Commodity markets are volatile and complex. Whole cottonseed is no exception. That’s why Cotton Incorporated has launched its own enewsletter – Whole Cottonseed. The publication provides the dairy industry with periodic updates about factors affecting whole cottonseed supply, feeding and storage tips, booking strategies and more.

Dairy workers with YoCream International Inc., a division of global French food group Danone SA, voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 305 in Portland, Oregon. “We’re very satisfied that we are getting representation from the Teamsters because the Teamsters represent almost all of the dairies in our area,” said Christopher Greenlee, a lead pasteurizer and one of the 45 new Teamster members at YoCream. “We organized to improve our pay, have better communication with the company and have a say in our work rules.”

Professional Dairy Producers Foundation board expands The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation board of directors has grown with the addition of four dairy industry leaders: Linda Behling, who runs a 240-cow dairy with her husband and is a nutritionist with Vita Plus. Keith Engel, milk quality and dairy hygiene/supply specialist with GEA Farm Technologies. Ellen Schaefer, who owns and works her family's 40-cow dairy, Running Creek Farm. Ed Strauss, who runs Majestic Crossing Dairy with his two sons. These new board members join three other directors: dairy producers Deb Reinhart of Chilton, Wisconsin, and Logan Bower of Blain, Pennsylvania; and Erica Pagel, production superintendent for Foremost Farms USA, Chilton, Wisconsin. —From Professional Dairy Producers Foundation news release National Jersey leadership named for 2012-13 Officers and directors of the USJersey organizations were elected during the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) held in June.

Maryland's Department of Agriculture has launched what it's calling an Ice Cream Trail, a promotion that encourages visits to the state's creameries and dairy farms. Danny Holland, owner of Chesapeake Bay Farms – one of the seven Ice Cream Trail locations – told The Daily Times that he loves the idea of a promotion that will draw people to his operation.

Coleman Dairy, a division of Hiland Dairy, is opening a new, 4,100-square-foot distribution center in Monticello, Arkansas. The new facility will act as a distribution center for Coleman and Hiland Dairy Products. Areas served from this facility will include Monticello, McGehee, Lake Village, Eudora, Dermott, Crossett, Dumas and other communities in the southeast region of Arkansas.

A new dairy checkoff photo contest is underway to show off how you, your family, your farm, and even your cows support your favorite NFL team or player. Producers are invited to "capture your family’s pride for the dairy industry and support of your NFL team" by submitting a photo to the Show Your Pride photo contest. An NFL player will visit the dairy of the person who submitted the winning entry.

Midwest Dairy Association awards scholarships to Kansas students Eight Kansas students with dairy backgrounds each received a $500 scholarship funded by dairy checkoff programs. Ashley Haverkamp attends the Baker University School of Nursing. Haverkamp said, “I believe my work ethic in school reflects back to growing up on a dairy.” Julie Kohake will attend Kansas State University to study athletic training. Kohake said, “Living on a dairy has taught me to be able to prioritize, be responsible and the importance to pay attention to detail in order to have a successful career.” Weston Ohlde will transfer to Kansas State University to study agricultural economics and accounting. Stacy Rottinghaus attends Washburn University studying secondary math education. Austin Schmitz will attend Kansas State University to study biological and agricultural engineering. Andrea Steenbock attends Kansas State University where she is majoring in agribusiness. Joshua Steinlage will attend Southeast Community College in Beatrice, Nebraska, to study agriculture business and management technology. Roxanne Wallace attends Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. —From Midwest Dairy Association news release Holstein Association USA honors outstanding breeders and industry leaders Several individuals were honored during the closing banquet at the 2012 National Holstein Convention in Springfield, Missouri.