Despite the economic and cultural significance of dairy farming in Wisconsin, the state continues to lose small and mid-sized dairy farms. New farmers are not entering the industry at rates that offset the loss of retiring producers. In a state where the average age of primary operators is 55, the question of how to bring new farmers into dairy farming is becoming increasingly urgent. The GrassWorks Apprenticeship Program answers this question by establishing a new institutionally supported career path for beginning farmers.

South Dakota State University professor Erin Cortus was named the 2010 Dr. Sherwood and Elizabeth Berg Award winner. Cortus is an assistant professor in SDSU’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering and joined SDSU in June 2008. She has participated in successful grant applications totaling more than $790,000, including one proposal where she was the principal investigator. She works as a contributor to the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study, and she has mentored nine undergraduate students and continues to serve the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service as a specialist in the area of air quality and waste management.

Click a link below to see updates on Cattle from a specific issue of Progressive Dairyman. Issue 18 2012: December 11, 2012 Issue 17 2012: November 21, 2012 Issue 16 2012: November 1, 2012 Issue 15 2012: October 11, 2012 Issue 14 2012: September 21, 2012 Issue 13 2012: September 1, 2012 Issue 12 2012: August 11, 2012 Issue 11 2012: July 21, 2012 Issue 10 2012: July 1, 2012 Issue 9 2012: June 11,2012 Issue 8 2012: May 21, 2012 Issue 7 2012: May 1, 2012 Issue 6 2012: April 11, 2012 Issue 5 2012: March 21, 2012 Issue 4 2012: March 1, 2012 Issue 3 2012: February 11, 2012 Issue 2 2012: January 21, 2012 Issue 1 2012: January 1, 2012

Midwest Dairy Association, the producer-funded checkoff organization that works to increase sales, foster innovation and inspire consumer confidence in dairy products and practices, recently underwent an organizational realignment. The new structure, which welcomes Chuck Cruickshank as the new senior vice president of industry relations to the staff, positions Midwest Dairy to better serve the future needs of Midwest dairy producers and the industry.

The Idaho Dairy Herd Improvement Association recently held its annual meeting at the River Rock Grill in Twin Falls, Idaho. Approximately 15 members and guests were present. Susan Lee, Idaho DHIA’s current president, called the meeting to order at 11:30 a.m. Lee gave a brief review of the meeting agenda. The minutes for the previous annual meeting were then reviewed by the present members.