If yer a sorry roper, friend, let me commiserate

I have nearly completed my work on the Pakhma Farm here in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia.

In preparing for this annual University Review issue, we sent out a survey to determine trends among universities that are teaching the next generation of dairy industry leaders and companies hiring the newest class of dairy graduates. Now we need your help – dairy producer opinion.

Progressive Dairyman has been awarded the James Flanagan Award by peer judges of the Livestock Publications Council (LPC).

We’re often reminded of change this time of year as outdoor temperatures drop lower, leaves change color and shorts and sandals are exchanged for coats and boots. The change in temperature and weather can negatively impact udder health and, if not handled properly, can wreak havoc on teat ends.

Editor’s note: This is the second of two articles discussing milk pricing. In the last issue, we explained how processors in Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMO) pay different amounts into the pool based on whether their milk will be used to produce fluid milk products (Class I) or manufactured products (Class II, Class III or Class IV).

As a result of our just-completed herd retirement program and recently increased activity under our export assistance program, we have received inquiries from a few producer-members asking about the overall operation of the CWT program. Rather than respond to these inquiries individually, I felt all CWT members would be interested in the nature of the questions and our responses.

Dairy producers and industry representatives from around the globe will converge on Madison, Wisconsin, when World Dairy Expo takes place September 30 – October 4. It is, after all, where the dairy industry meets.

Although parents and teachers have told their students, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” some may still wonder why networking is so important. Trust Jean Kummer and Trent Olson, two college graduates who credit much of their career success to the contacts they have made along the way. “Every interaction you have with people who work in your field leaves an impression,” says Penn State University alumna Jean Kummer. “There’s definitely a window of opportunity to meet with potential employers when in school because they’re looking for bright, eager graduates.”

Despite a recent slump in the economy, agricultural students can plan on a “bright future” in the industry, says Eric Spell, president of AgCareers.com. The recruitment website, which started as a newsprint publication 10 years ago, has become the leading online career portal in the agricultural industry. Spell says more than 1,000 employers use the site throughout a year.