Biosecurity continues to be a key part of animal production. With the recent ruling by the FDA concerning the rendering of cattle to prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, people raising cattle are looking for alternatives to deal with unexpected animal loss. Many rendering plants throughout the U.S. have recently increased fees related to this ruling or have decided not to render cattle in any form.

Dairy check-off leaders recently announced a new partnership with Dominos to increase pizza sales and the amount of cheese used on pizza.

Increasing U.S. and global pressures are creating a need for individuals involved in animal agriculture to successfully build and communicate an ethical foundation for their operation and engage in value-based communication with the public that builds trust and protects their freedom to operate.

Q. How did the Annual Business Conference get its start? MAYER: The Annual Business Conference is our marquee event.

“To share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed” is the mission the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW) was founded on.

“This summit offers a vision and a hope for a more vibrant dairy industry,” announced Dina Zug, 2009 Dairy Summit chairperson at the opening session on Feb. 11 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

DairyComp 305 (DC305) is an important management tool for producers to collect herd data for use in monitoring performance.

This year’s symposium on bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) hosted almost 200 cattle producers, researchers and practicing technical service and university extension veterinarians.

In response to declining milk prices, dairy cooperatives and organizations are seeking congressional support for relief in a federal economic stimulus package. Letters have also been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reignite some of its economic support programs.

Dairy cooperatives across the country are doing what they can to provide services and benefits to their members. They are implementing different processing and marketing methods, cutting their own expenses and offering tools to members to improve their individual operations.