The Next Dairy Industry Call Will Be Held on Wednesday, September 18 at 1 p.m. EST
The Center for Dairy Excellence will host the next Dairy Industry Conference Call on Wednesday, September 18 at 1 p.m. EST to provide updates on the rapidly evolving health situation with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting dairy cattle in the United States. The conference calls are held on the first or second Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. EST. This month, the conference call will include a panel discussion with two dairy producers and two end users to help share different perspectives on the impact of the disease on dairy herds and the national footprint of end users like Cargill.
“We’re looking forward to an especially insightful discussion with several panelists this month. One dairy producer joining us from Michigan has experienced the impacts of HPAI on his herd and plans to share his vantage point. Another Pennsylvania producer has implemented the voluntary surveillance program and will discuss how he made the decision to do this and why it matters to him,” said Jayne Sebright, Executive Director at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “We’ve also invited two businesses with important perspective on how the disease impacts how they currently work with suppliers. All these perspectives are part of our industry’s collective efforts to mitigate the spread of HPAI.”
During the call, hear from a Michigan dairy producer who knows firsthand how HPAI can impact our dairy herds. Two end users – Cargill and Koch’s Turkey Farm – will share how the disease has impacted how they work with suppliers. Rod Hissong from Mercer Vu Farms will share how and why his dairy has implemented the voluntary surveillance program through the PA Department of Agriculture. Panelists for the September 18 call include:
- Dr. Alex Hamberg, PA State Veterinarian
- Nathan Brearley, Brearley Farms, Portland, MI
- Rod Hissong, Mercer Vu Farms, PA
- Michelle Koch, Koch’s Turkey Farm
- Staclyn Himelright, Cargill Meat Solutions
Individuals who join the conference call will be able to ask real-time questions to each panelist. To ensure as many questions can be addressed as possible, questions can be submitted in advance of the call. Text 717-585-0766 to submit questions or email ctrdairyexcellence@gmail.com.
Learn more about how to join the conference call on September 18:
- Date: Wednesday, September 18 at 1 p.m. EST.
- How to Join:
Dial +1 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 841 2794 6647
Passcode: 833183
Visit this URL to join the meeting via Zoom:
https://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/dairy-industry-call
- How to submit questions in advance: Text 717-585-0766 to submit questions or email ctrdairyexcellence@gmail.com.
The Center is continuing to work closely with the Penn State Dairy Extension Team, cooperatives and veterinarians to provide “Everyday Biosecurity Kits” to farmers upon request. To request an Everyday Biosecurity Kit at no cost, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/biosecurity-kit or call the Center at 717-346-0849. More than 1,600 kits have been distributed to date.
As the dairy industry learns more about HPAI and how it is affecting dairy cattle, the Center for Dairy Excellence will continue to share updates from across the industry. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/hpai to listen to recordings and read recaps of previous conference calls. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/newsletter to sign up to receive email updates and get notified of future calls, news and resources.