Earlier this week the U.S-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, or Colombia TPA, entered into force, opening new possibilities for U.S. trade with the third-largest economy in Central and South America. The Colombia TPA is expected to boost U.S. dairy exports through immediate open and unlimited access for most whey and lactose products, as well as duty-free access for sizable amounts of cheese and skim milk powder, among other dairy products. The estimated benefit to the U.S. dairy industry over the first several years of the implemented agreement is an additional $25 million in exports per year, according to an International Dairy Foods Association news release.

Custom harvesters are making their way to the Southern Plains, preparing for a busy winter wheat harvest. Once again, these harvesters are facing a unique regulatory burden. Without a Hazardous Material endorsement on a Class A Commercial Drivers License, operators can only haul 119 gallons of fuel. The U.S. Custom Harvesters Association (USCHI) is seeking a legislative fix to this regulatory burden.

2012 Southeastern Hay Contest rules and entry form now available
Think you produce some of the best forage quality in the Southeast? Prove it! Enter your hay or baleage into the 2012 Southeastern Hay Contest and compete with other Southeastern producers for the title of Best in Class. For more information and contest entry forms, click here.

Georgia Forages Photo Contest
Dennis Hancock, forage specialist with the University of Georgia, is pleased to announce the 2012 Georgia Forages Photo Contest.

  Rex Herring works in a county that was among the hardest hit by Arkansas 2011's drought. He’s grateful for the early start this year. “We’re 30 days ahead of the norm,” he said on the last day of April, by which time Herring had already helped put up dozens of bales of hay on his father’s Polk County farm. “I’m going to have 200 to 300 rolls in this first cutting.”

A century ago, bovine tuberculosis (TB) was responsible for more losses among U.S. farm animals than all other infectious diseases combined. Since state and federal agencies started tracking and eradication procedures in 1917, the disease has mostly been eliminated, but pockets of breakouts throughout the U.S. remain serious and costly for livestock producers. A year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Veterinary Services released “Assessment of Pathways for the Introduction and Spread of Mycobacterium bovis in the United States – a study of the condition based on 2009 conditions.” The study found that the biggest risk factors are the importation of cattle into the U.S. – both legal and illegal – and exposure to wildlife.

We have seen a lot of poor spring green-up in bermudagrass in the Southeast. Almost the exact same scenario is showing up all over Georgia, Alabama and North and South Carolina -- that I know of, and I'm sure it is happening elsewhere, too. There are several issues that are at play here.

A comprehensive study that evaluates the nation’s efforts to enhance beef quality is nearing completion. Results will be distributed at the cattle industry’s summer conference in July. The 2011 National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA), conducted every five years since 1991, assesses progress the industry makes on a variety of production issues that ultimately affect consumer demand for beef.

Summer is here and temperatures are soaring throughout the country. If you are sweating up a storm while working on your dairy, imagine how your cows feel. What methods are you using to mitigate the summer heat and its effects on your herd? Whether you provide your cows with shade, install fans or misters, or use a combination of these options on your dairy operation, make sure cow cooling is a top priority, especially during the summer months. In this article, Progressive Dairyman has asked companies that provide cow cooling products for updates on existing products or new offerings available to producers. Continue reading to see what company representatives had to say.