In February 2025, dairy producers across eastern Iowa gathered for Dairy Days, an annual event series hosted by the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach Dairy Team. Spanning four locations, these daylong workshops offered insights and tools to help producers strengthen and innovate their operations.
The agenda included updates on crop and forage management, dairy market trends, and biosecurity protocols, including the latest information on H5N1. Attendees reviewed findings from the 2024 Iowa Dairy Survey, gaining insights into the state’s challenges and opportunities.
Expert-led sessions by ISU specialists explored practical strategies for managing feed costs, using alternative forages like forage sorghum, and navigating recent changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order. Producers brought in feed samples for free near-infrared reflectance analysis and entered a drawing to win a hay probe, adding a fun, interactive element to the educational sessions.
Midwest Dairy also played a key role by sharing resources to support current and future dairy leaders. Producers received updates on grants, scholarships, and leadership development opportunities, while youth programming featured highlights of the Iowa Dairy Princess and Ambassador programs. These initiatives provide students with a platform to represent the dairy industry at fairs, in classrooms, and at public events throughout the year, promoting agricultural literacy and cultivating the next generation of dairy advocates.
2025 Dairy Days Tour Stops:
- Feb. 18 – Elma Community Complex, Elma
- Feb. 20 – Johnson’s Restaurant, Elkader
- Feb. 25 – Kalona Chamber of Commerce, Kalona
- Feb. 27 – New Vienna Community Center, New Vienna
By bringing together producers, educators, and advocates, Dairy Days continues to serve as a driving force in Iowa’s dairy industry, connecting farmers with resources, research, and each other to keep dairy thriving.