2012 Graduate, University of Wisconsin - River Falls Sales and Services Intern, Accelerated Genetics Based in Baraboo, Wisconsin Background Q. In what area did you pursue a degree? I graduated with a degree in dairy science with an emphasis in management. Q. What is your dairy (or agricultural) background? I grew up on a 70-cow dairy farm near Baldwin, Wisconsin. Along with the dairy cows, we raised dairy steers. We also grow all our feed. Through 4-H and FFA I enjoyed showing dairy cows and steers at the county fair.

A cow’s comfort level affects her health, productivity and performance if not assessed routinely over time. How are you gauging the comfort level of your cows, especially when it comes to the farm’s cow housing environment, particularly freestalls? “We all understand the importance of cow comfort,” Rick Grant, president of the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, says. “There’s nothing more important to the cow’s comfort in terms of her environment than her lying surface.” There are several indices currently used to determine how comfortable the animals are in relation to their housing environment. Grant points out that three of the principal indices are the cow comfort index, the stall standing index and the stall use index.

Forage Genetics International (FGI), one of the world's leading alfalfa seed providers, and Syngenta have announced the launch of NEXGROW alfalfa. The brand will be managed by FGI and sold through existing Garst, Golden Harvest or NK brand alfalfa resellers. "Growers will see this new brand as a continuation of FGI's 20 year collaboration with Syngenta in coordination with our leadership in diverse genetics and critical industry traits," said Brent Johnson, NEXGROW alfalfa brand manager. "The only change for growers is the new brand name. They will have the same great service through their Garst, Golden Harvest or NK brand alfalfa reseller when purchasing alfalfa for fall planting."

“We need ethical reflection, not extremism,” renowned author and film maker Shawn Lawrence Otto told the crowd of food and farm industry leaders gathered for the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 11th annual Stakeholders Summit. Sixteen expert speakers explored the theme “Real Farmers Real Food: Celebrating Tradition and Technology” during the two-day conference held in Arlington, Virginia. Presentations helped attendees ensure authenticity in telling their unique agriculture story and encouraged the entire food chain to unite and embrace innovative consumer outreach efforts.

Promised Land Dairy's digital marketing program recognized with interactive marketing awards The DFW Interactive Marketing Association presented Launch Agency with 2012 Excellence in Interactive Marketing Awards for the agency's digital marketing work on behalf of Promised Land Dairy. The work that Launch did for the Texas-based premium milk distributor won second place for two separate category submissions. Most Effective Online Brand Awareness was judged by the look and feel of website creative as a reflection of the Promised Land Dairy brand. In the Social Media category, Launch designed and utilized a Promised Land Dairy Facebook page to build awareness and track the specific site actions of Store Locator searches and Moo-mail email club signups. —From Launch Agency news release BouMatic receives Governor's Export Award Dairy equipment manufacturer BouMatic, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, received the 2012 Governor’s Export Award from Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker at the 48th Annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference.

A recent analysis of Colorado school milk use conducted by the Western Dairy Association found the average student received only 2.6 milk servings each week, compared to the national average of 3.7 servings. This 30 percent lower level translates into 40 fewer servings of milk each school year – roughly the equivalent of two entire weeks’ worth of recommended calcium intake for students.

Betty Thompson, Miss Oklahoma 2011, recently visited Liberty Elementary in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, with Southwest Dairy Farmers. Thompson – who is an elementary education major at Oklahoma State University and a member of the Dairy Farmers Spokesperson Network – joined Mobile Dairy Classroom instructor Ralph Keel during a presentation to students in kindergarten through third grade.

Leadership often involves taking the road less traveled, and in some cases, it means being the very first to traverse an uncharted path. Such was the case in 2010 when the California dairy community voluntarily announced participation in the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management, a comprehensive animal well-being education and verification program.