After successfully raising more than $100,000 in the first year of a new grass-roots campaign that provided funds to local FFA chapters throughout the country, the nation’s leading fence manufacturer has announced its decision to make this campaign an annual event. Early last year, Peoria, Illinois-based Keystone Steel and Wire Co., maker of Red Brand fence, launched its “Home Grown” initiative, a program to benefit FFA through its Red Brand agricultural fencing sales division. For every roll of Red Brand agricultural fencing purchased by a participating retailer, $1 is donated to a designated local FFA chapter or chapters of their choice.

Janet Keller Madison, Wisconsin Communications/Public Relations Manager World Dairy Expo

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) announced its Summer Grassroots Tour: 12 meetings in July and August that will bring together dairy producers and other key industry representatives to discuss the dairy policy reform programs proposed in NMPF’s Foundation for the Future. “The U.S. dairy industry has called for dramatic changes in dairy policy, and Foundation for the Future answers that call,” says Jerry Kozak, NMPF president and CEO. “Our summer meetings will explain how Foundation for the Future’s dairy policy reforms will safeguard dairy producers’ equity, ensure the future of their operations, and stabilize dairy markets.”

Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health is working with dairy veterinarians and producers to educate dairy employees about the responsible use of animal-health products. To maintain consumer confidence and eliminate the potential for antibiotic and drug residues to enter the food chain, a new dairy education program, including a toolkit, employee training and residue prevention tips, now is available.

The latest information on “cow comfort” and healthy heifer housing has become even more accessible. Veterinarians in North America may now register for a free two-year subscription to The Dairyland Initiative’s website, thanks to a generous sponsorship by Pfizer Animal Health.

Dairy veterinarian, artist and owner of Cow Art and More, Dr. Kathy Swift is donating a portion of profits from her brand-new sterling silver jewelry charm for the National Holstein Women’s Association Scholarship Organization (NHWSO) at 2011 National Holstein Association Convention in June.

On June 1, online voting opened for the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest hosted by American Farmland Trust. Beginning at 12 p.m. EST, farmers market shoppers throughout the nation will be able to cast their votes for their favorite markets at www.farmland.org/vote The contest is a nationwide challenge for communities to rally support for their farmers markets. The goal is to promote the connection between fresh, local food and the farms and farmland that supply it.

Join the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Capital Brewery, and author Ed Janus in celebrating the release of "Creating Dairyland." On June 16, from 5 to 8 p.m., stop by the Bier Garten at Capital Brewery in Middleton, Wisconsin, for a book signing with the author, meet local dairy farmers and cheesemakers, take a photograph with Ginger the Jersey, listen to music by old time fiddlers, and enjoy gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches while sipping on a beer.

Progressive Dairyman is excited to bring you a second year of the Ice Cream Flavor Face-Off. This year, 16 competitors battle it out for the title of champion flavor. Learn about Thrifty Chocolate Malted Crunch, represented by California dairy producer Ray Prock, Jr., and Blue Moon, represented by Progressive Dairyman Midwest Editor Karen Lee.