The Balchem Corporation has announced its decision to voluntarily suspend the manufacturing and marketing of AminoShure-L (52% lysine), a highly concentrated, encapsulated source of lysine for dairy cow rations. Recent research indicates that the lysine bioavailability of AminoShure-L is lower than originally projected, and the company has determined that it does not meet internal standards.

Robert H. Fourdraine, PhD Oregon, Wisconsin Vice President Products, Services & Development AgSource Cooperative Services

Residents of Carver County, Minnesota, earn awards at 60th Dairy Day Dinner The 60th annual Dairy Day Dinner drew 370 people to New Germany, Minnesota, as farmers, youth and others were recognized for their achievements. The new 2012 Carver County Dairy Princesses were crowned. The ceremony also featured the presentation of numerous awards from the American Dairy Association:

Seven U.S. registered Holstein breeders have earned the distinction of being named 2012 Holstein Association USA Herds of Excellence. The award was created to pay tribute to breeders who have bred and raised cattle that are consistently performing at the highest levels. To be recognized with this honor, herds must be 25 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent (ME) for milk, fat and protein; have classified within the last year and have an actual average classification score of 83 points or higher; have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and be enrolled in the Association’s TriStar production records program.

The Daily News-Record of Harrisonburg, Virginia, reported that a state agency levied $11,700 in fines and fees against dairy producer Allen Shank after an overflow of liquid manure from a storage pit on his facility ended up in a nearby creek. According to the newspaper article, Shank, whose Golden View Farm has less than 200 head of dairy cattle, does not have a license allowing him to discharge waste into state waters. He uses a land-application program to manage manure.

The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy recently conducted a focused exploration of dairy merchandising that resulted in a 28.8 percent incremental increase in dairy sales for select retailers. Supermarket News wrote about the results. The center's report, “Dairy Meal Solutions: Merchandising Works,” suggested that a permanent display of rotating meal ideas can encourage time-strapped customers to buy more items.

USDA on Tuesday announced its decision on Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office consolidations proposed in January. In total, FSA will consolidate 125 of the 131 offices originally proposed for consolidation with other USDA service centers. The move is consistent with provisions of the 2008 farm bill. The six proposed county offices that will continue operating are: Lafayette County, Arkansas; Boulder County, Colorado; St. Mary Parish, Louisiana; Pamlico County, North Carolina; Mayes County, Oklahoma; and York County, South Carolina.

Genex Cooperative, Inc., presented “Excellence in Reproduction” awards honoring Genex members and customers for outstanding reproductive performance within their dairy herds. “In its first year, this award program received nominations from Genex and AgSource Cooperative Services representatives across the nation for nearly 50 herds, all of which were reproductive award-winning caliber herds,” explains Kristi Fiedler, Genex national account specialist manager.