Dairy revitalization is topic for MU Breimyer Seminar, July 13

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Efforts to stop the drop in dairy cow numbers will be the topic at a Breimyer Seminar, July 13, at the University of Missouri.

“Revitalizing the Missouri Dairy Industry” is theme for the meeting on the MU campus.

The event continues farm policy seminars started by former MU professor Harold Breimyer, says Ron Plain, MU Extension livestock economist.

MU economists, dairy industry leaders and farmers will talk on the dollar impact of dairy cows in Missouri.

The theme builds on talks started during passage of the Missouri Dairy Revitalization Act of 2015.

Opening the program will be Scott Brown and Joe Horner, MU economists with emphasis in dairy. Brown will give a national and international outlook. Horner will focus on Missouri economics.

State Rep. Bill Reiboldt, Neosho, will summarize the dairy revitalization act. Also, he will tell of future funding potential.

Scott Poock, an MU Extension veterinarian who had a dairy practice in Wisconsin, will tell the production side of dairying. He will tell of the farm challenges and opportunities.

Next will be “Ten Critical Issues for Revitalization.” That speaker will be announced.

A panel of milk producers will follow with discussion of challenges they face. This will be moderated by Ron Grusenmeyer, director of producer relations for Midwest Dairy Association, Overland Park, Kan. Dairy marketing and processing will be discussed by Randy McGinnis, Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City, Mo. He represents central and southeastern regions of the cooperative.

Wrapping up the day will be Corey Geiger, managing editor of Hoard’s Dairyman magazine, Fort Atkinson, Wis.

The afternoon session is moderated by Jim Spain, MU vice provost and dairy scientist.

Advance registration is required by July 6. For agenda and registration, go to agebb.missouri.edu, or contact Joyce White at 573-882-6533 or [email protected].

The $40 fee covers meal, breaks (Tiger Stripe ice cream) and an on-campus parking permit.

Dairy cows have a long history in Missouri agriculture, Plain says. But the number of dairies declined 40 percent since 2000. Dairy farmer numbers dropped faster as herd size grows on remaining farms.

More farms with more cows would boost milk production. That could help retain dairy processing and services infrastructure. Revitalization could add to the state’s economic development.

For now, Missouri dairy farm output just meets fluid milk demand. There is room for growth, seminar organizers say.