Recent events have reminded me that we all share one very interconnected dairy world. Take the latest milk production statistics, for example. In August, milk production was up 3.6 percent over last August with more than 11,000 more cows milking than in July. The statistics don’t lie. Milk prices are up, and dairy producers can afford to keep cows in their herds longer. So what are some doing – adding cattle and/or planning for expansions. This month’s issue contains several articles that address preparing to grow or expand a dairy business. Last month, Texas saw its own expansion as Hilmar Cheese’s new processing plant came online (see page 30). The open house and first shipments of milk into the facility have had more than just the locals talking for months. It will most likely still have the rest of the industry trying to gauge exactly how much the dairy industry in west Texas and its panhandle will continue to grow. Also, these past few weeks I’ve been following with increasing interest news about the Social Security Administration’s plans to send out more than 140,000 letters informing employers that they are employing someone whose Social Security number doesn’t match the agency’s database. The plans are difficult to keep up with. What was supposed to be a mail date in September was postponed. (See page 4 for more details). It’s anyone’s guess how the plans will turn out now. By the time you receive your copy of this issue, the legality of the administration’s proposal may have changed again. If a court order against sending the letters is lifted, see page 14 for more information about how to protect yourself and do all that you can to retain your employees. So with these and other issues (high feed prices, labor availability, etc.) still looming, there’s certainly not a dearth of things to talk about heading into World Dairy Expo and the fall trade show season. I hope the market’s high milk prices will allow you to splurge for a day off the dairy to meet with other producers. Attendance at trade shows can most certainly relieve emotional stress as you talk about industry issues with others. But they are also a place to learn about (and drool over) new technology and equipment. If you’re in Madison, stop by Booth #441 in the Arena Building. We’re giving away a free trip to see the other side of the dairying world – World Ag Expo in Tulare, California – in 2008. And if I don’t see you there, look for me outside the Badger Dairy Club’s tent, eating a grilled cheese sandwich. I’ve yet to find in this world a food made with dairy products that I like more than those sandwiches. PD