Source: UNIV OF WISCONSIN submitted to NRP
BABCOCK INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL DAIRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0215186
Grant No.
2008-34266-19271
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
2008-03307
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Aug 1, 2008
Project End Date
Jul 31, 2011
Grant Year
2008
Program Code
[GM]- Babcock Institute, WI
Recipient Organization
UNIV OF WISCONSIN
21 N PARK ST STE 6401
MADISON,WI 53715-1218
Performing Department
Dairy Science
Non Technical Summary
US dairy industries face increasing international competition. Tariffs and subsidies are disappearing throughout the global dairy industry. This will open new markets and provide new opportunities for informed, forward-thinking US dairy industry leaders. Collaborative research with international partners and outreach to Wisconsin and US farmers will make the US dairy industry more globally competitive. This project enhances the global competitiveness of US dairy industries through research, training, international collaboration and outreach to US dairy farmers and industry leaders.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1023499107010%
3013499106010%
3021610101010%
3033499108010%
3053499102010%
3073499106010%
6066299301020%
6116299301020%
Goals / Objectives
The Babcock Institute fosters mutually beneficial linkages between the US dairy industry and counterpart industries around the world through research collaboration and scientific exchange, world dairy market and trade analysis, technology transfer, training, outreach and continuing education. The Institute provides opportunities for University of Wisconsin faculty to collaborate with their colleagues around the world by awarding grants for dairy-related research that has an international component and that shows a clear benefit to the Wisconsin and US dairy industry. The Institute enhances international commercial and scientific collaborative opportunities for the US dairy industry. We help to strengthen dairy industries around the world, thus providing improved markets for US dairy inputs. The Institute draws on global perspectives to build insight into the strategic planning of the US dairy industry.
Project Methods
The Babcock Institute's overall mission is to foster mutually beneficial ties between the US dairy industry and counterpart industries around the world. The Institute's research on world markets and trade examines international competitors, markets, and trade agreements to develop policy and management strategies for U.S. dairy exporters and for U.S. investors in foreign dairy-food business. The Institute's international dairy production research has two thrusts: 1) using existing international expertise to strengthen the domestic industry, and 2) creating and investigating new dairy technologies that are applicable in the domestic and emerging dairy industries around the world. The Institute has become a leading global dairy information source through 1) multilingual technical dairy publications, 2) multilingual electronic outreach on the Web and CD-ROM, and 3) international short courses and consulting services. In addition to targeting the world's emerging dairy industries, the Institute helps extension agents and farm organizations with training for Spanish-speaking dairy employees. To date, the Institute has provided more than 100 short courses to more than 4300 dairy leaders from 67 countries, and its publications have been distributed to around 200 countries via print and the Internet. The research and educational connections developed by the Babcock Institute worldwide promote U.S. international dairy trade. Currently these connections are being expanded with Mexico and China.

Progress 08/01/08 to 07/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Babcock Institute is the leader in international dairy research, development, and education. Its mission is to link the dairy industry in Wisconsin and the US with dairy industries around the world to improve quality of life and foster market development. We do this by transforming emerging dairy industries and strengthening the U.S. dairy industry through international partnerships, training, and research. The Institute's outputs include 1} conducting training programs that include lectures, workshops, and farm visits, 2) providing opportunities for organizations and individuals to connect for mutually beneficial partnerships and trade, 3) supporting research personnel and programs, and 4) producing educational and technical publications available online and at events. Results are disseminated through 1) publications, 2) training programs, 3) and the Institute's website. Publications are created in collaboration with individuals and institutions in Wisconsin's dairy community. The Institute's trade policy analysis papers are regularly sent to legislators in Madison and Washington to assist in their deliberations on trade policy as it affects the state and the country. Publications have been distributed to more than 100 countries. Training programs are custom-designed to fit the needs of the participants. To date, the Institute has provided programs to more than 6500 dairy leaders from 73 countries (including the US). The institute's website is a source for information about not only its own publications and events, but also events throughout the wider dairy community. Its free multilingual educational materials have been accessed by users in more than 175 countries. The Institute's support of international dairy production-related research may be classified into two categories: 1) Research intended to capitalize on existing international expertise to strengthen the domestic industry and 2) Research intended to build new dairy technologies that are applicable in the domestic industry, as well as emerging dairy industries around the world. The Institute works to strengthen ties with the Mexican and Chinese dairy industries for the purpose of market development. Efforts include faculty and student exchange programs, research collaborations, product and service exhibitions for U.S. companies, and educational courses. Institute staff members work closely with county extension agents to create practical training materials for Spanish-speaking dairy employees and with UW-Madlson professors to create educational CDs for U.S. and international farmers and dairy industry professionals. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Kent Weigel (PI, member of advisory group). Karen Nielsen (co-PI, Director) oversees all aspects of Institute's programs and administrative tasks. Kenneth Shapiro, David Thomas, Scott Rankin (all co-PIs, members of advisory group). David Kantor, Outreach Specialist, supervising graduate and undergraduate office staff, assisting in management of programs, budgets, website maintenance. Ed Jesse, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison Ag. & Applied Economics Dept, Babcock Institute Director for international dairy trade, policy studies, market/trade analysis, country studies, writes Babcock Institute dairy market and trade publications. William Dobson, Emeritus Professor, UW-Madison Ag. & Applied Economics Dept., agribusiness economist, market/trade analysis, country studies, writes Babcock Institute dairy market and trade publications. Laura Van Toll, outreach specialist, programs in India, Mexico and Argentina. Alexandra Allweiss, graduate project assistant, assistant to the director (graduate student). Allison Howell, [communications (graduate student). Carrisa Levash, Danielle Fleischman, Anna Bethmann, office assistants (undergraduate students). Sub-grant recipients (UW faculty members): Bradley Barham and Michel Wattiaux. Partner Organizations: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Wisconsin Dairy Business Innovation Center, Dairy Sheep Association of North America, US Grains Council, China Agricultural University-Beijing, University of Pristina-Kosovo, University of Guadalajara-Mexico, Cooperative Resources International, Accelerated Genetics, Sunshine Genetics, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico (UAEM), and the Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitorio de Los Altos (CUAltos). Collaborators and contacts: faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; the School of Veterinary Medicine, and University of Wisconsin, Cooperative Extension. Private companies- ABS Global, APC, Boumatic, Calf-Tel (Hampel Corp.), Patz Sales, Westfalia Surge (GEA), World Wide Sires. U.S. cattle breed associations- American Jersey Cattle Association, Holstein Association USA, Brown Swiss Association, others. International organizations-Asociacion Pro Calidad de Leche (APROCAL), Conferencia International Sobre Ganado Lechero (CIGAL). Training or professional development: Research sub-grants awarded by the Institute create opportunities for faculty and graduate assistants to explore scientific questions and gain experience in their fields. Graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to learn the administrative mechanics of running internationaltraining programs and to become familiar with the content material of the lectures and workshops. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Babcock Institute's programs provide help to Wisconsin and U.S. farmers by developing educational materials and providing international experts for local conferences and events. Spanish-speaking farm workers on Wisconsin and U.S. farms benefit from educational training programs and materials developed in English and Spanish in partnership with University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. The Babcock Institute designs and implements programs that help leaders, educators, and producers from around the world identify Wisconsin and the United States as centers of dairy excellence. The Babcock Institute draws upon the great depth and breadth of expertise in Wisconsin's dairy industry. The extensive list of dairy-related programs, institutes, and centers at the University of Wisconsin strengthen Wisconsin's reputation as "America's Dairyland." Wisconsin dairy-related companies benefit from international buyers groups that Babcock brings to Wisconsin for training programs, and from the relationships developed with individuals in these groups. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection work closely with the Babcock Institute to benefit U.S. dairy-related businesses by helping develop programs that create export markets for U.S. products. The Babcock Institute spreads the message to International dairy farmers, veterinarians, agribusiness professionals, government officials, university professors, and others that Wisconsin/the U.S. is the best place in the world to come for dairy cattle, semen, embryos, milking equipment, feed, feed additives, feed mixers, calf hutches, milk processing equipment, etc., and for dairy-related expertise. Through in-country training programs, the Institute can reach audiences that cannot travel to the U.S. Examples include programs for farmers, veterinarians, agribusiness professionals and government employees that have been conducted in Argentina, India, Mexico, Philippines, Ukraine, and planned programs in Chile. Programs in India specifically target low-income women in self-help groups, and growing dairy sectors in the Punjab area. Programs in other countries allow individuals without travel funds to learn from the same UW-Madison lecturers that the Babcock Institute uses in programs in Wisconsin. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Babcock Institute programs are scientific, educational and commercial. By working with scientists and domestic and foreign dairy industry groups, the Institute links domestic and international partners, producing mutually beneficial results. The Sino-U.S. Dairy Center established in 2004 by the Babcock Institute and Beijing's China Agricultural University provides opportunities for U.S. dairy-related businesses to showcase their products and services at seminars and exhibitions in Beijing, Harbin, Hangzhou, Hohhot, and other locations in China. These events are organized by the Sino-U.S. Dairy Center, the Chinese government, and local companies, governments and universities in China. The Institute has also organized industry meetings in the U.S. for dairy industry leaders and buyers from China, Central America, South America, Eurasia and India through the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program and the U.S. Grains Council during World Dairy Expo and other events. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has participated in six Seminars held in China meeting more than 1600 Chinese dairy Industry leaders to date. Cooperative Resources International (CRI) credits the Babcock Institute's detailed Chinese market analyses and the Sino-U.S. Dairy Research Center as being instrumental in helping to get its first shipment of genetic material to one of the world's largest and fastest growing livestock and food markets. CRI's largest export market of Mexico continues to grow due in part to the Institute's ongoing faculty and student exchange program, and internship opportunities in Mexico. The Institute's Spanish-language training materials have been used throughout Wisconsin and the U.S. to train farm workers in their native language, allowing a more effective and complete transfer of knowledge. Inclusion of an OSHA certification exam on the most recent Dairy Worker Training Module prompted the University of Wisconsin College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to use the module as part of its compliance certification program. Training programs for policymakers from Kosovo allowed the sharing of knowledge about how to make dairy policy more effective both in the U.S. and abroad. Research and mentoring programs with Kosovo allow those from the U.S. to learn about crafting agricultural and trade policy for emerging markets. Training programs in artificial insemination and embryo transfer for Venezuelans through the Cochran Fellowship program has enabled participants to bring new knowledge and practices to their communities. Internships in Wisconsin dairy processing plants for cheese makers from Honduras and Japan have led to sharing of cheese making practices. The dairy artisan research program, a joint program of the Babcock Institute, the UW Dept of Food Science, The Dairy Business Innovation Center, and DATCP aids Wisconsin cheese makers wishing to research dairy processing methods in other countries. Upon their return, participants share knowledge with others and Babcock distributes their findings to strengthen the U.S. dairy industry and increase the number of award-winning artisan cheeses being made in the U.S.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period


Progress 08/01/09 to 07/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Babcock Institute is the leader in international dairy research, development, and education. Its mission is to link the dairy industry in Wisconsin and the US with dairy industries around the world to improve quality of life and foster market development. We do this by transforming emerging dairy industries and strengthening the U.S. dairy industry through international partnerships, training, and research. The Institute's outputs include 1) conducting training programs that include lectures, workshops, and farm visits, 2) providing opportunities for organizations and individuals to connect for mutually beneficial partnerships and trade, 3) supporting research personnel and programs, and 4) producing educational and technical publications available online and at events. Results are disseminated through 1) publications 2) training programs 3) and the Institute's website. Publications are created in collaboration with individuals and institutions in Wisconsin's dairy community. The Institute's trade policy analysis papers are regularly sent to legislators in Madison and Washington to assist in their deliberations on trade policy as it affects the state and the country. Publications have been distributed to more than 100 countries. Training programs are custom-designed to fit the needs of the participants. To date, the Institute has provided programs to more than 6000 dairy leaders from 71 countries (including the US). The Institute's website is a source for information about not only its own publications and events, but also events throughout the wider dairy community. Its free multilingual educational materials have been accessed by users in more than 175 countries. W.D. Dobson, the Babcock Institute's Agribusiness Economist, recently published An Evaluation of The Impact of Globalization on the U.S. Dairy Industry: Threats, Opportunities and Implications. This publication was distributed to legislators and policymakers and posted on the Institute's website. The Institute's support of international dairy production-related research may be classified into two categories: 1) Research intended to capitalize on existing international expertise to strengthen the domestic industry and 2) Research intended to build new dairy technologies that are applicable in the domestic industry, as well as emerging dairy industries around the world. The Institute works to strengthen ties with the Mexican and Chinese dairy industries for the purpose of market development. Efforts include faculty and student exchange programs, research collaborations, product and service exhibitions for U.S. companies, and educational courses. Institute staff members work closely with county extension agents to create practical training materials for Spanish-speaking dairy employees and with UW-Madison professors to create educational CDs for U.S. and international farmers and dairy industry professionals. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Kent Weigel (PI) member of advisory group. Karen Nielsen (co-PI, Director) oversees all aspects of Institute's programs and administrative tasks. Kenneth Shapiro, David Thomas, Scott Rankin (all co-PIs, members of advisory group). David Kantor, Outreach Specialist, supervising graduate and undergraduate office staff, assisting in management of programs, budgets, website maintenance. Ed Jesse, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison Ag. & Applied Economics Dept., Babcock Institute Director for international dairy trade, policy studies, market/trade analysis, country studies, writes discussion papers. William Dobson, Emeritus Professor, UW-Madison Ag. & Applied Economics Dept., agribusiness economist, market/trade analysis, country studies, writes discussion papers. Laura Van Toll, Outreach Specialist, programs in India, Mexico and Argentina. Sophia Friedson-Ridenour, graduate project assistant, assistant to the director (graduate student). Allison Howell, communications (graduate student). Carrisa Levash, Eliot Pattee, Anna Bethmann, office assistants (undergraduate students). Sub-grant recipients (UW faculty members): Michel Wattiaux, Bradley Barham, J. Mark Powell, Victor Cabrera, Kenneth Albrecht, Pat Hoffmann, Randy Shaver, Scott Rankin, Kent Weigel, Milo Wiltbank, David Combs. Partner Organizations: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Wisconsin Dairy Business Innovation Center, Dairy Sheep Association of North America, US Grains Council, China Agricultural University-Beijing, University of Pristina-Kosovo, University of Guadalajara-Mexico, Cooperative Resources International, Accelerated Genetics, and Sunshine Genetics. Collaborators and contacts: faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the School of Veterinary Medicine, and University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. Private companies- ABS Global, APC, Boumatic, Calf-Tel (Hampel Corp.), Patz Sales, Westfalia Surge (GEA), World Wide Sires. U.S. cattle breed associations- American Jersey Cattle Association, Holstein Association USA, Brown Swiss Association. International organizations- Asociacion Pro Calidad de Leche (APROCAL), Conferencia International Sobre Ganado Lechero (CIGAL). Training or professional development: Research sub-grants awarded by the Institute create opportunities for faculty and graduate assistants to explore scientific questions and gain experience in their fields. Graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to learn the administrative mechanics of running international training programs and to become familiar with the content material of the lectures and workshops. Dairy training programs for farmers, producers, managers, staff, volunteers, and policy makers are all made possible through the work of the Babcock Institute. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Babcock Institute's programs provide help to Wisconsin and U.S. farmers by developing educational materials and providing international experts for local conferences and events. Spanish-speaking farm workers on Wisconsin and U.S. farms benefit from educational training programs and materials developed in English and Spanish in partnership with University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension. The Babcock Institute designs and implements programs that help leaders, educators, and producers from around the world identify Wisconsin and the United States as centers of dairy excellence. The Babcock Institute draws upon the great depth and breadth of expertise in Wisconsin's dairy industry. The extensive list of dairy-related programs, institutes, and centers at the University of Wisconsin strengthen Wisconsin's reputation as "America's Dairyland." Wisconsin dairy-related companies benefit from international buyers groups that Babcock brings to Wisconsin for training programs, and from the relationships developed with individuals in these groups. The Wisconsin Department of Commerce and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection work closely with the Babcock Institute to benefit U.S. dairy-related businesses by helping develop programs that create export markets for U.S. products. The Babcock Institute spreads the message to international dairy farmers, veterinarians, agribusiness professionals, government officials, university professors, and others that Wisconsin/the U.S. is the best place in the world to come for dairy cattle, semen, embryos, milking equipment, feed, feed additives, feed mixers, calf hutches, etc., and for dairy-related expertise. Through in-country training programs, the Institute can reach audiences that cannot travel to the U.S. Examples include programs for farmers, veterinarians, agribusiness professionals and government employees in Argentina, India, Mexico, Philippines, Ukraine, and planned programs in Chile. Programs in India specifically target low-income women in self-help groups, and growing dairy sectors in the Punjab area. Programs in other countries allow those without travel funds to learn from the same UW-Madison lecturers that the Babcock Institute uses in programs Wisconsin. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Babcock Institute programs are scientific, educational and commercial. By working with scientists and with domestic and foreign dairy industry groups, the Institute links domestic and international partners in a synergistic way, producing mutually beneficial results. The Sino-U.S. Dairy Center established in 2004 by the Babcock Institute and Beijing's China Agricultural University provides U.S. dairy-related businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services at seminars and exhibitions in Beijing, Harbin, Hangzhou, Tianjin, and Urumqi, China. These events are organized by the Sino-U.S. Dairy Center, Chinese central government, and local governments and universities in China. The Institute has also organized industry meetings in the U.S. for dairy industry leaders and buyers from China, Central America, South America, Eurasia and India through the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program and the US Grains Council during World Dairy Expo and other events in Madison, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) participated in its sixth Sino-U.S. Dairy Research Center Seminar held in China and has to date been introduced to nearly 1000 Chinese dairy industry leaders. Cooperative Resources International (CRI) credits The Babcock Institute's detailed Chinese market analysis and Sino-U.S. Dairy Research Center partnership with the China Agriculture University as being instrumental in the first CRI shipment of genetic material to one of the world's largest and fastest growing livestock and food markets. CRI's largest export market of Mexico continues to grow due directly to the Institute's ongoing faculty and student exchange program, and internship opportunities with universities in Mexico. The Institute's Spanish language training materials have been used throughout Wisconsin and other states to train farm workers in their native language allowing a more effective and complete transfer of knowledge. Inclusion of an OSHA certification exam on the most recent Dairy Worker Training module prompted the University of Wisconsin College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to use the module as part of its compliance certification. Training programs for policy makers from Kosovo allowed the sharing of knowledge about how dairy policy can be made and can be made more effective both in the United States and internationally. Subsequent programs with the country will allow those from the U.S. to learn about crafting agricultural and trade policy for an emerging market.

Publications

  • Carpenter, J., and Howell, A. (2010). Babcock Institute Newsletter, Vol. 1 Issue 1. April 2010
  • Carpenter, J., and Howell, A. (2010). Babcock Institute Newsletter, Vol. 1 Issue 2. May 2010
  • Carpenter, J., and Howell, A. (2010). Babcock Institute Newsletter, Vol. 1 Issue 3. June 2010
  • Dobson, W.D. (2009). Will Mexico Become More Self-Sufficient in Milk Production, Babcock Institute International Dairy Note, December 2009, University of Wisconsin
  • Dobson, W.D., and Jesse, E.V. (2009). The Dairy Sector of Mexico: A Country Study, Babcock Institute Discussion Paper 2009-2, University of Wisconsin
  • Jesse, E.V. (2009). U.S. Dairy Exports Down Sharply from Last Year, but There are Some Bright Spots, Babcock Institute International Dairy Note, September 2009, University of Wisconsin
  • Jesse, E.V. (2010). U.S. Dairy Exports Recovering from Depressed 2009, Babcock Institute International Dairy Note, May 2010, University of Wisconsin
  • Jesse, E.V., and Dobson, W.D. (2010). U.S. Dairy Trade Situation and Outlook: 2010, Babcock Institute Discussion Paper 2010-1, University of Wisconsin


Progress 08/01/08 to 07/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Babcock Institute is the leader in international dairy research, development, and education. Its mission is to link the dairy industry in Wisconsin and the US with dairy industries around the world to improve the quality of life and foster market development. We do this by transforming emerging dairy industries and strengthening the US dairy industry through international partnerships, training, and research. The Institute's research on world market and trade analysis is based on the work of Babcock director for international dairy trade and policy studies E.V. Jesse, agribusiness economist W.D. Dobson, and subgrant recipients. Recent research by Jesse and Dobson reviews the situation and outlook of US dairy trade. In addition, Jesse and Dobson recently published on the topic of milk contamination in China and its implications for international dairy businesses. These publications were distributed to legislators and policymakers and posted on the Institute website. The Institute's trade policy analyses are regularly sent to Wisconsin's congressional delegation to assist in their deliberations on trade policy as it affects the state. The Institute's international dairy production-related research may be classified into two categories: 1) Research intended to capitalize on existing international expertise to strengthen the domestic industry and 2) Research intended to build new dairy technologies that are applicable in the domestic industry, as well as emerging dairy industries around the world. The Institute works to strengthen ties with the Mexican and Chinese dairy industries for the purpose of market development. Efforts include faculty and student exchange programs, research collaborations, product exhibitions for US companies, and educational courses. The Institute has achieved great success in reaching out to international and domestic producer groups with: 1) multilingual technical publications and CDs, 2) multilingual electronic outreach through the Web, and 3) international short courses and consulting services. Institute staff members continue to work closely with county extension agents to create practical training materials for Spanish-speaking dairy employees and with UW-Madison professors to create educational CDs for US and international farmers and dairy industry professionals. Babcock also produces the Dairy Update series, which brings UW research findings to the agricultural community. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Kenneth Shapiro, Principal Investigator; Karen Nielsen, Assoc. Director, project management, program development, implementation; Laura Van Toll, Outreach Specialist, educational materials, program development, implementation; David Kantor, Outreach Specialist, web manager; Sophia Friedsen-Ridenour, Graduate Assistant, program assistant; Beverly Davis, Financial Specialist, financial management; Sharon Baumgartner, advising on international regulations, travel arrangements for project; Ed Jesse, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison Ag. & Applied Economics Dept., Babcock Institute Director, international dairy trade, policy studies, market/trade analysis, country studies, writes discussion papers; William Dobson, Emeritus Professor, UW-Madison Ag. & Applied Economics Dept., agribusiness economist, market/trade analysis, country studies, writes discussion papers; Patrick C. Hoffman, Outreach Program Manager, subgrant recipient, topic: new feed grain evaluation system entitled the Wisconsin Feed Grain Evaluation System; Scott Rankin, Assoc. Professor, subgrant recipient, topic: chemical microbiological and functional assessment of artisanal Hispanic cheeses; Pamela Ruegg, Professor, UW-Madison Dairy Science Dept., subgrant recipient, topic: using somatic cell count to determine milk quality of dairy goats and cows; Randy Shaver, Professor, UW-Madison Dairy Science Dept., subgrant recipient, topics: new feed grain evaluation system entitled the Wisconsin Feed Grain Evaluation System; Kent Weigel, Assoc. Professor, UW-Madison Dairy Science Dept., subgrant recipient, topics: developing tools for genetic selection for resistance to infectious diseases and metabolic disorders in dairy cattle; identification of subsets of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for development of low-cost genotyping arrays for dairy cattle; Milo Wiltbank, Professor, UW-Madison Dairy Science Dept., subgrant recipient, topics: changing the hormonal and follicle growth patterns of a lactating cow to address poor reproduction; Shengli Li, Professor, Animal Sciences, China Agricultural University, partner: Sino-US Dairy Center, Beijing, seminar management and organization; Partners: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Wisconsin Department of Commerce; University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension; World Dairy Expo; Dairy Business Innovation Center; China Agricultural University, Beijing, China; Monterrey Tec University, Queretaro, Mexico Campus; Numerous dairy-related industries throughout Wisconsin; Training, professional development: Subgrants provide training and professional development for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows Employees attend conferences, workshops and software training programs. TARGET AUDIENCES: The Babcock Institute's programs provide help to Wisconsin and US farmers by developing educational materials and providing international experts for local conferences and events. Spanish-speaking farm workers on Wisconsin and US farms benefit from educational training programs and materials developed in English and Spanish in partnership with University of Wisconsin Extension. The Babcock Institute designs and implements programs that help leaders, educators, and producers from around the world identify Wisconsin and the United States as centers of dairy excellence. The Babcock Institute draws upon the great depth and breadth of expertise in Wisconsin's dairy industry. The extensive list of dairy-related programs, institutes, and centers at the University of Wisconsin strengthen Wisconsin's reputation as "America's Dairyland." Wisconsin dairy-related companies benefit from international buyers groups that Babcock brings to Wisconsin for training programs, and from the relationships developed with individuals in these groups. Wisconsin Department of Commerce and Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection work closely with the Babcock Institute to benefit US dairy-related businesses by helping develop programs that create export markets for US products. The Babcock Institute spreads the message to international dairy farmers, veterinarians, agribusiness professionals, government officials, university professors, and others that Wisconsin/the US is the best place in the world to come for dairy cattle, semen, embryos, milking equipment, feed, feed additives, etc. and for dairy-related expertise. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Babcock Institute programs are scientific, educational and commercial. By working with scientists and domestic and foreign dairy industry groups, the Institute links domestic and international partners in a synergistic way, producing mutually beneficial results. To date, the Institute has provided short courses to more than 5349 dairy leaders from 69 countries (including the US), its publications have been distributed to more than 100 countries, and its free multilingual educational materials have been accessed from our website by users in more than 175 countries. The Sino-US Dairy Center established in 2004 by the Babcock Institute and Beijing's China Agricultural University provides US dairy-related businesses the opportunity to showcase their products at seminars and exhibitions in Beijing, Harbin, Tianjin, and Urumqi, China. These events are organized by the Sino-US Dairy Center, Chinese central government, and local government entities in China. The Institute has also organized industry meetings in the US for dairy industry leaders and buyers from China, Central America, South America, and India through the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program and the US Grains Council during World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) participated in it's fifth Sino-U.S. Dairy Research Center Seminars held in China and has to date been introduced to nearly 900 Chinese dairy industry leaders, farm managers and farmers. Cooperative Resources International (CRI) credits The Babcock Institute's detailed Chinese market analysis and Sino-U.S.-Dairy Research Center partnership with the China Agriculture University as being instrumental in the first CRI shipment of genetic material to one of the world's largest and fastest growing livestock and food markets. CRI's largest export market of Mexico continues to grow due directly to the Institute's ongoing faculty and student exchange program, and internship opportunities with universities in Mexico.

Publications

  • Jesse, E.V., W.D. Dobson. 2009. US dairy trade situation and outlook. Babcock Institute Discussion Paper No. 2009-1, 17 pp. Babcock Institute for International Dairy Research and Development, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
  • Van Toll, L. (Ed.). 2009. Module VI: Handling Skills / Modulo VI: Aptitudes para el manejo (CD-ROM in English and Spanish). Babcock Institute for International Dairy Research and Development, University of Wisconsin-Madison.