Accelerated Genetics

The Young Producer Program at Accelerated Genetics will be hosting the annual Summer Meltdown Celebration Saturday, June 23. This year’s Summer Meltdown features tours of Lepeska Dairy in Montfort, Wis. and Trelay Seeds, Inc. in Livingston, Wis. and Rural Route 1 Popcorn in Montfort, Wis.

The event will kick off with a morning tour of Lepeska Dairy, owned and run by Jim and Linda Lepeska who work with their children: Erika, Kristen and Ryan. The Lepeskas milk 100 registered Holsteins housed in a compost bedding pack barn, new in December of 2005. The family also raises all of their heifers and feed out their steers. The Lepeskas use wood shavings in the bedding pack that is stirred twice a day and utilize SOP®, a product exclusively available from Accelerated Genetics, in the compost barn. The farm has seen increases in milk production, heat detection and pregnancy rates. Cow comfort has definitely improved from the tie-stall facility. Erika comments, “ Cows are lasting longer simply due to them being more comfortable, we have quite a few older cows that simply wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the compost barn.”

After lunch and activities at Memorial Park in Livingston, WI, the day will wrap up with a two-stop industry tour of Trelay Seeds, Inc. and Rural Route 1 Popcorn. Trelay has been in the seed business for the last 101 years can be described as “firmly planted” in the industry. One year ago, Trelay planted themselves in the largest seed technology company in the world and now can assure they will be able to produce and market the most advanced seeds available. In 1983, a Trelay experiment uncovered an opportunity to diversify. Rural Route 1 popcorn was the result. Rural Route 1 Popcorn offers the standard varieties of white and yellow popcorn as well as a wide assortment of ready-to-eat flavors. Today, this experiment with 25 acres has grown into a national award winning popcorn product line-up.

The Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Program is open to any dairy or beef producer, individuals or couples and their families, who are interested in expanding their horizons, meeting other producers, and having fun doing it. Anyone interested in becoming involved is encouraged to attend any or all of the Young Producer activities throughout the year!

To make a reservation for the Accelerated Genetics Young Producer Summer Meltdown, call 1-800-451-9275 Ext. 222 or email kstanek@accelgen.com by June. Once your reservation is received, more information including a map and agenda will be sent to you. All costs for the day are covered by Accelerated Genetics.