It's not often in Vermont dairy country that temperatures soar into the 90s, with high humidity. When they do, farmers make sure their cows have plenty of water and shade. And they know to expect less milk. That's what they were doing as a sweltering summer heat wave continued, with forecasters calling for it to last into the weekend.

Plan now to join growers and producers from around the country at the 2012 Dairy Calf & Heifer Conference, March 20-21, in Visalia, California, centrally located in California's dairy country. Nearly 90 percent of attendees at this year's Dairy Calf & Heifer Conference (attendance was up 30 percent and it received rave reviews) said they would recommend the DCHA Conference to fellow growers and producers.

The Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW) has declared August as Hispanic Training Month and, at the suggestion of its Hispanic advisory committee, will be offering three workshops – taught totally in Spanish – for Hispanic dairy workers. In addition, in September, PDPW will offer an exclusive workshop for Hispanic Supervisors. It will also be taught in Spanish.

For more than a quarter of a century, Great Bend, Kansas, has been known in the agricultural community for its quality facilities, dedicated volunteers, and outstanding exhibitors who have participated in the biennial farm show held every even numbered year at the Great Bend Expo Complex. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development is now pleased to announce its plans for a new, annual show called The Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo to be held the second week of every April.

Grazing animals and stewardship of grazing lands will be the topics discussed at the 11th Nebraska Grazing Conference in Kearney, Nebraska, next month. The conference will run from Aug. 9-10 at the Kearney Holiday Inn and Convention Center.

Horizon Organic announced the recipients of the 2011 Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) scholarships, which were established to encourage young people to enter the field of organic agriculture. Each recipient will receive $2,500 toward their education. “This year marks Horizon’s 20th anniversary, and we’re proud to celebrate 20 years of transitioning farmers to organic; making products that are healthier for families; advancing organic farming practices; and protecting the integrity of the organic seal,” said Mike Ferry, Horizon Organic president. “As more and more consumers seek nutritious food options made without the use of pesticides, added hormones, and antibiotics, the importance of building the next generation of organic dairy leaders is critical. These young men and women are the future of organic agriculture, and we’re proud to be able to help support their education with the HOPE Scholarship.”

A federal judge in Vermont is considering whether to approve a settlement that would require dairy processor Dean Foods Co. to pay Northeast farmers and their attorneys $30 million to settle antitrust allegations in a class-action lawsuit.

Producers and veterinarians seeking help in avoiding meat and milk drug residues have a solution in the new Residue Free Guarantee backing five leading anti-infective brands from Pfizer Animal Health. As part of its continued commitment to responsible antibiotic use and milk and meat drug residue avoidance, the company introduces the new guarantee along with a website.