Chesterfield…The trade show for the Heart of America Dairy Expo, presented by Hiland Dairy Foods, will be the largest ever with 56 exhibitors.

The Expo is set for January 23-25, 2014 at the Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center in Springfield, Missouri. The Expo is a regional dairy meeting open to all dairy farmers and allied industry regardless of state.

"We have the largest dairy specific trade show south of Madison and Sioux Falls," says Larry Purdom, Expo Chairman and a dairy farmer from Purdy, Missouri. "Our industry partners have recognized the outstanding line up of nationally known speakers participating at our second annual Heart of America Dairy Expo.

"Kicking off our program on Thursday evening, January 23, at our Early Bird Seminar is National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Jim Mulhern. "Jim will provide the latest news on Congress' efforts on the Farm Bill, as well as address other key dairy industry policy issues such as US trade negotiations in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the prospects for immigration reform legislation in 2014.

"Friday's program starts at 9:30 a.m. with "Trouble shooting Mycotoxin and Production Problems at the Farm Level" with Randy Asher of Animal Science Consulting sponsored by Alltech. Asher will discuss different production problems at the dairy and give suggestions as to what to look for to determine the problems and solutions. Some of the problems to be covered are milk production, reproductive problems and low dry matter intakes.

Following Asher will be Dr. Dan Tracy, DVM MS, Technical Services Veterinarian, Multimin USA, on "Trace Mineral's Role in Successful Dairy Production". "Dr. Tracy will present improving udder health with an injectable trace mineral.

"Friday's Pork Chop Luncheon, sponsored by Hiland Dairy Foods, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Pork Association and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, will feature guest speaker Dr. Adam Lock of Michigan State University with his presentation on "Milk and Dairy Products in a Healthy Diet: Myth and Reality" sponsored by Central Life Sciences," says Purdom.

"Dr. Lock's presentation will review the current evidence with respect to milk and dairy products and human health with a focus on milk fat. Common misconceptions will be considered and evidence provided as to why milk and dairy products provide an affordable, versatile, and cost-effective nutrient package that is beneficial for human health.

"After lunch, Dr. Jim Quigley, Technical and Research Manager, Calf & Heifer, Provimi North America, will cover "Formulating Diets for a Moving Target-The Developing Rumen", sponsored by Cargill Animal Nutrition and Vigortone.

"The Saturday morning program includes the annual meetings of the Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Brown Swiss Association, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association, Missouri Jersey Cattle Club, Midwest Milking Shorthorn and the Missouri Ayrshire Association," says Purdom.

"The Expo concludes with a luncheon sponsored by Quality Liquid Feeds and the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives.

"We don't want travelers to forget that Branson is only 45 miles away from Springfield so we hope they plan a trip and enjoy all Missouri has to offer," concludes Purdom.

Registration is free for dairy farmers and their families with a nominal registration fee for allied industry representatives. Meal reservations are requested and may be made by viewing www.heartofamericadairy.org for more details and the complete Expo schedule.

Sleeping room reservations may be made by calling the Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center directly at 417/866-5253 or 888/532-4338 and ask for the Heart of America Dairy Expo room block.

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1.16.2014