Progressive Dairy

On-farm teat dip dispensing systems from DeLaval

January 7, 2013

DeLaval is introducing two new on-farm teat dip dispensing solutions designed to dilute concentrated chemicals and dispense fresh teat dip on demand with reliable accuracy regardless of fluctuations in water pressure. The convenience of these systems can help save time and labor – and potentially reduce the footprint of teat dip product at the dairy.

Closure of Alaska's Matanuska Creamery

January 7, 2013

The general manager of the largest dairy in Alaska said the facility would close Dec. 29, laying off 15 to 18 employees. Palmer-based Matanuska Creamery has failed to make payments on about $880,000 in state loans, according to the state. The Board of Agriculture and Conservation voted in December to deny a request that would have allowed the business to avoid a $50,000 payment.

Alltech’s North American Lecture Tour reminds industry to ‘stay curious’

January 7, 2013

Curiosity has put men on the moon, sequenced the human genome, seen physicists complete a decades-long search for the Higgs boson and now it has led us to precision nutrition, epigenetics and a nutritional revolution. Are we staying curious? During this year’s 28th annual North American Lecture Tour, Alltech will be challenging attendees to "stay curious." The 23-stop tour, taking place from Feb.12- March 1, will encourage attendees to stretch beyond conventional practices and explore how the latest technological developments can move the agriculture industry forward.

New round bale wrap: B-Wrap from AMBRACO

January 7, 2013

AMBRACO is offering a new wrap for round hay bales. Sold under the name of B-Wrap, the product works in John Deere 7, 8 and 9 Series round balers that have had a special B-Wrap kit installed by the dealer. The wrap is a solid surface that AMBRACO says will allow moisture inside the bale to escape. The wrap also minimizes the amount of water that will enter the bale during storage.

Feed Foreman ration management software

January 4, 2013

The Feed Foreman ration management software from Avery Weigh-Tronix provides enhanced application flexibility, allowing producers to calculate true feed costs with the ability to adjust rations as needed for maximum profitability. Users can also make daily feeding adjustments based on percentage or head count.

Extraordinary snowfall needed to relieve drought

January 4, 2013

Despite getting some big storms last month, much of the U.S. is still desperate for relief from the nation's longest dry spell in decades. And experts say it will take an absurd amount of snow to ease the woes of farmers and ranchers.

Organic Pastures sues FDA over interstate ban of raw milk

January 4, 2013

Organic Pastures, the nation’s largest raw milk dairy, has launched a lawsuit against the FDA for allegedly turning its back on the dairy’s request for the agency to change its current law banning sales of raw milk across state lines. The Fresno-based dairy submitted its request to the agency back in December 2008.

NMPF to focus on passing new Farm Bill in 2013

January 4, 2013

Now that the House of Representatives has passed the Senate’s fiscal cliff package extending existing farm programs into 2013, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said it will continue its push in the 113th Congress for a five-year farm bill that includes the Dairy Security Act.

Names in the News: Skip Hardie

January 3, 2013

Q&A with New York dairyman Skip Hardie, who was interviewed for an NBC "Nightly News" segment about the legislative "dairy cliff" that was threatening to raise the retail price of milk as high as $8 per gallon. Clips from Hardie's interview also aired on "The Today Show." Click here to view the NBC "Nightly News" video or here for "The Today Show" segment. Why did you consent to do the interview? I thought it was very important for consumers to hear a dairy farmer's viewpoint on this possible "dairy cliff."

MARGINSMART software licenses now available

January 3, 2013

Dairy Analyzer, LLC is selling licenses to its web-based MARGINSMART milk margin management software, which helps dairy farms manage price risk and overall profitability in today’s volatile commodity marketplace by providing real-time customized information specific to their operation.