BouMatic (BM) welcomes Progressive Dairy Service (PDS) and ProStar Dairy Service (PSDS) as new authorized dealers for Idaho. Both companies have almost 50 combined years of experience in the dairy equipment business. PDS and PSDS offer end-to-end installation support for retrofit and new milking parlors, high quality hygiene and sanitation products and supplies support combined with superior milking systems service.

You selected the best bulls to ensure the future of your dairy, but what happens in the first hours when the calves are born is what really ensures their genetics will reach their full potential. When was the last time you did a self-audit of your calving pen and reviewed the protocols for receiving newborns? Here is a list every producer should check before calving season and on a regular basis.

This article was #6 of the Top 25 most well-read articles on www.progressivedairy.com in 2014. It was published in the Dec. 2, 2013 Extra e-newsletter. Dr. Noah Litherland offered 10 tips for managing calves in cold weather. One of his tips was to provide a proper nest. Calves should not be found lying completely on top of bedding. They should be able to nest down in, ideally with no legs visible.

The eighth annual Southern Regional Dairy Challenge, Nov. 17-19, attracted 51 students from 11 universities and colleges to the event hosted by the Louisiana State University.

American Agri-Women (AAW) elected its executive board and recognized outstanding contributors at its 38th annual convention in Niagara Falls, New York. Sue McCrum of Mars Hill, Maine, will serve as president in 2014-2015. AAW is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women representing more than 50 state, commodity and agribusiness affiliates. The 38th annual convention included meetings in Niagara Falls as well as meetings and tours in Ontario, Canada, which were sponsored by several Canadian ag groups.