Progressive Dairy

7,000-cow dairy now powered by solar energy

May 25, 2011

Lakeside Dairy in Hanford, California, has installed a new solar energy system to power its milking barn and other dairy operations and cut its use of conventional energy by 75 percent. The family-run dairy operation has 7,000 head of cattle and a custom farming business.

ISU Extension offers tours of robotic milkers

May 25, 2011

What seemed like a technology that was only a dream a few years ago continues to make progress in Iowa and neighboring states. Robotic milking systems can be customized to the needs of each cow resulting in quality milk production. This automation frees up farmers to focus on other aspects of their farming operation and family activities. For producers looking to become more familiar with robotic milking and possibly adopting robotic milking technology, Iowa State University Extension (along with Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois) is leading tours for producers to visit current robotic installations.

Virtual Farm Tours showcase top notch dairies

May 25, 2011

Visit dairies from around the U.S. without leaving World Dairy Expo 2011. Virtual Farm Tours will focus on a variety of management topics, including: land conservation and forages, technology and innovation, unique marketing, robotic milkers, family transition, milk quality, reproductive success and transition cow management.

Taste the ‘Dairy Difference’ with Breakfast on the Farm

May 25, 2011

There is no better way to appreciate the delicious simplicity of dairy foods than experiencing a traditional breakfast on a Wisconsin dairy farm. Every June, dairy farmers throughout Wisconsin open their farms to the community and serve a big breakfast in celebration of June Dairy Month. It is an exciting opportunity to spend some time on a working dairy farm and get a firsthand look at what makes Wisconsin’s signature industry so special – all while enjoying a hearty, homemade breakfast.

Change in organizational structure focuses resources for growth

May 25, 2011

Animal health and nutrition industry leader Novus International, Inc. announced a number of changes in the company’s organizational structure, and the promotions of a select group of its executive team. Under the new structure, five units will report directly to Novus International President and CEO Thad Simons.

Missouri’s West Plains High School FFA chapter wins Monsanto’s Chapter Challenge

May 25, 2011

A Missouri FFA chapter has won the grand prize worth more than $8,000 in a seven-state competition that encouraged FFA chapters to connect with farmers in their local communities. West Plains High School’s FFA chapter won the 2011 FFA Chapter Challenge, a pilot competition sponsored by Monsanto. The chapter will be able to send six students and an adult advisor on an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2011 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. The chapter will also receive $1,500 in credit with the National FFA Organization to help pay for FFA-related activities and expenses throughout the year.

Farm Show Council changes name to advance international relationships

May 25, 2011

The North American Farm Show Council announced that it has changed its name to Farm Show Council at the organization's annual meeting that was held recently in Charlotte, North Carolina. The change comes in an effort to modify the scope of what the Council has become, and to include international partners.

Professionalism is the theme to 2011 Manure Expo

May 23, 2011

Karen Lee

The theme of the 2011 North American Manure Expo is Professionalism in Manure Management and will include commercial field demonstrations, "hands-on" product and safety education, educational sessions and commercial vendor displays. For the first time the event will be held in Nebraska at the Northeast Community College’s Ag Complex in Norfolk. It will take place on Wednesday, July 20, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Export watch: Issue 8 2011 (May 20, 2011)

May 20, 2011

Click here to download a pdf of the latest Export watch, provided by the U.S. Dairy Export Council. This update provides information on dairy markets, imports and exports. PD

PD POLL: Should the sale of raw milk be legalized?

May 20, 2011

This article was #1 in PDmag's Top 25 most-well read articles in 2011. Summary: With nearly 7,300 pageviews, our raw milk poll easily topped the list of the most well-read articles at www.progressivedairy.com. In our August 11th issue, we explained that a particular interest group, Weston A. Price Foundation, encouraged its members to vote on the poll. This campaign led to results on the poll with 4,000 votes of "yes" and 80 votes with "no." Click here to see the results. Do you have any idea for a hot topic poll question? Email your suggestion to editor@progressivedairy.com. [Click here or on the image above right to see the full list of the Top 25 articles of 2011. Click here to see the list from 2010.] Click here to download a pdf of the latest poll question from Progressive Dairyman: Should the sale of unpasteurized (raw) milk be legalized in all 50 states? Print off and mail in the form on the pdf, or use the poll on the right hand side of your screen to cast your vote online. PD RELATED ARTICLES: • PD POLL: Should the sale of raw milk be legalized? [June 10] • PD POLL: Should the sale of raw milk be legalized? [July 21] • Weston A. Price Foundation members rally for raw milk • Organic, raw milk producer: ‘Dead dairy is dying’ • Raw milk may pose health risk • PD POLL: Should the sale of raw milk be legalized? [August 11]