MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Everyone involved in Mississippi’s dairy industry is invited to the Statewide Dairy Field Day May 25 in Tylertown.

“Mississippi has lost a lot of dairy producers in recent years due to extreme fluctuation in the price they are paid for their milk coupled with increasing production costs,” said Lamar Adams, event organizer and Walthall County director with the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

“The devastation of Hurricane Katrina Aug. 29 added further insult to injury and resulted in an acceleration of dairy farmers exiting the business. More than ever, dairy producers need to master every aspect of managing their dairy farm operations to remain profitable and be able to stay in business,” Adams said.

Educational topics of discussion will cover utilizing production and management records to improve profitability, dairy sire selection, forage budgeting, financial management, pasture fertilization alternatives to overcome high fertilizer costs and organic milk production opportunities.

Dairy producers, managers, employees and allied industry personnel are encouraged to attend.

Registration for the field day begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program starting at 9:20 a.m. There is no fee to attend and lunch is provided. The event will be held at the Southwest Events Center on Highway 48 East in Tylertown. Call Adams at (601) 876-4021 for more information.