FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

IOWA SECRETARY OF AG TO PRESENT DAIRY AWARD TO DALE THORESON

Ralph Keeling Award Recipient

 

DES MOINES, Iowa – July 30, 2007 – The Iowa State Dairy Association (ISDA) is pleased to announce Dale Thoreson of Allison, Iowa as the 2007 Ralph Keeling Leadership Award Recipient.  Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and ISDA Board President Wayne Dykshorn will present the award at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 10 in the Livestock Show Pavilion during the Iowa State Fair. 

 

Dale is an Iowa State University Extension Dairy, Beef, and Forage Specialist serving eleven counties in northeast Iowa.  Dairy producers call on him for assistance and advice on topics from farm modernization to improved feed rations.  He has a vast knowledge of the dairy industry and is always willing to answer questions and help find solutions to problems. 

 

His dedication to the dairy industry has provided Iowa with innovative programs, research studies and demonstrations providing unbiased research-based education.  He has developed many educational programs in areas such as dairy health, nutrition, facilities, manure management, genetics and markets.  Dale also dedicates time to work with 4-H and FFA students on judging, quiz bowl teams and helping families transition their dairy farm from one generation to the next.  He is a great asset to Iowa’s dairy industry. 

 

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Ralph Keeling Leadership Award.  It was established to recognize individuals whose leadership efforts contribute significantly to Iowa’s dairy industry.  Ralph Keeling operated a successful dairy farm and business, devoting much of his time and talents to help progress the state’s dairy industry.  The award is presented annually to outstanding leaders in honor of the late Ralph Keeling.

 

Dale Thoreson is committed to Iowa’s dairy industry.  He has helped sustain and grow the industry through assisting youth and producers in many areas.  The ISDA is proud to present this award to such a dedicated and deserving recipient. 

 

The Iowa State Dairy Association sponsors the Ralph Keeling Leadership Award.  The ISDA is a non-profit organization directed by the dairy producers of Iowa.  The mission of the organization is to “Facilitate, grow and promote the Iowa dairy industry.”  The ISDA provides direction for and acts as a catalyst for a strong, enthusiastic and growing Iowa dairy industry.   

 

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Contact: Erin Vagts, Industry Relations Manager

(515) 971-3620 (phone), (515) 964-5498 (fax)

erinv@iowadairy.org , http://www.iowadairy.org