Register today for the two-day forum August 15-16 in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The registration deadline for the National Mastitis Council (NMC) Regional Meeting, Aug. 15-16, is fast approaching. This two-day forum will be held at the Holiday Inn City Centre in Sioux Falls, S.D. The pre-registration deadline is Aug. 7. Registration will also be accepted on the day of the event provided space is available in the courses.

Along with networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities, the two-day conference will consist of specialized, interactive short courses. Ten different short courses are planned so that individuals can select specific topics of interest. Participants may enroll in up to four different courses, depending on scheduling.

Workshop topics to choose from include:

· Prototheca and klebsiella mastitis: Major environmental mastitis threats;

· Identifying milking system issues with dynamic testing;

· Tapping the milk quality records analysis potential of PCDART management software;

· Successfully planning for success: Developing a growth strategy;

· Troubleshooting bacteria issues;

· Keeping the parlor crew on target for 22 hours a day by using performance information;

· Conducting a dairy farm milk quality walk-through;

· System analysis following the NMC procedures for evaluating vacuum levels and air flow
in milking systems; and

· Understanding and coupling bacterial cultures with other milk quality tests to solve on-farm problems.

In addition to these classroom and on-farm courses, NMC is also offering a Spanish-taught course titled: "The Reasons Behind Udder Preparation" to further promote the importance of milk quality to Spanish-speaking employees.

Anne Saeman, executive director of NMC, says that the breadth of topics presented at the regional meeting will benefit attendees of all levels who are interested in udder health, mastitis control, milking management, milk quality and milk safety.

"The information presented has the power to strengthen milk quality programs and increase dairy profitability," Saeman says. "The conference also provides an excellent opportunity to network with other dairy producers and industry professionals who share a common interest of quality milk production. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early."

To learn more about the NMC regional meeting and to register, visit: www.nmconline.org/regionalmeet/2012/, contact the NMC office by e-mail at nmc@nmconline.org or phone 608-848-4615. Registration for the courses is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.

07.23.2012