The Central Plains Dairy Expo, led by Central Plains Dairy Association, will be held at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Mar. 27-29. The event, held annually in March, brings together dairy farmers from the top producing states in the Midwest to learn more about on-farm best practices, enhance their communications skills and collaborate to build a stronger dairy industry throughout the Central Plains region. New to the Expo this year is a Media Center sponsored by Midwest Dairy, at which press will have the opportunity to interview dairy leaders and event speakers. The following scheduled interview opportunities are available:
Central Plains Dairy Association leadership
Olga Reuvekamp, Central Plains president and Deb Wehde, Central Plains vice-president and Central Plains Foundation president
Reuvekamp and Wehde can address the Expo’s regional and local impact, Expo growth, the formation of the Foundation and growth of dairy along the I-29 corridor.
Available for interviews: 9:00-10:30 a.m. Weds., Mar. 28
Midwest Dairy leadership
Lucas Lentsch, Midwest Dairy CEO and Allen Merrill, Midwest Dairy chairman, dairy farmer, SD
Lentsch and Merrill can address 2018 industry goals and focus, Midwest Dairy’s consumer-facing strategic plan, the national Undeniably Dairy campaign, dairy farmer’s commitment to child health and wellness and investment in dairy research and innovation, as well as the overall value of dairy checkoff.
Available for interviews: 1:00–3:00 p.m. Weds., Mar. 28
Up-and-coming Midwest dairy farmer leaders
Michael Johnson, Trailside Holsteins, Minn.; Melisa Konecky, Beauty View Dairy, Neb., and Evan Metzger, Multi-Rose Jerseys, Iowa
Johnson, Konecky and Metzger will be featured in a Midwest Dairy video premiering at the Expo Welcome Reception, 5:30 p.m. Tues., Mar. 27. The three can address why it is important for young dairy farmers to share their dairy farm story, how they use social media to connect with consumers and provide tips to help others in the industry share their stories.
Available for interviews: 8:00–9:00 a.m. Thurs., Mar. 29
Session speakers
Sarina Sharp, daily market analyst, Daily Dairy Report
Session: “When Will it End? Examining the Dairy Downturn.” Sponsored by Farm Credit
Available for interviews: 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Weds., Mar. 28
Mike Ballou, Ph.D., associate professor, ruminant nutrition and immunology, Texas Tech University
Session: “Strategies to Enhance Immunity and Health.” Sponsored by Kemin
Available for interviews: 3:45–4:15 p.m. Weds., Mar. 28
Paul Fricke, Ph.D., professor, dairy science and extension specialist, dairy cattle reproduction, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Session: “Integration of Reproductive Programs and Technology to Maximize Fertility.” Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim
Available for interviews: 9:15–9:45 a.m. Thurs., Mar. 29
Hugo Ramirez, Ph.D., assistant professor, dairy science, Iowa State University
Session: “Feeding Cows for Milk Production Efficiency: A Natural Approach.” Sponsored by MS Biotec
Available for interviews: 10:45–11:15 a.m. Thurs., Mar. 29
Michael Van Amburgh, Ph.D., professor, animal science, Cornell University
Session: “What’s Golden in Colostrum?” Sponsored by Golden Calf
Available for interviews: 1:45–2:15 p.m. Thurs., Mar. 29
The Media Center, located in Meeting Room 11 of the Convention Center, will be equipped with WiFi and ethernet connections. In addition, there will be workspace for interview preparation and a backdrop to conduct interviews. Refreshments will also be available.
To register for the Media Center and to schedule interviews, please contact Stephanie Cundith at scundith@midwestdairy.com or 913-904-8328.
For more information about the Expo, including a full schedule of events and sessions, visit centralplainsdairy.com.
Midwest Dairy Association® represents 7,400 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to increase dairy sales, foster innovation and inspire consumer confidence in dairy products and practices. Midwest Dairy is funded by checkoff dollars from dairy farmers in a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com. Follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook at Midwest Dairy.
