Western Iowa Dairy Alliance
March 2016

In This Issue
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
Visit the WIDA web site for a full list of events

March 23
ISU Extension
Plymouth Dairy, LeMars

Sioux Falls, SD 

March 29-31
Sioux Falls, SD

March 30
Sioux Falls

June 22
9th Annual June Dairy Month Open House
Maassen Dairy, Maurice

September 16
Iowa Dairy Day at Clay County Fair
Spencer, Iowa 
2016 Gold Members
2016 Silver Sponsors
Join Our Mailing List!
Western Iowa Dairy Alliance

Member Newsletter  
See You at Central Plains Dairy Expo!
We're looking forward to seeing members and friends at Central Plains Dairy Expo in Sioux Falls March 29-31.  Stop by our booth and enter to win door prizes and a free membership for new members.  Click here to pre-register for the expo

The annual Ag Prayer Breakfast will be held the morning of March 30, featuring music from the House of Aaron and presentation from Bruce Dooyema of Center Fresh Group in Sioux Center.  Thank you to the planning committee for all their dedication and hard work in putting together an impactful event each year.
Seeking Executive Director Applications
As WIDA continues to grow and expand, so do the responsibilities and time requirements for our staff.  We are looking for a new executive director who can lead our growing organization to continue working on behalf of membership and the dairy community.  

If you know a candidate, please share the job description with them and encourage them to apply.  The job description can be found at:

LeAnne Philips will continue in the role until a new person is hired, and will work with them to make sure the transition is as as smooth as possible. 
ISDA Scholarship Deadline is April 1
Iowa State Dairy Association will be awarding 14 college scholarships of $500 each for the 2016 fall semester. To be eligible for a scholarship, you must be the child or grandchild of a current ISDA member OR be an employee or the child of an employee on a dairy farm which belongs to ISDA. Applicants must also be attending college full time (or plan to attend full time).   

All WIDA dairy farm members also have joint membership in ISDA.  WIDA is funding two of the $500 scholarships. 

Applications are due April 1.   Click here for details and application form.
Don't Forget Dairy Product Donations
for Community Events and Programs
Don't forget that WIDA has a budget for milk, cheese and dairy product donations to community events and programs.  From chocolate milk for community runs to milk for 4-H camps and activities, we're proud to support community programs and encourage dairy product consumption .  

As many area schools are gearing up for annual testing programs, some provide healthy snacks to ensure students are "fueled up" for their best performance.  String cheese and other dairy products are great options!  Contact LeAnne by email or at 712-441-5308 for information on product requests and donations.
Dairy Cow Transition Field Day On March 23
Dairy producers will learn how to improve and manage their transition cow program at the 2016 Transition Cow Field Days hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists.  Transition cow management can influence the milk production and health of the entire herd, and the program will provide information on  how to achieve better milk quality, how to improve calving and provide best management practices for record keeping..

The session in northwest Iowa will be held on March 23 from 10am to noon at  Plymouth Dairy,  23505 K-49, Le Mars.  Click here for more details
Dairy Beef Course and Tour on March 29
The I-29 Dairy Outreach Consortium will host a tour and discussions regarding dairy beef prior to the Central Plains Dairy Expo.   Click here for details and registration information.  WIDA will cover the $25 registration costs for our dairy producer and heifer grower members. 
Low Stress Animal Handling Resources 
Available in English and Spanish 
Dairy Stockmanship is a practice which promotes positive animal handling. Stockmanship is important for both animal and worker safety. It can reduce stress, increase milk production and reduce potential injuries on the farm.

As part of the Multidisciplinary Network to Address Agriculture Worker Health and Safety Issues project, the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) has developed Dairy Stockmanship resources, including a 5-part video series, available in English and Spanish. The videos are an educational resource intended for farmers, ranchers, farm employees, veterinarians, human resources training staff and those involved with worker health and safety training/education. The videos demonstrate stockmanship principles when working with dairy cattle.
Thank You for 2016 Membership Renewals!!
Thanks to everyone who has sent in 2016 membership renewals.  Your support allows us to continue growing and serving the dairy community. Check out our 2015 Year In Review report to see how your membership works for you.

We're excited to have new Gold and Silver members for 2016. See logos to the left and make sure to thank the businesses that you work with for their support.  A full list of industry partners who have renewed or joined for 2016 can be seen on our web site.

If you did not receive renewal paperwork, need an invoice, or would like to pay with credit card, contact LeAnne by email or at 712-441-5308.