The Southern Great Plains Dairy Consortium partnered up with New Mexico State University and Texas AgriLife Extension to host the Dairy Industry Short Course, held recently in Amarillo, Texas. The short course, which took place October 12-14, was designed for extension agents and allied industry representatives who wished to learn more about the large herd management and the major issues impacting the industry in the Southwest.

Approximately 18 industry professionals, county extension agents and university personnel participated in the short course.

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Presentations were given on many industry topics including: calving and transition cow management; calf and heifer raising; lactating herd management (nutrition, reproduction, health and lactation); environmental issues such as air, water and nutrient management; economic impact; and labor management.

Also included in the program were daily tours to area dairies, which provided hands-on experiences in the different management systems such as freestalls, cross-ventilated barn, Saudi barn, and open-lot dairies as well as many of the predominant milking parlors.

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Course instructors included: Dr. Todd Bilby, Texas AgriLife Extension and Texas AgriLife Research, Stephenville; Dr. Ralph Bruno, Texas AgriLife Extension, Canyon; Dr. Ellen Jordan, Texas AgriLife Extension, Dallas; Kevin Lager, Texas AgriLife Extension, Canyon; and Dr. Robert Hagevoort, New Mexico State University Extension, Portales, N.M.

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For additional information about the Texas AgriLife Extension Dairy Team and additional events visit http://texasdairymatters.org

Related articles:
Read about the Southern Great Plains Dairy Consortium in this article, " Southwest summer dairy program undergoes expansion ."