Micron Bio-Systems

For immediate release
June 16, 2011
Contact Kara Keenum, Marketing Manager
(540)261-2468 ext. 305 Phone
877-264-2468 ext. 305 Toll-Free
(540)261-1476 Fax
kara.keenum@micronbio-systems.com

Local Barn Manager a Featured Speaker at 2011 Large Herd Seminar:

Buena Vista VA— The 6th annual Large Herd Seminar in South Gloucestershire, England, drew an impressive international crowd. Focused on measuring and managing outcome, the sponsors assembled the best speakers to address the key issues of improving overall management and productivity. Speakers included academia, extension agents, and practical on-farm managers from both the U.S. and the UK.

One key speaker was Okeechobee, Florida’s own Dale Craig, a Barn Manager for McArthur Farms, Inc. He has been employed in the dairy industry since 1973, when he first began as a milker for the Charles McArthur Farms. In 1989 Dale was promoted to the Milking Site Manager for Barn 1. In his role he manages 2,400 head of dairy cattle averaging 92 lbs. per head of 3.8% milk. The cows are milked three times a day and the farm does not use the hormone Bovine Somatotropin (bST). The herd’s somatic cell count (SCC) is consistently below 140,000 which is impressive for any herd, even more so considering the sub-tropical climate. Dale believes hands-on management is required to achieve success. His presentation focused on fresh cow management and cow comfort, and was given to a packed crowd of 250+ attendees. Many were amazed to learn this was the first time Dale had ever spoken to a crowd outside of regular on-farm tours.

It was with great pleasure that Micron Bio-Systems was able to sponsor Dale as a featured speaker for this incredible event. Dale’s diligence in practice, and years of hands-on experience provided attendees with a unique look into everyday large herd management in the U.S. Additional information is available upon request.