Progressive Dairy

In Vermont dairy country, heat wave forces precautions

July 25, 2011

It's not often in Vermont dairy country that temperatures soar into the 90s, with high humidity. When they do, farmers make sure their cows have plenty of water and shade. And they know to expect less milk. That's what they were doing as a sweltering summer heat wave continued, with forecasters calling for it to last into the weekend.

DCHA to travel to Visalia, California, for the 2012 Dairy Calf & Heifer Conference

July 22, 2011

Plan now to join growers and producers from around the country at the 2012 Dairy Calf & Heifer Conference, March 20-21, in Visalia, California, centrally located in California's dairy country. Nearly 90 percent of attendees at this year's Dairy Calf & Heifer Conference (attendance was up 30 percent and it received rave reviews) said they would recommend the DCHA Conference to fellow growers and producers.

PDPW declares August as Hispanic Training month, three workshops offered

July 22, 2011

The Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW) has declared August as Hispanic Training Month and, at the suggestion of its Hispanic advisory committee, will be offering three workshops – taught totally in Spanish – for Hispanic dairy workers. In addition, in September, PDPW will offer an exclusive workshop for Hispanic Supervisors. It will also be taught in Spanish.

AgriLife Extension to address effect of climate change on animal agriculture

July 22, 2011

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service will share a $4.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture with five other land-grant university extension agencies to address issues associated with climate change and animal agriculture. One of the main purposes of the grant is “to gather research-based practical information to identify existing and new practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from animal feeding operations,” said Dr. Saqib Mukhtar, AgriLife Extension engineer and interim associate department head of the Texas A&M University department of biological and agricultural engineering.

Great Bend announces big plans for annual Farm & Ranch Expo

July 22, 2011

For more than a quarter of a century, Great Bend, Kansas, has been known in the agricultural community for its quality facilities, dedicated volunteers, and outstanding exhibitors who have participated in the biennial farm show held every even numbered year at the Great Bend Expo Complex. The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development is now pleased to announce its plans for a new, annual show called The Great Bend Farm & Ranch Expo to be held the second week of every April.

Nebraska Grazing Conference to be held in Kearney

July 22, 2011

Grazing animals and stewardship of grazing lands will be the topics discussed at the 11th Nebraska Grazing Conference in Kearney, Nebraska, next month. The conference will run from Aug. 9-10 at the Kearney Holiday Inn and Convention Center.

Horizon Organic awards annual scholarships to support future organic agriculture leaders

July 22, 2011

Horizon Organic announced the recipients of the 2011 Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) scholarships, which were established to encourage young people to enter the field of organic agriculture. Each recipient will receive $2,500 toward their education. “This year marks Horizon’s 20th anniversary, and we’re proud to celebrate 20 years of transitioning farmers to organic; making products that are healthier for families; advancing organic farming practices; and protecting the integrity of the organic seal,” said Mike Ferry, Horizon Organic president. “As more and more consumers seek nutritious food options made without the use of pesticides, added hormones, and antibiotics, the importance of building the next generation of organic dairy leaders is critical. These young men and women are the future of organic agriculture, and we’re proud to be able to help support their education with the HOPE Scholarship.”

Missouri Dairy Grazing Conference features information from experts, innovative operations

July 21, 2011

More than 250 dairy producers gathered for the Missouri Dairy Grazing Conference, held in Springfield, Missouri July 6-8. Originally scheduled to be in Joplin, Missouri, the conference had to be moved when a devastating tornado struck Joplin in May.

2011 Dairy Intern: Robin Kleine

July 20, 2011

Junior, Kansas State University Marketing & Communications Intern with Accelerated Genetics Based in Baraboo, Wisconsin Background Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree? I have a double major in agricultural communications & journalism and animal sciences & industry, with a minor in leadership studies. Q. What is your agricultural background? I grew up on a diversified grain and livestock farm in northwest Indiana. In addition to a commercial hog operation, my younger brother and I showed beef cattle across the country. We then began our own business - RJ Show Cattle, and market a few select club calves each year. Q. What previous internship positions have you held? In 2009, I interned for the K-State Youth Livestock Programs in Manhattan, Kansas. Here I helped plan and execute various youth livestock events, including an overnight camp for high school students, the K-State Animal Sciences Leadership Academy.

Vermont court hearing held on Dean Foods' settlement

July 20, 2011

A federal judge in Vermont is considering whether to approve a settlement that would require dairy processor Dean Foods Co. to pay Northeast farmers and their attorneys $30 million to settle antitrust allegations in a class-action lawsuit.