Posted: October 15, 2008 at 6:58 pm
By News Editor
Dairy Herd Management is reporting a Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) special committee has discovered that former CEO Gary Hanman made unauthorized payments in the amount of $185,500 to Mississippi dairy producer Buckey Jones. Reveled
Current CEO Rick Smith described the incident Tuesday morning in a telephone call to members of the dairy media. The situation also is discussed in a memorandum now in the mail to DFA members.
“Buckey Jones received a series of unauthorized payments from 2001 to 2005,” Smith said. The payments were $3,500 a month from the spring of 2001 to the fall of 2005, he added.
Former CEO Hanman was aware of the payments, but the payments were not authorized by the DFA board of directors, Smith said.
“Payments to Jones were funneled through a company owned by a longtime friend and business acquaintance of our former CEO,” Smith added in the memorandum to members.
“We’re going to get that money (back), plus interest,” Smith said. And, DFA has notified the federal Department of Justice of the matter.
“I would point out that DFA was the victim here, and that is how it is being treated,” Smith said.
Jones once served on the Southeast Area Council of DFA. He no longer holds any positions with DFA.
The special committee was formed last spring after the improper transaction between Hanman and Brubaker was disclosed. The committee hired a law firm and an accounting firm to help with the investigation, which included a review of DFA’s accounting policies, reviews and controls.
“After this review, the special committee determined that DFA’s current policies, procedures and practices are sound, and its internal controls are solid,” Smith said.
However, the special committee did discover one additional series of improper payments, he added in reference to Buckey Jones.
Posted: October 14, 2008 at 9:08 pm
By Chuck
While I was at World Dairy Expo I also spoke with Dr. Gary Neubauer, Pfizer Animal Health, about the fact that EXCEDE has now been approved by the FDA to treat foot rot.
In this interview with him he begins by talking about the company’s Dairy Wellness Plan which he says is the flagship of the dairy side of Pfizer. He says it’s a 3-pronged approach where “we look at the health and welfare of the cow, we look at the health, welfare and economic vitality of the producer and then we look at the quality, wholesome product for the consumer.” He says they strive for a balance of all three of those so that the cow is healthy, the producer is profitable and the consumer has the best quality product.
Gary says that EXCEDE is on of the premier antibiotics in the Pfizer arsenal because of its long lasting formulation and now it’s approved for foot rot. That, he says, makes it fit right in with their Dairy Wellness Plan.
You can listen to my interview with Gary as part of our Milking Parlor Podcast: milking-parlor-43.mp3
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, here are some instructions.
World Dairy Expo 2008 Photo Album
Sponsors of World Dairy Diary coverage of this year’s World Dairy Expo include GEA Farm Technologies and BASF Plant Science.
Podcast: Play in new window
| Download
Posted: October 14, 2008 at 8:04 pm
By News Editor
The Jersey Association is seeking High school graduates and college students who have a strong desire to pursue a career in managing and/or marketing Registered Jersey™ cattle to apply for the 2009 Fred Stout Experience award. Applications and letters of support must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2009
The award is presented annually in memory of Fred J. Stout Jr., Mt. Carmel, Ill., a lifelong Jersey breeder and member of the Jersey Marketing Service staff from 1978 to 1997 who believed that the best learning experiences happen in the everyday world. This award provides partial support for a two- or three-month internship with Jersey Marketing Service, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
To apply, submit a one-page resume listing previous work experience, skills and other qualifications, plus a separate cover letter stating your ambitions, goals and career aspirations, including plans for achieving them. The letter must also explain how and why the Fred Stout Experience will be of benefit in achieving future goals. A summary of involvement with and interest in Registered Jersey™ cattle is required.
Applicants must request two letters of support, one from an active breeder of Registered Jersey™ (excluding immediate family members), and the other from a teacher, mentor or past employer.
Posted: October 13, 2008 at 3:03 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to the Vermont Butter and Cheese Company for bringing home five awards at the World Cheese Awards held in Dublin, Ireland. From the images on their website, the cheeses this company produces look very tasty!
The winners include Vermont Chevre, Vermont Fresh Crottin, Vermont Creamy Goat Cheese, Vermont Quark and our Signature Aged Cheese Bijou.
The company’s cheeses also won coveted awards earlier in the summer at the American Cheese Society’s Competition in Chicago as well as the “Outstanding Product Line” at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York.
The Vermont Butter and Cheese Company will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.
Vermont Butter and Cheese Company, located in Websterville, VT, is dedicated to crafting artisanal dairy products in the European style through a link of local Vermont farms. The company supports a network of more than 20 family-owned farms.
Posted: October 13, 2008 at 2:53 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to the dairy judging team at Virginia Tech for winning the overall team title at the 88th Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. Held each year during the World Dairy Expo, the contest tests the dairy judging skills of collegiate teams across the country.
Rounding out the top five teams overall were; Penn State University, second; UW-Madison, third; University of Illinois, fourth; and Delaware Valley College, fifth. Twenty-two teams competed in this year’s contest.
Other notable winners from the contest were: Top Individual – Elizabeth Smith of Penn State University; Top Individual Reasons – Daniel Walker of UW-Madison
Teams and individuals receiving recognition are:
Overall Top 10 Teams
1. Virginia Tech; 2432; coached by Barnes and Knowlton
Team members included Katie Albaugh, Katie Pike, Malorie Rhoderick and Brittany Thompson
2. Penn State University; 2430; coached by Dale Olver
Team members included Robyn Bechtel, Amy Miller, Jennifer Rassler and Elizabeth Smith
3. UW-Madison; 2391; coached by Halbach and Dickson
Team members included Shelly Bohn, Lindsay Morris, Evan Schnadt and Daniel Walker
4. University of Illinois; 2376; coached by Gene McCoy
Team members included Erin Lyons, Katie Boesche, Clint Harre and Steve Fluty
5. Delaware Valley College; 2363; coached by Larry Morris
Team members included Joshua Detwiler, Eric Forgy, Matthew Puskas and Wade Pearson
6. Kansas State University; 2354; coached by Justin Potts
Team members included Jamie Herrman, Chelsy Coen, Billy Brown and Callie Unruh
7. UW-River Falls; 2345; coached by Steve Kelm
Team members included Richard Franta, Franni Kinnard, Laura Lyford and Jaclyn Weis
8. Cal Poly; 2331; coached by Stan Henderson
Team members included Brian Fiorini, Sean Locke, Amy Odens and Annie Azevedo
9. University of Georgia; 2317; coached by William Graves
Team members included Amanda Eade, Katie Smith, Cassie Whitaker and Christy Bryan
10. UW-Platteville; 2312; coached by Michael Mee
Team members included Rebekah Giese, Craig Pagenkopf, Amber Boeke and Scott Davel
Overall Top 10 Individuals
1. Elizabeth Smith, 829, Penn State University
2. Katie Albaugh, 821, Virginia Tech
3. Craig Pagenkoph, 820, UW-Platteville
4. Brittany Thompson, 818, Virginia Tech
5. Daniel Walker, 817, UW-Madison
6. Wade Pearson, 810, Delaware Valley College
7. Franni Kinnard, 809, UW-River Falls
8. Katie Smith, 808, University of Georgia
9. Robyn Bechtel, 801, Penn State University
10. Brady Core, 801, University of Kentucky
Top 10 Teams Reasons
1. UW-Madison, 830, coached by Halbach and Dickson
2. Virginia Tech, 822, coached by Barnes and Knowlton
3. Penn State University, 804, coached by Dale Olver
4. University of Illinois, 793, coached by Gene McCoy
5. Kansas State University, 791, coached by Justin Potts
6. Cal Poly, 786, coached by Stan Henderson
7. Cornell University, 778, coached by Galton and Winkelman
8. Purdue University, 778, coached by Steven Hendress
9. North Dakota State, 772, coached by Todd Molden
10. Oregon State University, 769, coached by Jim Krahn
Top 10 Individual Reasons
1. Daniel Walker, 288, UW-Madison
2. Brittany Thompson, 277, Virginia Tech
3. Shelly Bohn, 277, UW-Madison
4. Malorie Rhoderick, 275, Virginia Tech
5. Clint Harre, 274, University of Illinios
6. Billy Brown, 273, Kansas State University
7. Robyn Bechtel, 272, Penn State University
8. Amy Odens, 272, Cal Poly
9. Elizabeth Smith, 270, Penn State University
10. Katie Albaugh, 270, Virginia Tech
Posted: October 10, 2008 at 5:27 pm
By Chuck
Dairy Markets Week in Review
The cheese price roller coaster reversed two weeks of losses. Block closed Friday (October 10th), at $1.88 per pound, up 7 cents on the week and 3 1/4-cents above a year ago. Barrel closed at $1.8350, up 4 1/4 cents on the week but 3 1/4-cents below a year ago. Three cars of block traded hands on the week and none of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price hit $1.9194, up 7.1 cents. Barrel averaged $1.9253, up 4.1 cents.
Butter continued the previous week’s slippage but rallied Friday and closed at $1.7025, still down 4 1/4-cents on the week, but 41 3/4-cents above a year ago. Six cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.6833, up slightly.
Cash Grade A and Extra Grade nonfat dry milk closed at $1.00 per pound each, down a nickel on the week for Grade A, and down a dime on the Extra Grade. NASS surveyed nonfat dry milk averaged $1.0646 per pound, down 10.7 cents, and dry whey averaged 20.21 cents, down 0.8 cent.
Provided courtesy of Dairyline.
Posted: October 9, 2008 at 1:25 pm
By Chuck
Dr. Gary Neubauer, Pfizer Animal Health, attended World Dairy Expo to meet dairy producers and he had a lot of them to meet with! I stopped to ask him about all the activity which included what looked like a lot of political campaign buttons. He says it’s called their Industry Pflair program.
“What Pfizer is trying to do is have a concerted effort in the dairy industry to simply show our pride for the dairy industry, allow producers, veterinarians, industry people to come to the booth and they find lanyards, buttons . . . ” Basically he says that producers can take and wear these items so that people 
will stop them and ask about it. This provides them with an opportunity then to help educate people about the industry and dispel some of the myths out there. He says people need to realize that a dairy producer is one of the hardest workers you’re going to find.
You can listen to my interview with Gary as part of our Milking Parlor Podcast: milking-parlor-42.mp3
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, here are some instructions.
World Dairy Expo 2008 Photo Album
Sponsors of World Dairy Diary coverage of this year’s World Dairy Expo include GEA Farm Technologies and BASF Plant Science.
Podcast: Play in new window
| Download
Posted: October 9, 2008 at 12:49 pm
By News Editor
Dairy producers have a strong, positive story to tell about how they care for their animals, the land and the environment. It is important for producers to share that story with their neighbors, their friends and the public to maintain and build consumer confidence in our product and our practices. Because, remember, if you don’t tell your story, someone else will!
There are many programs available to train you to speak out – contact your local dairy checkoff organization or your local cooperative extension to learn more.
Animal agriculture may be at the tipping point that could send it from social license to social control, Charlie Arnot, president of CMA Consulting, LLC, a Kansas City, Mo.-based consulting firm that manages the Center for Food Integrity, told attendees of the 41st Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners last week.
Producing food for the vast majority not involved in food production is a noble pursuit, he says. But if we do not retain and broaden consumer trust in what we do, we will lose that social license and will be faced with increasing regulation and scrutiny, he cautions.
The recent videos of animal abuse may be a watershed moment. Primarily because for the first time, animal welfare has been connected with food safety via these visuals, Arnot explains.
That is complicated by the fact that agriculture generally operates in a science-based culture. However, science is no longer enough to communicate with consumers. “We need to be able to talk about value judgements — we must be able to ‘own’ the ethical obligation we have to our animals and their care,” he notes. Consumers sense a change in the way their food is raised, but do not understand modern agriculture.
“It is up to us to communicate that our commitment to doing what’s right has never been stronger,” says Arnot. “Until we do this, we’ll never earn consumer trust.” It goes back to the adage, they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
“We’ve improved safety, efficiency and traceability, but not consumer trust,” he adds. “We need to stop talking about how we used to be. We are better than we used to be. Let’s talk about who we are today in a way that builds consumer trust and confidence.”
Posted: October 9, 2008 at 12:39 pm
By News Editor
The financial crisis that our nation is facing has many people looking hard at their food budgets. One item American’s shouldn’t cut back on is milk – this nutrient-rich food is a nutritional bargain! Well-known money guru Suze Orman is helping people to “Milk Your Budget” with information about milk’s value, along with a chance for them to win $150 in groceries.
The ubiquitous “Got milk?” campaign is getting a leg up from the equally ubiquitous money guru Suze Orman, whose new ads endorse moo juice with the argument that at 25 cents for an 8-ounce glass, it’s a nutritional bargain compared with other beverages. And as Americans economize on groceries, one thing they should not cut back on is nutrition, says the Berkeley restaurateur-turned-financial planner.
Going beyond national advertising, the new campaign also includes Internet tools showing the relative value of milk versus other beverages as well as a suggested, nutritionally balanced list for a family of four.
Posted: October 9, 2008 at 7:15 am
By News Editor
Friendship Dairies LLC has announced plans to expand its manufacturing operation, adding 40 jobs to its payroll of 218 in the town of Friendship, N.Y. in Allegany County.
The company, which produces “All Natural” cultured and pasteurized dairy products, says it will increase its plant size by 27,000 square feet, renovate another 7,000 square feet and invest more than $3 million in machinery and equipment. Company officials say that will allow Friendship to extend the operation to two full shifts, five-days-a-week. Empire State Development provided a $200,000 capital grant toward the company’s investment.
Friendship Dairies was privately owned for 80 years before being acquired by Dean Foods Company in March 2007.
Posted: October 7, 2008 at 2:44 pm
By News Editor
The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence announces their fall Dairy Advocacy and Resource Team “DART” meetings planned for October. These meetings will provide agri-business professionals a unique opportunity to visit dairy/food manufacturing facilities across Pennsylvania at businesses that are staking their future on the success of our dairy industry.
Each plant is opening their doors to give facility tours, share best business practices, and communicate strategies they believe will result in a growing industry impacting all segments.
The DART Meetings will:
- allow agri-business professionals to better understand and, thus, speak with producers about “what is happening at the processor level” in terms of investment and marketing.
- tour successful businesses and learn new business concepts which can be communicated to dairy producers.
- learn new information on dairy business models, risk management strategies, and the new “Dairy Animal Care & Quality Assurance” program.
Meeting dates are:
Lancaster Area meeting on October 17, at 1 p.m., at the Turkey Hill Dairy Plant, 2601 River Road, Conestoga, PA.
Williamsport Area meeting on October 20, at 1 p.m., at Schneiders Dairy Plant, 1860 East Third Street, Williamsport, PA.
Mechanicsburg Area meeting on October 22, at 1 p.m., at the DFA “Milk Moos” Plant, 4825 Old Gettysburg Road, Mechanicsburg
Bedford Area meeting on October 29, at 1 p.m., at the Sheetz Corporate Headquarters, 5700 Sixth Street, Altoona, PA
Meadville Area meeting on October 30, at 8:30 a.m., at the Dean Food Sharpsville Plant, 1858Oneida Lane, Sharpsville, PA
Posted: October 7, 2008 at 2:36 pm
By News Editor
Progressive Dairyman has announced their new Proud to Dairy logo that all dairymen are welcome to proudly display on their dairy. Additionally, the magazine is seeking video contributions to feature on the new website that explain why you are Proud to Dairy. If dairying is your life, your heritage or in your future, join with your Proud to Dairy peers.
We have created the Proud to Dairy logo as a symbol of respect for forward-thinking dairy producers and their families. This logo represents dairymen and women sharing and exemplifying dairying’s fundamental values of hard work, persistence, ingenuity, honesty and homegrown success.
These Proud to Dairy families are committed to dairying beyond its ability to provide a paycheck. They acknowledge the values and lifestyle that dairying affords their families. They will continue to preserve this lifestyle for their families and future generations.
Yes, dairy producers are leading contributors to a healthy agricultural economy. Their values and work ethic have been instilled by past generations … and continue to be passed to farm kids today. These producers are not ashamed to talk about the strength of character that American dairy families contribute to our nation’s population. It’s a fact! Dairy producers exemplify America’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Every day, they seek innovative solutions to address their dairy’s human resources, financial and day-to-day herd management challenges. Yet progressive operators remain true to their social responsibilities, especially the environment … and the dairy animals that provide their livelihood. They’ll always treat these resources with the greatest care. Doing so creates both economical and social wealth for their families and communities.
Posted: October 6, 2008 at 9:27 pm
By News Editor
World Dairy Expo 2008 is now just a memory, and for the owners of Thrulane James Rose, an Excellent 97 point Registered Holstein cow from Quebec, Canada, that memory is supreme. Rose was named the 42nd WDE Supreme Champion. Exhibited by Pierre Boulet of Montmagny, she was bred by Thrulane Holsteins of Elmira, Ontario. Winner of the International Holstein Show’s Aged-Cow Class, the seven-year-old is sired by Shoremar James and her dam is Thrulane Roxy Lee.
More than 2,600 animals paraded on the colored shavings, shown by 890 exhibitors from 37 states and seven Canadian provinces.
Since 1993, Pierre Boulet has owned 98 All-Canadian and All-American nominees. He has won Premier Exhibitor several times at the Quebec International Show and Quebec Spring Show. Rose was previously named Grand Champion and Supreme Champion at the 2008 Expo Quebec.
Reserve Supreme Champion of the show was Old Mill E Snickerdoodle OCS, bred and exhibited by Allen Bassler, Jr. of Upperville, Virginia. Scored Excellent-94 with an Excellent-97 point mammary system, the ten-year-old show veteran is a seven-time class winner, five-time World Dairy Expo Champion, and was named Supreme Champion in 2003. At six years and nine months of age, she produced 33,426 pounds of milk, 1,405 pounds of fat and 1,176 pounds of protein, with a lifetime production of 167,977 of milk, 7,725 pounds of fat and 6,213 pounds of protein.
Posted: October 6, 2008 at 6:57 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has announced their updated export bids for the past week.
Eight bids were accepted from Dairy Farmers of America of Kansas City, Mo., five of them for the following AMF exports: 108 metric tons (239,099 lbs.) to Kazakhstan; two separate bids for 54 metric tons (119,050 lbs.) to Mexico; 18 metric tons (39,683 lbs.) to Saudi Arabia; and 18 metric tons to the Netherlands. In addition, CWT accepted a bid from DFA for 18.75 metric tons of butter (41,337 lbs.) to Nicaragua, and two bids for whole milk powder exports, 900 metric tons (1.98 million lbs.) to Mexico, and 40 metric tons (88,185 lbs.) to El Salvador.
Four bids were accepted from Land O’Lakes of Arden Hills, Minn., for the follow exports: 36 metric tons (79,366 lbs.) of Cheddar cheese, and 9 metric tons (19,842 lbs.) of mixed cheese, both bound for South Korea; 30 metric tons (66,139 lbs.) of mixed cheese to China; and 10 metric tons (22,046 lbs.) of butter to South Korea.
Finally, one bid was accepted from California Dairies Inc., of Visalia, Calif., for the export of 10 metric tons (22,046 lbs.) of butter to China. CWT will pay an export bonus to the bidders, only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
With these accepted bids, CWT’s total 2008 export obligations are: butter, 19,476 metric tons (43 million lbs.); cheese, 1,426 metric tons (3.1 million lbs.); whole milk powder, 1110 metric tons (2.4 million lbs.); and anhydrous milkfat, 5,449 metric tons (12 million lbs.). The milk equivalent total of these products is 1.32 billion pounds.
Posted: October 6, 2008 at 2:39 pm
By Chuck
Grant Kohler is a dairy farmer from Utah where he milks 300 cows with a family operation. He was attending World Dairy Expo to talk about the Childhood Nutrition Fitness Initiative that’s a joint project of the National Dairy Council and the National Football League.
He says, “It brings a package not just to the cafeteria of the school but a package that can engage the principals and teachers.” The NFL teams are on board to provide their players as spokespersons when and where needed. He says the program includes a full nutritional plan that of course includes dairy. He’s proud to say that over 40,000 schools have already signed on. Here’s some excerpts from a recent release on the project.
To poise the multi-year program for success, the NDC will spend $100 million over five years to support this initiative, including school grants. The NDC will spend an additional $150 million on other efforts aimed at improving child health and wellness.
“We are taking a leadership role to help kids win the battle for good health,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Our players know the importance of staying healthy, and it’s important that we help young fans understand the value of exercise.”
You can listen to my interview with Grant as part of our Milking Parlor Podcast: milking-parlor-39.mp3
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, here are some instructions.
World Dairy Expo 2008 Photo Album
Sponsors of World Dairy Diary coverage of this year’s World Dairy Expo include GEA Farm Technologies and BASF Plant Science.
Podcast: Play in new window
| Download
Posted: October 6, 2008 at 2:28 pm
By Chuck
Last week GEA Farm Technologies was announced as the new “brand” for WestfaliaSurge, Houle and Norbco. Before Expo was over I spoke with Linda Mrugacz, Director, Marketing & Communications. I wanted to find out what kind of feedback they had been receiving from producers attending the show.
According to Linda, “Actually, it’s going very well. There’s a lot of interest in general about the name, a lot of questions about it, “What does GEA stand for?” Well, it stands for Global Engineering Alliance. GEA Farm Technologies is part of a global alliance of 250 companies according to Linda. She says this means that producers will get the benefit of a “total offering” from the “family of GEA Farm Technology companies.”
You can listen to my interview with Linda as part of our Milking Parlor Podcast: milking-parlor-40.mp3
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, here are some instructions.
World Dairy Expo 2008 Photo Album
Sponsors of World Dairy Diary coverage of this year’s World Dairy Expo include GEA Farm Technologies and BASF Plant Science.
Podcast: Play in new window
| Download
Posted: October 6, 2008 at 2:20 pm
By Chuck
After the virtual farm tour that BASF Plant Science sponsored at World Dairy Expo, I spoke again with Jerry Weigel, Global Nutrition Manager, about their Nutridense silage product.
He says there’s a real distinction between what they’re doing and what other companies are doing. “We are focused in two different directions. We are focused on a grain direction and a silage direction.” He says that other companies develop a hybrid for grain and if it doesn’t make it that way they just plug it into the silage market. He says BASF Plant Science stays focused on each market separately.
Jerry wants producers to know that they’re developing corn silage that’s all about fiber digestibility. He says that’s what they’re going to continue to focus on and that in the future they’re going to have to look at bringing gmo technology into play but that would be years down the road.
You can listen to my interview with Jerry as part of our Milking Parlor Podcast: milking-parlor-41.mp3
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, here are some instructions.
World Dairy Expo 2008 Photo Album
Sponsors of World Dairy Diary coverage of this year’s World Dairy Expo include GEA Farm Technologies and BASF Plant Science.
Podcast: Play in new window
| Download
Posted: October 5, 2008 at 3:10 pm
By Chuck
The World Dairy Expo is over and I just received a summary of facts you might be interested in.
Total Attendance: 68,317 (Last year’s attendance was 67,143)
International Guests: 2,884 from 84 countries (2007: 2,967 from 90 countries)
Top five countries of international attendance: Canada (479), Mexico (256), Netherlands (190), United Kingdom (143), Germany (141)
Commercial Exhibitors: 724 companies from 23 countries
Commercial Booth Award Winners: Large Booth Winner: Accelerated Genetics; Medium Booth Winner: Cooperative Resources International; Small Booth Award: Dinamica Generale SRL
Number of Dairy Breeds Exhibited: 7
Total Number of Dairy Cattle on Grounds: 2,657
Breakdown of Cattle Represented:
Ayrshire- 247
Brown Swiss – 375
Guernsey – 219
Holstein – 819
Jersey – 472
Milking Shorthorn – 217
Red & White – 308
Total Number of Dairy Cattle Exhibitors: 890 exhibitors from 37 states, 7 Canadian provinces
Total Numbers of Sale Lots:
(Ayrshire – 19; Brown Swiss – 30; Guernsey – 27; Holstein – 45; Jersey – 37)
World Dairy Expo 2008 Photo Album
Sponsors of World Dairy Diary coverage of this year’s World Dairy Expo include GEA Farm Technologies and BASF Plant Science.
Posted: October 5, 2008 at 2:57 pm
By Chuck
The 2008-2009 Alice in Dairyland is Ashley Huibregtse. She serves June to June and promotes agriculture all over the state.
I met her at this year’s World Dairy Expo. She says she’s “an ambassador for everything from the dairy industry which we have here at World Dairy Expo, to cranberries, cherries and ginseng.”
Her travels take her to media interviews, school visits and events like Expo. She hopes to get a job in communications that allows her to continue to promote agriculture.
You can listen to my interview with Ashley as part of our Milking Parlor Podcast: milking-parlor-37.mp3
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, here are some instructions.
World Dairy Expo 2008 Photo Album
Sponsors of World Dairy Diary coverage of this year’s World Dairy Expo include GEA Farm Technologies and BASF Plant Science.
Podcast: Play in new window
| Download
Posted: October 5, 2008 at 2:51 pm
By Chuck
The main presenter at the SUNY Cobleskill virtual farm tour was Tom Poltynski, farm coordinator. He talked about the school’s facility and says it’s unique because they’re very far north for using a flush system. He says they have good student involvement as evidenced by the fact that more students apply for jobs than are available.
One of the things he spoke about was their feeding trials. The tour was sponsored by BASF Plant Science and he said they planted half their corn in 2006-2007 with Nutridense and half with traditional hybrids. They saw very good results and plan to plant all their corn next year with Nutridense.
The advantage of Nutridense that he saw was, “With Nutridense corn, the #1 thing I see is the higher percentage of protein. With high grain prices I could back out a pound of grain and increase corn silage, my forage ration, and not lose anything on the nutrient profile of the diet.” He said they were able to save 19-25 cents/cow/day as a result.
You can listen to my interview with Tom as part of our Milking Parlor Podcast: milking-parlor-38.mp3
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, here are some instructions.
World Dairy Expo 2008 Photo Album
Sponsors of World Dairy Diary coverage of this year’s World Dairy Expo include GEA Farm Technologies and BASF Plant Science.
Podcast: Play in new window
| Download
«Past Entries Recent Entries »
