The daytime educational event begins with registration and trade show at 8:30 a.m. and program at 9:20 a.m. The meeting features Peter Vitaliano of the National Milk Producers Federation, who will give a dairy market outlook and policy update during the morning. In the afternoon, Albert DeVries of the University of Florida will discuss high priority practices to improve profitability. Three breakout sessions take an in-depth look at topics of concern to today's dairy producers, including milk quality, cover crops as a forage source and heifer management. A producer workshop on telling your story by the American Dairy Association Northeast will also be featured.

The Maryland Dairy Shrine and Maryland Holstein Association will host the evening banquet, starting at 6:30 p.m. with social time and auction. Auction items are needed, and those donated for the benefit of the Maryland 4-H dairy judging team and Maryland dairy youth will receive 100 percent of the proceeds. Shining stars of the industry will be inducted into the shrine, while outstanding youth will receive awards and scholarships.

For more information on the convention, call 301-349-0750, e-mail secretary@marylanddairyindustry.org, visit www.marylanddairyindustry.org or go to Eventbrite.com and search for Maryland Dairy Convention to register via credit card. Attendees requesting vegetarian meals should call ahead. Exhibit space and sponsorships are available.