A bill recently approved by a legislative committee would funnel revenues from the Oxford Casino to a loan program to aid Maine's dairy farmers. The Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee supported a bill to create a revolving low-interest loan fund that farmers could use for equipment purchases and other capital needs, according to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MBPN).

A large fraction of Los Angeles' smog is ammonium nitrate particles, which are formed when ammonia reacts with nitrogen oxides that are produced in large quantities in automobile emissions. The ammonia is generated by cars with certain types of catalytic converters – and by bacteria that consume cattle waste. To provide an accounting of these ammonia sources in Los Angeles, researchers from the University of Colorado-Boulder and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration organized eighteen flights of a plane carrying instruments that could make detailed atmospheric measurements.

Earlier this week the U.S-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, or Colombia TPA, entered into force, opening new possibilities for U.S. trade with the third-largest economy in Central and South America. The Colombia TPA is expected to boost U.S. dairy exports through immediate open and unlimited access for most whey and lactose products, as well as duty-free access for sizable amounts of cheese and skim milk powder, among other dairy products. The estimated benefit to the U.S. dairy industry over the first several years of the implemented agreement is an additional $25 million in exports per year, according to an International Dairy Foods Association news release.

A century ago, bovine tuberculosis (TB) was responsible for more losses among U.S. farm animals than all other infectious diseases combined. Since state and federal agencies started tracking and eradication procedures in 1917, the disease has mostly been eliminated, but pockets of breakouts throughout the U.S. remain serious and costly for livestock producers. A year ago, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Veterinary Services released “Assessment of Pathways for the Introduction and Spread of Mycobacterium bovis in the United States – a study of the condition based on 2009 conditions.” The study found that the biggest risk factors are the importation of cattle into the U.S. – both legal and illegal – and exposure to wildlife.

A comprehensive study that evaluates the nation’s efforts to enhance beef quality is nearing completion. Results will be distributed at the cattle industry’s summer conference in July. The 2011 National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA), conducted every five years since 1991, assesses progress the industry makes on a variety of production issues that ultimately affect consumer demand for beef.

Summer is here and temperatures are soaring throughout the country. If you are sweating up a storm while working on your dairy, imagine how your cows feel. What methods are you using to mitigate the summer heat and its effects on your herd? Whether you provide your cows with shade, install fans or misters, or use a combination of these options on your dairy operation, make sure cow cooling is a top priority, especially during the summer months. In this article, Progressive Dairyman has asked companies that provide cow cooling products for updates on existing products or new offerings available to producers. Continue reading to see what company representatives had to say.

Multimin USA is sponsoring DocTalk with Dr. Dan Thomson as part of its effort to bring producers and veterinarians closer together to benefit future beef and dairy production. Thomson and his guests will discuss livestock management and current animal ag research every Monday on RFD-TV, 4:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. DocTalk topics include trichomoniasis in cattle, milk supply safety, injectable trace mineral pre-treatment of cattle, and breeding soundness exams for bulls.