Using separated dairy solids for bedding can be economically advantageous while offering a comfortable surface for your cows. Others in North America are using it, why can’t we? Because solids are an organic bedding, they have the potential to carry a bacterial load, as well as support bacterial growth if stalls are not managed properly.

In an increasingly competitive and complex industry, producers are looking for an edge. Whether making nutritional decisions for herd management, conducting research to learn more about how genetics can improve traits such as milk production or managing more with less, today’s dairy producers are getting busier every day.

Early registration is now open for the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s annual Stakeholders Summit. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this unique educational event by joining other food and feed industry leaders in Arlington, Virginia on May 5-6 to explore the theme: “United We Eat: Securing Animal Agriculture’s Future.”

Now is the time to consider modifications to dairy housing to address upcoming summer heat events and their impact on milk production and herd health. Heat Stress Abatement in Freestall and Tie Stall Dairies is the topic of the next session of the Technology Tuesdays webinar series presented by Penn State Dairy Alliance. The online session will be offered, free of charge, Tuesday, March 8, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Eastern Time.

As Wisconsin enters the riskiest period for spreading manure on farm fields, farmers who don’t have enough storage space to avoid spreading manure should not spread on high risk areas and have a manure spill response plan in place in case an accident happens, state agriculture and environmental officials say. High risk maps and a manure spill video are now online to assist farmers with managing manure risk.

DCI Cheese Company (DCI) announced that the company has entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby Saputo Cheese USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Saputo Inc., will acquire Fairmount Cheese Holdings Inc. (Fairmount), parent company of DCI Cheese Co. The transaction is anticipated to be completed in March 2011.

E.I. Medical Imaging (EIMI) announced the creation of its new Facebook page to help the company interact with its growing worldwide customer base.

Whether in sports competition or the game of life, there are turning points that elevate the underdog to victory, redefining the anonymous as the unforgettable. In the face of mounting challenges, how does one identify and seize these pivotal moments to create a catalyst for success? In Lexington, Kentucky, from May 22-25, Alltech’s 27th Annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium will be dedicated to just such a pursuit, exploring The Game Changers for the animal health and feed industries.

Global dairy company Fonterra is now closer to the heart of Europe’s dairy and food innovation hub with the official opening of its new Amsterdam office in The Netherlands. The Amsterdam office, opened by Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovations, Mr. Verhagen, will bring Fonterra closer to its partners and food manufacturing customers and open the door for new ideas and products.