Please contact your dairy or calf representative to register.
General Feed Line: 651-923-6001
Join us at Treasure Island Resort & Casino for this overnight event! With a successful reboot in 2022 combined with your feedback, our Feed team has yielded a whole new crop of topics and presenters for this year’s Dairy Seminar. We aim to provide a productive an environment for learning, sharing and networking with industry experts and fellow professional dairy producers. This is our Team of Professionals (TOP) Dairy Seminar.
Presenters will focus on the areas of global and local markets, managing your managers, managing herd inventory, income over feed costs, and some inspiring comedy about accepting change. Also enjoy great food, activities and entertainment!
This year’s event kicks off early with a special TOP Calf seminar starting at 10:00 a.m.
Registration for one or both events. The Dairy Seminar includes one hotel room. Pre-register by October 25, 2023 to have your fees waived. After October 25 there is a registration fee of $50 per person, and a hotel room cannot be guaranteed. Pre-registered attendees will also get a chance to win a 40,000 btu gas fire table, Milwaukee generator, or Magic Chef mini refrigerator. *Must be present to win.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DAY 1:
- Calf morning seminar (& Dairy Seminar) check-in to begin at 9:30 am
- Calf General Session at 10 am.
- Lunch (for those attending the calf section)
- Calf Breakouts at 12:30 pm.
- Dairy seminar check-in to begin at 1 pm. (bags can be left in registration area with Ag Partners staff if hotel room is not available yet)
- Welcome from Ag Partners starting at 2:45 pm
- General sessions at 3:00 & 4:15 pm
- Social hour, dinner & activities until 10:00 pm
DAY 2:
- Breakfast will be provided starting at 6:30 am.
- Ever Ag will join us for a talk on technology during breakfast at 7:30 am.
- Breakout sessions to begin at 8:15 & 9:30 am.
- A final general session at 11 am.
- Prize drawing & closing remarks; lunch at 12 pm. The lunch will be boxed and available to take with, or stay to eat.
CALF SEMINAR PRESENTERS
DR. ELIZABETH DOUGLASS
Calf Technical Specialist, Milk Specialties Global
“Welfare & Policy Trends: Impact to On Farm Procedures”
Calf General Session
My focus is on calves and I would consider my main area of expertise to be on farm management. This would include feeding audits, young stock and maternity pen evaluation, writing protocols, advising on sanitation procedures and weighing calves. I believe this is an asset to our current and future customers because I provide hands on education for their customers and sales reps. Some examples are dehorning clinics, on farm training and auditing.
I also take a hands on approach when troubleshooting. I believe the message is better received if I have been willing to put my boots on along with the workers/ managers and dig to find the problem.
I enjoy working directly with people working with calves.
(source: linked in)
DR. LINDSEY BORST, DVM
Calf & Heifer Specialist, Ag Partners
“Dig in – Calf Necropsy”
Calf Breakout
Dr. Lindsey Borst is originally from Nicollet, MN where her love for the dairy industry first started while accompanying her mother on dairy farm veterinary calls, and showing dairy cattle in 4-H. That love continued to grow during her time at the University of Minnesota where she completed her Animal Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicines degrees. She was involved in as many dairy organizations as possible and met her future dairy farmer husband, Kevin.
After practicing with a prominent dairy cattle clinic for 5 years, Lindsey took on a new role with All American Coop (now Ag Partners) in 2020 as a calf and heifer specialist. In addition to this role, Lindsey is very involved on her husband’s family’s farm, Borst Family Dairy, just outside of Rochester, MN. Her duties on the farm are veterinarian and calf manager.
DR. BETHANY DADO-SENN
Calf & Heifer Specialist, Vita Plus
“Epigenetic Impacts on Performance Factors”
Calf Breakout
Bethany Dado-Senn, Ph.D., is a Vita Plus calf and heifer technical specialist. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm in northwest Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison to earn a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and genetics. She completed her master’s degree in animal molecular and cellular biology at the University of Florida. She returned to UW-Madison to complete her Ph.D. with research focused on environmental heat stress impacts on the gestating dairy cow and her offspring. During her graduate education, Dado-Senn served as president of the American Dairy Science Association-Graduate Student Division.
REBEKAH MATHEWS
Calf & Heifer Specialist, Ag Partners
“Rearing Youngstock: Regional Trends & Data”
Calf Breakout
Rebekah Mathews is a calf and heifer nutritionist for Ag Partners. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota where she conducted research in neonatal gastrointestinal development and growth. At Ag Partners, her role supports the efficient and economical growth of youngstock for their destination as milk cows or performance in the feedlot. Rebekah resides in Mazeppa, Minnesota with her husband, two children, horses, sheep – and any other animals that come home on the trailer.
DAIRY SEMINAR PRESENTERS
JOHN PAYNE
Risk Manager/Derivatives Specialist, hEDGEpoint Global Markets
“Global Agri-Marketplace”
Dairy General Session
John Payne has been a market strategist and market intelligence specialist in the livestock and grain markets since 2008 with Daniels Trading and StoneX. Prior to that, he served in the US Navy as an Intelligence Specialist with the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th fleets. He grew up in Davenport, Iowa, and Chihuahua, Mexico. When he isn’t obsessing over meat and grain markets, he spends time with his wife and two kids in Chicago while trying to keep his golf handicap as low as possible.
MIKE NORTH
Principal, Ever.ag
“Local Dairy Markets & Trends”
Dairy General Session
Mike grew up on his family’s dairy farm in southeastern Wisconsin. His lifelong interest in agriculture production led him to the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness with a minor in Dairy Science. While still a student, Mike served a one-year term as a Wisconsin State FFA Officer.
In 1995, Mike began his work in the futures industry as an intern researching the technical and fundamental dynamics of commodity market price trends. Armed with that understanding, Mike helped to grow the company into one of the pioneers of market responsive option hedging programs. Armed with that knowledge, he was sought to address agricultural groups across the country as they wrestled with the topic of growing market volatility.
In 2014, Mike founded Commodity Risk Management Group (CRMG). CRMG would merge with Rice Dairy in 2019 to form ever.ag, a company which provides a suite of marketing and risk management services for producer, processor, and end user clients across its brokerage, insurance, advisory, and technology platforms while producing high-level unbiased research and education to help those clients make better decisions. The new company grew very quickly and in June 2021 merged with Dairy.com to further build upon shared technology synergies and an interest to empower supply chains to feed a growing world. Ever.Ag offers a vast array of solutions across all segments of agriculture.
Education continues to be one of Mike’s passions. Mike is routinely published in many agricultural periodicals, is a frequent guest on several national television programs such as AgDay, RFDTV, and the U.S. Farm Report, and is often heard on local and national radio programs. Mike has served as a part time professor at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville and regularly enjoys engaging agricultural audiences across America.
For over a decade, Mike served on the board of directors of the Dairy Business Association (DBA), the policy advocate for the Wisconsin Dairy Industry. He served one term as its president. Mike has been honored as the 2006 Rising Star in Business for the IA, IL, & WI Tri-State Region. His alma mater awarded him the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2011 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021. Mike and his wife Jennifer have four daughters and are actively involved in showing animals, the leadership of their homeschool community and church. Mike is an avid sportsman who enjoys outdoor sports of every kind. e-mail: man@ever.ag
WYATT SMITH
Dairy Specialist, Vita Plus
“Tech Talk: Income Over Feed Cost”
Dairy General Session
Wyatt Smith is a Vita Plus dairy specialist in northwest Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota. He grew up on his family’s 180-cow registered Jersey farm in Minnesota. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota and then a master’s degree through the University of Vermont and the Miner Institute in Chazy, NY. He will be sharing a summary from the recently completed income over feed cost survey. Data presented will highlight key points from farms across the Midwest as well as more locally within the Ag Partners’ region.
JASON WAGNER
Attorney, President/Owner, Wagner Oehler, Ltd
“Farm Transition Planning”
Dairy Breakout
Over 50% of farmers say that lack of succession planning is the biggest risk to their business. Farm succession planning is more complicated than just “leaving the farm to the kids,” especially if you have a child that is farming along with you. Learn more about how to keep the farm in the family after you’re gone at this session with Attorneys Jason Wagner and Judi Wilson. Fair isn’t always equitable and equal isn’t always fair.
Jason Wagner practices law with the Rochester, Minnesota law firm of Wagner Oehler, Ltd., which was founded in 1973. Jason was raised on a farm in Wabasha County. He represents businesses and families in Southeastern Minnesota in a variety of practice areas.
Mr. Wagner received his Juris Doctor degree and business law concentration, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2013, and his Bachelor of Arts degree, with high distinction, from the University of Minnesota in 2009. Jason was recognized for his commitment to public service in law school and as a Community Engagement Scholar in college. Jason is active in civic and professional organizations, including Elder Network (Past President of the Board), Rochester Rotary Risers (President 2019-2020), St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rochester Estate Planning Council, Legal Assistance of Olmsted County Volunteer Attorney Program (2014 New Volunteer Attorney of the Year), the Minnesota State Bar Association, and the Olmsted County Bar Association.
JUDI WILSON
Attorney, Wagner Oehler, Ltd
Judi Wilson practices law with the Rochester, Minnesota law firm of Wagner Oehler, Ltd., which was founded in 1973. Judi was raised in Greendale, Wisconsin, and then enjoyed practicing law in rural northwestern Minnesota after graduating from law school. Since moving to Rochester in 2003, she represents families in Southeastern Minnesota in estate planning and trust and estate administration, with a special emphasis on tax minimization strategies. She is licensed to practice in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and is a frequent speaker on estate planning and charitable giving.
Ms. Wilson received her Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University in 1991, and her Bachelor’s in Business Administration, magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin. Judi was recognized for her commitment to public service in law school with the Woolsack Society Award, and was also an editor of the Marquette Law Review. She is active in civic organizations, including the Rochester Area Foundation (Current Member of Board of Trustees), Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota (Past President of the Board), Greater Rochester Rotary (Past President of the Board), 125 LIVE (Past Board Member), Rochester Estate Planning Council, the Minnesota State Bar Association, and the Wisconsin State Bar Association.
Wagner Oehler, Ltd.is a full-service law firm with offices located in Rochester, St. Charles, and Winona. The firm provides a broad array of legal services, including: Estate planning, Estate and trust administration, Business planning, Agriculture & farm law, Real estate, and Title services for real estate transactions. e-mail: jason.wagner@wagnerlegalmn.com.
DR. LUKE MILLER
Elite Dairy Advisor, Alltech
“Building & Managing High Performance Dairy Teams
Dairy Breakout
Dr. Luke Miller’s expertise extends to every level of a dairy operation. Prior to joining Alltech, he was the general manager for a 6,000-head, multi-site dairy in central California. During his eight years at the dairy, he managed dairy operations and a team of 45 employees, and he designed and constructed a state-of-the-art, 80-stall rotary milking barn. He also worked with local and national government agencies on grants and permitting.
Previously, Miller spent eight years as a large animal veterinarian, where he became the practice owner. He practiced all facets of large animal medicine and also aided in the design and implementation of dairy protocols and standard operating procedures.
He received a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from Michigan State University. Miller and his family currently reside in central California.
DR. MICHAEL OVERTON, DVM, MPVM
Global Dairy Platform Lead, Precision Animal Health
Zoetis, Inc.
“Heifer Management: Balancing Value & Cost”
Dairy Breakout
Dairy replacement heifers represent both a large cost center and a huge opportunity for influencing the future productivity of the dairy herd. The cost of producing replacement heifers is large but the opportunity cost of not having enough springers available to support appropriate cow replacement decision making may be even larger. Producing better quality heifers leads to higher productivity and improved profit potential and places greater competitive pressure on existing cows within the herd. Current and projected economic conditions, together with expected quality and availability of incoming springers, should drive cow replacement decisions. Heifer quality incorporates many factors including genetic composition, rate of gain, health outcomes, frame size and weight at first calving. This presentation will discuss the cost vs. value question regarding maintaining adequate heifer inventories, highlight some key factors that should influence replacement decisions, and describe the potential lost opportunity of failing to make these decisions in a timely manner.
Dr. Michael Overton has worked at Zoetis for 3 years in the role of Global Dairy Platform Lead within the Precision Animal Health group. He received his B.S. and D.V.M. from North Carolina State University and practiced for 8 years. He then completed a Dairy Production Medicine Residency and his Masters of Preventive Veterinary Medicine degree at UC Davis where he worked as a Dairy Production Medicine Specialist in Tulare, California. Next, he served as Professor of Dairy Production Medicine and chief of service for the food animal program at the University of Georgia from 2006 to 2012. Dr. Overton then spent 8 years at Elanco Animal Health in a data analytics and consultancy role. Throughout his career, Dr. Overton has worked in the areas of data analytics and economic modeling of key dairy production management areas including replacement heifers, reproduction, disease, and herd replacement decision making.
AMANDA RADKE
Rancher, Author, Public Speaker
“Heart of Rural America”
Dairy General Session
Shifting your mindset, shaping new opportunities, and crafting a bountiful life rooted in agriculture, family, community, and service.
Amanda Radke is a fifth generation rancher from Mitchell, SD. Alongside her husband, Tyler, and their four children, they operate Radke Land & Cattle, a Limousin and Angus feedstock operation.
A former National FFA Extemporaneous Speaking Champion and National Beef Ambassador, Radke has spent the last 15 years on the road fighting for the agriculture, rural America, and the western way of life. She’s gone head-to-head against animal rights activists, environmental ex-tremists, politicians, and celebrities who seek to eliminate animal agriculture.
She believes food security is national security, and her work is focused on keeping producers on the land and ensuring every citizen has access to safe, affordable and nutritious food in this country. She currently serves as an appointee on the National Agriculture Campaign Advisory Council, where she provides industry insights to the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee.
Radke is also the author of eight children’s books, and her goal is to help promote agricultural lit-eracy in schools and to teach the next generation about where their food comes from.
Learn more about Radke at www.amandaradke.com.
QUESTIONS
Your Ag Partners Dairy Rep is happy to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.
GETTING THERE
| Treasure Island Resort & Casino Event Center  5734 Sturgeon Lake RoadWelch, MN 55089 www.ticasino.com |
Please contact your dairy or calf representative to register.
General Feed Line: 651-923-6001
