The traditional Fourth of July celebration on the National Mall reaches a climax when the National Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by 16 cannons and city church bells, plays Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture.” The piece celebrates the forcing of Napoleon out of Moscow in 1812 and Russia’s ultimate victory two years later when Tsar Alexander I led a triumphant Russian army through the streets of Paris. Napoleon had waged war in Europe for almost 23 years and, at that time, boasted the best army machine (being best does not guarantee victory, however). As a result, Napoleon ruled most of Europe until he was sent to exile on the island of Elba. He did not stay long. Nine months later he escaped and led the 100-day campaign that ended with his final defeat at Waterloo.

It is remarkable that over the years milk yield per cow per day continues to increase in comparison to a slower rate of increase in dry matter intake. Cows are just fascinating; the efficiency of ruminal fermentation and digestibility of the dietary components are key factors in improving the efficiency of feed we use in modern diets.

Moving cows is an everyday activity that deserves great attention and care. Especially during fragile stages of their life cycle, pen moves can directly impact the dairy cow’s ability to maximize feed intake, which will influence herd milk production and health.

Dairy producers along the I-29 corridor are invited to a Forum on National Dairy Policy and Immigration Reform to learn more about dairy pricing policy proposals and immigration issues that may impact their operations. The forum will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the Ramkota Inn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The free forum will include lunch and is hosted by members of the I-29 Dairy Consortium. Reservations are requested by Aug. 25 to sddairyproducers@gmail.com or (605) 692-1775.

The 100 percent farmer-owned cooperative that makes Borden Cheese has launched its Friends of Elsie Tour, a hands-on exhibit that brings the farm to families through local dairy farmers, on-farm activities and a live country music experience. People may meet dairy farm families and take part in activities such as, a cow portable milking machine, a cow-to-person height comparison chart, samples of cow feed and an interactive farm game. Information is also available to help consumers understand different types of cheese and butter. Tour stops include community events and state fairs.

Vernice and Dan Moon, Monona, Iowa, have been named the third Robert “Whitey” McKown Master Breeder Award winner, which will be presented at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. The winner of the McKown Master Breeder Award is chosen by the members of the Klussendorf Association. The award honors a well-managed breeder herd who is successful showing and judging and emphasizes all qualities of the Klussendorf Award, including ability, character, endeavor, and sportsmanship. Vernice and Dan Moon’s Moondale Holstein herd fits every criteria of the McKown Master Breeder Award. Vernice and Dan, along with Vernice’s wife, Bev; Dan’s wife, Nancy; and Dan and Nancy’s children, Kyle, Emily, and Ryan, also are involved with Moondale Holsteins.

Cargill Animal Nutrition has announced it is forming an alliance with Fresno, California-based Integrated Grain and Milling, Inc., (IGM) to fully leverage the marketing teams of each organization. Under this alliance, the marketing teams will act as sales agents for each of the respective companies.

A farm in North Smithfield has been named Rhode Island’s outstanding dairy farm. The state Department of Environmental Management said that Wright’s Dairy Farm Inc. won the annual Rhode Island award. Ten family members run the fifth-generation farm, along with 50 full- and part-time employees.

Cathleen Williams, associate professor in the Louisiana State University AgCenter School of Animal Sciences, has been named winner of the Land O’Lakes/Purina LLC Teaching Award in Dairy Production. The award is presented annually by the American Dairy Science Association to recognize outstanding teaching of undergraduate students in dairy science.

This issue we close out our poll about a contentious topic – legalizing retail raw milk sales nationwide. (Click here to learn more.) One reader recently sent me an interesting letter questioning whether I was qualified to speak on the issue because of my age. “You are probably too young to have tasted real milk,” he states. (Click here for the full letter.) Well, actually I have tasted “real” or raw milk – several times.