MISSISSIPPI STATE – Two days in June are dedicated to educating those in the dairy industry about key issues in a time when producers are struggling to maintain profitability.

Mississippi State University’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine is hosting the annual Statewide Dairy Field Day June 23 in Tylertown. The next day, MSU will host the North Mississippi Dairy Symposium in Pontotoc, a new activity begun this year to help meet the educational needs of dairy producers in the northern parts of the state. Both events are free and open to anyone involved in the dairy industry.

Identical programs are offered at the two events. The programs feature three educational presentations by MSU faculty, a capstone presentation on dairy economics, and educational and commercial displays. Registration and exhibits open at 8:30 a.m., and the educational program begins at 9:20 a.m. The program concludes with a sponsored lunch served shortly after noon both days.

Two faculty members of MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine will teach participants appropriate ways to manage down cows. Other discussions will cover weed identification and control, and management practices necessary for profitable, pasture-based milk production.

Geoff Benson, a North Carolina State University Extension economist widely respected as an authority on dairy markets and policy, will discuss the dairy market situation and outlook.

For more information, contact Lamar Adams, Extension dairy specialist, at (662) 325-2852 or lamara@ext.msstate.edu.