, represented by California dairy producer Nancy Grossi, and , represented by Michigan dairy producer Ashley Messing.

The National FFA Organization has selected 50 outstanding young people to participate in the 2011 New Century Farmer program. This exclusive, highly competitive program develops young men and women committed to pursuing a career in production agriculture.

Progressive Dairyman is excited to bring you a second year of the Ice Cream Flavor Face-Off. This year, 16 competitors battle it out for the title of champion flavor. Learn about South Dakota State Raspberry Cheesecake, represented by Minnesota dairy producer Shannon Seifert, and Blue Bell Buttered Pecan, represented by El Lechero Editor Dario Martinez.

The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) is conducting a first-of-its-kind study on the health and management practices of custom heifer-rearing operations in the U.S. The "Dairy Heifer Raiser 2011" study will include data from custom heifer raisers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Mechanicsburg FFA of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, has been named Grand Champion in the Weeding out Hunger FFA Video Challenge. Mechanicsburg competed against four National FFA chapters representing Tennessee, Colorado, Ohio and North Carolina for the title and the $3,000 grand prize.

Animal health and nutrition industry leader Novus International, Inc. announced a number of changes in the company’s organizational structure, and the promotions of a select group of its executive team. Under the new structure, five units will report directly to Novus International President and CEO Thad Simons.

A Missouri FFA chapter has won the grand prize worth more than $8,000 in a seven-state competition that encouraged FFA chapters to connect with farmers in their local communities. West Plains High School’s FFA chapter won the 2011 FFA Chapter Challenge, a pilot competition sponsored by Monsanto. The chapter will be able to send six students and an adult advisor on an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2011 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. The chapter will also receive $1,500 in credit with the National FFA Organization to help pay for FFA-related activities and expenses throughout the year.

The North American Farm Show Council announced that it has changed its name to Farm Show Council at the organization's annual meeting that was held recently in Charlotte, North Carolina. The change comes in an effort to modify the scope of what the Council has become, and to include international partners.

Holstein Association USA is proud to announce nine U.S Registered Holstein herds that have qualified for the 2011 Herd of Excellence recognition. These herds have all achieved the rigorous criteria to qualify for this honor, as follows: must be 25 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent (ME) for milk, fat, and protein; must have classified within the last year and have an actual average classification score of 83 points or higher; must have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and must be enrolled in the Association’s TriStar program.