The Next Dairy Industry Call Will Be Held on Wednesday, October 9 at 1 p.m. EST
The Center for Dairy Excellence will host the next Dairy Industry Conference Call on Wednesday, October 9 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.
During the call, panelists from the Department of Agriculture and other state/federal organizations will share updates on the health situation, Pennsylvania’s response, and what it means for farms. The call will also include a discussion on the voluntary milk surveillance program and what participation would involve for dairy farmers who enroll.
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 August 7:
- Date: Wednesday, October 9 at 1 p.m. EST. Future conference calls will be held on the first or second Wednesday of every month.
- How to Join:
Dial +1 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 841 2794 6647
Passcode: 833183
Click here to join the meeting via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84127946647?pwd=YlVINmM3U2dSVDBJTEUyd2tqSjcwZz09
- How to submit questions in advance: Text 717-585-0766 to submit questions or email ctrdairyexcellence@gmail.com.
Last month, the Center hosted a panel discussion to share real-world insight on HPAI. Nathan Brearley from Portland, MI described how HPAI hit his herd fast, with many cows experiencing elevated temperatures and continuing to have lasting effects to this day. Rod Hissong from Mercer Vu Farms in Chambersburg, PA, shared his farm’s experience participating in PDA’s bulk tank surveillance program and how it has been easier than testing individual cows. Michelle Koch with Koch Turkey Farms spoke to their experience as an end-user, having to depopulate 57,000 head in 2023 and losing roughly 7 million dollars. Stacylyn Himmel, Cattle Buyer for Cargill’s Wyalusing, PA plant, recounted Cargill’s experience when HPAI was initially detected in Texas. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/hpai to listen to the recording and read recaps of previous conference calls.
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/newsletter to sign up to receive email updates and get notified of future calls, news and resources.