UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's Dairy Alliance has hired a specialist to address nutrient management issues by developing and delivering educational programs to help dairy producers.

Virginia Ishler, who has worked with Penn State Cooperative Extension at University Park for the past 14 years, joined the alliance in May. With a bachelor's degree in dairy husbandry from Delaware Valley College and a Master's degree in dairy science from Penn State, she has extensive experience with dairy nutrition, including operation of the Near Infrared Forage Testing Van. She also has worked in the feed industry in New York.

In extension, Ishler has been involved in dairy cattle nutrition. In her new position with Dairy Alliance, she will be responsible for bringing a holistic approach to the area of nutrient management. She played an integral role in the development of the alliance's nutrient management Web site, which can be found at http://nutrient.psu.edu.

Dairy Alliance, an initiative launched by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences in 2000, has focused on human resource, information and business management needs for Pennsylvania's dairy industry. The group also has begun to concentrate on nutrient management.

"For Pennsylvania's dairy industry to grow and be competitive in a global market, Dairy Alliance needs to address the major issues facing our producers," says Tammy Perkins, Dairy Alliance program manager. "Nutrient management is an area that all producers and the entire industry need to be actively involved with to continue to have a viable industry. The mission of Dairy Alliance is to enhance the economic development of the dairy industry through leadership and focused educational efforts. Nutrient management is one of those focused efforts."

For more information, contact the Dairy Alliance toll free at (888) 373-7232. Specific comments or suggestions related to nutrient management can be directed to Ishler at 814-863-3912 or vishler@psu.edu.

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EDITORS: Contact Tammy Perkins at 814-865-4682 or tap10@psu.edu.

Contact: Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax #188