• New products and services
• Industry news
• Organization news

New product and services

NDEco introduces the U550D and U700D

NDEco introduced two new models to their U-series of TMR feed mixers. The U550D and U700D, with capacities of 580 cubic feet and 705 cubic feet, complement the larger U850D to offer a complete line of compact low-profile dual-auger mixers.

These new mixers offer increased capacity without the increased loading height that is a requirement on the company’s large single- auger models. They are also highly maneuverable, with a shorter wheelbase and compact design. All models are equipped with the stepped floor design, allowing the augers to overlap for superior front-to-back mixing and a fast and complete cleanout.

Visit NDEco or call (888) 336-3127 for more information.

Kemin Industries expands chromium portfolio with launch of KemTRACE Chromium-OR

Kemin Industries recently launched KemTRACE Chromium-OR – an organic-compliant chromium propionate feed ingredient for use in swine, cattle, broiler and horse diets.

The feed ingredient is a highly bioavailable, organic-compliant source of chromium propionate that helps improve glucose utilization and reduce the negative impacts of stress for increased cellular energy and function. This results in improved maintenance, reproduction, growth and immunity.

The product is available in two concentrations: 0.04% for use in complete diets and 0.4% for use in a premix prior to inclusion in complete diets.

For more information, visit Kemin Industries or reach out to a company representative.

Single Phase Power Solutions partners with Yaskawa on VFDs and Digital Single-Phase Converters

Single Phase Power Solutions has partnered with Yaskawa America to incorporate their Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and Digital Single-Phase Converters within Single Phase’s engineered power systems. These digital solutions enhances the company’s capabilities to engineer custom designs based on application-specific parameters to deliver clean, stable, reliable three-phase power from single-phase utility service. This partnership allows the company to better design custom power sources to suit site-specific needs, with no harmonics, no reliability issues and no tuning required.

The partnership provides substantial benefits, including an IEEE 519-compliant product with total harmonic distortion of less than 10%, which reduces installation costs. Drive sizing is more accurately accomplished, eliminating the need to oversize, thus saving acquisition and operating costs.

Visit Single Phase Power Solutions or write sales for more information.

Agri-Plastics online shop

Agri-Plastics introduced Calf hutch shop, an online shop for calf feeding products and accessories.

As third-generation dairymen, the VanBuuren family knows the challenges with raising healthy dairy calves. Producers don’t always have time to run to the store to purchase feeding equipment or accessories. Now they can enjoy the convenience of high-quality products delivered straight to their door.

Munters Corporation unveils Atlas 74-inch exhaust fan

Munters Corporation has released the Atlas 74-inch exhaust fan. The fan was designed, engineered and built in the U.S. with premium parts for the demanding conditions of a modern dairy operation.

Two options are available for a customized approach to ventilation. Munters Atlas Premium provides balance between air flow and efficiency, and Munters Atlas Efficient maximizes efficiency to lower your energy costs. Features include:

• Atlas Efficient delivers air flow efficiency ratings up to 22.0 cfm per watt (at 0.10 inch-H20), qualifying for local energy rebates
  
  
• Atlas Premium delivers the highest air flow in its class with up to 51,900 cfm (at 0.10 inch-H20)
  
  
• 182-frame premium motor provides an efficient performance and longevity
  
  
• Durable fiberglass housing holds up to tough conditions
  
  
• Tested in accordance with AMCA Standard 210

The fan is available for sale and will be shipping in March 2021. Visit Munters Corporation for more information.

A standardized brand within the Valmetal Group

Industry news

Valmetal Group announced the fusion of its major brands Valmetal, Valmetal-Jamesway and Valmetal U.S. Farm Systems under one brand: Valmetal.

The transition of the brands of the companies acquired over the years by the Vallières family began two years ago. Now the company is taking the final step of this transition by presenting itself under a single brand, allowing it to offer a full line of farm equipment to dairy producers through its extensive dealer network. The brand carries the orange color that sets it apart in the market and on which its reputation has been built since 1983.  

Caleb Rykaczewski awarded 2021 NAAB Doak Graduate Fellowship

The National Association of Animal Breeders selected Caleb Rykaczewski to receive the 2021 NAAB Doak Graduate Fellowship Award.

Rykaczewski will earn his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from Ohio State University in May 2021. His personal ambition is to research novel on-animal sensor technology to study behaviors in bull calves and breeding bulls to improve reproductive performance. He will continue his Master of Science program at Ohio State.

Rykaczewski did not grow up on a farm. Instead, he learned everything he knows about cattle production and reproduction from his course work and research in the department of animal sciences at Ohio State. His fresh perspectives on the industry set him apart from the other fellowship finalists. In addition to finishing his bachelor’s degree, Rykaczewski has been active as the vice president of the Animal Sciences Community Alliance and serving as a teaching assistant for courses in animal sciences. He completed two programs of study in Queensland, Australia, and Scotland studying the effects and challenges of local eco- and animal production systems. However, his passion is to study bovine reproductive physiology.

Organization news

National Dairy Board Scholarship applications being accepted

Applications are being accepted for college scholarships awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB).

Eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded, as well as a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to one outstanding recipient. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff program.

Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2021-22 academic school year and majoring in one of the following fields are eligible: communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.

Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates must complete an application form, submit an official transcript of all college courses and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences.

Visit Dairy Management Inc. for an application.

Completed applications must be received no later than May 7. Questions can be submitted to ndbscholarships@dairy.org

Cutting-edge ideas for dairy industry on tap at 2021 PDPW Business Conference

The 2021 Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW) Business Conference will be held March 17-18, 2021, at the Kalahari Resort Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

With “Discover” as the theme, the conference will provide dairy producers access to more than 40 leading-edge speakers from universities, companies and farms across the world, including:

• Phosphorus harvesting. Learn how the practice – implemented in the public sector but not commonly in dairy – can reduce phosphorus loading on land and discover ways to potentially generate additional revenue streams. Greg Gunderson, team leader and wastewater community of practice chair for MSA Professional Services, will facilitate the specialty session featuring experts Dr. Leon Downing, Ph.D., the principal process and innovation leader in the global construction, engineering and consulting company’s water technology group for Black & Veatch, and Menachem Tabanpour, co-founder of Nutrient Recovery and Upcycling LLC.
  
  
• Blockchain: redefining traceability. Learn in layman’s terms the implication this buzzword has for dairy and the entire food supply chain. Attendees will hear straight from a founder whose company is revolutionizing a manual process to automate the tracking of food products in the marketplace. Phil Harris, co-founder and president of ripe.io, will explain the basics of blockchain, how it has begun and how it will continue to transform the supply chain. Get a clearer picture of how this technology will impact farms now and in the future.
  
  
• Opportunities in crossbreeding beef on dairy. Learn the practical tips and techniques to boost profitability on your farm by crossbreeding with beef. Panelists will share insights they’ve learned from calculated planning and selection to make the most of genetics and market potential. Jay Heeg, owner and operator of Heeg Brothers Dairy LLC and PDPW board member, will facilitate a discussion featuring Casey Davis, cattle procurement manager with JBS Green Bay; Kelli Retallick, genetic and genomic programs director for Angus Genetics Inc.; and Jerry Wulf, manager and partner of Riverview LLP Beef.
  
  
• Alternative energy in agriculture. In this Learning Lounge session, Adam Wehling, dean of agriculture, energy and transportation at Chippewa Valley Technical College, will update attendees on the latest developments in geothermal, solar and wind energies and how we can use them in agriculture.

Visit Professional Dairy Producers for more information.

2021 AETA certification

The American Embryo Transfer Association (AETA) is the vanguard of the embryo technology industry, and its certification program is the gold standard recognized around the world. Certified AETA embryo transfer (ET) practitioners are known for their experience, quality of work and professionalism.

AETA is an organization committed to promoting self-imposed standards of excellence in performance and conduct. The USDA recognizes the AETA’s responsibility to uphold the highest industry standards, ensuring that certified individuals and companies exporting embryos have the required knowledge, qualifications and expertise. Certified members can help in all phases of a successful ET program. To become certified, individuals must pass an examination, demonstrate experience, participate in annual continuing education and abide by the rules and regulations established by the association and the USDA, including facility and laboratory inspections.

Visit American Embryo Transfer Association to learn more.

Von Ruden retains WFU presidency

Darin Von Ruden, dairy farmer from Westby, Wisconsin, was re-elected president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) during the organization’s annual meeting, held virtually on Jan. 30-31. Von Ruden, a lifelong Farmers Union member, has served as a district director representing several southern Wisconsin counties since 2008. He also leads the WFU Foundation board, serves on the National Farmers Union board and is chair of the NFU membership committee.