Please replace any copies of the brochure with this revised copy and
let me know if you have any questions.
Clarification: Although the topic of pasture management ought to be the
primary focus of the evening, it would be a conspicuous and needless
omission if we left the Unger's marketing strategy undiscussed or if we
purposefully diverted the discussion away from the topic. So, because
there is much controversy swirling around the topic, it seems good to
invite a representative from the MDA and other MSU experts to discuss
the topic with us -- which is underway right now.
Thanks!
Dan
_________________________________________________
Mid-Michigan Grazing Group, September Meeting:
Dairy Delight
6:00 p.m., September 18, 2007
Unger Dairy (Dairy Delight)
11341 Killin Road, Howell, MI
Cost: Free (donations for food)
Please RSVP by calling 517-676-7207 or e-mail [log in to unmask]
Producer Background
Kris Unger began pasture-based dairy production in 1996 and currently
has about 90 acres of cool-season grass and legume pastures. Primary
pasture species include perennial ryegrass, white clover, and timothy.
Kris is currently milking 25 cows with Jersey and milking shorthorn
genetics.
During the summer the cows are on rotationally grazed pasture and only
receive about 3 pounds of corn per day; in the winter, they receive hay
and about 10 pounds of supplemental corn. The only winter shelters made
available to the cattle are quansit huts. The herd used to be
managed seasonally, but since Kris started marketing “cow shares”
(January of 2007) rather than milk, it was necessary to manage the herd
to produce milk year round.
Please join us!
6:00 p.m., September 18, 2007
Unger Dairy (Dairy Delight)
11341 Killin Road, Howell, MI
Cost: Free (donations for food)
Please RSVP by calling 517-676-7207 or e-mail [log in to unmask]
What are cow shares?
While the FDA, CDC, and state regulatory agencies are adamant that
consuming raw milk is unsafe, some consumers believe that the benefits
of consuming raw milk outweigh the risks. Although it is currently
illegal to sell raw milk directly to consumers due to potential health
risks, it is not illegal to consume raw milk from a cow that you own.
Some dairy producers have sold ‘shares’ of their herd to consumers
who want to have access to raw milk*. Under this system, the consumers
actually own the cows and pay the dairy producer to board and milk the
cow and to make a certain amount of milk available to the share-holder.
To learn more about different views on this topic, visit the
web-sites** listed on the back of this brochure.
*The practices of consuming raw milk and selling milk through ‘cow
shares’ is not endorsed by Michigan State University
**The web-sites listed on the back are included to demonstrate the
range of opinions that exist . The claims made on the web-sites are not
of equal scientific merit and are not intended to represent the position
of Michigan State University in any way.
Registration
Name _________________
Address _______________
City __________Zip ______
Phone: ________________
Cell: __________________
Email:_________________
Number of people attending: __________________
RSVP by calling Connie @ 517-676-7207 or e-mailing [log in to unmask]
MSU Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to
race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal opportunity employer.”
“Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by
calling Connie at 517-676-7207 by September 7, 2007 to ensure sufficient
time to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be
met when possible.”
Daniel Hudson
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator
Ingham County MSU Extension
121 E. Maple Street
P.O. Box 319
Mason, MI 48854
Office Phone: 517-676-7207 ext 7291
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