Novus International Inc. launched a new interactive sustainability website enhancing visibility for the company’s sustainability initiatives worldwide. The easily navigable website takes visitors through Novus’ extensive and detailed sustainability program.

The nation’s top public health organization needs to stand firm in the face of mounting pressures to further legalize the direct sale to consumers of a potentially dangerous product:raw milk, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said today, as it urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) not to waver in the face of pressure tactics from raw milk supporters. Those supporters were out in force today at the FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, urging FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg to cease federal efforts to ban the trafficking in raw milk sales across state lines. Current FDA law prohibits the interstate sales of raw milk, although the majority of states allow some form of in-state sales and/or distribution of raw milk.

The Dairy Research Institute, through the support of America’s dairy farmers and importers, announced a new product competition that provides students with an opportunity to develop innovative dairy products in line with current industry and consumer insights.

Profit margins for dairy producers have remained relatively steady over the past few months since our last update in July. While the forward margins themselves have not changed much, movement in the individual markets has been significant. From a historical standpoint, margins remain below average within the context of the past five years, although they are positive through Q3 of 2012. Given this outlook, it will be important for producers to carefully manage their forward profitability such that they preserve a positive margin without giving up the opportunity to participate in stronger returns should that materialize over time.

The Wisconsin Dairy Business Association (DBA) 12th Annual Business Conference is scheduled for Nov. 29-30 at the Concourse Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. This year’s event provides a key opportunity for dairy producers, processors and other industry professionals to join and collectively review market trends, legislative news and other developments that impact the state’s $26billion dairy industry.

Ecolab Inc. was presented with the 2011 International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Innovation Sustainability Award for its recently introduced Envirocid Plus CIP (clean-in-place) cleaner at the International Dairy Show in Atlanta, Georgia. Envirocid Plus is a zero-phosphorus, low-nitrate acid CIP cleaner that was recognized for helping processing plants manage their effluent and operating costs while improving their sustainability profile.

Restaurant industry rallies consumers against rising dairy prices Canadians believe they’re getting milked when it comes to the high cost of dairy in this country, with 73 percent reporting that the cost of the staple food is increasing.

When farmers need to check honey prices so they can decide whether to sell, there's been a report for that. And when catfish and sheep farmers want to check production in their industries, there've been reports for that, too. The U.S. Agriculture Department has kept tabs for decades on a wide range of agricultural industries that generate billions of dollars for the U.S. economy. But that's about to change, as the agency eliminates some reports and reduces the frequency of others to save millions of dollars in tight budget times.

Waupun Equipment is hosting a hay drive to benefit farmers and ranchers in the Oklahoma and Texas drought areas. Due to the severe drought conditions in Texas and Oklahoma, ranchers are in a very difficult position when it comes to providing feed for their cattle. Many have been forced to sell off their entire herds due to lack of rain and extreme heat, which is causing wells to run dry and hay ground to turn to dust. We would like your help in reaching out to our Southern neighbors and easing their burden. Waupun Equipment has partnered with Dart Hay Service to send semi loads of hay from our area to ranchers on the Oklahoma/Texas border. We are asking for members of the community to help out by donating large square bales of hay or by sending monetary donations. Donations of any amount of hay or money are accepted and appreciated.