PLYMOUTH, Ind. – Next week’s Indiana Milk Quality Conference will feature speakers discussing a variety of topics related to milk processing and dairy cows. The conference, hosted by the Indiana Milk Quality Professionals (IMQP), Inc., is March 11-12 at the Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth.

The conference provides up-to-date information and educational support for the dairy industry professionals involved in the improvement of the quality of milk produced in the state, IMQP said. The organization began hosting the event in 1999.

During the first day of the conference, representatives from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) will be among the speakers. They will discuss why raw milk is illegal in the state, and water regulations. A representative from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will talk about discharge water from processors and farms. A presentation on antibiotic therapy will be led by an official from Merck.

A multi-state panel with officials from BOAH, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Department of Public Health, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Prairie Farms Dairy, is planned for day one.

Dr. Bret Marsh, former Indiana state veterinarian and current dean of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, will be the keynote speaker during the evening’s awards banquet.

Also on the first day, David Coates, director of economic development for the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA), will discuss the agency’s Certified Livestock Producer Program (CLPP). Tracy Roberts, who leads the voluntary program, told Farm World it was created to recognize livestock farmers that go above and beyond in their farm practices and procedures. As of last month, 151 producers had signed up for the program.

“Indiana has always benefited from the commitment of Hoosier livestock farmers,” Roberts said. “This program recognizes those producers who are committed to raising livestock in ways that are sensitive to the environment, healthy and safe for the animals, employees and consumers, and conscious of their community.”

Involvement in the CLPP is beneficial to the community, consumer and producer, she noted.

“Not only will you be promoting better relationships between yourself and your community, but you will also be establishing a safer farm for you, your family and your animals,” Roberts added.

Participation in the program qualifies producers for discounts at various businesses and at least a 5 percent insurance discount with Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, she said. Producers will receive a farm sign for their operation. They can advertise their farm as a certified livestock operation, which is a marketing tool to promote livestock and livestock products from their farm, Roberts said.

On the conference’s second day, speakers include those from ISDA, American Dairy Association Indiana and BOAH, along with a processor panel.

The conference registration fee is $175. Pre-conference registration is preferred, though attendees may register at the door (only checks and cash accepted). Industry and regulatory retirees may attend for free, but they are still asked to register. For more information, visit www.imqp.org.