Dr. Maurice Eastridge, Extension Dairy Specialist, The Ohio State University
The Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University, in conjunction with the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and Elanco Animal Health, will be hosting a Dairy Educational Forum and Open House for the Waterman Dairy Farm on Thursday, August 9, 2012. The objective of the program is to share the latest research on Jersey cattle and provide an opportunity for the public to view the high quality dairy cattle and programs at The Ohio State University. The program will begin at the Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on the Columbus campus at 10:00 am with presentations on environmental impacts and sustainability, genomic evaluations, and Jersey beef. Lunch will be provided and then the program will be held at the Waterman Dairy Farm on Lane Avenue. In 2010, the herd transitioned from a Holstein and Jersey herd to an all Jersey herd. In addition, several improvements have been made to the facilities. Tours of the facilities and five breakout sessions (pasture management, silage storage, costs of production, calf research, and AJCA services) will be offered. A youth program also is being offered in the afternoon by Bonnie Ayars. An optional tour of the Schottenstein Center is available, and attendees are invited to attend the COBA Open House on Friday, August 10. Hotel accommodations have been made available at the Hilton Garden Inn on Olentangy River Road. Registration is requested by August 1; see the attached program flyer.