Tuesday, July 21, 2015

ADSA Week!

Last week was one of my favorite weeks of the year. Last week was my American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) meeting!! It was in Orlando, Florida, this year, so of course we used the few minutes of downtime to go to the beach. Some people went to Disney World, but the conference is already like DisneyLand to me, so no need for that.

A bunch of my favorites at the opening session/reception on the first night.
I love this conference so much! There were about 3,500 people there and I couldn't walk 2 feet without running into someone I know. That's why I love the dairy industry (besides for the cows, of course). The people are amazing and it's basically one big family. This is my national dairy industry reunion.

My friend Cory (on the left) is about 6'5'' or so...really tall, and I'm 5'2''. One year at nationals when we were in college, he decided to kneel on the ground and was almost as tall as me. It was hilarious!! So, every year after that we took that picture at the ADSA ice cream social. He didn't come this year, so I had to take the picture with his little brother (who is also a giant)...we sent it to him to make him miss us and ADSA. Such a fun tradition! On a more serious note, behind us is the trade show. It's huge. Lots of dairy industry companies to visit with and also research papers are displayed in the same room.

It's not all fun and games though, there's quite a bit of work that goes on here. ADSA is the premier dairy science organization and I love hearing about all the new research going on. One of my favorite symposiums this year was about the global dairy industry. We heard from dairy experts from China, South Africa and Brazil. I got to present in 2013 about communicating science to the general public. It was awesome!! If you missed it, you're in luck because they recorded it! I know, I was SO excited about that!

If you are into dairy science and haven't gone to this meeting, you are missing out. It's in Utah next year!

We have a few hours of free time? Let's go to the Gulf of Mexico! 
The Eye of Orlando...the giant ferris wheel.

"So it's 11 p.m. and we leave at 5 in the morning and haven't gone on ANY rides...let's go on the ferris wheel! It's open til midnight!" I love ADSA adventures!
Even the stress cows were excited to be at ADSA and learn about the latest research.
Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico

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