UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Dairy Alliance is offering a free online series to help dairy producers better manage feed costs during the current economic downturn.
Virginia Ishler, nutrient management specialist with Penn State Dairy Alliance, and members of the Penn State Dairy Extension Risk Management Team have created an free online Income Over Feed Cost Tool that will help producers and their nutritionists monitor income over feed costs (IOFC) monthly.
“Managing Feed Costs on Your Dairy,” a two-part, free webinar series will show how to manage risk using IOFC.
About the sessions. Part 1 will be held from 10:30 a.m. until noon March 17. Ken Bailey, Penn State ag economist, will focus on the current economic state of the dairy industry and offer predictions for 2009.
Participants will learn more about Penn State’s IOFC tool and how to get started using it to better manage their feed costs. Presenters will also include Ishler and Erica Cowan, program specialist, Penn State Dairy Alliance.
Part 2 will be repeated three times — March 20, 24, and 27 — from 10:30 a.m. to noon each day. This program will provide an in-depth overview on how to calculate income over feed costs.
To participate. A computer with a high-speed Internet connection and speakers is required to use the training Web site. The webinars may be viewed at various county extension offices by producers who do not have access to a high-speed Internet connection on their computer. Contact your local Extension office in advance of your visit to check on computer availability.
For more information, visit: http://dairyalliance.psu.edu/education/managing-feed-costs or call the Dairy Alliance office toll-free at 888-373-7232.
