About the program
Minnesota is the nation's sixth largest milk-producing state. In 1934, Minnesota had 1,893,000 dairy cows. Cow numbers have declined to less than 500,000 cows today. Minnesota has 4,928 dairy farms (MDA, 2008), down from about 15,000 farms ten years ago (MN Dairy Statistics).
The Minnesota dairy industry continues to be over a $2.5 billion segment of the state’s economy and the largest portion of the total agricultural economy, accounting for more than 15% of the total value of agriculture production in Minnesota. What happens to the dairy industry in Minnesota is of great economic and food production concern to the people of Minnesota.
Education can have a major impact on whether dairy continues as a viable Minnesota industry. One area of utmost importance is educating producers and industry professionals on new technologies and modernization of dairy operations to enhance profit and lifestyle of dairy farm families.
We serve:
- dairy producers
- dairy industry professionals
- dairy managers, feeders, and milkers
- dairy families
- forage producers
- consumers of dairy products
Our program goals are to:
- train dairy industry professionals to more effectively provide technical support to dairy producers in the state
- enhance producer skills to increase profitability; raise healthy calves; and improve cow care, feed management and milk quality
- build awareness of factors affecting cow well-being and behavior
- provide practical solutions for family dairy businesses in transition
- maintain the sustainability of the dairy industry in Minnesota
- provide research-based information on new technologies to educate consumers
What we do...
- Minnesota Dairy Days
- Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conferences
- Midwest Dairy Expo
- Dairy Extension Web Site
- Dairy Diagnostics Toolbox
- Feeding Management Workshop
- Train-the-trainer—On Farm Dairy Diagnostics
- Quality Count$ Program
- Milker School (English and Spanish)
- Calf Management Workshop
- Successful Dairy Systems
- Cow Comfort and Behavior Program
- Dairy Forage Management Program
- Grazing Workshops & Pasture Walks
Cooperators:
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Minnesota Milk Producers Association
- Midwest Dairy Association
- Minnesota Dairy Initiative
- MN DHIA
- Midwest Forage Council
- MNSCU
- Regional University Staff
- Private industry
