PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University Cooperative Extension’s 1998 Northwest Dairy Short Course is scheduled Jan. 29-31 at the Inn at Semiahmoo in Blaine.
The program on Thursday, January 29 will provide farmers an opportunity to obtain state mandated certification training in first aid and CPR. This is the first time the short course has offered such training. State law requires that if a dairy farm has hired employees, someone who is certified in first aid and CPR must be present when they are working.
Friday, Jan. 30 will feature presentations by three nationally known speakers from across the United States as well as a producer panel discussion and WSU Research update. Dave Kohl, agricultural economist from Virginia Tech, will give several presentations on farm financial management. Kohl is a popular and dynamic farm business management speaker.
Mike VandeHaar, a dairy nutritionist from Michigan State University, will share insights on dry-cow nutrition and heifer feeding programs. Dave Tomsche is a third generation veterinarian and a managing partner in a 16- doctor, predominately dairy, practice in central Minnesota. Tomsche will speak on vaccination programs, biosecurity, and maternity pen management.
The program on Saturday, January 31 will start off with a breakfast presentation by John Copeland, director of the National Center for Agricultural Law Research and Information, on the criminalization of environmental law. A farm tour is being arranged to follow that presentation, however specific times and details are still being worked out. Tentative plans are to visit Blok’s Evergreen Dairy and Ed Pomeroy’s dairy, plus one or two other stops.
The deadline for early registration is Jan. 15. For additional information or to receive registration material contact David Grusenmeyer, WSU Whatcom County Cooperative Extension, at (360) 676-6736 or the WSU Conference office at (253) 445- 4575.
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