Dodge County Forage Council Minutes

8 pm   August 2, 2007

UW-Extension Office

(DRAFT)

Present: Paul Roemer, Dale Schwantes, Jason Sterr, Jason Beck, Jared Hildebrandt and Matt Hanson.

Meeting called to order at 8:19 pm by Jason Beck

Secretary’s Report – Reviewed the minutes from the March 7, 2007 meeting.  Motion to approve by Dale, Seconded by Jared.  Motion Passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Paul Roemer reported

            1 CD matures August 17^th  $3,106

            Checkbook balance $1324.84

Old Business:

Debrief “Breakfast on the Farm” event

We had posters for people to view.  Andy (feed nutritionist) provided feed samples for people to look at.  Our exhibit was located away from the main traffic area but shaded most of the early afternoon.

Debrief June 27, 2007 Twilight Meeting at the Oechsner Farm

Twilight meeting – approximately 145 people attended.  Overall, we were very pleased with attendance and the presentations.

Ideas for next twilight meeting – include a wow factor such as new equipment and proper setup, a nutritionist panel.  Have speaker(s) talk a bit longer about a topic.

It appears that Fond du Lac Forage Council will owe us $104.34, which is half of the difference between what we spent versus donations.

New Business:

Poster Contest

Four Posters were reviewed and Judged by the Dodge County Forage Council directors.  Posters will be displayed during the county fair.  Winners will be announced and prize money mailed during the fair as well.

Corn Silage Drydown Details

Jared Hildebrandt volunteered his farm for the corn silage drydown on August 30 starting at noon.

Topic ideas –

·        Nitrates in corn silage.

·        Nancy Drummy to speak about Sand County Cover crop payments cover crops. 

·        Second crop soybeans after peas.

·        Matt will check the chopper and oven.

·        Roundup Ready Alfalfa – When will it return??

-Horse Meeting discussion

Continued discussion about hosting a meeting for horse owners.  Sterr will check with the 4-H horse groups to gain a better idea of topics and interests before we begin to develop a program.

-Farm Tech Days demonstrations/research

Ideas to consider

·        The silage tube demonstration and the benefits of covering with an airtight plastic.

·        Direct seed versus companion seed showdown

·        High forage oats

·        Companion crop seeding rates - differences

Upcoming meetings:

-Corn Silage Drydown Field day - August 30, 2007

-Next DCFC meeting dates

Thursday, Oct 18

Thursday, December 20^th

-The DCFC Annual meeting will be on Friday, Feb 8^th, 2008

Adjourn – Made at 10:15 pm by Dale, Seconded by Jason Beck.  Adjourned