By Andi Anderson
The Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Dairy Team has announced its annual Dairy Goat Management Seminar, set for December at two Iowa locations. This year’s theme—Healthy Herds, Profitable Practices—will help dairy goat producers strengthen their operations through hands-on learning and expert guidance.
The first seminar will take place on Thursday, December 4, at the Historical Village Visitors Center in Kalona, while the second session will be held on Saturday, December 6, at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Office in Orange City. Both events will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and include a complimentary lunch sponsored by Big Gain, Premier 1 Supplies, and Saputo.
“Dairy goat production continues to be a vital part of Iowa’s agricultural landscape,” said Jenn Bentley, dairy field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We’re excited to offer producers a well-rounded educational program focused on herd health, mastitis management, parasite control, record keeping and financial sustainability, delivered by a lineup of experienced presenters committed to providing practical strategies for success.”
This year’s lineup features expert-led sessions, including Parasite Patrol by Carolyn Ihde, Understanding Udder Health and Managing Mastitis by Jennifer Bentley, Dairy Goat Profit Analysis by Larry Tranel, Dairy Goat Records by Gail Carpenter, and Common Small Ruminant Emergencies by Dr. Emily Dirr from the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine.
The seminars are free to attend, but registration is required by December 1 at noon. To register, contact the Sioux County Extension Office at 712-737-4230 for Orange City or the Washington County Extension Office at 319-653-4811 for Kalona.
This program is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Program, promoting research and innovation in small-scale livestock production across Iowa.
Photo Credit: pavel-bondarenko
Categories: Iowa, Education