizes a graduating student in each program who is passionate, maintains a positive attitude, and strives to be successful in their fi eld. The Josh Evers award is given annually to an agriculture student who is respected by their peers in memory of Josh, who tragically lost his life in a car accident. Shawn Johnson, Josh Evers AwardMolly McGuire, Beef Science Scott Stempfl e, Dairy ScienceTiffany Recker, Ag Business (not pictured)

Outstanding AlumniRecognizes graduates who have established

themselves at the forefront of their industries.

Dan Schmitt, Beef Science Chad & Erin Hunt, Dairy Science

Kelly Holthaus, Ag Business (not pictured)

Friends of DistinctionLeaders who positively impact the industry and are strong supporters of NICC agriculture programs.

John Noel, Dairy Science Jerome Fulsaas, Ag Business (not pictured)Lee Johnsen, Beef Science (not pictured)Lloyd Johanningmeier, Large Animal Vet Tech (not pictured)