The Stearns County SWCD is sponsoring a field day at Nick and Tara Meyer Farm at 39957, 360th St., Sauk Centre, Minnesota from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Meyer Farm is one of six Discovery Farms Minnesota locations. Discovery Farms Minnesota provides both information and forum to educate and improve communications among the agricultural community, consumers, researchers and policy-makers to identify and implement effective management practices that are compatible with profitable agriculture.

Agriculture land prices in the U.S. have increased steadily over the last decade, leading experts and landowners to question whether the high values are sustainable. The short answer from the Rabobank International Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group is that the land value rates are not a speculative bubble, but a decrease in land values over several years is a definite possibility.

A new pilot beef traceability program being conducted at Michigan State University (MSU) was successful where a quick barcode scan with your smart phone can tell you the exact animal RFID number, grade, age, breed of the animal, certification, etc, and the local farm picture where your steak originated using the ScoringAg.com database and labeling system.

It is an understatement to say that last week’s USDA estimate of June 1, 2011 corn stocks was a surprise to the market.  At 3.67 billion bushels, the estimate was about 370 million bushels larger than the reported average trade guess.

Agriculture land prices in the U.S. have increased steadily over the last decade, leading experts and landowners to question whether the high values are sustainable. The short answer from the Rabobank International Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group is that the land value rates are not a speculative bubble, but a decrease in land values over several years is a definite possibility.

The Israeli company S.A.E. Afikim (brand name afimilk) – and now S.A.E. Afikim USA, Inc. (afimilk USA) has announced that it is setting up an independent business to serve the North America dairy farmers. afimilk is a worldwide market leader in management technologies for milk production and dairy cow management. Previously the afimilk technologies were distributed by DeLaval, Inc. and the offering can still be obtained via DeLaval, Inc.

Accelerated Genetics announced a joint venture with Normande Genetics, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to market a lineup of Montbeliarde and Normande sires imported from France.

Nearly 100,000 meals for the hungry were made possible during June Dairy Month, thanks to a nationwide effort by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA). Throughout the month, DFA members and staff worked to deliver on the Cooperative's core value of community by helping fight hunger across the U.S.

The Holstein Association USA board of directors met June 21 and 22 in Richmond, Virginia. President Larry A. Tande chaired the meeting held in conjunction with the National Holstein Convention and Annual Meeting at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

On June 30, Charles City, Iowa, Mayor Jim Erb; Area Development Corporation Director Tim Fox; and Mitas representatives Vladimir Dusanek and Ralph Kellenberger held a ceremony marking the groundbreaking of construction at the former Winnebago Industries Charles City plant, which is being converted into a farm tire factory and which will begin production early next year.