Cooperative Resources International (CRI) has entered an agreement with Lusogenes, a subsidiary of Portugal’s national cattle improvement organization, in support of their efforts to further enhance genetic improvement in Portuguese dairy and beef cattle. CRI, together with French partner Amelis, will assist Lusogenes through delivery of genetics and technical consulting.

Pfizer Inc. has announced the next steps in the strategic alternatives review process for the company's Animal Health business. Preparations are underway to file a registration statement in the U.S. for a potential initial public offering (IPO) of a minority ownership stake in the new company. Pfizer expects to provide details regarding the proposed transaction as part of its 2012 second quarter earnings announcement.

Heather Porter Engwall, director of National Product Communications for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, shares information on the Dairy Days of Summer with PD Editor Karen Lee. This micro site was developed to direct anyone living in or visiting Wisconsin to the many dairy-related events taking place in the state. PD Can't get enough June Dairy Month? Click here to search our site for related articles.

The Balchem Corporation has announced its decision to voluntarily suspend the manufacturing and marketing of AminoShure-L (52% lysine), a highly concentrated, encapsulated source of lysine for dairy cow rations. Recent research indicates that the lysine bioavailability of AminoShure-L is lower than originally projected, and the company has determined that it does not meet internal standards.

Genex Cooperative, Inc., presented “Excellence in Reproduction” awards honoring Genex members and customers for outstanding reproductive performance within their dairy herds. “In its first year, this award program received nominations from Genex and AgSource Cooperative Services representatives across the nation for nearly 50 herds, all of which were reproductive award-winning caliber herds,” explains Kristi Fiedler, Genex national account specialist manager.

Who is the best person to share agriculture’s story? I am a firm believer that farmers’ best spokespeople are actually themselves. And more than ever before, the public is hungry (no pun intended) for information about where their food comes from. Thankfully, the Internet has made it easier than ever before for farmers and ranchers to highlight the importance of what they do with folks thousands of miles away. Blogs are a very popular way for people to learn and share. More than 345 million people read blogs hosted by Wordpress.com, a popular blogging platform, each month.

Hazel-Bush Flap Flower has claimed the title of Holstein Association USA’s 2011 Star of the Breed, given annually to one Holstein cow that not only excels in the showring but is also an exceptional milk producer. Flower was bred by Hazel Bush Farms, Inc., of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, and is owned by 22-year-old Beth Nelson of Blair, Wisconsin.