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Proposal to reduce somatic cells counts defeated by National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments

May 4, 2011

The National Milk Producers Federation’s proposal to reduce the maximum level of somatic cell counts in milk – a measure of milk quality – was rejected today by the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS), which has just concluded its biennial meeting here in Baltimore. NMPF had asked the NCIMS voting delegates – a group of state regulators overseeing milk safety rules – to reduce the maximum threshold of allowable somatic cells in milk at the farm level from the current 750,000 cells/mL, down to 400,000, starting in 2014. But on a vote of 26-25, the voting delegates rejected the proposal, meaning that the status quo threshold of 750,000 cells will remain.

Announcing the 2011 Hoof Health Conference July 21-23 in Pennsylvania

May 4, 2011

The Hoof Trimmers Association, Inc. will host its 2011 Hoof Health Conference – the dairy industry’s exclusive international forum on hoof health – July 21-23, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the Doubletree Willow Valley. Registration information is available online. Hoof trimmers as well as dairy producers, veterinarians and nutritionists – everyone on the dairy management team interested in hoof health – is welcome to attend this comprehensive, three-day seminar that will address all facets of hoof health issues on today’s dairy operations.

Maryland cow leads Jersey breed for lifetime production

May 4, 2011

The American Jersey Cattle Association announced a new leader in its Living Lifetime Production Contest. After ranking second in the two previous contests, Queen-Acres Barber Booper moved into first place with lifetime totals on Dec. 31, 2010, of 306,145 pounds milk, 14,664 pounds fat and 10,520 pounds protein. Average daily production was 81.4 pounds milk, 3.9 pounds fat and 2.8 pounds protein.

Spring-Run Farms named Mideast Area 2011 DFA Member of Distinction

May 4, 2011

Tom and Vivian Wolf, their son, Tim, and their daughter, Lisa Gress, owners of Spring-Run Farms in Shreve, Ohio, have been named Mideast Area 2011 Members of Distinction by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA). The Wolfs and Gress were recently honored at the 2011 DFA Annual Meeting. DFA’s Members of Distinction program recognizes members who excel on their operations, in their communities and in the industry. Honorees inspire others through their actions, leadership and involvement, and represent the best of the dairy industry. Each year, one notable member farm from each of DFA’s seven Areas is selected to receive this honor; Spring-Run Farms is the 2011 honoree from the Mideast Area.

Horizon continues organic dairy leadership in New York

May 4, 2011

Horizon announced that all of its quart and 96-ounce jug organic milk products sold in New York now feature the Pride of New York label, letting consumers know the milk is sourced from the region, including its hundreds of farmers across the state. The Pride of New York program, sponsored by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, promotes and supports agricultural products grown and processed in New York and provides an opportunity for the state’s residents to easily purchase products that have been verified as local.

Validus selected as verifier for National Dairy FARM program

May 3, 2011

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has selected Validus as the third-party verifier for the National Dairy FARM Animal Care program. Validus is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified auditing and verifying company, with more than 10 years of experience verifying on-farm animal care. Validus documents and verifies socially-responsible animal welfare, environmental, on-farm security, and worker care production practices through audits and assessments, environmental planning, and consulting services.

Online Master Cattle Transporter program

May 2, 2011

Funded by the beef checkoff’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program, participation in the Online Master Cattle Transporter program is one way for transporters to show their customers that they take every step possible to keep their cattle healthy and as safe as possible. Melissa Slagle of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board outlines the premise behind this new program. What is the web address? SLAGLE: www.animalcaretraining.org

Pfizer Animal Health launches online portal for U.S. veterinarian community

April 29, 2011

Pfizer Animal Health announced its new U.S. web portal to better engage and connect with its customers and to create an interactive community for practicing and student veterinarians. The enhanced web presence, www.PfizerAH.com, will serve as a single destination to all users of Pfizer Animal Health products in the U.S. – including veterinarians, producers and pet owners.

Pine Creek Nutrition Service celebrates 25 years

April 29, 2011

Pine Creek Nutrition Service, Inc. in Turlock, California, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. PCNS, founded April 1986, is committed to putting its clients’ interest first and responding to the changing needs of the dairy industry. Today, PCNS is a team of six nutrition consultants, one management consultant and three service and support staff. Growth has broadened the company’s areas of expertise and developed a team approach to meeting client needs.

Expansion at Bob-White Systems adds new engineering, manufacturing facility

April 29, 2011

Bob-White Systems, the Vermont farmstead cheese and micro dairy supply and equipment company, is expanding and announces the lease of a 2,000-square-foot facility in Royalton, Vermont. Bob-White Systems North is the new location for research, product development, engineering, and manufacturing of the Bob-White Systems Low Impact Pasteurization (LIP) System, which will bring gentle milk pasteurization direct to micro dairy farms. The new facility will also be the location for further product innovations for micro dairy farmers and farmstead cheese makers.