Shamrock Farms, one of the largest family owned and operated dairies in the country, is building a new $50 million dairy manufacturing facility in Virginia. The announcement was made during a groundbreaking ceremony in Augusta County, with the Governor of Virginia, local officials and Shamrock Farms executives.

Integrated Environmental Technologies, Ltd. is updating the company's Excelyte sales and marketing efforts to dairy farmers. The company has been focusing primarily on the Utah and Idaho markets recently and is currently selling the products to 11 dairies with approximately 3,700 dairy cows.

Midwest Dairy Council is partnering with the McDonald’s Twin Cities Co-op throughout 2013 to underscore the benefits of a healthy breakfast. The partnership includes an $8,000 contribution from Minnesota McDonald’s franchise owner/operators to the Midwest Dairy Council and the GENYOUth Foundation.

I’m a proud Eagle Scout and current leader in the Boy Scouts of America, a card-carrying member, if you will. I’ve seen firsthand over the past several years how this national youth group, with more than 3.5 million members and leaders, has reacted to legal proceedings and allegations of molestation and child abuse among its ranks.

Click here to download a pdf of the latest Export Assistance Watch update, provided by Cooperatives Working Together. PD

Click here to download a pdf of the latest checkoff watch provided by Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. PD

Since November 7, 1986, employers have been required by law to examine documents and complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form to verify that all new employees are authorized to work in the U.S. On March 8, 2013, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a new Form I-9. This article discusses changes in the new form and general employer obligations related to the I-9.

They say people don’t fully appreciate what they have until it’s gone. Seems true enough judging by the dairy industry’s reaction to a USDA plan to pull the plug on monthly milk production reports.