This article was #1 in PDmag's Top 25 most-well read articles in 2011. Summary: With nearly 7,300 pageviews, our raw milk poll easily topped the list of the most well-read articles at www.progressivedairy.com. In our August 11th issue, we explained that a particular interest group, Weston A. Price Foundation, encouraged its members to vote on the poll. This campaign led to results on the poll with 4,000 votes of "yes" and 80 votes with "no." Click here to see the results. Do you have any idea for a hot topic poll question? Email your suggestion to editor@progressivedairy.com. [Click here or on the image above right to see the full list of the Top 25 articles of 2011. Click here to see the list from 2010.] Click here to download a pdf of the latest poll question from Progressive Dairyman: Should the sale of unpasteurized (raw) milk be legalized in all 50 states? Print off and mail in the form on the pdf, or use the poll on the right hand side of your screen to cast your vote online. PD RELATED ARTICLES: • PD POLL: Should the sale of raw milk be legalized? [June 10] • PD POLL: Should the sale of raw milk be legalized? [July 21] • Weston A. Price Foundation members rally for raw milk • Organic, raw milk producer: ‘Dead dairy is dying’ • Raw milk may pose health risk • PD POLL: Should the sale of raw milk be legalized? [August 11]

Mastitis continues to be one of the most costly problems in many dairy farms. Mastitis can manifest itself in either clinical or subclinical form. Clinical mastitis is when milk appears abnormal (the presence of flakes, clots, strings or if it is watery). The mammary gland also may be warm or hard to the touch and may exhibit increased sensitivity. In severe cases, systemic signs may be apparent, such as fever, cow off feed or in shock. Subclinical mastitis occurs when both milk and mammary gland appear normal but somatic cell counts (SCC) are elevated to a level above 200,000 cells per mL.