Seven U.S. registered Holstein breeders have earned the distinction of being named 2012 Holstein Association USA Herds of Excellence. The award was created to pay tribute to breeders who have bred and raised cattle that are consistently performing at the highest levels. To be recognized with this honor, herds must be 25 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent (ME) for milk, fat and protein; have classified within the last year and have an actual average classification score of 83 points or higher; have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and be enrolled in the Association’s TriStar production records program.

"External and Internal Parasite ID and Control Methods in Livestock" will be the June 7 webinar topic for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service's ecosystem science and management unit's monthly webinar series.

Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) are pressing EPA Director Lisa Jackson to answer questions about privacy issues and other concerns after the agency used aerial surveillance to monitor livestock operations over their home state of Nebraska. “Farmers and ranchers in Nebraska pride themselves in the stewardship of our state’s natural resources. As you might imagine, this practice has resulted in privacy concerns among our constituents and raises several questions,” says the letter.

Livestock Grain and Market News cattle report for June 1.

The Daily News-Record of Harrisonburg, Virginia, reported that a state agency levied $11,700 in fines and fees against dairy producer Allen Shank after an overflow of liquid manure from a storage pit on his facility ended up in a nearby creek. According to the newspaper article, Shank, whose Golden View Farm has less than 200 head of dairy cattle, does not have a license allowing him to discharge waste into state waters. He uses a land-application program to manage manure.

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy recently conducted a focused exploration of dairy merchandising that resulted in a 28.8 percent incremental increase in dairy sales for select retailers. Supermarket News wrote about the results. The center's report, “Dairy Meal Solutions: Merchandising Works,” suggested that a permanent display of rotating meal ideas can encourage time-strapped customers to buy more items.

USDA on Tuesday announced its decision on Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office consolidations proposed in January. In total, FSA will consolidate 125 of the 131 offices originally proposed for consolidation with other USDA service centers. The move is consistent with provisions of the 2008 farm bill. The six proposed county offices that will continue operating are: Lafayette County, Arkansas; Boulder County, Colorado; St. Mary Parish, Louisiana; Pamlico County, North Carolina; Mayes County, Oklahoma; and York County, South Carolina.