“Purdue Dairy Digest,” a podcast series created by three Purdue Extension animal science specialists, will be available for free download by noon each Wednesday beginning June 16. Each podcast will run about two minutes and will include both information directed to dairy farmers and some general information for the public.
“The dairy industry is still in a very challenging time and due to the low milk prices of last year, a lot of producers are still having financial issues,” said Tamilee Nennich, Purdue Extension dairy specialist. “Although the milk price has recovered somewhat, it has been a slow process. With dairy farmers facing so many challenges, we hope this will be a good information source to help manage their operations as efficiently as possible.”
Every Wednesday, Nennich or Purdue Extension dairy specialist Mike Schutz, will speak about topics important to both producers and consumers to help bridge the gap between the two. Podcasts will include information on general dairy topics, management issues, animal welfare, updates on upcoming conferences and meetings and more.
“Purdue Dairy Digest” will be available for download each week at http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/DD. The podcasts also will be available by searching “Purdue Dairy Digest” in iTunes.
The bleeding continued in the cash cheese market although prices reversed gears and regained a penny on Friday. The blocks closed June 11th at $1.37 per pound, down 2 3/4-cents on the week but still 22 cents above a year ago. The block price has lost 13 cents in three weeks. Barrel closed Friday at $1.33, also down 2 3/4-cents on the week, and 23 3/4-cents above a year ago. Thirty one cars of block traded hands on the week and 32 of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. block price average gained 3.6 cents, hitting $1.4680. Barrel averaged $1.4795, up 2.5 cents.
On a brighter note; cash butter gained 3 1/2-cents on the week, closing Friday at $1.61, 38 1/4-cents above a year ago. Nothing was sold all week, the gains all came on unfilled bids. NASS butter averaged $1.5425, up 4.3 cents.
Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Friday at $1.25, unchanged on the week, and Extra Grade closed at $1.25, down a penny. NASS powder averaged $1.3034, up 1.5 cents, and dry whey averaged 37.16 cents, up 0.2 cents.
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted one bid from Dairy Farmers of America and two bids from Darigold on a total of 750 metric tons (1,653,467 pounds) of Cheddar cheese to the Middle East. The product will be delivered June through December 2010.
Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 16,318 metric tons (36.1 million pounds) to 18 countries on four continents. Figures have been adjusted as a result of a cancellation and slight adjustments in amounts.
The Export Assistance program was reactivated when economic analysis indicated that sizeable cheddar cheese inventories overhanging the market are hampering a recovery in producer milk prices. Assisting CWT members in exporting American-type cheeses provides the most immediate way to positively impact producer milk prices in both the short-term and the long-term.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders, only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
A giant ice cream sundae is a delicious way to celebrate June Dairy Month. The folks with Pennsylvania’s dairy promotion organizations did just that this week, serving up 90 gallons of vanilla ice cream.
The annual salute to dairy farmers is sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program, who work together to promote milk and dairy products. Dairy is the largest segment of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, generating more than $4.5 billion in economic activity. Each year, Pennsylvania’s 541,000 dairy cows produce 10.6 billion pounds, or 1.2 billion gallons, of milk.
“Producing fresh, local, nutritious milk for my fellow Pennsylvanians is a great honor,” said Lolly Lesher, a Berks County dairy farmer who spoke on behalf of the state’s dairy farmers. “I get to work with cows, the land and my family every day, which makes dairy farming one of the best jobs around.”
Joining Lesher with opening remarks, Secretary of Agriculture Russell C. Redding read Gov. Rendell’s proclamation declaring June is Dairy Month in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Krystal Wasson and other dairy princesses from across the state helped with the day’s festivities.
Following the opening remarks, volunteers created the giant sundae using 90 gallons of Turkey Hill vanilla ice cream. The mountain of ice cream was covered with 10 gallons of chocolate fudge, 10 gallons of cherries and 30 pounds of chopped pecans. The sundae was topped off with real whipped cream and a giant, 12-inch ball of cherries.
“June’s 30 days are a wonderful opportunity to salute the 7,400 Pennsylvania families who produce 5.6 percent of the nation’s total milk supply,” said Cindy Weimer, director of industry image and relations for Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association. “Dairy farmers take great pride in caring for their animals. The public can be assured that dairy farmers care for their herds by providing a nutritious diet, good medical care and healthy living conditions.”
Would you like to learn more about National Milk Producers Federation “Foundation of the Future?” Then plan to participate in a webinar on Friday, June 11, 2010 at 12 noon Eastern/9 am Pacific. NMPF will explain aspects of the “Foundation for the Future” proposal.
Use the information below to participate in the webinar:
To join the online meeting
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1. Go to https://intercall.webex.com/intercall/j.php?ED=139868392&UID=0&PW=NN2Y5ZGY2OTZh&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: NMPF2010
4. Click “Join Now”.
——————————————————- To join the teleconference
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Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you can call:
Call-in toll-free number: (866) 852-1359 (US/Canada)
Call-in number: (832) 445-83708 (US/Canada)
Conference Code: 703 469 2372
——————————————————- For assistance
1. Go to https://intercall.webex.com/intercall/mc
2. On the left navigation bar, click “Support”
Recently National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) held their spring board meeting. New officers were elected, and a new approach to reforming dairy policy called “Foundation for the Future” was approved. Read on to learn more.
New Board Elected
John Underwood was elected the Third Vice Chairman of NMPF, representing Northwest Dairy Association in Seattle, Wash. The new Board members include: Mickey Childers of Somerville, Alabama, representing Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Dan Senestraro of Johnson, Kansas, also representing Dairy Farmers of America; and Jim Werkhoven of Monroe, WA, representing the Northwest Dairy Association.
“Foundation for the Future.”
The features of NMPF’s Foundation for the Future plan include: transitioning the existing safety nets of the Dairy Product Price Support and Milk Income Loss Contract programs into a new Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program to guard against periods of severe financial pressures; establishing a Dairy Market Stabilization Program to help address periodic imbalances in milk production and demand; and reforming the Federal Milk Marketing Order program.
NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak said that the Foundation for the Future is the result of 12 months of detailed deliberations concerning the most appropriate course to follow in reforming federal dairy policies, some of which have been in place for many decades. He added that the package will be used as the basis for the future direction of the dairy provisions in the next Farm Bill, or in some other form of federal legislation that Congress may consider in the future.
The Federation’s proposal to revamp the federal safety net involves creating an insurance program tied to the margin between the national average cost of feed, and the national average all‐milk price. After farmers choose to enroll in the base level of the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program at no cost to them, they would receive indemnity payments during periods when their margins are severely compressed, as they were for most of 2009. In addition, farmers would have the option of purchasing supplemental coverage to protect a higher margin level between feed costs and milk prices.
Another key element of the Foundation for the Future will be a Dairy Market Stabilization Program that sends a signal to producers that an imbalance in the marketplace could result in lower farm‐level margins. Like the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program, the Stabilization Program is tied to farmers’ margins that could be reduced either by low milk prices and/or high feed costs.
The Stabilization Program was shaped by some key principles: that it allows for the growth of U.S. production, doesn’t encourage imports or hinder exports, and keeps government intervention at a minimum.
Lastly, the Foundation for the Future also calls for changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Order program to create a competitive milk price, maintain Class I differentials, and eliminate unpopular aspects of the current system, such as make allowances. The changes in the Federal Order system are intended to be revenue neutral so that farmers’ milk checks are not adversely impacted.
What’s better than a cow that supplies fresh, wholesome milk? Well, how about one that also provides a clean and renewable source of energy? As owners of the Vermont-based Pleasant Valley Farm, Mark and Amanda St. Pierre are supplying one of the oldest sources of energy ever used by humans – sludge. As their family-run farm produces more than 40 million pounds of milk annually, it is also producing enough sludge to generate approximately 3.5 million KWH (kilowatt-hours) of clean, renewable electricity that they then send to Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS), the Vermont utility that set up this award-winning program to assist dairy farmers in turning manure into electricity. So community members can rest assured that their source of electricity is coming from a clean and renewable source. In fact in the United States, biomass energy (energy obtained from plants and animal matter) provides 15 times more energy than wind and solar combined. Now that’s better than any cup of milk…even chocolate milk!
Are you looking for up-to-date news on dairy nutrition? Then, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition has a new resource for you: PeakReportOnline.com.
The web-based content will be driven by the information found in The Peak Report newsletter, along with supplemental videos, audio files, Webinars and links to further research and information.
“The Peak Report has become an integral communication tool for Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition over the past nine years, and the newsletter continues to deliver important information to dairy producers, nutritionists and consultants,” says Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition Senior Business Manager Scott Druker. “PeakReportOnline.com will distribute additional timely information to help dairy producers move their businesses forward. Since the content will be available online, readers will access information at their own convenience and as often as needed.”
PeakReportOnline.com delivers information in three main categories:
Features: Divided into topic categories for easy navigation, the features section hosts articles on current industry trends, new product research and nutrition solutions that help dairy cows reach and maintain peak performance.
Q&A: Hear from industry leaders on hot industry topics, nutritionists balancing rations for peak performance throughout the lifecycle, and producers focused on reaping greater profit potential.
In the News: Learn more about upcoming industry events, breaking industry news and announcements from Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition.
Do you have Spanish speaking employees on your dairy farm? You can now help them with animal care with Spanish resources from National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM).
Created by National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), with support from Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the National Dairy FARM Program is a voluntary, nationwide program designed to bring consistency and uniformity to animal care through education, on-farm evaluations and objective third-party verification.
“Since U.S. dairy production involves a number of native Spanish speakers who are responsible for animal care on a day-to-day-basis, the National Dairy FARM Program recognized the need for animal care materials to be available in Spanish,” said Betsy Flores, NMPF Director of Regulatory Affairs.
The materials now available in Spanish are the Animal Care Manual (Manual de Cuidado Animal) and Animal Care Quick Reference User Guide (Cuidado Animal Guía de Referencia Rápida para el Usuario).
The National Dairy FARM Program Animal Care Manual details best management practices for a variety of issues, including animal health, environment and facilities, animal nutrition, and transportation and handling. The content of the manual is consistent with the principles and guidelines of the National Dairy Animal Well-Being Initiative, which was introduced in 2008.
The companion Animal Care Quick Reference User Guide is a condensed version of the manual for on-farm use and implementation. These materials will be supplemented with an animal care video and other educational resources. An on-farm instructor may be available from a producer’s cooperative or other source.
Greeted by a standing ovation, the newest edition of the Foster Mothers of the Human Race painting was revealed today at the Hoard’s Dairyman farm during a 125th Anniversary Celebration. The painting was unveiled by creator and artist Bonnie Mohr and W.D. Hoard and Sons President Brian Knox. A crowd of over 100 was on hand to watch the unveiling. Representatives from each of the seven breed organizations were also present at the event to receive specialty remarked prints from Hoard’s Dairyman in celebration of their breed’s presence in the painting.
Good news for athletes, milk-lovers and everyone! Fat-free chocolate milk beat out carbohydrate sports drinks at helping to rebuild and refuel muscles after exercise, researchers report.
The combination of carbohydrates and protein in low-fat chocolate milk appears to be “just right” for refueling weary muscles, says William Lunn, PhD, an exercise scientist at the University of Connecticut.
“It’s not just a dessert item, but it’s very healthy, especially for endurance athletes,” Lunn tells WebMD.
The research involved eight male runners in good physical shape who ate a balanced diet for two weeks. At the end of each week, they took a fast paced, 45-minute run.
Following each run, the men drank either 16 ounces of fat-free chocolate milk or 16 ounces of a carbohydrate-only sports beverage with the same number of calories.
Post-exercise muscle biopsies showed increased skeletal muscle protein synthesis — a sign that muscles were better able to rebuild — after the milk drink, compared with the carb-only beverage.
Additionally, drinking fat-free chocolate milk led to a higher concentration of glycogen, or muscle fuel, in muscles 30 and 60 minutes after exercise, compared with the sports drink. Replenishing glycogen after exercise helps future performance, Lunn says.
The findings were presented at the American College of Sports Medicine conference in Baltimore this week.
While only men were studied, one would expect women to gain the same post-workout benefits from chocolate milk, he says.
While the studies were small, there’s no reason not to reach for fat-free chocolate milk after your next workout, says sports nutritionist Nancy Clark, MS, RD, of Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
“Athletes can consider it an inexpensive nutritional alternative to engineered sports beverages for help with post-workout recovery,” she tells WebMD.
The studies were supported by a grant from the National Dairy Council and National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board.
This study was presented at a medical conference. The findings should be considered preliminary as they have not yet undergone the “peer review” process, in which outside experts scrutinize the data prior to publication in a medical journal.
Congratulations to the ten dairy farmers who have qualified for the Holstein Association USA’s 2010 Herd of Excellence recognition. These herds have all met the stringent criteria to qualify for the award: Must be 25 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent (ME) for milk, fat, and protein; must have classified within the last year and have an actual average classification score of 83 points or higher; must have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and must be enrolled in the Association’s TriStar program.
Posted: June 6, 2010 at 7:18 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
A dairy fact a day is a great way to celebrate Dairy Month.
Susainable dairy package manufacturer Tetra Pak has created a ‘Daily Dairy’ calendar featuring tips and key information about proper dairy nutrition for each day during the month of June. I’ve attached a copy of the calendar. The daily dose is also being sent by Twitter at @MilkMonthTips (www.twitter.com/milkmonthtips) along with extra nutritional news and milk tips.
Among the interesting facts on the calendar are that the average American consumes almost 25 gallons of milk a year, or about 400 glasses – a little more than a glass a day. But, the average cow produces 90 glasses of milk each day – so that we can have butter, cheese and ice cream too!
DairiConcepts, a joint venture between Fonterra and the Dairy Farmers of America, has acquired the hard Italian cheese business of Swiss Valley Farms. The business, which had been owned by Swiss Valley affiliate Rochester Cheese, includes a facility in Dalbo, Minn.
The business produces private label fresh grated hard Italian cheeses and private label dry hard grated Italian cheeses for retail, foodservice and industrial customers, Fonterra said.
Fonterra managing director, global ingredients and foodservices Andrei Mikhalevsky said the acquisition would cement DairiConcepts’ position as the No 2 player in the US hard Italian cheese market.
“It will also bring a more diverse product and customer mix, with scale in fresh products… And it gives us a clear position in one of the fastest-growing and most attractive cheese categories in the US market,” Mikhalevsky said.
The acquisition of Rochester Cheese’s sales and marketing platform provided resources needed to support the future of the growing hard Italian cheese category of the DairiConcepts business, vice-president of hard Italian cheese Neil Stockman said.
The deal included Rochester’s plant at Dalbo, Minnesota, while Rochester would retain a second plant at Spring Valley, Minnesota, from which Italian cheese production would be moved to Dalbo.
Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell hailed news yesterday that the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board will change its method of calculating over-order premium payment obligations on milk produced, processed and sold in the state.
The Governor said the June 2 decision–which comes amidst one of the longest, most trying economic environments for dairy producers in generations–would translate into approximately $6.7 million more being paid to the state’s milk producers.
“Pennsylvania’s 7,400 dairy farm families are hurting financially and this decision will help alleviate some of that pain by ensuring these producers receive what’s fair and what’s rightfully owed to them,” said Governor Rendell. “As one of the few states with the ability to affect pricing, Pennsylvania is taking decisive action to help its dairy producers.
Under the Milk Marketing Board’s ruling, a milk processor who purchases milk from both Pennsylvania and out-of-state dairy farmers will be required to pay the entire over-order premium on the Pennsylvania milk.
Under the existing system, the amount paid to producers is reduced by the ratio of milk purchased from Pennsylvania producers compared to the total purchase amount. For instance, if half of the milk a processor purchased is from Pennsylvania, the over-order premium obligation to those farmers is reduced by half.
Under the new calculation, the over-order premium would be paid on 100 percent of the Pennsylvania milk as long as the processor sold that much milk at wholesale in Pennsylvania. This is because the mandatory minimum price for every gallon of milk sold in Pennsylvania includes an amount to cover these payments, which is approximately $0.25 per gallon.
The decision was the result of a joint petition filed by Governor Rendell, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding, and the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board staff following discussions on how the state could bolster the dairy industry during a period of historically low milk prices.
The Governor said the General Assembly could provide further relief to dairy farmers by acting on the remaining recommendations the Milk Marketing Board outlined to improve the financial stability of Pennsylvania’s dairy farms.
Those recommendations include two changes to the Milk Marketing Law in order to track milk that is produced and sold at retail in Pennsylvania, but that is processed or sold at wholesale out-of-state. Presently, the state cannot track such milk for the purpose of assessing the over-order premiums.
Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
Posted: June 4, 2010 at 1:08 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Justice today announced additional details regarding the June 25 public workshop in Madison, Wis., to examine competition and regulatory issues in the dairy industry. The workshop will be held in the Union Theater at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
This is the third in a series of five joint public workshops. The first workshop was held in March in Ankeny, Iowa, with a focus on row crops and hogs. The second workshop focused on issues in the poultry industry and was held in Normal, Ala., last month.
The workshops, which were first announced by Attorney General Eric Holder and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Aug. 5, 2009, are the first joint Department of Justice/USDA workshops ever to be held to discuss competition and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. The goals of the workshops are to promote dialogue among interested parties and foster learning with respect to the appropriate legal and economic analyses of these issues, as well as to listen to and learn from parties with experience in the agriculture sector. Attendance at the workshops is free and open to the public. The general public and media interested in attending the Wisconsin workshop should register at www.surveymonkey.com/s/V3FHXPY.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, and Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division Christine Varney will participate in a roundtable discussion to open the Wisconsin workshop. Senators Herb Kohl and Russell Feingold, Representatives Ron Kind, Steve Kagen and Tammy Baldwin, Governor Jim Doyle, and Wisconsin Agriculture Secretary Rod Nilsestuen have tentatively accepted invitations to join this roundtable discussion. Invitations have been extended to Representatives Thomas Petri and David Obey. The remaining panels will feature farmers, processors, academics and other dairy industry stakeholders. Additional details on the schedule and panelists will be provided at a later date.
CME cash cheese prices continued to weaken in the Memorial Day holiday-shortened week. The blocks closed Friday at $1.3975, 6 3/4-cents below the previous week, but 25 cents above a year ago. Barrel closed at $1.3575, down 7 1/4-cents on the week, and 25 3/4-cents above a year ago. Nineteen cars of block traded hands and 14 of barrel. The lagging NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price gained 3.4 cents, hitting $1.4325. Barrel averaged $1.4544, up 3.9 cents.
Butter strengthened, closing Friday at $1.5750, up 1 3/4-cents on the week and 32 1/4-cents above a year ago. Nothing was sold. NASS butter averaged $1.5858, up 0.2 cent.
Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Friday at $1.25, down a nickel on the week. Extra Grade closed at $1.26, down 3 cents. NASS powder averaged $1.2878, up 1.6 cents, and dry whey averaged 37.01 cents, up 0.6 cent.
Posted: June 4, 2010 at 9:31 am
By Cindy Zimmerman
Take note, animal activists – most dairy producers know that happy cows are more productive, so they do everything they can to make them comfortable.
Dr. Brian Miller, professional service veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., says that includes managing and controlling ectoparasites like mange and lice.
“Even in dairy herds where cows do not have access to grass, a well thought out program is important to controlling external parasites and keeping cows comfortable and productive,” says Miller. “Chorioptes bovis, the parasite that causes chorioptic mange in dairy cattle, lives at the base of a cow’s hair and tends to be concentrated around the tail head, escutcheon, udder and thighs. These parasites are spread by direct contact, and because of close confinement, they spread very quickly and easily within a dairy herd.”
Miller offers a few tips to help control irritating mange mites and keep your dairy herd more profitable:
• Do not abandon deworming or parasite control programs in difficult economic times. Keeping animals healthy and comfortable also keeps them productive.
• Regardless of cold or warm weather climates, implement a whole herd deworming or parasite control program in the late fall.
• Remember to pour any new animals entering the herd on arrival, including dry cows, first calf heifers and newly purchased additions as an important element in the biosecurity program.
• Pouring first lactation cows is important for protecting them in the last 10-15% of their growth and maximizing the first lactation.
Celebrate June Dairy Month by grabbing your camera and entering the Farm Credit Services of Mid-America”s “Say Cheese! or milk, yogurt, cream or butter” photo contest. Get shooting and enter today!
Upload your favorite dairy picture – whether it’s a glass of milk, a dairy cow or a slice of cheese – on our website. Be sure to include a caption and you’ll be entered into our drawing where you will receive free dairy for a year (up to $1000 value). Deadline is June 30, 2010. Winner will be drawn on July 1, 2010 at 12 noon and posted right here on our website. Good luck!!
Here are the rules:
* Farm Credit Services of Mid-America employees and board members and their immediate family members are not eligible to enter the competition.
* Photos must be submitted on www.e-farmcredit.com.
* Entries must be submitted by June 30, 2010.
* The winning entry will be announced on www.e-farmcredit.com on July 1, 2010. We will notify the winner by email. We cannot accept inquiries on the status of the contest or the winners.
* Entries become the exclusive property of Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, which reserves the right to publish or reprint any entry for Farm Credit purposes.
* Contest winnings may be subject to federal income tax.
* No professional entries, photos must be original work.
The 2010 National Holstein Convention and 125th Holstein Association USA Annual Meeting will be held June 26-29, 2010 in Bloomington, Minn. and is being hosted by the Minnesota Holstein Association.
Events will kick off on Saturday, June 26. Juniors will get right down to business with a variety of competitions; Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) and National Holstein Women’s Scholarship Organization (NHWSO) interviews will take place, along with the Dairy Jeopardy and Prepared Public Speaking competitions, and wrapping up the evening with the new Dairy Knowledge Exam. Adults will have a more leisurely start to the Convention, with the option of attending a fishing trip to Lake Mille Lacs or touring Holstein farms in central Minnesota.
On Sunday morning, June 27, a non-denominational devotion service will be offered, followed by two options for Host Day tours that will give Convention-goers a taste of Minnesota hospitality. The Mississippi River tour option will take participants to Sapa-Ska Holsteins, followed by a riverboat ride and a visit to the National Eagle Center. The Tour West option will showcase four Holstein herds: Flower-Brook Holsteins, Floralawn Holsteins, and Raylore Farm, with lunch hosted at Glenmark Genetics/Bonnie Mohr Studio. Everyone will come together on Sunday evening for Family Night at the beautiful Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. With the theme of “Experience Minnesota,” a barbecue dinner including Minnesota products will be served, followed by a variety of activities and music provided by the Trouble Shooter Band.
The Holstein Association USA Annual Meeting will begin on Monday, June 28. An Early Bird session will be available, featuring Michael T. Collins, DVM, PhD, DACVM with his talk, “Johne’s Disease: The Ostrich Approach Just Isn’t Working!” Members will hear reports from CEO John M. Meyer and President Larry Tande on Association affairs, and Dr. Tom Lawlor will speak during the meeting on “Genetic Evaluations: What Happened in April and What We Can Expect in the Future.” Those not attending the Annual Meeting may enjoy watching a few rounds of the youth Dairy Bowl competition, or go on a guided boat tour of scenic Lake Minnetonka. Monday evening will culminate with the National Convention Sale and Fish Fry at the Scott County Fairgrounds.
Board of directors elections will be the main focus of the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, June 29, with four positions on the board being filled. Several members have declared their candidacy. Running for the Region 1 seat are Thomas Kugler, N.Y.; Martha Seifert, Vt.; and Peter B. Waterman, Maine. Seeking election in Region 4 are Gayle M. Carson, Tenn., and Walter V. McClure, Sr., Va. Incumbent Leroy Eggink is seeking re-election in Region 6, and declared candidates for the At-Large position are Corey Geiger, Wis., and Mike Jones, Ind.
The Convention will conclude on Tuesday evening with the “Roaring 20′s” themed Convention Banquet, where the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership Award recipients will be announced and honored.
Source: Holstein Association USA
“Purdue Dairy Digest,” a podcast series created by three Purdue Extension animal science specialists, will be available for free download by noon each Wednesday beginning June 16. Each podcast will run about two minutes and will include both information directed to dairy farmers and some general information for the public.
Susainable dairy package manufacturer 
This is the third in a series of five joint public workshops. The first workshop was held in March in Ankeny, Iowa, with a focus on row crops and hogs. The second workshop focused on issues in the poultry industry and was held in Normal, Ala., last month.
Dr. Brian Miller, professional service veterinarian with 
