Western Iowa Dairy Alliance
November 2015
In This Issue
Policy Session on Nov. 19
Calf Care Connection Workshop on Oct. 21
2016 Membership Renewals
Complete Membership Survey Now
Annual Meeting Set for January 18
Quick Links
Upcoming Events
Visit the WIDA web site for a full list of events

November 19
ISDA & WIDA Policy Input Session
Orange City 

December 14
WIDA Board Meeting
Orange City

December 14
Young Farmer - Consumer Engagement Training
Orange City

January 8
ISDA Annual Meeting
Waverly, IA

January 11
WIDA Board Meeting 
Rock Valley

January 14
I-29 Winter Workshop
Orange City

January 18
WIDA Annual Meeting 
Orange City

March 29-31
Sioux Falls, SD

March 30
Ag Prayer Breakfast
Sioux Falls
2015 Gold Sponsors
2015 Silver Sponsors

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Western Iowa Dairy Alliance

Member Newsletter  
Don't miss November 19 policy input session in Orange City
One of WIDA's goals is to ensure that our members' voices are heard in policy discussions at local, state and federal levels.  Join WIDA and ISDA board members and leaders at 10:00 a.m. on November 19 in the Sioux County Extension Office in Orange City for a policy input session to make sure your opinions are being represented. Lunch will be provided.

Learn more about how ISDA represents dairy farmers at the state capitol in Des Moines and provide your input on how both WIDA and ISDA should be involved in federal issues like labor policy and immigration. Input on ISDA policy statements will be brought up for vote by delegates at the January 2016 annual meeting.

Have ideas on how we can serve you better?  Share them!!

Please RSVP today to LeAnne at 712-441-5308 or info@wiadairy.com to ensure an accurate lunch count.
Calf Care Connection workshop a success
The PDPW Calf Care Connection Workshop sponsored by WIDA was held on October 21 at Dordt College.  Fifty-nine attendees participated in the day-long session that featured a keynote presentation and three hands-on breakout sessions.  

Thank you to everyone who made the workshop possible, including:
  • Dordt College for hosting the event.  Special thanks to John Olthoff for all his work in coordinating rooms and student attendance.
  • Brad Feuerhelm and Roslyn Punt for providing and transporting calves for the breakout sessions; and Central Vet Clinic for veterinary services.
  • Tri State Ready Mix, Merck, Deluxe Animal Health, Zoetis, Diamond V, Deluxe Feeds, Sioux Dairy Equipment, Midwest Dairy Association, Farm Credit Services, and Elanco for sponsoring the event
  • PDPW staff for coordinating and hosting a terrific session
2016 membership renewals on the way
As the 2015 calendar year winds down, it is time for 2016 WIDA membership renewals.  Please watch your mailboxes for renewal materials and the 2015 Year In Review report.

A huge thank you to all our members, sponsors, volunteers and board members for all your help in a successful 2015, and we look forward to accomplishing even more in 2016.

Industry partner members who would like an invoice or would like to pay by credit card can contact LeAnne for more details.  
Complete 2015 membership survey 
Thank you to everyone who has already completed our membership survey. As WIDA board plans for 2016 programming and beyond, we need your input on priorities and activities.  Please take a few minutes to complete the 2015 membership survey. A print version will also be included in membership renewal materials to be mailed next week.


We are very excited about the progress that WIDA has made and want to make sure we continue providing value to our membership. 

We will draw two names to win $50 gift cards.  Please complete the survey soon.  Winners will be drawn on December 1.
2016 annual meeting set for January 18
Mark your calendars for Monday, January 18, for WIDA's 2016 annual meeting.  Join us at Prairie Winds Event Center in Orange City for dinner, a short business meeting and to celebrate a successful 2015.  Mike Pearson, host of IPTV's Market to Market television show, received rave reviews for his speech last year, so we've invited him back for our 2016 meeting.  

Watch for more details next month!
NW Iowa Young Farmer Meeting to Feature Consumer Engagement Training  
The Northwest Iowa Young Farmers Group will be hosting a Consumer Engagement training session on Monday, December 14 from 2pm to 6:30 pm at the ISU Extension Sioux County Office in Orange City.
The session will feature media and message experts from Iowa Farm Bureau, including hands-on media interview training, ways to engage and share information with consumers, and combat activist messaging.  The session is FREE to attend and will include a meal.  

Registration is required to Janelle at janelle@iastate.edu or call 712-546-7835. 
I-29 Consortium Schedules Winter Workshop Series for January 2016
The I-29 Dairy Outreach Consortium is again scheduling a series of winter workshops at locations throughout the I-29 Corridor.  The session in NW Iowa will be held on January 14 in Orange City. This year's sessions will be titled "What is Your Pregnant Cow Worth?" 

Watch for more details on times and topics. WIDA will support registration costs for dairy producer members.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for industry partners.  Contact Ryan at rmbreuer@iastate.edu or 712-737-4230 for details on sponsorships.