An Olympic Gold Medalist, the coronation of the Nebraska Dairy Princess and a seminar on handling high commodity prices are on the agenda for the 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention March 13-14 at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk. The convention also serves as a backdrop for the business meetings of several of the state's dairy groups. The meeting 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. 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 4:30 p.m. session, "Animal Welfare – the Next Challenge," will be presented 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 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. The deadline to register is March 2. 1.18.2012