Genex Cooperative Inc. has announced a 35 percent increase in Jersey semen units sold during 2014 compared to 2013.

Western United Dairymen (WUD) along with the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Audubon California announced an innovative new conservation project to boost habitat and outreach work for the threatened tricolored blackbird of California.

The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation (PDPF) board of directors has made its funding decisions for education projects for dairy producers and their communities. The following projects will receive funding:

Elanco today announced it has finalized the acquisition of Novartis Animal Health. The acquisition, announced in April, follows Elanco’s purchase of Lohmann Animal Health earlier in 2014.

Farm Credit East has donated $1,000 in support of The Great American Milk Drive, a national initiative aimed at providing nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most.

Advanced Animal Diagnostics (AAD) announced on Dec. 8 the close of a $15 million Series C round of equity financing. The financing was co-led by Cultivian Sandbox and Kansas Bioscience Authority and included Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp), Middleland Capital and existing investors Intersouth Partners, Novartis Venture Funds and private individuals.

The Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center, a facility of the NH Agricultural Experiment Station (NHAES) at the University of New Hampshire College of Life Sciences and Agriculture (COLSA), has been awarded a 2014 Gold Quality Award by the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA).

Recently, dairy farmers and industry partners gathered in Boise, Idaho, for the United Dairymen of Idaho’s annual meeting. Several awards were given out to honor dairy farmers who have achieved excellence in their industry.

Church & Dwight Co. Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire the assets of Varied Industries Corporation (Vi-COR), a manufacturer and seller of feed ingredients for dairy cows, beef cattle, poultry and other livestock, located in Mason City, Iowa.

Glanbia Foods, the world’s largest American-style cheese manufacturer and one of the largest whey ingredient producers, has announced a major expansion to its manufacturing and production plants in Gooding and Twin Falls, Idaho, projecting an $82 million investment and creating up to 50 new jobs.