Michigan State University students Alyssa Botbyl, Ayliffe Allen and Ethan Neiman were recently awarded Michigan Allied Poultry Industry scholarships

Available to undergraduate and graduate students, the MAPI scholarship aims to encourage college students to pursue careers in the poultry industry and support their education.

Botbyl is a freshman studying animal science. She was the chapter sentinel for her high school FFA and is part of the Avian Science Club at MSU. Botbyl completed an internship at Sietsema Farms this summer through the Careerline Tech Center’s Agriculture and Animal Science program and is still employed with the farm.

Allen, a senior, is an animal science major, and secretary of the Avian Science Club. She completed the Midwest Poultry Consortium Center of Excellence program, as well as a summer internship with Hy-Line North America. 

Neiman, a veterinary candidate in MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, grew up working on a hobby farm, and has now completed two internships in the poultry industry, starting at Konos Inc. and most recently at Herbruck’s. He is pursuing poultry-related externships for his third year of veterinary school, with a goal of becoming a poultry veterinarian. 

Regional dairy conference Feb. 3-5

The Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference is back in-person Feb. 3-5 in Frankenmuth at the Bavarian Inn and Conference Center. The conference will allow experts, farmers and others in the industry to connect with each other and gain knowledge on new tools, techniques and strategies to ensure Michigan’s dairy herd thrives. 

The agenda include an address by ag economist David Kohl; latest on cattle nutrition, corn silage and cover crops; strategies to improve employee management and leadership; and information on calf care, reproduction, cull cow markets, technology and automation.

More details and registration is at glrdc.org.

3 appointed to soybean committee

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently appointed John Burk, Peter Crawford and Scott Wilson  to the Michigan Soybean Committee Board. All were appointed for terms expiring Sept. 23, 2024.

Burk, who owns Burk Farms in Bay City, is representing District 5 growers. He succeeds Michael Sahr. Burk holds a bachelor’s in ag technology and a master’s in crop and soil sciences from Michigan State University.

Crawford, who owns Crawford Farms in Dansville, is reappointed to represent District 2. He studied soil and chemical technology at MSU.

Wilson, who resides in Lexington and is a partner in Wilson Farms, is representing District 4 growers. He succeeds Dennis Gardner. Wilson received a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering technology from Central Michigan University.

Anderson joins Midwestern BioAg

Brian Anderson brings with him 35 years of experience in agricultural sales to his new position as director of sales for Midwestern BioAg. Anderson of Ada, Mich., will lead the sales and marketing teams, champion company philosophies and products, and provide guidance on product positioning.

Midwestern BioAg works with both organic and conventional farms to improve crop yields through a soil-centric, whole-farm management system.

Most recently, Anderson has served as the Midwest region manager for NutriAg. He also was the U.S. ag business manager for Precision Laboratories, and held roles with Bio-Safe, Crop Production Services, Kraft Business Systems, Syngenta and Wilbur-Ellis.