Larry and Gloria Crandall’s family has hosted thousands of toddlers and school-age children at their fifth-generation family dairy farm near Battle Creek, Michigan, over the years. One thing that teachers and day care providers know is that the family practices an open door policy when it comes to answering questions about farming and encouraging visits to the farm to learn about farming firsthand. The Crandalls are the recipients of the 2011 Michigan State University (MSU) Dairy Farmer of the Year Award. They were selected by MSU Department of Animal Science faculty members and MSU Extension educators on the basis of commitment and contributions to the dairy industry and local communities.

Agriculture officials are holding a series of workshops in Tennessee to help farmers use the Internet to grow their business. The workshops are designed to show how farmers can connect with potential customers through social media, customer surveys and other means.

TRENDING TOPIC ARTICLE: COW COMFORT This article was originally published February 28, 2011 and featured in March 1, 2011 Extra e-newsletter: http://bit.ly/030111_PDExtra. to jump to the article below. Progressive Dairyman asked three industry experts, “What do you think is the most often missed symptom of stray voltage? Their responses were: “An increase in the number of animals in the hospital barn,” Jacques Dion of Agrivolt “How cows drink water; if the cows tend to lap, or dip, to get water, there is a strong possibility of a stray voltage problem,” Jerry Lush of Stray Voltage Consulting “Subtle changes in animal behavior; we are often too willing to ignore small indications until it causes severe behavioral change – this is obviously too late,” Chuck Untiedt, dairy farmer, Udder Chaos Inc.

Click here to download a pdf of the latest industry update, provided by Dairy Management, Inc. This update focuses on antibiotic residues and how to respond to consumers.  PD

With the need to increase food production to feed the world’s growing population staring animal agriculture in the face, Dr. Robert Fourdraine, chairman of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, says NIAA chose to make “Meeting Growing Production Demands with Integrity” its Annual Conference focus. “NIAA’s Annual Conference, April 11-14, in San Antonio, Texas, will address animal agriculture’s challenges and opportunities associated with meeting this increased food need and zero-in on consumers’ role in food production today and hereafter,” states Dr. Nevil Speer, chair of NIAA’s Annual Conference planning committee.

Of U.S. institutions, those below contributed the greatest number of papers to the field of agricultural sciences over a recent five-year period. Based on each institution's percentage of the 112,239 papers published in Thomson Reuters-indexed agricultural sciences journals between 2005 and 2009.

The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation recently recognized the dedication and service of James A. Coats, a Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA) member, and Steve Davis, a manager in DFA’s Southeast Area. The Foundation awarded Coats its Leadership Award and Davis the Meritorious Service Award.

E.I. Medical Imaging (EIMI) rings in 2011 celebrating its 27th year as a world leader in portable veterinary ultrasound. E.I. Medical Imaging is the only U.S. based manufacturer of veterinary ultrasound designed specifically for veterinary use.

One of the world’s largest agricultural corporations will sponsor 14 high-profile National FFA Organization programs in 2011 designed to develop the leadership, agriscience and teamwork skills of FFA members throughout the country. St. Louis-based Monsanto Company will provide more than $1 million in sponsorships of National FFA Organization programs, awards, events, student scholarships and more this year. Monsanto’s support will help finance the National FFA Organization’s Washington Leadership Conference, National Leadership Conference for State Officers, Agriscience Student of the Year program and 11 other national initiatives.