Celebrating its 10th year, the North American Manure Expo will focus on “Professional Manure Management” with a wide variety of presentations to occur throughout the day. The expo combines three attractions – technology demonstrations, educational events and trade show – into a one-day national event. Beginning in 2001, the University of Wisconsin was approached by several custom manure applicators from around the region requesting a show that provides a side-by-side comparison of agitation and application equipment to help determine which best meets individual needs. From this request, the first show was born in August of 2001 near Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin.

Tammy Anderson-Wise has been named chief executive officer of Dairy Council of California (Dairy Council of CA) by the organization’s producer-distributor board of directors. Anderson-Wise was formerly director of program services for Dairy Council of CA, managing its school programs. She has been with the organization 15 years. She replaces Peggy Biltz, who is retiring after spending 27 years with Dairy Council of CA, 22 as chief executive officer.

Hazel-Bush Flap Flower has claimed the title of Holstein Association USA’s 2011 Star of the Breed, given annually to one Holstein cow that not only excels in the showring but is also an exceptional milk producer. Flower was bred by Hazel Bush Farms, Inc., of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and is owned by 22-year-old Beth Nelson of Blair, Wisconsin.

Organizers have spent the past several months planning the first annual Gunnison Valley Dairy Days. They are inviting the public to "come have an 'udderly' amazing time in small town Gunnison, Utah." Dairy Days will take place May 31 through June 2 on the Gunnison Valley High School football fields. Events include an antique tractor show, petting zoo, cow milking games, softball and archery tournament, concert, dance and fireworks. Youth are invited to participate in a dairy cattle judging contest. A dairy ambassador – Miss Gunnison Valley Dairy Days – will be crowned and receive a $650 scholarship.

Corn prices are moderating for both the current crop year and for 2012/13. The corn price is projected to be $5.95 to $6.25 a bushel in 2011/12, a decline from April’s projected price and to slip to $4.20 to $5.00 a bushel next year. Higher corn plantings and higher expected yield could lead to a record-high corn supply in 2012/13 despite tight carryin stocks. The recent Crop Progress report showed a crop well ahead of average development for this time of year.

Indiana's Fair Oaks Farms will complete its switch this summer from fossil fuels to a renewable fuel made from cow manure, reported The Times of Northwest Indiana. A cleaning system is being shipped from New Zealand to be installed at Fair Oaks Farms' anaerobic digester to to scrub out the carbon dioxide. (The digester already produces enough energy to power a 1 megawatt generator for the dairies.) Click here to read Progressive Dairyman's previous article about Fair Oaks Farms' plans for biomethane.

About 2.7 billion low-income consumers in developing countries are the dairy industry’s next big growth opportunity, according to Tetra Pak research. Click here to view Tetra Pak's Dairy Index, which tracks facts and trends in the global dairy industry. The food processing and packaging company said the opportunity arises from an expected increase in prosperity, purchasing power and desire for packaged liquid dairy products (LDP).

The Annual Summer Meltdown Celebration, sponsored by Accelerated Genetics' Young Producer Program, is set for Saturday, June 9 at Knigge Farms in Omro, Wisconsin. Click here to watch a video invitation to the event.