The Expo features nationally known dairy speakers, producer panels and the largest dairy specific trade show in the region at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center.
“We are moving forward during a very challenging time of economic conditions caused by depressed milk prices at the farm,” says Expo Chairman and dairy farmer Ted Sheppard of Cabool, Missouri. Sheppard also serves as president of the Missouri Dairy Association, the official host of the Heart of America Dairy Expo.
“Our program will provide attendees with new directions on dairy nutrition, milk production, dairy policy and consumer communications,” says Sheppard.
There will be a new feature with an FFA Ag Career Day on Jan. 18 at 3 p.m. It is open to all FFA chapters and 4-H youth in Missouri and surrounding states. There is no cost to the students and their advisors.
That evening, Vallery Eisenmann of the American National Insurance Company will address the attendees with a presentation on how to get the most from your insurance dollar.
Rich Bennek, Mycogen Seeds Dairy Market development manager, will talk about advancements in forage digestibility. Following Bennek, Max Hawkins of Alltech will discuss how to overcome challenges and achieve healthy cows.
Later that morning Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois, will cover the roles of minerals and vitamins in dairy rations. His presentation is sponsored by Multimin USA.
Friday’s pork chop luncheon is sponsored by Hiland Dairy Foods and the Missouri Pork Association. Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn will address the attendees, followed by a key note presentation by Mark Stephenson, University of Wisconsin, on the changing landscape of dairy, sponsored by Central Life Sciences.
After lunch, there will be a dairy farmer panel sponsored by the Midwest Dairy Association. Another panel discussing milk quality follows and will be moderated by Scott Poock of the University of Missouri and sponsored by MFA Inc., Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and ST Genetics.
The Expo program also includes the annual meetings of the Missouri Dairy Association, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Brown Swiss Association, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association, Missouri Jersey Cattle Club, Midwest Milking Shorthorn and the Missouri Ayrshire Association.
“Last year we drew almost 500 attendees from 15 states,” says Dave Drennan, Expo sales manager and executive director for the Missouri Dairy Association.
Registration is free for dairy farmers and their families with a nominal registration fee for allied industry representatives. All dairy farmers and allied industry, regardless of state, are invited to attend.
Meal reservations are requested and may be made by visiting www.heartofamericadairy.org.
Hotel reservations may be made by calling the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center directly at 417-866-5253 or 888-532-4338. Ask for the Heart of America Dairy Expo room block.