Maryland's Department of Agriculture has launched what it's calling an Ice Cream Trail, a promotion that encourages visits to the state's creameries and dairy farms. Danny Holland, owner of Chesapeake Bay Farms – one of the seven Ice Cream Trail locations – told The Daily Times that he loves the idea of a promotion that will draw people to his operation.

Coleman Dairy, a division of Hiland Dairy, is opening a new, 4,100-square-foot distribution center in Monticello, Arkansas. The new facility will act as a distribution center for Coleman and Hiland Dairy Products. Areas served from this facility will include Monticello, McGehee, Lake Village, Eudora, Dermott, Crossett, Dumas and other communities in the southeast region of Arkansas.

A new dairy checkoff photo contest is underway to show off how you, your family, your farm, and even your cows support your favorite NFL team or player. Producers are invited to "capture your family’s pride for the dairy industry and support of your NFL team" by submitting a photo to the Show Your Pride photo contest. An NFL player will visit the dairy of the person who submitted the winning entry.

Midwest Dairy Association awards scholarships to Kansas students Eight Kansas students with dairy backgrounds each received a $500 scholarship funded by dairy checkoff programs. Ashley Haverkamp attends the Baker University School of Nursing. Haverkamp said, “I believe my work ethic in school reflects back to growing up on a dairy.” Julie Kohake will attend Kansas State University to study athletic training. Kohake said, “Living on a dairy has taught me to be able to prioritize, be responsible and the importance to pay attention to detail in order to have a successful career.” Weston Ohlde will transfer to Kansas State University to study agricultural economics and accounting. Stacy Rottinghaus attends Washburn University studying secondary math education. Austin Schmitz will attend Kansas State University to study biological and agricultural engineering. Andrea Steenbock attends Kansas State University where she is majoring in agribusiness. Joshua Steinlage will attend Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska, to study agriculture business and management technology. Roxanne Wallace attends Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. —From Midwest Dairy Association news release Holstein Association USA honors outstanding breeders and industry leaders Several individuals were honored during the closing banquet at the 2012 National Holstein Convention in Springfield, Missouri.

Purdue University scientists are working in several areas in the hope that future dry spells don't have the same effects on crops as this year's drought.

Mitch Tuinstra, a professor and Wickersham Chair in agronomy, is studying tropical varieties of corn to understand which genes allow the plants to survive in hot, dry weather. The objective is to find ways to integrate those genes into corn that is bred to produce high yields in the Midwest.

Mycogen Seeds is adding nine new SILAGE-SPECIFIC BMR and TMF corn silage hybrids to its 2013 lineup, including seven with SmartStax trait technology.

Fendt, a worldwide brand of AGCO, has introduced the new Fendt 700 Series tractors.

Brian Barber Sheldon, Wisconsin Calf Consultant Golden Calf Company LLC