The 2011 B.C. Dairy Expo is a two-day event starting on Thurs. Jan 27 at 10 a.m. Most sessions will be held in the BMO (Bank of Montreal) Dairy room at the Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia. As a part of the 13th Annual Pacific Agriculture Show, Jan. 27-29, it will focus on energy, family planning and manure management.

Members of the Dairy Business Association (DBA) gathered in Madison last week for their 11th Annual Business Conference for educational and networking opportunities, as well as to elect members to their Board of Directors. Two members were re-elected and one is new to the board.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association commended members of the U.S. Senate who sent a letter to Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., urging them to allow the 30-year-old tax credit and protective tariff for corn-based ethanol to expire as scheduled on Dec. 31, 2010.

I know many producers spend many hours in the process of purchasing a bull. It's a big decision - one that can impact your herd for many years beyond the expected usefulness of the bull due to his daughters remaining in production. It pays to do some homework on determining what kind of bull you need prior to purchase. Here are some steps to help guide you through the process.

The Plymouth Common Council approved a $750,000 forgivable loan agreement Tuesday night with the Dairy Farmers of America that will help the milk cooperative finance a planned $13.4 million upgrade at its 375,000-square-foot cheese processing plant on the city’s south side. The city’s loan will be forgiven if the plant continues to employ more than 300 full-time equivalent employees over the next five years. The plant currently employs 357 people. Work on the project should begin in the second quarter of 2011 and would wrap up by the end of the year.

After 21 years of work, Cornell researchers are spreading the word about an on-farm biocontrol method to solve the problems caused by the destructive invasive species alfalfa snout beetle (ASB).

What do you think most consumers envision when they hear the word cowboy? Maybe an image of John Wayne? Or a character from “Lonesome Dove?” Doubtless, it is a rugged cowboy (or cowgirl!) in boots, hat and full cowboy attire. Campfires and cattle drives, not computers and cameras.