Midwest Dairy AssociationMidwest Dairy Association's North Dakota Division District annual meetings are scheduled January 30 - Feb. 3, in conjunction with North Dakota State University Extension Cow College events. Midwest Dairy's portion of the meeting is designed to bring dairy producers up to date on activities and results from their dairy promotion checkoff program. The scheduled dates and locations of the meetings are:

Jan. 30 - Linton
KEM Electric Cooperative
107 S. BroadwayJan. 31 - Dickinson
Elks Lodge
501 Elks Drive

Feb. 1 - New Salem
Youth Building
Morton County Fairgrounds

Feb. 2 - Towner
Sandhills Dairy
64 Sandhills Road

Feb. 3 - Jamestown
Gladstone Inn and Suites
111 2nd St. N.E.

Registration and coffee begin at 10:30 a.m., with the program running from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. local time. "We really look forward to this chance to work with the NDSU folks," said Char Heer, who delivers industry, health and wellness, and marketing programs for Midwest Dairy in North Dakota.

"We think the checkoff update is a great addition to the program, and gives everyone a chance to ask questions. Our work has changed a lot in recent years, and our update will help explain how new initiatives are helping to build sales and demand for dairy products."Topics that will be covered include the growth in dairy sales that's occurred because of partnerships with food companies, and how the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy is making progress meeting producer needs. In addition, there will be background on Fuel Up to Play 60, the checkoff's program with the National Football League, and details on how producers can access materials for use in local promotion.Current dairy producers are invited to attend the meeting nearest them.

1.19.2012