In an effort to make managing the 20-section ranch more efficient, the boss bought Jake a Ranger, a 4-wheel drive muscle car ATV.

The accumulation of wet snow collapsed a section of a dairy barn February 27 in the Madison County town of Fenner, trapping 50 to 60 cattle inside.

As we traveled from cold, winter climates to a warmer central California, we were disappointed by cool, rainy weather that greeted us when we arrived. But as a world of agriculture opened before us, we popped up our umbrellas, determined our shoes could withstand some mud and embarked on a few exciting days at World Ag Expo. The event was held February 9-11 in Tulare, California. With more than 1,600 exhibitors across 2.6 million square feet, it is the world’s largest agricultural exposition.

At least once each year we specifically discuss the topic of cow comfort. This is one of those issues. Our tradition for the last three years has been to feature cover photos from dairies where our editors have personally observed exceptional cow comfort. Dairies that have been featured in the past include Hoffland Dairy in Clayton, Michigan, and Milk Unlimited Dairy Farms in Atlantic, Iowa.

Erin Jones, a 20-year-old from Homer, New York, recently became Proud to Dairy’s 300th member and was awarded a free hat. She is also gaining national attention for her “agvocation” on Facebook.

The early 18th century saw a social upheaval in England. Historians estimate that half of the population depended in part upon charity to survive. A class war was very much in place. Early in that century, Parliament legislated capital punishment for servants who stole. At the same time, some rich were themselves into theft.

Place yourself in the position of playing in, coaching or watching a sporting event. Let’s say you are watching a basketball game. Now imagine that for whatever reason you do not know the score. Think about how that would impact how you would feel. One reaction for most of us would be frustration. We would not know how to react to what each team was doing, nor would we know what they should be doing. We would not know who is winning.

Most dairies should have a document that defines the way the dairy operates, a comprehensive plan that explains how all jobs are done on the dairy. These are the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the dairy.

Milk protein concentrates (MPCs) have recently become a hot topic in discussions about dairy trade and tariffs. This month’s poll seeks to show producers both sides of the debate. Should foreign MPCs be allowed to be used in U.S. foods? If you have comments or points of view that you think need to be discussed, please vote and let us know. Producer comments will be shared in the next two issues of Progressive Dairyman.