One thing some farmers do well is preparation for harvest. My father was a small farmer that had as many as 300 acres at one time.

Earlier this summer, the Midwest Dairy Association launched a unique activity through its Facebook page. The application, "Butterfy Yourself," allows users to upload an image of themselves to see themselves scuplted in butter.

Five men, whose vocations included veterinarians, managers and professional hoof trimmers, participated in Iowa State University's Master Hoof Care Program in July. The course took place at the ISU Dairy in Ames, Iowa. Dr. Jan Shearer of the Iowa State, College of Veterinary Medicine, VDPAM was the main instructor for this course.

This summer, NutriDense Silage held its “Web Moo.0” Contest to highlight how the dairy industry is using social media to positively “agvocate” to consumers. Dairy producers were invited to submit videos, photos or blog posts describing their efforts, and fifth-generation Michigan dairy producer Ashley Messing took home the top prize.

Burke and Lisa Larsen of Scottville, Michigan, were selected as the state winning 2010 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators (OYDC). They represented Michigan Milk Producers Association’s (MMPA) District 11 and the Muskegon Local in the annual OYDC conference held Aug. 18-19. Scott and Alissa Ferry of Litchfield, Michigan, were selected as runners-up. They represented Michigan Milk Producers Association’s (MMPA) District 1 and the Hillsdale-Litchfield Local. The Larsens and Ferrys were selected to participate in the program earlier this year by fellow dairy farmers in their district.