DATCP: Field day, conference, public reception – October filled with dairy goat events

Contact: Jeanne Meier 608-224-5121

MADISON — A field day in Monroe and a conference in Sinsinawa are on tap in October for dairy goat producers and processors, educators, lenders and others interested in this growing segment of Wisconsin agriculture. In conjunction with the conference, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host a dairy goat cheese reception open to the public.

Field day

The field day will be Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Laura and Antony Jay farm, W4282 Schutt Lane, Monroe, beginning at 9 a.m. The Jays have 160 milking does, and also raise vegetables for farmers’ markets. The field day will feature a tour of the farm, including a new barn added last fall. Brodhead veterinarian Chris Duemler will discuss parasites in goats, and Laura Jay will explain her observation and testing procedures to manage milk quality. Admission is free, but advance registration is recommended. Attendees can bring their own lunch to picnic or buy lunch at the farm, and are encouraged to bring a folding chair. To register, e-mail jeanne.meier@wi.gov or call 608-224-5121.

Conference

“Focus on Goats: A Conference in the Heart of the Nation’s Dairy Goat Industry” will be Oct. 30-31 at Sinsinawa Conference Center, with information for beginning and experienced farmers. The cost of the conference is $30 per person for one day or $55 per person for both days until Oct. 15. After Oct. 15, the cost will be $40 for one day or $65 for two days. A block of rooms has been reserved for the conference at Country Inn and Suites, Platteville. Mention the conference when reserving a room to get the special rate.

Conference highlights include a keynote address by master cheese maker Sid Cook of Carr Valley Cheese, several farmer panels, and presentations by experts on goat health, nutrition, kid care, profitability, record-keeping, milk quality, and money-making tips. The conference also features a cheese-making workshop (limited numbers), vendor show and select buck and doe sale. Registration is available online at: http://www.datcp.state.wi.us under “online services.” For information, contact Jeanne Meier jeanne.meier@wi.gov, 608-224-5121.

Reception

In conjunction with the conference, Alice in Dairyland Cheryl O’Brien and cheese makers will be at a public reception 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in the University Rooms at the Pioneer Student Center on the UW-Platteville campus. Tickets are $5, available in advance at the Driftless Market, 95 W. Main St., Platteville, or at the door. Goat cheeses and goat meat hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Organizers of the conference are the Wisconsin Dairy Goat Association and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Other sponsors include the Dairy Business Innovation Center, Cargill, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, Coburn Co., BC USA Inc., Nelson-Jameson, National Livestock Producers Association Sheep and Goat Fund, Quality Dairy Goat Producers Cooperative of Wisconsin, AgSource Cooperative Resources, The Scharine Group Inc., and Badgerland Farm Credit, with in-kind support by the UW-Platteville.