The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) is now accepting applications for the 2010 National Reproduction Awards. The program was started in 2009 to honor dairy producers who have implemented management procedures and protocols to achieve high reproductive efficiency.

“The DCRC is pleased to offer the National Reproduction Awards again in 2010 after the success of the program in 2009,” says Director, DCRC Reproduction Awards Program, Dr. Andrew Skidmore. “The program recognizes dairy producers working diligently to reverse the negative trends in dairy cattle reproduction and highlights the practices that have made these dairy operations successful.”

In its inaugural year 58 dairies were nominated for the National Reproduction Awards. Eighteen dairies from nine states were recognized for their herd’s outstanding reproductive efficiency and the four Platinum winners participated in producer roundtables during the 2009 DCRC Regional Meetings.

Producers must be nominated by professionals who serve the dairy industry, such as veterinarians, genetic and pharmaceutical company representatives, DHIA field personnel or extension specialists. The one-page nomination form must be submitted by May 3rd to be eligible for the awards program.

Judges will review the initial applications and select the top nominees, who will be asked to provide additional information about their operation. This information will help the judges select Platinum, Gold and Silver winners, who will be honored at the DCRC Annual Meeting November 11 – 12, 2010, in St. Paul, Minn.

Visit www.dcrcouncil.org for more information about the Reproduction Awards Program or to download a nomination form, or call (262) 563-5100.

 

Sub-optimal reproductive performance in the nation’s dairy industry has prompted leading industry stakeholders to be proactive in tackling this issue head-on. Academicians who focus on reproduction and allied industries that support the dairy industry joined forces to create the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council to raise the level of knowledge on issues critical to enhanced reproductive performance. The DCRC has established a stakeholder network and education platform to raise awareness of management techniques that can enhance reproduction on dairy operations. This effort targets dairy producers and the consultants who influence reproductive management.