Dodge County Forage Council General Meeting

Minutes from February 9, 2007

( D R A F T )

Meeting called to order by Jason Sterr at 3:15 pm

Secretary’s minutes – Matt reviewed minutes from Feb 10, 2006 annual meeting.  Randy Nehls, Dale Schwantes seconded.  Motion passed.

Treasurer’s report – Paul Roemer reviewed the Forage Council treasurers account from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2006. 

Dale Schwantes audited the treasurer’s books with Jason Sterr on February 9, 2007.

John Mersch moved to approve treasurers report and to put on file.  Dale Schwantes seconded.

OLD Business

Poster Contest – Topic for 2006 poster contest was “The History of Forages”

Fall Burn down field day was held at Wiskerchen’s farm.  A very successful turnout. 

Forage Twilight meeting was held in conjunction with Fond du Lac County.  Nearly 200 people attended.  Bruce Jones spoke about land values, land rental rates and the impact of land use assessment.

Matt discussed the Aphanomyces Study.  Eight farms were sampled in Dodge County for Aphanomyces Race 2 determination.

NEW Business

Awards

Ron Wiskerchen was presented an award of appreciation for his years of service and support of the Dodge County Forage Council.

Jung Seed Genetics received an award of appreciation for sponsoring and supporting DCFC events.

Summer Twilight meeting

The Summer Twilight meeting will be held in conjunction with the Fond du Lac County Forage Council on either June 13 or June 27^th, 2007.  The host farm will be identified in the near future.

Farm Tech Days  July 21-23 2009

Tom Crave discussed the opportunity for the DCFC to develop demonstration plots near tent city.  Ideas provided by the group for demonstration projects include:

Compaction demonstrations

Leafhopper resistance

Emergency Forages

Aphanomyces Samples

Perhaps fall seed alfalfa in 2007 compare winter kill

Red Power Days

Red Power Days will be hosted 23-25, 2009 at Allient Energy Center in Madison.  Their national advertising program will include the Dodge County FTD event to rally more support for both programs

Dairy Brunch

Will be held at the Howard Bohl farm on June 24 (Last Sunday in June).

Host Farm(s) being sought

The DCFC is searching for locations to host the drydown field day and other meetings.

Horse Education Program

Discussion of Horse Educational Program.  (Idea for topics include: sizing the horse to the land, Pasture management, propionic acid and its benefits for horse hay safety

Elections

John Mersch moved to open elections.  Dale Schwantes seconded, motion passed.

For Agribusiness, Karl Navis was nominated.

Mark Holl moved to close and pass a unanimous ballot for Karl Navis.  Randy Nehls seconded.  Motion Passed.

For Producers, Jared Hildebrand and Jason Sterr were nominated

Randy Nehls moved to close, Ron Wiskerchen seconded.  Motion Passed.

Matt Hanson was nominated to serve on the DCFC committee. 

Allen Hildebrandt moved to close and pass unanimous ballot.  Mark Holl seconded.  Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 3:55 pm.