Story & Photo by Karen Lee

More than 120 field representatives from cooperatives and private processors gathered in Madison, Wisconsin for the Quality Milk Conference sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Departments of Food Science and Dairy Science and Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, University of Wisconsin Extension, and Wisconsin Association of Dairy Plant Field Representatives. The two-day conference in early February took field representatives “back to the basics” of understanding mastitis, troubleshooting bacteria counts in milk, liner function and what to look for on a dairy walk-through. Updates were also given on the state’s regulatory issues, premises and animal ID programs and the China melamine scandal. Before leaving for home, attendees were entertained and inspired by magician and motivational speaker Robert Ian, who helped the audience identify, master and conquer change. PD

Above: Jerry Joanis with GEA WestfaliaSurge Inc. in Naperville, Wisconsin, discussed the importance of proper liner function with a room full of dairy field representatives who were attending a recent conference on milk quality in Madison, Wisconsin.