Representatives of the U.S. dairy industry announced an agreement to work jointly with a national energy research laboratory to advance the science and best management practices of renewable energy, environmental stewardship and life cycle analysis of dairy systems and processes. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, the Dairy Research Institute and Idaho’s Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) are working to develop a national research program focused on enhancing the economic viability of dairy farms and rural communities.

American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology (AFACT) has joined the Alliance to Feed the Future to help tell the story of modern farming from the heart of the family farmer. AFACT is comprised of farm families from across the country that seek to help all participants in the food chain to understand the benefits of technology used to produce affordable food with minimal impact on the environment. Misperceptions about how food is produced on modern farms are common, and AFACT farmers want consumers to have access to fact-based information that provides peace of mind about how today’s food is produced.

Holstein Association USA’s Star of the Breed award recognizes a cow that would be many Registered Holstein breeders’ “dream;” a cow that can compete with the best both in the showring and with her milk production. The 2010 Star of the Breed is Scarlet-Summer RB Gwendelyn, bred and owned by Scarlet Summer Holsteins of Muncy, Pennsylvania. Scarlet Summer Holsteins is comprised of Jarrod and Marsha Burleigh, and their two children, Alex, 7, and Madison, 4. Both graduates of Delaware Valley College, Jarrod is a nutritionist with ADM, and Marsha works at the farm full-time.

Genex Cooperative, Inc.’s 1HO07235 Jenny-Lou Mrshl TOYSTORY-ET *TV is now the world’s most prolific bull. He has assumed the honorary title of world leader for semen produced and sold surpassing the official record of 1.767 million units held by the Dutch sire Sunny Boy.

Mallorie Harris Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Territory Manager Animart, Inc.

Novus International, Inc. on Tuesday cut the ribbon commemorating the opening of its newly expanded Novus Arkansas facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Novus Arkansas site was developed in the Little Rock Riverport Industrial Park in 2006 to manufacture MHA feed supplement, a dry, granular powder that provides an effective and environmentally friendly source of methionine, an essential amino acid in premixes and farm feed mills. MHA provides benefits to laying hens and other livestock and companion animals.

Penn State Dairy Alliance – the industry’s source for educational programming based on unbiased Penn State dairy research – is getting a new name, announced Dr. Terry Etherton, head of Penn State’s Department of Dairy and Animal Science. Penn State Dairy Alliance will now be known as the Penn State Extension Dairy Team, a name that reflects the growth of the unit to include Penn State Extension educators. “The Dairy Alliance name is changing, but the program’s reputation for excellence in educational programming will remain unchanged,” Etherton explained.

Since the first of the year, more than 180 dairy producers across the Midwest have gone to Midwest Dairy Association’s Producer Service Center for help with their promotion needs. More importantly, the materials and services they received helped them reach more than 70,000 consumers. With June Dairy Month approaching, access to what the Center offers becomes even more important. Dairy farm families hosting events or helping industry partners honor the industry have a direct line to free items that range from “I Met a Dairy Farmer” stickers to plastic sheeting for parade floats, fact sheets about farm practices, and camera-ready graphics and copy for advertisements. Other free items include recipe brochures, videos, exhibit booths and a coloring pad for kids.

Since its introduction in 2008, genomics has significantly changed how dairy cattle breeders choose sires and make matings for the next generation. In fact, genomics has likely made the biggest impact on dairy cattle selection in Holsteins, Jerseys and Brown Swiss since the introduction of genetic evaluations nearly five decades ago. With any new science, there are opportunities and concerns as it is incorporated into the dairy operation. To help breeders better understand the impact of genomics and how the technology may fit into their breeding program, the Wisconsin Holstein Association will be hosting a forum to discuss this pressing matter. The town hall meeting will take place on Thursday, July 21, at 1 p.m. at the Rib River Ballroom located at 3237 State Highway 29, Marathon, Wisconsin. The four genomic specialists will provide the opportunity for dairy producers throughout the Midwest to ask questions and get answers regarding genomics. All interested in dairy genetics are welcome to attend the afternoon event.