Here are some of the new products or updates to previous products that have been announced as of December 27, 2011. Return to this section of the Progressive Dairyman website periodically to find out what new products will be impacting the dairy industry.

Kevin Abernathy Turlock, California Director of Regulatory Affairs Milk Producers Council (MPC)

Alden R. Bowman Pequea, Pennsylvania Regional Sales Manager Nutrition Physiology Company

Steve Vale Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Vice President of Sales and Marketing Vets Plus, Inc.

One of the most difficult questions every Christmas for horse lovers is what to get for that family member that brings you the most joy, is always there when you need him and understands you better than anyone … No, not your horse clinician, barista or Pilates personal trainer. It is Equus domesticus propios, your horse. This is not to diminish your affection for your hubby or ex-hubby, children, parents or gal pals – but in those relationships it is you who gives the most. You calm their fears, rub their necks, let them cry on your shoulder, lend them your ear and you are always there, a cornerstone in their lives.

Government is too big. Taxes are too high. And the private sector is the best resource for developing jobs and innovation. There, I said ’em. Three of the biggest assertions you’ll hear over the next several months while listening to candidates running for Congress and the White House in 2012. Truth be told, I can’t fault politicians and policy wonks for throwing out those haymakers. Heck, I’m probably one of the biggest advocates for keeping government excess in check.

Reproductive technology presence in the beef industry is low because of time, labor, cost and lack of facilities.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez has ordered the immediate nationalization of the British agricultural company Agroflora – a subsidiary of Britain’s Vestey Group, which focuses on commercial beef production. During a live broadcast from a state-controlled television channel, the Venezuelan president announced that the company’s nearly 500,000 acres of land would be expropriated and brought under “direct operational and administrative control” of the state through the Venezuelan Food Security and Sovereignty Law.