The Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange is a great partnership event sponsored by Purdue University Extension, University of Kentucky Extension and the
Indiana Dairy Producers. This year, it's Indiana's turn to host this two-day event.
The cost to attend is $40/person for IDP member farms or sponsors,
($100 for non-members).
Please register by July 19, 2013! Click
here to download a tour brochure with registration information.
FARMS ON THE TOUR
Argos Holstein Farms, Argos, Indiana
Our tour starts off with hosts Mike and Jan Heckaman and Max and Carrie Jo Bollenbacher, who work together to milk 670 Holstein and Jersey cows in a double 12 parlor, using the Heatime� system to monitor cows.
Homestead Dairy, LLC, Plymouth, Indiana
This dairy is owned by the Houin family, milking around 3500 cows at 4 different locations. Homestead Dairy extensively uses data collection and various types of technology to improve management and keep things running smoothly.
Nor-Bert Farms, Bremen, Indiana
The Dankert family uses 3 Lely Austronaut robotic milking units to milk their 140 cows, and they also have an automated calf feeding system.
Ted and Karyn Hesters, Walkerton, Indiana
Ted and Karyn Hesters have a grass-based organic dairy system for their 180 Jersey cows and recently built a new milking parlor.
YonEd Dairy, Union Mills, Indiana
YonEd Dairy is owned by veterinarians Yon and Alice Lindborg. After a devastating barn fire, Yon and Alice rebuilt and are currently milking around 300 Holsteins.
Minich Dairy Farm, LaPorte, Indiana
Jim and Val Minich, along with children Frank, Amanda and Charlie, operate this 600-cow dairy with an Afimilk� system in a double-12 parallel parlor.
LODGING DETAILS / TOUR HEADQUARTERS
We have a block of rooms reserved at the Best Western Plus, 444 Pine Lake Avenue, LaPorte, Indiana, at the special room rate of $89/per night. This rate does not include breakfast. Participants are responsible for making their own reservation and room sharing arrangements. The block of rooms will be released to the general public on July 16, so please don't delay. Call Best Western Plus at 219-362-4585 to make your own room reservations.
The Best Western Plus in LaPorte is the headquarters for meeting the bus. This is also the location for Dinner and evening program, featuring University of Kentucky Extension Professionals speaking on
"Precision Technology for Improving Dairy Management."If you wish to ride the bus, meet at Best Western Plus in LaPorte on Tuesday, July 30. The bus will leave at 12 Eastern/11 Central. The bus will also be available on Wednesday. Our final stop (Minich Dairy Farm) is only about 6 miles from the Best Western Plus hotel.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact IDP Executive Director Doug Leman with any questions: 317-695-8228.
Interested in Kentuckiana sponsorship or exhibition opportunities at the evening banquet? Please contact Doug Leman at 317-695-8228 or email
dougleman@indianadairy.org.
It's time to make your plans to attend the Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange! Registration for this two day event includes bus transportation to 6 well-managed dairy farms in Northwest Indiana, a banquet on Tuesday evening, and lunch on Wednesday afternoon.
