Nebraska State Dairy AssociationDairy economist Marin Bozic has been added to the lineup of speakers for the Nebraska Dairy Convention March 13-14 at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk. Bozic, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, will present a session titled "Managing Risk and Seizing Opportunities in 2012 and Beyond" at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13.

Just before Bozic, Tom Trewhitt of the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality will provide an update on nutrient management regulations. His appearance is scheduled for 4 p.m.

The Nebraska Dairy Convention carries a theme of "The Future…Is Now," and begins with a trade show opening at 10 a.m., March 13, followed by a presentation titled "Managing Today's Commodity Prices" by Archer Daniels Midland nutritionist Ron Linquist at 10:30 a.m. Linquist will be followed by a session called "Open Cow Mystery," presented by Dennis Hermesch DVM, Novartis Animal Health.

Midwest Dairy Association will present information on its child health and wellness initiative, Fuel Up to Play 60, at an 11:30 a.m. lunch. A 1:30 p.m. session, "Animal Welfare – the Next Challenge," will be led by We Support Agriculture. The trade show continues until 5:30 p.m. on March 13.

The annual meeting of the Nebraska State Dairy Association takes place from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. on March 13, and the Nebraska Holstein Association will meet from 2:30 – 4 p.m. that day.

The March 13 events draw to a close with a wine and cheese reception at 5:30 p.m. Olympic bobsledder Curt Tomascevicz headlines the banquet at 6:30 p.m. The new Nebraska Dairy Princess will also be crowned at that time.

Board meetings for the Nebraska Division of Midwest Dairy Association and the Nebraska State Dairy Association will take place on convention's second day, March 14. The Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board, Nebraska Dairy Industry Review Board will also meet that day.

The 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention is free to all Nebraska dairy producers, families and guests. Special room rates are available at the Norfolk Lodge and Suites by calling 1-800-230-4134. Questions about the convention can be directed to Rod Johnson, Nebraska State Dairy Association, at 402-261-5482 or rod@nebraskamilk.org. Attendee and sponsorship registration forms are available at nebraskamilk.org. While pre-registration is requested by March 2 for planning purposes, attendees are also welcome at the door.

2.28.2012