Progressive Dairy

Keune receives 2011 Brown Swiss Young Breeder Award

August 2, 2011

The Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association of the U.S.A. recognized Todd Keune of Wykoff, Minnesota, as its 2011 Young Breeder Award recipient at the breed's national convention held in Frederick, Maryland, July 6-9. Keune and his wife Jill own and operate North Star Brown Swiss, where they currently milk about 50 cows and raise 40 heifers. As of December 2010, their herd obtained an official DHIR test average of 20,450 pounds milk, 773 pounds fat and 656 pounds protein on 3x per day milking.

North Dakota extension agent retires after 43 years

August 2, 2011

ElRoy Haadem recently began boxing up 43 years of memories from his office, his total tenure with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. Thirty-five have been spent at the Burleigh County branch in Bismarck, North Dakota. “The strength of the extension is you always get to interact with people,” he said. Haadem, 69, said his biggest role as an agent was that of educator in agriculture, community, family science and youth programs. He cautions it’s not an 8 to 5 job, and one that can mean 60-hour weeks with a lot of evening and weekend work. Yet he calls it a very satisfying experience. He said there is no typical day. “You’re able to provide education, information. ... If I wouldn’t have enjoyed it, I wouldn’t have done it as long as I did.”

Mahindra USA announces corporate sponsorship of the Texas FFA

August 2, 2011

Continuing its commitment to the future of farming in Texas, Houston-based Mahindra USA is proud to announce its corporate sponsorship of the Texas FFA. In return for a cash donation, the tractor leader will receive promotional consideration on Texas FFA materials, newsletters and website along with representation at the association’s various conferences and conventions. “The FFA is a dynamic student-led leadership development organization for students of agricultural education and for that reason this sponsorship is a natural fit for us,” said Mahindra USA’s Marketing Communications Manager, Martin Cisneros. “We are committed to our farming community and happy to sponsor the FFA, an organization that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.”

Alltech patent upheld for next eight years

August 2, 2011

Alltech has once again successfully defended its technology and innovation. The United States Patent and Trademark Office confirmed the validity of U.S. Patent No. 6,045,834 C1, which pertains to Alltech's unique composition for binding and inactivating mycotoxins in animal feed, as well as the process for forming the main ingredient. The patent will remain in place through April 16, 2019.

New Products for August 1

August 1, 2011

Here are some of the new products or updates to previous products that have been announced as of August 1, 2011. Return to this section of the Progressive Dairyman website periodically to find out what new products will be impacting the dairy industry.

Producer questions answered at NMPF grassroots meetings

August 1, 2011

Karen Lee

The Foundation for the Future (FFTF) plan proposed by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) took another step towards becoming the nation’s next avenue for dairy policy reform. On July 13, House Agriculture Committee’s Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota) released draft legislation incorporating the key elements of the plan into his legislative proposal. At the same time, NMPF staff members hit the road on a six-week cross-country tour to reach out to dairy producers about the benefits of the reforms contained in FFTF.

Proposals sought for Jersey research

August 1, 2011

The AJCC Research Foundation has issued a request for research proposals to be funded in 2012 addressing significant issues for the Jersey breed and Jersey milk producers.

World Dairy Expo announces next dairy cattle superintendent

August 1, 2011

The World Dairy Expo Executive Committee is pleased to announce that Jim Crowley, Jr. has accepted the position of dairy cattle show superintendent, effective at the March Annual Board of Directors meeting in 2012. Crowley brings a substantial amount of experience to the position, having followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming an integral part of the World Dairy Expo cattle shows at a young age. Most recently, Crowley has served as the Brown Swiss superintendent, meeting the needs of Brown Swiss exhibitors from throughout the U.S. and Canada.

PDMP to host Aug. 4 Issues Forum ‘Dry Matter Matters’ & tour of Jones Family Farm

August 1, 2011

The Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania will host its next Issues Forum on Thursday, Aug. 4, in Galena, Maryland. In keeping with their programming focused on managing risks and maximizing profits, PDMP will cover all aspects of dry matter management at the forum.

Alltech and iHigh.com create online multimedia outlet dedicated to agriculture

August 1, 2011

Alltech has partnered with global online network iHigh for the creation of a web portal and streaming video channel specifically devoted to agriculture. The Alltech Ag Network will provide a platform for agriculture’s stories to be told, specifically through the live online broadcast of agriculture events.