After corn is processed to make ethanol, what's left of the corn looks something like slightly dampened cornmeal, though a somewhat darker yellow, and not as finely ground. Known as "wet distiller's grains with solubles" (WDGS), this byproduct is sometimes used as a cattle feed ingredient. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists in Clay Center, Neb., are studying the pros and cons of that practice. WDGS are rich in protein, and also provide calories and minerals, according to James E. Wells, a microbiologist with USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS). Since 2007, WDGS have been the subject of an array of studies by Wells and others at the ARS Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center.

The American Association of Bovine Practitioners Board of Directors has established an ad hoc committee to study Rural Veterinary Practice (RVP). The committee, composed entirely of practitioners with practice experiences ranging from 2 to more than 25 years, is releasing its initial report. It was the opinion of the RVP that there is not currently a shortage of veterinarians for rural food supply veterinary private practice. Efforts to increase interest in rural practice among graduating veterinary students have been successful, so lack of available veterinarians is no longer an issue for the US as a whole. However, there remain underserved rural areas across the country that may not be able to sustain a veterinary practice and absorb these new veterinarians entering the job market.

What seemed like a technology that was only a dream a few years ago continues to make progress in Iowa and neighboring states. Robotic milking systems can be customized to the needs of each cow resulting in quality milk production. This automation frees up farmers to focus on other aspects of their farming operation and family activities. For producers looking to become more familiar with robotic milking and possibly adopting robotic milking technology, Iowa State University Extension (along with Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois) is leading tours for producers to visit current robotic installations.

Visit dairies from around the U.S. without leaving World Dairy Expo 2011. Virtual Farm Tours will focus on a variety of management topics, including: land conservation and forages, technology and innovation, unique marketing, robotic milkers, family transition, milk quality, reproductive success and transition cow management.

There is no better way to appreciate the delicious simplicity of dairy foods than experiencing a traditional breakfast on a Wisconsin dairy farm. Every June, dairy farmers throughout Wisconsin open their farms to the community and serve a big breakfast in celebration of June Dairy Month. It is an exciting opportunity to spend some time on a working dairy farm and get a firsthand look at what makes Wisconsin’s signature industry so special – all while enjoying a hearty, homemade breakfast.

Animal health and nutrition industry leader Novus International, Inc. announced a number of changes in the company’s organizational structure, and the promotions of a select group of its executive team. Under the new structure, five units will report directly to Novus International President and CEO Thad Simons.

A Missouri FFA chapter has won the grand prize worth more than $8,000 in a seven-state competition that encouraged FFA chapters to connect with farmers in their local communities. West Plains High School’s FFA chapter won the 2011 FFA Chapter Challenge, a pilot competition sponsored by Monsanto. The chapter will be able to send six students and an adult advisor on an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2011 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. The chapter will also receive $1,500 in credit with the National FFA Organization to help pay for FFA-related activities and expenses throughout the year.

The North American Farm Show Council announced that it has changed its name to Farm Show Council at the organization's annual meeting that was held recently in Charlotte, North Carolina. The change comes in an effort to modify the scope of what the Council has become, and to include international partners.

University of Missouri Extension has set up special website (http://extension.missouri.edu/tornado) containing MU Extension resources that could be helpful to homeowners, landowners, business owners, emergency response people, volunteers, partnering organizations and others with a direct or indirect interest in the tornado that hit Joplin, Mo. and the response that is underway. The content -- relevant publications and news articles as well a list of contacts and regularly updated information from MU Extension relevant to the recovery process -- will be updated and added to on a regular basis.