The National Mastitis Council (NMC) 57th Annual Meeting is Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2018, at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Resort in Tucson, Ariz.

NMC Annual Meeting registration is now open and milk quality specialists, veterinarians, milk plant field staff, dairy suppliers, dairy producers, university researchers, extension specialists and students are all invited to attend. Due to limited enrollment, the short courses typically fill up before the pre-registration deadline. Thus, those interested in short courses are encouraged to register early. The early registration deadline is Jan. 6, 2018. Registration fees increase $35 per attendee starting Jan. 7, 2018. Pre-registrations are accepted through Jan. 19, 2018. After that date, individuals must register at the meeting. A complete agenda and list of short courses can be found online at: http://meeting.nmconline.org/.

This year’s meeting kicks off with an optional dairy farm tour on Jan. 30, with stops at T and K Red River Dairy, Shamrock Farms and Zinke Dairy, which are located between Tucson and Phoenix, Ariz. 

“We’re excited to offer a program that revisits the ‘Five-Point Mastitis Control Plan’,” says David Kelton, NMC first vice president and annual meeting program chair, and University of Guelph professor of epidemiology, Guelph, Ont., Canada. “For nearly 50 years, the Five-Point Mastitis Control Plan has been the foundation of udder health improvement.”

This year’s meeting follows a different pattern than the last six years. Short courses will be Jan. 31 and the evening of Feb. 2. The core meeting days are Feb. 1-2. 

In addition, the 2018 meeting includes a new NMC Scholars Program fund-raising event – the Udderly Ridiculous 5K Fun Run/Walk. The cost is $25 and includes a limited-edition T-shirt. 

Other highlights of the upcoming meeting include a silent auction, which supports professional development efforts, and recognition of the National Dairy Quality Award winners, NMC Award of Excellence for Mastitis Prevention and Control recipient, and NMC Scholars.

NMC is a professional organization devoted to reducing mastitis and enhancing milk quality.

Source: National Mastitis Council