Thank you for registering for the Central Winter Dairy Series hosted by UMN Extension and Minnesota Dairy Initiative! This series will consist of six informal conversations on a variety of topics relevant to MN dairy farmers. This program is completely free and recordings will be sent to you via email if you're unable to attend live. Registration is required by noon on the day before the next event to receive meeting information. Each session will take place from 12:30pm-1:00pm.

January 13: Hiring the Next Generation of Youth on Farm
           Topic Summary:  Gen. Z. (those born after 1997) are beginning to make their presence known on worksites across the country and employers and producers have mounting questions on how best to hire, communicate, work with, and train these newcomers. Whether they are coming with a farming background or brand new to agriculture, Gen. Z has unlimited potential for significant contributions to your operation. Listen in as we highlight what separates Gen. Z. from others generations and how you can best utilize their unique skill set in your operation!

January 27: Creating an Inclusive Culture on the Farm
            Topic Summary: Understanding how different cultures and perspectives can impact communication on your farm is important.  This may be different ethnicities, religions, gender, or age, but being aware of these differences plays a role in overcoming them to be a better communicator.  This discussion will go over some of the differences and strategies to overcome them. Making sure everyone on your farm is on the same page with tasks and roles is essential to a well-run farm. Understanding their culture and perspective is necessary to do so.
 
February 10: Multiple Perspectives to Farm Transition
             Topic Summary: Farm transfer and estate planning is a process and can take years to complete. It is never too early to get started! In this webinar, a panel of dairy producers describe the approaches, conversations, resources, and experiences that have helped their farm and family prepare for farm transition planning.
February 24: You Did it!!! Setting and Achieving Farm Goals

             Topic Summary: What will your farm look like next month, 5 years from now, or 20 years down the road? Tips, tools, and action planning to help set and achieve SMART goals for your farm. Learn how to use the SWOT and SOCS analysis systems, along with business planning tips, to help take your farm to the next level of success. This discussion will be interactive and fun!

March 10: Alternative Forages: Do they fit your operation?
            Topic Summary: Alternative forages have a logical fit on many beef and dairy operations, providing opportunities to produce more forage on fewer acres. In this session, Jared Goplen and Nathan Drewitz will discuss some key details to consider in order to maximize forage production and quality in these systems.  

March 24: Win, Win, Win: Improving calf performance and animal welfare
            Topic Summary: Dr. Marcia Endres will share the latest options in animal group housing and discuss their impact on animal welfare, performance, and farm management.

Questions regarding this series can directed to:
Dana Adams (Stearns, Benton & Morrison Counties): 320-255-6169 X 3, adam1744@umn.edu
Leah Bischof (MDI State Director): 320-429-0611, leahbischof@gmail.com

This series was put together by a large team. Here are the members of this team and what areas they serve:
Adam Austing (Wright County)
Nathan Hulinsky (Regional Agriculture Business Management Extension Educator)
Karen Johnson (McLeod & Meeker Counties)
Brenda Miller (Todd County)
Jim Salfer (Regional Dairy Extension Educator)
Kristen Salzl (MDI Central Region Coordinator)