MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Dairy producers from across the state will converge on a farm in Scott County May 19 to learn about waste and energy issues as well as animal health and milk quality topics.

Registration for the 2005 Statewide Dairy Field Day begins at 8:30 a.m. at Quinton Mills Dairy north of Forest. Mills' farm is the first commercial dairy farm in the state to use tunnel ventilation to cool cows and has installed a methane digester to turn dairy waste into electricity for on-farm use.

The program begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes after lunch. Participants will hear a presentation on the future of changing waste and byproducts from dairies into energy. Other topics on the agenda for the day include calf vaccination programs, the benefits of national identification programs, tunnel ventilation barns, parlor management and a milk culture demonstration.

To reach Mills' farm from Interstate 20, take exit 88 and go north on Highway 35 toward Forest. Cross Highway 80 and continue north for seven miles to the first four-way stop. Turn east on Old Jackson Road until the next four-way stop. Turn north on Hillsboro/Ludlow Road. Go 0.6 miles to the dairy on the right. Signs will be posted.

For further information regarding the field day, please contact Extension dairy specialists Angelica Chapa at (662) 325-7465 or Wesley Farmer at (601) 835-3460.