The 2016 Nebraska Dairy Convention on February 2 will bring together dairy farmers and a variety of speakers who can update them on dairy production, promotion and politics. The event, taking place at the Ramada Inn in Columbus, will be headlined by Chris Galen, senior vice president of communications for the National Milk Producers Federation. Galen will speak at the concluding event, a banquet at 6:30 p.m. during which awards will also be presented.

ALL THINGS DAIRY: The 2016 Nebraska Dairy Convention will bring together dairy farmers for updates on a variety of dairy-related topics ranging from policy to production.

Galen is regularly called upon as a national spokesman for the dairy. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, Galen shapes National Milk's messages on issues such as economic policy, environment, food safety and animal health regulations, and international trade. His previous work includes serving as press secretary to Nebraska Congressman Hal Daub and later for Iowa Congressman Jim Lightfoot. He also worked in the White House Press Office and has experience as a Midwest television anchor and reporter.

The Convention is sponsored by the Nebraska State Dairy Association and includes a trade show, the annual meetings of both the Nebraska State Dairy Association and the Nebraska Holstein Association, and various educational sessions.

Convention schedule
Kicking off the event at 8:30 a.m. will be an update on dairy growth and development, followed by the opening of the trade show and the Nebraska Holstein Association annual meeting at 9:30 a.m.

Dr. Jan Shearer, an Iowa State University veterinarian, will discuss treatment and control of lameness in dairy cattle at 10:30 a.m., followed by a checkoff update from National Dairy Council's Mickey Rubin and by Midwest Dairy Council during the noon luncheon.

At 1:30 p.m., Dr. Peter Erickson, New Hampshire state dairy specialist, will address the topic "Feeding the Pre-weaned Calf." The Nebraska State Dairy Association's annual business session will follow at 4 p.m.

The trade show will close at 5:30 p.m., with a reception beginning at 5:45 p.m. and the banquet to follow.

The Nebraska Dairy Convention is free to all Nebraska dairy farmers, families and guests. Pre-registrations are due January 25, in order to be included in meals. Attendee and sponsorship registration forms are available at nebraskamilk.org. Questions about the convention can be directed to Rod Johnson, Nebraska State Dairy Association, at 402-261-5482 or [email protected].

Source: Nebraska State Dairy Association