I love to plan a trip. In fact, if I ever left the field of ag journalism, I think I'd pursue a career in tourism. When I'm traveling for work, I always try to look for an opportunity to see something new or different. PD Editor Walt Cooley noticed that Indianapolis, Indiana, will be hosting quite a few dairy activities this spring and summer. (Those are recapped ) We thought we'd also outline a few activities and dairy companies you might want to check out while in the area. to jump to that section.
Do I have a future in tourism? to leave a comment on the article to let me know if this list was helpful for you, or let me know if I missed something very important to see while in Indy.
Indy events
National Dairy Producers Conference
Dates: April 7-9, 2013
Description: Organized by the National Milk Producers Federation, NDPC will provide discussions of the issues facing the dairy industry, including farm policy, immigration reform and agricultural finance. Featured speakers will include Purdue agricultural economist Christopher Hurt and Bill Weldon of Elanco.
More info: www.nmpf.org/NDPC
Indiana Milk Quality Conference
Dates: April 8-10, 2013
Description: Hosted by Indiana Milk Quality Professionals, Inc. and held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this two-day conference will focus on imporving milk quality in Indiana and nationwide. Topics will include milk quality and today's technology, dairy farm security and consumer buying habits.
More info: http://imqpinc.com/4.html
National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments
Dates: April 19-24, 2013
Description: The National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) is a non-profit organization which meets biennially in odd-numbered years. NCIMS has a goal of assuring a safe milk supply for the nation. Expect to hear plenty of discussion about somatic cell counts and the NCIMS International Certification Pilot Program
More info: www.ncims.org
Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference
Dates: April 23-24, 2013
Description: This annual nutrition conference is held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, about a two hour drive from Indianapolis. This year, a host of university researchers and professors will provide information on nutrition topics like alfatoxins, amino acids and laboratory measures of starch and NDF.
More info: http://tristatedairy.osu.edu
AgSTAR National Conference
Dates: June 10-12, 2013
Description: Kicking off with an optional tour of Fair Oaks Farms anaerobic digester projects, the 7th annual AgSTAR conference will focus on digesters addressing environmental concerns and being attractive investments for the financial community.
More info: www.epa.gov/agstar/
National Holstein Convention
Dates: July 7-11, 2013
Description: In addition to annual activities at the National Holstein Convention including youth competitions, delegate meetings and the national sale, the 2013 convention will offer plenty of tours to showcase the area.
Attendees can visit Fair Oaks Farms, the Dallara IndyCar Factory, the Brickyard Crossing golf course located inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
More info: www.indianaholstein.com
ADSA-ASAS Joint Annual Meeting
Dates: July 8-12, 2013
Description: This annual meeting of the American Dairy Science Association and American Society of Animal Science packs a punch in presenting the latest animal agriculture research.
The program offers more than 2,220 oral and poster presentations, showcasing the work of more than 3,000 scientists. Topics include animal health and well-being, dairy production, livestock transport and food safety.
More info: www.jtmtg.org/2013/
While in the area…
If you're planning to attend any of the above or your travels are taking you to Indy for other purposes, check out our list of things to do while in the area.
National FFA Center
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Description: Tours of the National FFA Center are free and available by appointment only by emailing tours@ffa.org or calling (317) 802-6060. A National FFA staff member will guide you through displays featuring the history of the building and the FFA organization, photos of past national officers and award winners and a large mural, hand-painted for the center.
More info: www.ffa.org/about/NationalFFA/Pages/FFACenterandFFAHeadquarters.aspx
Biotechnology Learning Center, Children's Museum
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Description: The Biotechnology Learning Center is located on the fourth floor of the Children's Museum in downtown Indianapolis.
Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the center offers public demonstrations displaying the science of plant biotechnology.
More info: www.childrensmuseum.org/biotech
Traders Point Creamery
Location: Zionsville, Indiana
Description: Less than 30 minutes outside of the city of Indy, Zionsville is home to a unique organic dairy farm and artisan creamery. Self-guided tours at $2 per person are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and private tours are offered for $12 per person for groups of 12 or more.
Visit the Loft Restaurant for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, or just stop by the Dairy Bar for premium ice cream.
More info: www.tpforganics.com
Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Location: Fishers, Indiana
Description: If rare cow breeds are your thing, you might enjoy checking out the Animal Encounters section of this park, which is home to three of the nation's 15 total English Longhorn cattle.
Admission is $15, so be sure to get the most bang for your buck by exploring the rest of the 1800s-themed park and learning about Indiana and U.S. history.
More info: www.connerprairie.org
Fair Oaks Farms
Location: Fair Oaks, Indiana, about a two-hour drive northwest of Indianapolis
Description: One of the largest dairies in the country, Fair Oaks Farms is home to more than 32,000 cows. The dairy adventure center is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Admission is $12 for adults. Visit the website for information about group pricing and price tours. While there, be sure to check out the Cheese Factory, which includes a cafe, gift shop and ice cream parlor.
More info: www.fofarms.com
Emily Caldwell
Editor
Progressive Dairyman magazine
