Capital Press

SALEM -- The Oregon Dairy Farmers annual convention appears to have "struck a chord" with dairy farmers and exhibitors, according to Pete Kent, administrator of the Oregon Dairy Products Commission.

"We have 315 attendees," he said, "including a lot of new producers we haven't seen and younger producers."

This year's convention also includes 40 exhibitors, up from the typical 30 exhibitors. "We've been turning exhibitors away," Kent said. "(The convention) struck a chord for one reason or another."

The 2012 convention kicked off today at 11 a.m. with the Oregon Dairy Women luncheon and annual meeting.

The convention is being held in Salem after a five-year run in Central Oregon. Prior to that it rotated between Oregon cities, including Seaside, Eugene and Pendleton.

Kent said the farmers are "just trying out Salem."

Today's afternoon agenda includes an Oregon State University report and a research update on realizing the full potential of calf growth. The convention concludes Tuesday, Feb. 21, with the Oregon Dairy Women's scholarship auction dinner.

Feb. 21 sessions include presentations on managing antibiotics in agriculture and a legislative panel discussion.