Select Milk Producers Inc. and Continental Dairy Products Inc. announced their merger Sept. 2, retroactively effective Sept. 1. They will continue to operate as Select Milk Producers Inc.

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, established under the leadership of dairy farmers, is now accepting nominations for the 2015 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards. The awards recognize outstanding dairy farms, businesses and partnerships for socially responsible, economically viable and environmentally sound practices.

The American Jersey Cattle Association is requesting proposals for research projects addressing significant issues relative to the Jersey breed of cattle and Jersey owners. Successful proposals will receive seed grants from the AJCC Research Foundation.

Accelerated Genetics has announced AMP Genetics, which they called "the most complete genomic testing service in the industry" in a news release.

GEA Farm Technologies has announced a strategic alliance with Lauren AgriSystems Ltd. to become the exclusive global distributor of Lauren's patented Tri-Circle milking liners, DairyGrade silicone milk hose and other supporting products September 1, 2014.

Rock River Laboratory, Inc. has opened a new feed analysis laboratory in Colby, Wisconsin. The new lab offers feedstuff analysis support, and logistical analysis for consultants, nutritionists and partner companies located in north central Wisconsin.

• The Wisconsin Holstein Association awarded 18 scholarships to young members studying agriculture or a related field at a two-year or four-year university. The outstanding members will be recognized at the 2015 Wisconsin Junior Holstein Convention.

A marketing campaign introducing retail-based “Seriously Sustainable Stations” for consumer education, interwoven with social media, contests and merchandise, received the finalist award in the USJersey Sustainability Marketing Contest.

Igenity-Select isa new genomic test andthe latest addition to the Neogen Corporation's Dairy Heifer Program, which reveals a heifer’s genetic potential well before breeding. It's described by the company as a lower-cost option that provides producers with information selected to be of most use to commercial dairy farms.