“We do a lot of wrapping with a ‘W.’ It’s an intentional play on words,” Hershey spokeswoman Jody Cook said of the new rap music video the company collaborated on this year.
It’s any chocolatier’s sweet dream. Titled “Chocolate Shoppe,” the music video, posted last week on YouTube, features Hershey employees rolling around the factory on office chairs, cocooning themselves in foil and spitting rhymes about dancing the “chocolate drop.”
Part of a strategy to reach a younger demographic through viral marketing and social media, Hershey teamed with the Sniper Twins, a New York City rap duo that has produced parody hip-hop clips about salad and computers.
In December, the Fortune 500 business opened the doors of its West Hershey Plant to Barry Flanagan, 28, and Dax Martinez-Vargas, 27. Seventeen factory workers performed in the video, Flanagan said. While some of the video performers, such as the “chocolate cop,” work for Hershey, no company executives make an appearance, Cook said.
“We hope everyone realizes this is supposed to be fun and a parody,” Cook said.
“It’s the coolness,” Flanagan said. “It’s really cool. For Hershey’s to get onboard with a hip-hop or rap song says a lot about their cool level.”
Posted: February 26, 2010 at 5:12 pm
By News Editor
The History Channel will be highlighting Pennsylvania’s Marburger Farm Dairy and its famous buttermilk on the channel’s “Food Tech”. The episode will be broadcast on March 4 at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Food Tech host and self-proclaimed food connoisseur Bobby Bognar travels around the country breaking down exactly where and how food gets from the ground, farm or even factory all the way to the plate. Last year, for a segment on how buttermilk is made, he visited the Marburger Farm Dairy in Evans City.
“They were there for almost a whole day filming for a seven-minute segment on the hour-long show,” said sales representative Rita Marburger Reifenstein. “Instead of 15 minutes of fame, we have seven. We’re very excited.”
“A lot of people love their buttermilk. It’s a specialty item,” Ms. Reifenstein says on the show. “Older people remember it from their youth when grandma used to make it.”
Marburger Farm Dairy has been known for its buttermilk for well over 30 years, and in a recent competition was ranked in the top three in the U.S. The show doesn’t reveal any trade secrets, but Mr. Bognar tries his hand at milking a cow and adding the culture to the machinery that churns the milk.
Posted: February 26, 2010 at 2:59 pm
By Amanda Nolz
Check out our fun new turquoise t-shirts that we received for being a part of the youth seminar at the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference! Celeste Laurent and myself focused on getting the kids excited about who they are and where they come from. Being young people ourselves, we can relate to the challenges kids sometimes face in being different from their peers because they live on a farm.
Growing up, I got teased a lot for living on a farm and liking things like 4-H and FFA. Obviously, today I don’t have these issues, and I really don’t care if people were to tease me, but at a young age where being popular and fitting in are huge, it can sometimes be difficult to stay excited about farming and ranching.
Overall, it was a great youth seminar with lots of participation from the kids. I truly enjoyed my time in Michigan working with the future of the dairy industry!
Cash cheese prices lost more ground in the final week of February. The blocks closed Friday at $1.34 per pound, down 7 1/4-cents on the week, but are still 16 1/2-cents above a year ago when the blocks plunged 13 1/2 cents, to $1.1750. Barrel cheese closed Friday at $1.29, down 8 3/4-cents on the week, but 11 cents above a year ago.
The losses were on top of the previous week’s declines of 9 1/4 and 6 3/4-cents respectively. Thirty one loads of block traded hands on the week and 15 of barrel. The lagging NASS-surveyed U.S. average price on block cheese gained 0.4 cent, hitting $1.5059. Barrel averaged $1.5005, down 0.9 cent.
Butter closed February at $1.4050 per pound, up 4 1/2-cents on the week, and 25 1/2-cents above a year ago. Thirteen cars sold on the week and the NASS butter price averaged $1.3407, down a penny . NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $1.0697, down 7.2 cents, and dry whey averaged 39.46 cents, down 0.1 cent.
Provided courtesy of Dairyline.
Posted: February 26, 2010 at 1:44 pm
By Amanda Nolz
“Little Miss Muffet, sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey.” This was how Teresa Crook opened up the youth session at the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, MI earlier this month. Crook explained what whey protein is and where whey protein can be found.
Interestingly, whey protein can be found in oatmeal, hot chocolate, pudding, Doritos, protein bars, Cheez whiz and more! It’s amazing just how much dairy cattle impact our daily lives without us even knowing it! Crook’s youth seminar was a hit because she had taste samples of all of her products in the speech! Definitely a crowd pleaser!
Celeste Laurent and myself followed Crook’s presentation with our own segment in the youth program. Stop back for an update on our session!
Posted: February 26, 2010 at 10:36 am
By Amanda Nolz
Congratulations to Melissa Erdman, the new Michigan Senior Dairy Ambassador! Melissa is currently a student at Michigan State University, where she is on the path to become a veterinarian. Melissa impressed the judges with her extensive knowledge of the dairy industry, her passion for dairy products and her communication skills in explaining her depth of knowledge and passion with the judges. In the interview, she identified the two weaknesses facing the dairy industry as lack of consumer trust in dairy production and profitability (or lack thereof) for producers. Her proposed dairy project will focus on senior citizens and teaching them the importance of dairy as a part of a balanced diet.
Congratulations also goes to the new Michigan Junior Dairy Ambassador, Sarah Michalek. Sarah is a high school student who believes in putting 110% in everything she does. Her drive, passion and determination really convinced the judges that she would be an ideal candidate for the ambassador program. She hopes to study food science in the future, and she identified dairy public relations and fluctuating prices as two challenges facing the dairy industry. Her proposed dairy promotion project was titled, “Milk, Unlike Any Udder,” and it focused on working with students in grade six, and it included a milk label design contest.
Cheers to Melissa and Sarah, and best of luck in your year promoting dairy products to consumers! I’m confident you will do an awesome job! (Photo courtesy of Celeste Laurent)
Posted: February 26, 2010 at 8:47 am
By John Davis
The USDA has issued the final rule on organic access to pasture. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants.
USDA officials say the final rule provides certainty to consumers that organic livestock production is a pasture based system in which animals are actively grazing pasture during the grazing season. The majority of organic dairy and ruminant livestock producers are already grazing animals and maintaining pastures that meet the requirements of this rule. These standards contain clear requirements that will provide greater assurance that all producers are being held to the same standards.
This episode of the Milking Parlor podcast features Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan, laying out out the terms regarding the final rules and telling how this underlines the ag department’s commitment to organic agriculture.
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, click here. Listen to or download this episode in the player below.
Posted: February 25, 2010 at 8:17 pm
By News Editor
Do you avoid dairy products because you have concerns about lactose intolerance? You may be missing out on key nutrients in your diet! A panel of experts assembled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) warns that dairy foods do not need to be excluded from your diet if you have lactose intolerance.
The NIH Consensus Development Conference on Lactose Intolerance and Health was convened to examine the latest research on lactose intolerance, strategies to manage the condition and the health outcomes of diets that exclude dairy foods. Lactose is the natural sugar in milk and some people lack sufficient amounts of an enzyme that is needed to comfortably digest lactose. After a thorough review of the scientific evidence, the Consensus Development Conference panel completed a draft consensus statement that is intended to correct some of the common misperceptions about lactose intolerance, including the belief that dairy foods need to be excluded from the diet.
Without lowfat and fat free milk and milk products in the diet, it’s hard to meet nutrient needs, and available research suggests people with lactose intolerance can tolerate at least 12 grams of lactose (the amount in about one cup of milk) with no or minor symptoms. Plus, gradually re-introducing dairy into the diet can help manage symptoms and help those diagnosed benefit from dairy’s unique nutrient package, including calcium, vitamin D, protein, potassium and other nutrients that are critical for bone health and beyond.
Experts also suggest drinking lowfat or fat free milk (regular or flavored) with meals or a snack instead of an empty stomach, trying small, frequent portions or buying lactose-free or lactose-reduced milk – which contain all the same nutrients as regular milk. Yogurt and hard cheeses (the panel suggests cheddar, provolone and mozzarella) may also be more easily digested.
Conducted by the National Institutes of Health since 1977, the Consensus Development Program is an unbiased, independent, evidence-based assessment of complex medical issues. The purpose is to evaluate the available scientific evidence on a medical topic and develop a statement that will advance the understanding of the issue and help guide the advice given by health professionals and directed to the public.
Lactose intolerance is a topic that is frequently misunderstood, according to Dr. Robert P. Heaney, a prominent researcher at Creighton University who presented findings to the panel on the health outcomes of dairy exclusion diets.
“With modern diets, eliminating dairy from the diet – for any reason whatsoever – will result in poor nutrition with long-term consequences for health,” said Heaney.
Source: National Dairy Council and Milk Processor Eduction Program (MilkPEP).
Posted: February 25, 2010 at 4:22 pm
By Amanda Nolz
I had the great privilege and honor of meeting and working with a dynamic group of young people by serving as a judge for the 2010 Michigan Dairy Contest. The contest was held at the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, MI earlier this month, and before the competition actually began, the contestants participated in a morning session of round table discussions with the judges including myself, Kevin Dill and Debbie Kubacki.
Participants in the junior division of the competition included: Emily DeVooght, Amanda Carey and Sarah Michalek. Senior participants included: Melissa Erdman, Olivia DeVooght, Eric Sneller, Karmen Jackson and Chelsea Jones. (Photo provided by Celeste Laurent)
Together, we discussed career opportunities in the dairy industry, problems facing dairy producers today, ways to communicate our messages to consumers, ideas for promotional events and efforts to be made in working with policy makers. This is a great group of kids, and I truly enjoyed being a part of this event. The future of the dairy industry certainly looks bright!
Posted: February 25, 2010 at 10:53 am
By Amanda Nolz
“Humor for the HEART of Agriculture,” was the title of the humorous entertainment during the general session dinner at the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, MI last week. Behind the jokes and stories of the evening entertainment was Damian Mason. Mason is a comedian with enthusiasm for the agriculture industry. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in agriculture economics and has since studied comedy writing and improvisation at the prestigious The Second City Training Center in Chicago.
Mason did a fantastic job of combining his farm background and knowledge with his comic routine. His presentation was both relevant and uplifting, and he had the whole gang laughing the entire time. He told stories of selling beef steers and teaching his city wife the ins and outs of agriculture with Farm Camp! (A great idea, if you ask me!) He was also great at his Bill Clinton impersonations! It was truly an enjoyable meeting, and I know he got everyone in the conference excited to be in the agriculture industry once again! (Photo provided by Celeste Laurent)
Posted: February 24, 2010 at 7:27 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to the 25 student winners of the National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) Scholarship
This year’s National DHIA scholarship winners are: Tyler Lee Boyd, Parrotsville, Tenn.; Brett Boyum, Battle Lake, Minn.; Kevin Davis, Cokato, Minn.; Jean Haldeman, Ottsville, Pa.; Jessica Hammerand, Epworth, Iowa; Isaac Hammock, Chatham, Va.; Christy Hindman, Brockway, Pa.; Kayla Holscher, Twin Brooks, S.D.; Katelyn Horning, Manchester, Mich.; Logan Horst, Chambersburg, Pa.; Sarah Innerst, Red Lion, Pa.; April Johnson, Heron Lake, Minn.; Joshua Joseph, Viola, Wis.; Tera Koebel, Three Oaks, Mich. (Joe Drexler winner); Samuel Olson, Chetek, Wis.; Brenda Reiter, Elgin, Minn.; Laura Rosenhammer, Sleepy, Eye, Minn.; Jason Smith, Fremont, Mich.; Isaac Solum, Rice Lake, Wis.; Darcy Steffes, Elizabeth, Ill.; Brittany Thompson, Snow Camp, N.C.; Steven Joseph Toone, Grace, Idaho; Katelyn Walley, Walton, N.Y.; Tyler Warren, Watkins, Minn.; and Hannah Wentworth, Quarryville, Pa.
Judges evaluated applicants on scholastic achievement and leadership in school and community activities. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, applicants must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee, or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a National DHIA member.
2010 marks the second year for awarding a scholarship in memory of Joe Drexler, who worked for NorthStar Cooperative DHI Services. NorthStar members and employees, friends and family contributed nearly $8,000 to establish this scholarship fund.
“Joe’s love of nature, animals, dairy cattle and the young people who strive to learn are the ingredients for this scholarship that his family, friends and colleagues established in his memory,” stated Mark Adam of NorthStar. “He was a friend to all and an inspiration to anyone who ever had the opportunity to spend time with him.”
Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization’s scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. To make a donation to the fund, contact National DHIA Scholarship Committee Chair Barb Roth at 616-897-7435, or roth250@ix.netcom.com; or National DHIA Communications and Events Manager JoDee Sattler at 608-848-6455, ext. 112, or jdsattler@dhia.org.
Posted: February 24, 2010 at 7:17 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Shirley Krall for being named the scheduler for the Pennsylvania Dairy Farmers Speakers Bureau, a program that trains dairy producers to speak about their families’ roles in the local community. The bureau is a joint effort between the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and the Center for Dairy Excellence, through a grant funded by the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program.
Krall will reach out to local community groups such as the Lions Club, the Rotary or the Chamber of Commerce to schedule meetings for the more than 25 producers enrolled in the speakers’ bureau program. She will work with the producers to help their non-farm neighbors better understand how dairy farmers take care of the animals and land, provide the safest products possible, and play a vital role in the local community.
Krall’s love for dairy the dairy industry grew from spending time on her grandfather’s dairy farm as a child, and in 1982, she married dairy farmer Tom Krall. After working as a Licensed Practical Nurse, she began working full time on the dairy farm, where the Kralls raised four children, Joel, Travis, Marlin and Louise.
The Kralls are active in the Lebanon County Dairy Promotion Committee and serve as youth advisors for the Midway Church of the Brethren. They are also members of the Lebanon County Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, and the Cedar Crest Young Farmers Association. They are in the process of transitioning their farm onto the next generation.
Anyone interested in having a dairy producer speak at their community meeting is encouraged to contact Krall at 717-821-0259 or dairyspeakerscheduler@gmail.com. Those interested in learning about upcoming Pennsylvania Dairy Farmers Speakers Bureau training sessions can also contact Krall.
Posted: February 23, 2010 at 7:17 pm
By News Editor
Several livestock and poultry groups took time today to meet informally with members of Capitol Hill to educate legislators about responsible animal care practices.
“Prompt and judicious use of efficacious antibiotics is critical for the successful treatment and, at times, control of specific bacterial diseases in cattle. Certain FDA-approved antibiotics also enable us to significantly improve the efficiency of beef production,” said Dr. Guy Loneragan, an epidemiologist and associate professor at West Texas A&M University, and presenter at today’s briefings. “Maintaining access to FDA-approved safe and effective technologies, including animal health products, helps ensure both the health and resource efficiency of U.S. herds and flocks.”
In addition to stringent federal regulations, responsible-use programs have been developed specific to feed, livestock and poultry organizations to give feed companies and producers specific guidelines and assistance on the safe and proper use of antibiotics in health management systems.
“We use antibiotics judiciously and responsibly to protect the health of our herds and to produce safe pork,” said Craig Rowles, DVM. “We know that a ban on antibiotics, like the one in Denmark, will have adverse affects on our pigs, will raise the cost of production and will not provide a benefit to public health.”
Despite the unsubstantiated allegations by activist groups, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that shows the use of antibiotics on farms contributes significantly to an increase in antibiotic resistance in humans. In fact, a growing body of evidence shows just the opposite; namely, the responsible, professional use of these products keeps animals healthy and enhances animal welfare while not contributing to resistance.
“Taking FDA-approved animal drugs off the market would leave farmers and veterinarians with very limited options for preventing and controlling disease in livestock and poultry, which would have serious repercussions for animal health and preventing foodborne disease, with the strong likelihood that there would be no improvement in human health,” said Dr. Timothy Cummings, clinical poultry professor for the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at Mississippi State University. “It’s absolutely vital that any decisions about the care of animals and the safety of our food be based on sound science rather than unsubstantiated concerns.”
According to Dr. Leon Weaver, a veterinarian and dairy farmer from Montpelier, Ohio: “The U.S. dairy industry conducts more than 3.3 million tests each year on all milk entering dairy plants to ensure that antibiotics are kept out of the milk supply. According to the most recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) data, less than one tanker in 3,800 tests positive for any animal drug residues, including antibiotics. In those rare cases, any milk that tests positive is disposed of immediately and does not get into the food supply.
Posted: February 23, 2010 at 7:05 pm
By News Editor
The sixth annual Midwest Dairy Challenge drew 66 dairy and animal science students from 15 universities and colleges to the Shisler Center in Wooster, Ohio, February 11-13, 2010.
The Dairy Challenge is an innovative management analysis competition developed in 2002 by industry and university professionals, that also involves dairy owners in identifying opportunities for making their businesses more efficient and profitable. To date, more than 1,500 students have enhanced their dairy management, communication and business skills through the Dairy Challenge program.
This year’s contest, hosted by The Ohio State University, included students from University of Illinois, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Lakeshore Technical College, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, The Ohio State University, Ohio State University-Agricultural Technical Institute, Purdue University, South Dakota State University, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and the UW-Madison Farm & Industry Short Course.
Working in four- or five-person, mixed-university teams, students assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm and then presented their highest priority recommendations to a panel of judges and the dairy business owners. Judges chose three teams as Platinum winners, the contest’s highest distinction. The individuals who comprised these teams were Holly Bruns, South Dakota State; Ryan Conklin, Ohio State; Sabrina Eick, OSU-ATI; Andrea Eilenfeld, Ohio State; Allison Flinn, Iowa State; Tricia Gates, Lakeshore Technical College; Nathanial Guy, OSU-ATI; Katherine Harmelink, UW-Madison; David Hutchinson, UW-Platteville; Darci O’Brien, UW-Madison; Brenda Reiter, University of Minnesota; Stephanie Retz, UW-River Falls; Natalie Schreyer, Kansas State; and Ed Weisgarber, OSU-ATI.
Host farms for the 2010 Midwest Dairy Challenge were Steinhurst Dairy and Ayers Family Dairy.
Posted: February 22, 2010 at 7:47 pm
By News Editor
The Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin invites dairy producers and industry agribusiness people to their Business Conference held March 16 -17, in Madison, Wis. Five highly regarded keynote speakers, 15 specialty sessions, and 25-plus resources are on tap for the Conference.
Economist and president of AgResource Company, Dan Basse, will explain how global markets influence milk and feed prices as he helps dairy producers avoid basing marketing decisions on crystal ball prognostications.
Dr. David Kohl from Virginia Tech is the opening keynote and also the emcee of this dynamic two-day event. Kohl has spoke around the globe on dairy business and will get dairy producers thinking about opportunities ahead and focused on ways to reposition their businesses in 2010 and beyond. His presentation alone will provide the guidance and perspective needed to push forward with optimism and real direction.
A former college basketball coach, Dr. Kohl’s presentations are action-packed, entertaining and geared to get your mind running and conditioned for game-winning business management. The highly credentialed and sought-after Dr. Kohl has conducted more than 5,000 workshops and seminars for agricultural groups, published four books and more than 1,000 articles on financial and business-related topics, received 11 major teaching awards, received 15 major Extension and Public Service awards, and traveled more than 7 million miles during his career.
Dr. Kevin Bernhardt of the UW-Extension and Center for Dairy Profitability will explore how to bridge management of costs with marketing of products and explain how to a change one’s mindset from being impressed with $19 milk to one that is impressed with a double-digit rate of return on assets.
Dr. Jan Shearer of Iowa State University will address metabolic and mechanical factors that predispose dairy cattle to some of the most serious of lameness disorders in his informational breakout session titled, “End Lame Profits with Keen Hoof Care.”
Posted: February 22, 2010 at 7:34 pm
By News Editor
The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association (DCHA) is pleased to announce the Intervet/Schering-Plough Leadership Program, created in order to help mold the next generation of industry leaders.
“The DCHA Young Leaders program plays a vital role in the continued growth and success of the organization and development of future leaders,” says Bob Patrick, DCHA First Vice President. “Individuals that participate in the program are exposed to the workings of DCHA and learn valuable skills that should bode well for future involvement with the organization at the committee and board levels.”
The 2010 Leadership Class participants are: Katie Carpenter, Plato Brook Farms, Arcade, N.Y.; Jeff Cornwell, Clover Ridge Dairy, Lawndale, N.C.; Amy Shiplett, Bon-Home Livestock, Chilton, Wis.; Alan Vander Horst, Vander Horst Dairies of Texas, Dublin, Texas; Case Vlot, Vlot Brothers Calf Ranch, Chowchilla, Calif; and Roy Williams, Midland, Texas.
The DCHA Leadership Development Program, sponsored by Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, will bring the leadership class together with DCHA board members during the 2010 Dairy Calf & Heifer Conference in Lexington, Ky., March 23-25. Participants will have the opportunity to develop skills to manage hot button issues, media training and member development training.
Posted: February 19, 2010 at 5:09 pm
By News Editor
Dairyline Markets In Review
Cash cheese prices headed south in the President’s Day holiday shortened week as the markets awaited Friday afternoon’s January Milk Production report. The blocks closed Friday morning at $1.4125 per pound, down 9 1/4-cents on the week, but still 10 1/4-cents above a year ago. The barrels closed at $1.3775, down 6 3/4-cents on the week, and 10 3/4s below a year ago. Fifteen cars of block traded hands on the week and 12 of barrel. The NASS U.S. average block price hit $1.5024, up 2.7 cents. Barrel averaged $1.5098, down 1.6 cents.
Butter lost a penny Tuesday, then jumped a nickel, but gave back 2 on Friday to close at $1.36, up 2 cents on the week, and 25 3/4-cents above a year ago. Twenty eight cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.3503, down 4.2 cents.
Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk finished the week at $1.12, up 1 1/2-cents, while Extra Grade held all week at $1.24. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $1.1417, down 0.3 cent, and dry whey averaged 39.6 cents, up 0.6 cent.
Provided courtesy of Dairyline.
Posted: February 19, 2010 at 5:05 pm
By News Editor
World Dairy Expo 2010 may be more than six months away, but today, the official judges for the world class dairy show were appointed. This year’s event theme is: “Crowning Achievements – Golden Opportunities,” and will take place at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin from September 28 through October 2.
The individuals who will be responsible for placing over 2,500 head of dairy cattle during the five-day show are:
International Junior Holstein Show: Adam Liddle, Argyle, New York
International Ayrshire Show: Norm Nabholz, West Union, Iowa
Ayrshire Associate: Randy Franck, Dewitt, Iowa
International Milking Shorthorn Show: Ronnie Mosser, Geneva, Indiana
Central National Jersey Show: Kelly Barbee, Concord, North Carolina
Jersey Associate: Dennis Patrick, Woodbine, Maryland
International Brown Swiss Show: Callum McKinven, Canton De Hatley, Quebec, Canada
Brown Swiss Associate: Richard Landry, Ste-Brigitte des Saults, Quebec, Canada
International Guernsey Show: Lynn Harbaugh, Pine River, Wisconsin
Guernsey Associate: Paul Trapp, Taylor, Wisconsin
Grand International Red & White Show: Brian Carscadden, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Red & White Associate: Quim Serrabassa, Spain
International Holstein Show: Brian Craswell, Civic, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Holstein Associate: Tyler Doiron, Cap Sante, Quebec, Canada
For beginners, the Dairy Judging workbook starts with fundamentals such as the parts of a dairy cow and the four major breakdowns of the PDCA Unified Scorecard. Comparative dairy terminology is covered with pictures showing structural variations of cattle. Preparing and presenting oral reasons is a featured section, with several examples, as well as tips for both beginners and more advanced youth. An introduction to linear evaluation is also provided. Several interactive exercises and resources for both youth and judging coaches are available in the workbook, including worksheets to teach the parts of a cow, oral reasons vocabulary and note-taking skills, as well as placing cards that can be copied off and used in practices.
For those interested in learning more about Registered Holstein pedigrees, the Pedigree Questions and Answers workbook has also been updated, with information on many of the changes that have taken place in recent months.
These workbooks come along with the launch of a completely redesigned Holstein Foundation Web site, which highlights the organization’s dairy leadership development programs. Along with Dairy Judging are several other free, educational workbooks covering topics from genetics and pedigrees to nutrition and general dairy cattle care.
Her ad “The taste of fame” reads: “Center stage, silver screen, joyful new mom. How do I keep this show on the road? Milk. Its wholesome goodness helps make my family strong at every stage. Talk about a powerful performance.”
With her high-powered soulful style, 28-year-old Jennifer Hudson has already achieved feats that are reserved for most young signers’ dreams. The former “American Idol” contestant nabbed a much-deserved Academy Award for her unforgettable role as “Effie” in the 2006 movie adaptation of the Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” and went on to appear in the 2008 summer box office hit “Sex in the City.” Hudson’s next film will be “Winnie,” based on the life of Winnie Mandela which she will shoot in South Africa this summer.
Jennifer has won numerous awards, including a Grammy for her self-titled debut album, which spawned the hit single “Spotlight.” Her second album will be released in May 2010.
In August 2009, Jennifer started signing a new tune – lullabies – after giving birth to her son David Daniel Otunga Jr., with fiancé David Otunga.
Check out our fun new turquoise t-shirts that we received for being a part of the youth seminar at the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference! Celeste Laurent and myself focused on getting the kids excited about who they are and where they come from. Being young people ourselves, we can relate to the challenges kids sometimes face in being different from their peers because they live on a farm. 
“Little Miss Muffet, sat on her tuffet, eating her curds and whey.” This was how Teresa Crook opened up the youth session at the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, MI earlier this month. Crook explained what whey protein is and where whey protein can be found.
Congratulations to Melissa Erdman, the new Michigan Senior Dairy Ambassador! Melissa is currently a student at Michigan State University, where she is on the path to become a veterinarian. Melissa impressed the judges with her extensive knowledge of the dairy industry, her passion for dairy products and her communication skills in explaining her depth of knowledge and passion with the judges. In the interview, she identified the two weaknesses facing the dairy industry as lack of consumer trust in dairy production and profitability (or lack thereof) for producers. Her proposed dairy project will focus on senior citizens and teaching them the importance of dairy as a part of a balanced diet. 
Congratulations also goes to the new Michigan Junior Dairy Ambassador, Sarah Michalek. Sarah is a high school student who believes in putting 110% in everything she does. Her drive, passion and determination really convinced the judges that she would be an ideal candidate for the ambassador program. She hopes to study food science in the future, and she identified dairy public relations and fluctuating prices as two challenges facing the dairy industry. Her proposed dairy promotion project was titled, “Milk, Unlike Any Udder,” and it focused on working with students in grade six, and it included a milk label design contest.
I had the great privilege and honor of meeting and working with a dynamic group of young people by serving as a judge for the 2010 Michigan Dairy Contest. The contest was held at the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, MI earlier this month, and before the competition actually began, the contestants participated in a morning session of round table discussions with the judges including myself, Kevin Dill and Debbie Kubacki.
“Humor for the HEART of Agriculture,” was the title of the humorous entertainment during the general session dinner at the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, MI last week. Behind the jokes and stories of the evening entertainment was Damian Mason. Mason is a comedian with enthusiasm for the agriculture industry. He graduated from Purdue University with a degree in agriculture economics and has since studied comedy writing and improvisation at the prestigious The Second City Training Center in Chicago. 
