UNIVERSITY FARM SPONSORS MILKERS' SCHOOL NOV. 22-23

JACKSON -- The Southeast Missouri State University Farm in cooperation with the University of Missouri Extension will present a day and a half hands-on milkers' school, Nov. 22-23 in Jackson.

Titled "Inside the Parlor," the school is designed to educate people who milk cows, dairymen, and others in the dairy industry about ways to prevent problems and increase profits by using the most modern milking procedures. The parlor is the name for the milking barn.

The majority of sessions will be held at the Cape County Extension Center at 815 Highway 25 South, beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 22.

Some of the sessions, however, will be held at the University Farm.

Neil Hermann, University Farm manager, said environmental management will be one of the most important issues to be addressed.

"The milk industry pays quality premiums based on how good of a job you do with the quality of your milk," he said. "Milkers have to be aware of cleanliness all of the time, especially with animals with health problems."

Instructors will be Barry Steevens, diary specialist with the University of Missouri, and Dave Hardin, commercial dairy veterinarian with the University of Missouri.

Cost of the school is $15. Registration deadline is Friday. Checks should be made payable to the University Extension.