Education Committee - Meeting Minutes
January 31, 2005 Educational Committee Meeting Minutes
2005 Farm Technology Days
Education Committee Teleconference
January 31, 2005
On-line: Ron Schuler, Dave Williams, Dave Wittek, Jane Reigel, Joe Schultz, Mike Bertram, John Peters, Pam Selz-Pralle, Matt Lippert, Matt Jorgensen, Greg Stangl, Norm Kedrowski, Bob Volenec, Nick Schneider, Bill Halfman, Jon Zander and Cheryl Skjolaas.
Cheryl asked for any additional agenda items and no additional items were requested.
Natural Resources: Greg Stangl indicated that they are working to identify the non-profit vendors for the tent. Their space is pretty much allocated. Table and chairs request was submitted. Matt confirmed that the tent size had been changed to 120ft X 60 ft. The size was decreased to allow more space for the 40 ft X 40 ft soils pit.
Jane indicated that they had talked with Matt about the contract for non-profits and the fees. Matt indicated that fees could be waived for non-profits. However, everyone will need to provide proof of insurance or purchase insurance through FTD. A list of non-profits will be provided to the WFTD for them to reference on agreements.
Applied Technology Center (ATC)
Manure Analysis: Matt Lippert reported that the group
working on this area held a teleconference in early January. One side
of their area will focus on cow management related issues and the other
area will focus on manure management. In the middle will be a section
on screening of manure. The group looked at potential exhibitors for this
area and is working to contact exhibitors. They were also looking into
support from a company such as Arm and Hammer.
Low Cost Parlor: Jon Zander reported that the latest low cost parlor display was used at the LaCrosse farm show a couple of weeks ago. They are still modifying the display and by FTD it should be in good shape. He hadn’t had much time to work on the cow comfort display. Bob Volenec shared that he had lined up “the metal” for the comfort stalls. Jon had talked with Dave Kammel (Extension Specialist) about a new stall bend. Stall will also highlight platforms and mats plus different surfaces for the cows to lie on. Matt mentioned that it would be good to highlight the Palmer research from Arlington Station.
Cooling: Joe Schultz shared that he was looking at trying to get more manufacturers in to highlight their equipment. He plans for posters on different types of cooling system. He asked if there had been any consideration about refrigeration with the parlor as this is something he also works with. Refrigeration and other energy issues might be good displays as space allows.
Bunker Silo Management: Bill Halfman indicated that the workgroup had held a teleconference. Since the teleconference an updated plan for the demo was recently distributed to the work group. There are concerns with some aspects of this updated plan and keeping the plan manageable. The workgroup will need to meet and discuss.
Yield Barrier: Bill reported for this workgroup. A 30X60 ft compacted area is planned with supporting materials in the vicinity. There has been recent discussion with Bryan Jensen (Extension Entomologist) about having a soybean sentinel plot as part of this area. This seems to be a good addition given the recent finding of soybean rust in the US. Paul Mitchell (Extension Economist) will also develop some supporting materials on production costs related to genetics.
Mortality Composting demo and Premise ID: Cheryl shared that after the announcement for FTD went out through the extension lists, Dan Short (Extension livestock specialist) e-mailed Bill with two ideas. Bill shared that Dan had proposed to use live animals in a demonstration on premise id. One concern is working with the live animals and another is the potential that the feds could change the id procedures as these procedures haven’t been totally set yet. Matt indicated that he would support the need to hit on the topic of animal id. The Malms’ have a heifer shed with good animal handling facilities that could be set up as a demo site as an alternative to live animals in the ATC. Bill commented that pens could possibly be set up for the animals to go back and forth with the digital scanners to demonstrate how the scanners work. A pan scale could also be included in the set-up to show the animals being weighed. Group supports pursuing a display or demo on premise id.
The mortality composting discussion surfaced some concerns on whether this topic was a good fit with the theme. Also some concern was expressed about a demo being in the vicinity of the dessert tent. Bill and Jon both spoke to this as a new technology and asked that we not rule the topic out yet. We will continue to explore some options with mortality composting. One option to explore is assisting the host site with building a composter.
Space Layout: Matt has worked up a diagram of the space layout that has had limited distribution at this time. Both tents are ordered. The space is an “L” spaced area. Matt shared that the Clark Co. Master Gardeners are willing to assist with the decorating but need to know what the group wants for decorations. Discussion continued about entrances into the ATC and the tents. On the second and third days the ATC will be on the end of the FTD grounds with the entrance that most people will be using.
Publicity: Pam had indicated to Cheryl that she would be leaving call early. Pam and Cheryl will talk about publicity ideas the next day. Dave and Cheryl are working to arrange a meeting with the UW Publications staff as they may provide assistance in developing a logo. We’ll need to do a good job on promotion. Cheryl shared that the information booths are valuable in distributing information such as an announcement of the ATC. Ron brought up getting a balloon to fly over the tent as a way to give people a visual marker. The discussion included flying cows and other high flying thoughts.
Next teleconference: It was determined that the last Monday of the month at 9:00 am seems to be as good of time as any to meet. Therefore, the next meeting dates are February 28, March 28 and April 25. The May date will need to change as this would fall on Memorial Day. Cheryl will make the call arrangements.
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