The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) applaud the passage Wednesday by the House and Senate of three free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Panama and Colombia. “We wish to thank President Obama and his trade team, and leaders in both houses of Congress, who worked hard in recent months to make these favorable votes possible,” said Jerry Kozak, president and chief executive officer of NMPF.

A summer of drought that wilted pastures and alfalfa fields has spawned record high-hay prices this fall and looming shortages to feed cattle this winter. The dairy industry is feeling the misery most keenly, with intense demand for top-quality hay at the same time milk prices are slipping.

This year's World Dairy Expo, themed "Around the World of Dairy in 5 Days," featured some of the world's most progressive operations through farm tours (both virtual and in person) and some of the most progressive ideas and research through seminars and discussions. The Progressive Dairyman team looks forward to the show each year and was excited to bring the map for a second year, featuring both the United States and an international section. A camera captured an image of the map every minute (seriously!) during the show. Check out the video below to see the map coverage progression over the course of the week. PD Can you spot yourself in the video? Leave a comment below with your name and a time stamp (ex: Sarah at 1:23), and we'll send you a Proud to Dairy hat!

DeLaval hosted a group of dairy producers for three days during last week's World Dairy Expo. On Tuesday, October 8, attendees spent the day touring four dairy operations, each with a different milking equipment setup.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is suing Jerome Cheese Company for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act. In the civil complaint, filed in Boise's U.S. District Court last week, The EPA contends that the Davisco Foods International-owned Jerome Cheese Company in southern Idaho dumped waste water containing pollutants into an irrigation system that eventually flows into the Snake River.

The Minnesota Board of Animal Health today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Minnesota’s application for statewide bovine Tuberculosis (TB) Free status, effective October 4, 2011. The approval comes six years after the discovery of an infected beef herd in July 2005. In recent years, status downgrades have been the cause of increased testing and movement requirements for Minnesota cattle, both in-state and out. With U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval, the status upgrade will bring relief to most Minnesota cattle producers.

Animal Welfare Approved announces the opening of the first Animal Welfare Approved Restaurant, Grazin', in Hudson, New York. Grazin' is the first restaurant in the U.S. using only Animal Welfare Approved meat, eggs and dairy products. Restaurants can only earn the distinction of being an "Animal Welfare Approved Restaurant" if all meat, dairy and egg products are from Animal Welfare Approved farms.

President Barack Obama has submitted to Congress three pending free trade agreements (FTAs) with South Korea, Panama and Colombia. The dairy industry, including DFA, has urged for the passage of these FTAs for several years. The U.S. dairy sector is expected to see significant gains from each of these agreements, particularly the FTA with South Korea.

The Grand Champion Holstein, Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy, paraded across the colored shavings to win Supreme Champion honors at the 2011 World Dairy Expo. Missy is owned by Morsan, Van Ruinen Dairy, M Butz and G Andreasen. The cow is sired by Braedale Goldwyn. Supreme Champion Cow is awarded the Gregory Blaska Memorial Trophy. The Supreme Champion receives a $1,500 Cash Award from BouMatic, a royal blanket courtesy of Agpro, Inc., Paris, Texas and a director’s chair sponsored by Royal Brand Embroidery, Ellsworth, Wisconsin.