A distinguished veterinarian – Elmer Woelffer – was inducted into the Cattle Production Veterinarian Hall of Fame (CPVHOF). The honor recognizes his exceptional contributions to the practice of veterinary medicine in the dairy cattle industry. CPVHOF was established in 2011 to recognize the rich traditions of production veterinary medicine and honor the distinguished individuals who have made lasting contributions to the profession.

The 2013 World Dairy Expo welcomed more than 70,000 people to Madison, Wisconsin. The Progressive Dairyman team was one of more than 840 companies that exhibited at the show. On the shavings, the Holstein Grand Champion Bonaccueil Maya Goldwyn, exhibited by Ty-D Holsteins, Drolet & Fils, Ferne Jacobs, A.&R. Boulet Inc. of Cap-Sante, Quebec, Canada, took home the Supreme Champion title.

Easton, Maryland-based Papillon Agricultural Co. is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Founded by Tom Haschen in 1983, the company provides propriety products and customer service for the dairy feed industry in the U.S. and in more than a dozen other countries. It has manufacturing capabilities in New York and Wisconsin as well as seven strategically located warehouses.

Cow comfort has always been top priority at Sugar Creek Farms LLC, says one of the owners, Mike Bruette. The New London, Wisconsin, operation has used sand bedding for its 1,200-head herd and made an effort to keep hooves dry and clean at all times. “I think the sand bedding helps keep hooves dry and offers better footing in getting up and laying down,” Bruette says.

“Two for the price of one” is a common marketing scheme to tempt consumers to buy a product. After all, who wouldn’t want twice the value at half the cost? Unfortunately, in the case of dairy cow twinning, it’s a very bad deal. Cows were not designed by nature to routinely carry, deliver and raise two calves simultaneously. While it can and does happen with frequency, twinning in dairy cows is not a desired outcome of a successful breeding program.