The accumulation of wet snow collapsed a section of a dairy barn February 27 in the Madison County town of Fenner, trapping 50 to 60 cattle inside.

As we traveled from cold, winter climates to a warmer central California, we were disappointed by cool, rainy weather that greeted us when we arrived. But as a world of agriculture opened before us, we popped up our umbrellas, determined our shoes could withstand some mud and embarked on a few exciting days at World Ag Expo. The event was held February 9-11 in Tulare, California. With more than 1,600 exhibitors across 2.6 million square feet, it is the world’s largest agricultural exposition.

Milk protein concentrates (MPCs) have recently become a hot topic in discussions about dairy trade and tariffs. This month’s poll seeks to show producers both sides of the debate. Should foreign MPCs be allowed to be used in U.S. foods? If you have comments or points of view that you think need to be discussed, please vote and let us know. Producer comments will be shared in the next two issues of Progressive Dairyman.

In 2009, Pfizer Animal Health contributed more than $1.3 million to support FFA programs and help fund the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Foundation/Pfizer Veterinary Student Scholarships through a unique partnership with veterinarians, animal health suppliers and dealers. Today, Pfizer announces the same program is available for 2010 through March 31.

Dairy producers and industry professionals at the 2010 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit looked for opportunities and strategies to plan for a new year. After reflecting on a difficult 2009 for the industry, the outlook for the future was optimistic. On the schedule were some of the key issues facing the dairy industry now: feeding a growing population, planning for the future of the business, reacting to the media and growing the market for dairy products.

Joan Gothard Area Sales Manger at CRV USA in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Territory: Wisconsin joan.gothard@gmail.com

Dennis Devore Regional Representative Holstein Association USA Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Ed Salettel Client Services Manager Animart Territory: USA and International

Callie Unruh Regional Representative Holstein Association USA Education I graduated in May 2009 from Kansas State University with a degree in animal science with an emphasis in business. While at Kansas State I took as many dairy courses as possible, as well as participated in Dairy Challenge and dairy judging. It was judging that helped me better evaluate cattle as well as being able to support my opinion. Background/Experience I grew up on my family farm, Prairie-Sun Holsteins, where we milk 45 registered Holsteins. I was actively involved in 4-H as well as the Kansas Junior Holstein Association where I exhibited cattle at local, state and national levels. I learned at a young age the responsibilities of caring for my animals, and as I became older I was able to be more involved with the genetics and breeding of my own cow family. I have a strong passion for the dairy industry, which is why I was determined to be a part of it after graduation. What are your new responsibilities? My responsibilities include helping with registrations, transfers, tags and the software programs Holstein Association provides. I provide a link between the producers and headquarters in Brattleboro, Vermont, by answering any questions that customers or the office might have concerning a particular account. I also have the pleasure of attending Holstein-related events in my territory such as state conventions, meetings and shows. How will you be of most help to producers in your area of expertise? I believe my area of expertise is training producers how to use the EASY ID computer program to register their cattle. Since I have been registering my own cattle with this program I have a good understanding of how it works and how to explain it to others. EASY ID is a great way for producers to get their animals registered at 3 months old or less, which in return saves them money. Most importantly, I will continue to be enthusiastic and look for ways to better improve the dairy industry. What’s your best story from the first day on the job? My first week on the job consisted of riding around with my supervisor and working the Minnesota State Fair. As the new kid on the block, I got the job of being the “noise maker” for the class winners being pictured. I am sure it was fairly entertaining to watch me jumping around and making animal noises. Plus, nothing beats talking with producers and looking at good cattle! PD "The fact that I get to work with registered animals and the people who make these cows their livelihood is a great feeling. I always feel at home no matter what farm I am visiting."