A.I. Companies Work Together to Raise Money for Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Programs
A.I. Companies Work Together to Raise Money for Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Programs
6/17/08
Contact: Sara Long
517-432-1555, ext. 170
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Dairy producers looking to buy replacement heifers need look no further than the Michigan A.I. Heifer Showcase Sale July 22 during the 2008 Michigan Dairy Expo in East Lansing. Not only will buyers be purchasing high quality genetics to add to their herds, but profits from the sale will be earmarked to support Michigan 4-H dairy youth programs.
Sixty to 80 head of springing heifers will be offered for sale, thanks to the efforts of sales representatives from several major artificial insemination (A.I.) companies. The participating companies -- ABS Global, Inc., Alta Genetics, Inc., CRI (Cooperative Resources International), NorthStar Cooperative Inc. and Semex USA -- have been charged with lining up 15 to 20 heifers sired by bulls from their organizations’ lineup.
The sale will be held in the south barn on the grounds of the Michigan State University (MSU) Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education beginning at 6 p.m. July 22. The dates for this year’s Michigan Dairy Expo are July 21-25.
Joe Domecq, Michigan 4-H dairy youth Extension specialist and coordinator of the Michigan Dairy Expo, says the sale is a novel fund-raiser that offers a fun and educational learning opportunity for youth and allows hands-on involvement for long-time program supporters.
“The A.I. companies are always very supportive of the state’s dairy youth programs,” Domecq says. “The sale is one way for us to express our appreciation for their ongoing support. It also creates a friendly competition between companies to select the highest selling consignments in addition to offering an opportunity for the companies to highlight their breeding programs.
“The sale is also another opportunity to observe the many educational activities our 4-H dairy youth are participating in at the pavilion,” he says. “It’s important to showcase and support their efforts.”
Consignors will be charged a 10 percent commission. All monies remaining after expenses will be returned to Michigan 4-H to support dairy youth programming activities.
The sale will be managed by United Producers, Inc. (UPI).
For more information about or to consign to the Michigan A.I. Heifer Showcase Sale, contact your A.I. sales representative or Domecq at 517-353-7855 or domecqjo@msu.edu.
Michigan Dairy Expo is the largest annual dairy event in the state. Last year’s event drew more than 600 dairy animals and more than 200 exhibitors. The mission of Michigan Dairy Expo is to encourage and promote youth involvement in dairy activities, showcase the Michigan dairy industry, and provide continuing education opportunities for the dairy industry in Michigan and neighboring states.
A complete schedule of Michigan Dairy Expo events is available online at http://www.canr.msu.edu/anscikids/dairy.html.
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