May 2012 Highlights « Back

Fuel Up to Play 60 in Nebraska

Midwest Dairy Council had a noticeable presence at the Nebraska Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference April 11-13.  Dr. Debra Sullivan, PhD and registered dietitian, along with dairy producer Dan Rice, and Linda Maly, a teacher from St. John Nepomucene in Weston,  presented to more than 100 Nebraska-based dietitians about Fuel Up to Play 60 and the impact it has had in Nebraska and nationwide.  Eleven University of Nebraska dietetic interns also presented a poster session about their work partnering with Fuel Up to Play 60 schools this year.  Those attending the conference learned how they can get involved and help as a resource for Nebraska schools. At the Midwest Dairy Council exhibit booth, registered dietitians picked up information about the essential nutrients in flavored milk as well as strategies for lactose-intolerant individuals to keep dairy in their diets. 

Other Nebraska Updates

The Nebraska Division of Midwest Dairy Association will award seven scholarships this spring: one $1,500 award for students studying in the dairy field, one $1,000 award for students studying in the dairy field, and five $500 awards which apply to any college major or degree.  Application information and requirements can be found online at midwestdairycheckoff.com.   Applications are due by May 15, and scholarship winners will be announced on June 13 as a part of the June Dairy Month Dairy Proclamation, featuring Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy.  This event will be held in Lincoln on the University campus. 

Mark your calendar for June 30 and July 1.  These are the dates for the annual Moo at the Zoo, at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.  Midwest Dairy will again be featuring dairy animal displays and an opportunity for consumers to “talk to a dairy farmer” as we promote the People Behind the Product and From Farm to Food to You programs.  We encourage any producers who would like to participate to contact me for more information.  We will provide zoo passes, dairy t-shirts and treats in return for you spending an hour or two talking to zoo visitors.   We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to visit the zoo and help promote your industry.  

The Nebraska Division Board participated in the Midwest Dairy Annual Meeting on April 2-4, with officer elections as follows:

• Chairman – Lowell Mueller, Hooper;
• Vice Chairman – Deb Eschliman, Ericson; and
• Secretary/Treasurer – Dean Engelman, Jansen.

Lowell Mueller and Doug Nuttelman, Stromsburg, were elected to the Corporate Board representing Nebraska.  New members on the Nebraska Division Board include:

• Joyce Racicky, Mason City; and
• Mary Temme, Wayne.

Thanks to Arnold Oltjenbruns, Plainview, who has retired from the Division Board after many years of service.