Lynn Reed Pampa, Texas Regional Manager TechMix, Inc.

Joseta Halbur Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Dairy Sanitation Division Manager ANIMART, Inc.

Hitting the headlines at World Dairy Expo last year was the launch of the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management. This voluntary, nationwide program, administered by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), aims to bring consistency and uniformity to animal care through education, on-farm evaluations and objective third-party verification. At the 2009 press conference, it was publicized that on-farm evaluations would begin in 2010; third-party verification would follow in 2011. Now, 11 months later, the organization has formally announced that it is accepting enrollment in the Animal Care Program. This officially launches the second phase of the implementation process, which includes the start of on-farm evaluations for participating producers.

The most talked-about food at World Dairy Expo is Badger Dairy Club’s grilled cheese sandwiches. The club’s 139 members are students at the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a passion for dairy. Each member is required to put in at least five hours in the grilled cheesestand during the show, while some will put in more than 60 hours during the week. Proceeds from sales at the stand go towards scholarships for club members, club trips, cash flow for the bi-annual Badger Invitational Sale and community projects such as the showmanship contest at the Holstein Spring Show and donations to other dairy organizations. Learn more about the club at www.badgerdairyclub.com