Progressive Dairy

The View from Here: A pilgrimage home

August 2, 2011

I have come home. From the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest, from Washington D.C. to Washington State, and from the nation’s capital to the evergreen states of the Pacific, my journey is a pilgrimage home.

Minnesota and Wisconsin dairy producers weigh in on dairy reform legislation

August 2, 2011

Congressman Collin Peterson, ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee, has introduced a dairy policy "discussion draft" aimed at improving the long-term prospects for dairy farmers. The Minnesota Milk Producers Association and the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association would like to thank Congressman Peterson and the National Milk Producers Federation for starting the dairy policy debate. Unfortunately, the policies included in the draft legislation need to be modified before moving forward.

Twin Falls County, Idaho, mulls new animal confinement rules

August 2, 2011

Twin Falls County officials are considering adopting new rules and penalties for ranchers and farmers when their livestock or other large animals escape the confines of fenced fields and wander onto roadways or private property. Supporters say the proposal is intended to streamline how the county holds owners accountable for their livestock and, ultimately, improve public safety for motorists.

2011 Dairy Intern: Kai Graff

August 2, 2011

Emily Caldwell Gwin

Senior, University of Wisconsin - Platteville Sales and Service Intern with Accelerated Genetics Based in south and central Wisconsin Background Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree? I'm studying animal science with a dairy emphasis and getting a minor in agribusiness. Q. What is your agricultural background? When I was a young lad on our family farmette, we used to board horses but got out of it due to other complications. During middle school I worked for a beef farmer during the summer, throwing bales and picking pumpkins in the fall. At the beginning of my junior year of high school, I started working on a dairy farm where I started out just milking then as they expanded, so did my responsibilities. I have worked there for seven years and now I do everything that needs to be done on a dairy farm to make it run efficiently: from milking to feeding to helping with herd health.

Rural Nebraska backs animal welfare, not regulations

August 2, 2011

A new University of Nebraska-Lincoln poll says nearly 70 percent of rural Nebraskans want adequate exercise and space for livestock, as well as other conditions that may be good for their mental health. But the Nebraska Rural Poll says they don't think increased regulations are needed to ensure proper care of the animals.

$500K given to fight bovine tuberculosis in Michigan

August 2, 2011

Livestock farmers in 11 Michigan counties will get an additional $500,000 to fight bovine tuberculosis. The money from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is the third allocation for the northern Michigan counties over the past three months.

New York City's city council passes local foods laws

August 2, 2011

New York City's city council has passed a package of bills meant to give a boost to local food consumption and help more city residents build greenhouses. The bills passed Thursday are part of the city's Food Works initiative.

Dairy launches new chocolate milk with fewer calories, less sugar

August 2, 2011

The proposed 2012 USDA school breakfast and lunch nutrition standards are clear: flavored milk offered in schools, including chocolate, should only be fat-free. Reiter Dairy, part of Dean Foods family of brands, is leading through innovation by introducing TruMoo®, the company's new fat-free chocolate milk made with 10 to 15 percent fewer calories, 15 to 20 percent less sugar, and no high fructose corn syrup.

Enhancing welfare in livestock production explored by industry leaders at 2nd annual Novus University Day

August 2, 2011

Novus International Inc. hosted its second annual Novus University Day, focused on Fostering Welfare in Livestock Production, on July 26 in St. Louis, Missouri. The day-long event, attended by Novus employees from around the world, industry experts and Novus affiliates, friends and families, provided a neutral forum for six nationally recognized experts to discuss the innovative solutions being developed by academia and industry to address the issues and public perceptions about the handling and treatment of livestock by today’s producers.

Millers receive Roger N. Neitzel Distinguished Service Award

August 2, 2011

A standing ovation of breeders applauded Joe and Mary K. Miller of Laura, Ohio, as they accepted the Brown Swiss Association's Distinguished Service Award at the breed's National Convention Awards Banquet in Frederick, Maryland, on July 8. In the name of Roger N. Neitzel, the Distinguished Service Award is given to a person(s) who has dedicated many years of service to the Brown Swiss Association. The Millers are the second recipients of the award. They have served in various capacities of the Brown Swiss Association at both state and national levels.