Agriculture Capsules DAIRY ROAD SHOW OFFERS DAIRY FARMERS COMPETITIVE EDGE: With presentations on modernization, breeding, milk quality and dairy economics, the University of Wisconsin-Extension Dairy Team's 2004 Road Show will offer topics of interest to individuals in the dairy business. The Road Show, "Gaining the Competitive Edge - A Dairy Seminar Series," leaves UW-Madison for seven dates in January around the state. The area seminar is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Elizabeth Inn in Plover. The seminar will include five presentations. The topics include: "Transitioning in Steps: Costs of Modernization," featuring Brian Holmes and Dave Kammel, biological systems engineers; and Roger Palmer, dairy systems management specialist. "Update and Evaluation of Various Breeding Programs," with Paul Fricke, dairy cattle reproduction specialist; and Kent Weigle, dairy genetic specialist. "Maximizing Profit by Producing Quality Milk," with Pam Ruegg, and Mike Maroney, milk quality specialists. "Managing for Profits: The Full Package," with Bruce Jones, Arlin Brannstrom and Gregg Hadley, agricultural economists. "Increasing Profits from Your Feed Dollars," with Randy Shaver, Pat Hoffman and Bob Kaiser, dairy nutritionists. Local agricultural agents also will present topics of interest to area dairy farmers. Each presentation will include time for questions from participants. All meetings will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The costs, which include lunch, is $20 per person and registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 2, 2004. Anyone with questions should contact the Portage County UW-Extension Office at 346-1316. * * * PESTICIDE APPLICATOR TRAINING CLASSES OFFERED: Pesticide Applicator Training classes will be once again offered on by the Portage County UW-Extension office. Anyone who will be buying restricted use pesticides must have a private pesticide applicator certification. Certification lasts five years and then applicators must be re-certified. Individuals can receive certification in two ways. The first is through three one-day classes offered by the Portage County UW-Extension office. The classes are scheduled on Jan. 16, Feb. 6 and Feb. 27. These classes consists of a video presentation, followed by a test that occurs at the end of the day. If participants take part in the classroom session, they need to receive 50 percent on the test to qualify for certification. Pre-registration for each date is necessary, so individuals must contact the Extension office to reserve a spot on the desired date. However, those unable to attend the classroom session may take the test on their own. In this case, participants must receive 70 percent on the test to pass. Study guide books must be purchased at least five days before the class or test is taken. The cost of the book is $30 and can be purchased at the UW-Extension office, 1462 Strongs Ave, Stevens Point. Anyone with questions about the Pesticide Applicator Training session should contact Tim Connell, agriculture agent at the Portage County UW-Extension office at 346-1316.