Kevin Ratka Dairy Technical Sales Specialist Vita Plus Cold Springs, Minnesota

Feeding young calves to their full potential is a growing concept in the U.S. dairy industry. As the practice becomes more widespread, researchers have found that calves raised on a full potential diet:

In this Vita Plus YouTube video, Ann Hoskins, the company's calf products coordinator, outlines how to set the feeding program in an autofeeder system.

Numerous products and feed additives have been used in an effort to improve the health and performance of baby calves. During the past year, we were involved in trials that looked at three ingredients. The additives were bone charcoal, a direct fed microbial (probiotic) and Immunoglobulin Y (IgY).

A letter from Haarvest Farms, who was named plaintiff in the class action Northeast Dairy anti-trust litigation: Opportunity knocks. Help us resist oppression and join the fight for a free milk market.

The Japanese government has begun rationing butter to help evenly distribute an inadequate supply. The Christmas season exasperates the shortage as shoppers seek out butter for traditional treats. The shortage is caused by a combination of factors including inclement weather, an aging farming population and politics.

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.

GEA Farm Technologies introduces the new NCharge Hygiene Production System, a patented technology that combines automation and chemistry.

For U.S. dairy suppliers, continued investment in plants, personnel and products geared specifically for exports are tangible indicators of the industry’s long-term focus on developing and sustaining international markets. Gains in these areas in 2014 underscored that export success demands commitment and a consistent presence.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said a new food safety study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presents a powerful argument against efforts to ease restrictions on the sale of raw milk to consumers.