Industry Buzz
Dec. 30 2011 01:01 PM

Special Dairy Meeting Featuring Genomics to be Held in Arizona


Special Dairy Meeting Featuring Genomics to be Held in Arizona

Any interested dairy producer is invited to attend a special dairy meeting, hosted by Holstein Association USA, on Wednesday, January 25, 2012, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and Suites Phoenix Airport, 3220 S 48th St, Phoenix, Ariz. Highlighting the event will be presentations on the practical application of genomic technology by Dr. Roger Shanks, Holstein Association USA dairy genetics consultant, and John Andersen, manager of dairy operations for the Aardema Group in Jerome, Idaho. A prime rib lunch will be provided by Holstein Association USA, and attendees are asked to RSVP by January 16 to be included in meal counts. There is no registration fee to attend. Agenda items include:
  • 10:30 a.m. – "Introduction to Genomics and How It Can Be Useful to Commercial Dairymen," Dr. Roger Shanks, Holstein Association USA Dairy Genetics Consultant. Dr. Shanks has been a long-time professor of genetics in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, retiring in September 2010 after 31 years of service. In addition to his work with Holstein Association USA, focusing on the development of practical genetic products and services and helping dairy cattle breeders utilize genetic technologies for profitability, Dr. Shanks currently serves as editor in chief of the Journal of Dairy Science.

  • 11:30 a.m. – Update from Holstein Association USA, CEO John M. Meyer

  • 12 noon – Prime rib lunch provided by Holstein Association USA

  • 1:00 p.m. – "What Can AgriTech Analytics Do For You?," Bill VerBoort, General Manager of AgriTech Analytics.AgriTech Analytics (ATA) is a dairy records processing center owned by Holstein Association USA, based in Visalia, Calif., that offers a variety of services for dairy producers across the country.
  • 1:45 p.m. – "Practical Applications for Genomics on a Large-Scale Dairy Operation," John Andersen, Manager of Dairy Operations for the Aardema Group. The Aardema Group consists of seven dairies that milk a total of 26,000 cows and two heifer facilities that raise a total of 25,000 heifers. John spends most of his time on Double A Dairy which milks 13,000 cows on one site and has a specialized calving facility for several of the dairies. The Aardema Group employs 300 people and is owned by the Aardema Family, operating in Idaho since 1980. John graduated from Brigham Young University in 1999 with a bachelor of science in animal science. He enjoys showing cows with his wife, Caroline, and their four children, and is also the owner of Triple Crown Genetics which breeds and markets elite Registered Holsteins.
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport, 3220 S 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85040, with a $119 rate, which is available until January 3, 2012; to make a reservation, visit the hotel's web site and use the group code "HOL". To RSVP for the lunch, contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or kdunklee@holstein.com. With additional questions about the meeting, contact Jodi Hoynoski at ext. 4261 or jhoynoski@holstein.com. For more information, contact Lindsey Worden, communications manager, at 800.952.5200, ext. 4096, or Lworden@holstein.com. 12.28.2011