On May 2^nd we held our annual Spring Meeting on the first morning of the California Animal Nutrition Conference.  Funds are available for increasing scholarships above the 3 graduate and 3 to 5 undergraduate scholarships ($2,000 and $1,000 each respectively).  CA ARPAS are heavily involved in a Research project looking at the feeding value of almond hulls, including further work looking at contamination levels.  These are a very important feed for the California dairy industry.  The research group involves university academics, students and industry members working with the Almond Hull Board.  A wonderful example of how ARPAS membership brings together opportunities to collaborate across this wide spectrum.  On August 23^rd we shall hold our annual Bang for Your Buck trap shoot – our major fund raiser of the year.  October 24^th and 25^th is our annual Continuing Education Conference – “Developments for California Animal Production Systems Over the Next 5 to 10 Years”.  This will cover technologies and challenges that will impact us including: Air Quality Legislation, Feed Enzymes – while monogastric enzymes are widely accepted, ruminant products are developing rapidly, Robotic Milking Machines, Plant Extracts/Essential Oils, The Microbiome – Improving Production and Controlling Disease, Transition Cows – Past, Present and Future.  It should be a very interesting couple of days.

Officers:

Past President – John Martin

President – Peter Williams

President-Elect – Kevin Leahy

Secretary – Renee Smith

Treasurer – Dave Ellis

Director at Large – Gabriella Acetoze

Director at Large – Steve Riesenbeck