Posted: January 31, 2011 at 9:04 pm
By News Editor
The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans were announced today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius.
The Dietary Guidelines are the federal government’s evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.
The new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans focus on balancing calories with physical activity, and encourage Americans to consume more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood, and to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and refined grains.
Because more than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, the 7th edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity.
“The 2010 Dietary Guidelines are being released at a time when the majority of adults and one in three children is overweight or obese and this is a crisis that we can no longer ignore,” said Secretary Vilsack. “These new and improved dietary recommendations give individuals the information to make thoughtful choices of healthier foods in the right portions and to complement those choices with physical activity. The bottom line is that most Americans need to trim our waistlines to reduce the risk of developing diet-related chronic disease. Improving our eating habits is not only good for every individual and family, but also for our country.”
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans include 23 Key Recommendations for the general population and six additional Key Recommendations for specific population groups, such as women who are pregnant. Key Recommendations are the most important messages within the Guidelines in terms of their implications for improving public health. The recommendations are intended as an integrated set of advice to achieve an overall healthy eating pattern. To get the full benefit, all Americans should carry out the Dietary Guidelines recommendations in their entirety.
More consumer-friendly advice and tools, including a next generation Food Pyramid, will be released by USDA and HHS in the coming months. Below is a preview of some of the tips that will be provided to help consumers translate the Dietary Guidelines into their everyday lives:
* Enjoy your food, but eat less.
* Avoid oversized portions.
* Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
* Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
* Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
* Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
USDA and HHS have conducted this latest review of the scientific literature, and have developed and issued the 7th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in a joint effort that is mandated by Congress. The Guidelines form the basis of nutrition education programs, Federal nutrition assistance programs such as school meals programs and Meals on Wheels programs for seniors, and dietary advice provided by health professionals.
The Dietary Guidelines aid policymakers in designing and implementing nutrition-related programs. They also provide education and health professionals, such as nutritionists, dietitians, and health educators with a compilation of the latest science-based recommendations. A table with key consumer behaviors and potential strategies for professionals to use in implementing the Dietary Guidelines is included in the appendix.
For more information on dietary guidelines, click here and here.
Source: USDA
Posted: January 31, 2011 at 8:52 pm
By News Editor
During the month of January, Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 19 requests for export assistance from Darigold, Foremost Farms, Dairy Farmers of America, and Land O’Lakes for a sales total of 2,019 metric tons (4.451 million pounds) of Cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in North Africa, the Middle East, Central America, and Asia. The product will be delivered January 2011 through May 2011.
The CWT Export Assistance program was reactivated in March 2010. In 2010, it assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda cheese totaling 35,183 metric tons (77.6 million pounds) to 27 countries on four continents, and butter and anhydrous milkfat totaling 14,968 metric tons (33.0 million pounds) to nine countries on three continents. One-third of the cheese and half of the butterfat are scheduled to ship in the first six months of 2011.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term and long-term by helping member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
Source: Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
Posted: January 30, 2011 at 2:41 pm
By Chuck
Virtus Nutrition now has the first iPad dairy app.
The Virtus Nutrition app hosts a wealth of information for dairy producers, nutritionists and others interested in the latest on Omega fatty acid technology for improved dairy cattle nutrition. Download this app to access the Omega Value Calculator, which provides detailed analysis of the value of feeding Prequel 21 (omega-6s) and StrataG (omega-3s) to transition cows and early breeding cows. Find out how many additional pregnancies, and subsequently calves, that these omegas can have by reducing early embryo loss on your dairy. Explore the key research that explains the impact that the omegas can have by improving both milk production and reproduction in dairy cows.
Key Features
CALCULATE the omega value in your herd by entering basic herd information and generating a series of graphs to show the impact Omega Nutrition can have on your bottom line.
BROWSE through the product pages to learn more about Virtus Nutrition’s calcium salts of fatty acid products.
SEARCH the research and article pages to learn more about the science behind feeding omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids to dairy cows.
Posted: January 29, 2011 at 2:14 pm
By News Editor
The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) is offering 20 Undergraduate Scholarship for students with a dairy-related discipline. Applications will be accepted through April 15. The college scholarships are awarded by America’s dairy producers, through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB). NDB funds in part, Dairy Management Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff program.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, plus demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates are expected to complete an application form, submit a transcript of all college courses, and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences. The application information is evaluated by the NDB scholarship committee composed of an external review panel and at least two board members. The recommendations of the scholarship committee are summarized by NDB staff and the scholarships are then awarded.
Scholarship criteria include: Academic achievement; A career interest in a dairy-related discipline; Demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity.
The value of 19 of the scholarships is $1,500. In addition, the NDB awards a $2,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to the outstanding scholarship recipient.
Eligible undergraduate students (sophomore through senior) enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy can apply. Majors include: communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.
Source: Dairy Management Inc. and Dairy Herd Management
Posted: January 27, 2011 at 6:36 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today announced its decision to grant non-regulated status for alfalfa that has been genetically engineered to be resistant to the herbicide commercially known as Roundup.
“After conducting a thorough and transparent examination of alfalfa through a multi-alternative environmental impact statement (EIS) and several public comment opportunities, APHIS has determined that Roundup Ready alfalfa is as safe as traditionally bred alfalfa,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “All of the alfalfa production stakeholders involved in this issue have stressed their willingness to work together to find solutions. We greatly appreciate and value the work they’ve done so far and will continue to provide support to the wide variety of sectors that make American agriculture successful.”
Needless to say, Monsanto is pleased by the decision.
“This is great news for farmers who have been waiting for the green light to plant Roundup Ready alfalfa,” said Steve Welker, alfalfa commercial lead at Monsanto. “USDA’s action gives farmers the choice to enjoy the benefits of this product, including superior crop safety and high-quality yield opportunity.”
Roundup Ready alfalfa was developed by Monsanto and Forage Genetics International (FGI). The USDA decision comes in time for spring planting, the company noted. Monsanto, FGI and other alfalfa seed companies have varieties of Genuity Roundup Ready alfalfa seed in stock and ready for sale.
The U.S. House Agriculture Committee just held a hearing last Thursday to review the biotechnology product regulatory approval process where biotech alfalfa was in the spotlight and Secretary Vilsack testified.
Posted: January 27, 2011 at 2:39 pm
By News Editor
The Midwest Dairy Association is offering 60-Minute Subjects, a series of sessions to help producers with promoting dairy at the local level. Each educational session will be delivered by telephone and Internet, and are held during midday hours or evening hours without charge.
The schedule of the sessions is as follows:
Feb. 11, 11:30 a.m. – Social media and how to use it promoting dairy;
Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m. – Classroom visits and ideas to do them well;
Mar. 11, 11:30 a.m. – SpeakOut! and how you can talk about dairy in your community;
Mar. 15, 11:30 a.m. – Fuel Up To Play 60 and how it is making a difference for dairy producers;
Mar. 18, 7:30 p.m. – Fuel Up To Play 60 and how it is making a difference for dairy producers; and
Mar. 25, 11:30 a.m. – June Dairy Month promotion ideas to use locally.
Participants should RSVP to the Midwest Dairy Producer Service Center at 1-877-360-FARM (3276) or producerservicecenter@midwestdairy.com.
The sessions also tap into the experience of producers who have been successful with various promotion efforts. For instance, members of the Dairy Farm Mom Network share their experiences with social media, and SpeakOut! presenters offer tips and tricks for those who plan to make presentations to community groups.
Because a 60-Minute Subject session may not fit a producer’s schedule, Midwest Dairy also makes a recording of each one available at its website. In order to access the presentation, producers must create a login and password at the site.
Source: Midwest Dairy Association
Posted: January 27, 2011 at 2:33 pm
By News Editor
The Jersey Marketing Service announces their winter seminar, which will focus on the marketing reach and convenience of JerseyBid.com, a new real-time online auction service. The seminar will be held on March 12 in Columbus, Ohio.
Dan Bauer, manager of Jersey Marketing Service, will present the easy-to-manage listing and bidding features designed to make selling and buying Jerseys more efficient and cost-effective. Joining him for the seminar will be Neal Smith, executive secretary and CEO of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and Mark Chamberlain, manager of AJCA IT Services.
The program, also to be broadcast as a live webinar, begins at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12 at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. It is being held in conjunction with the winter meetings of the directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and the 2011 planning meetings for The All American Jersey Shows & Sales.
A networking reception follows the seminar. The Concourse Hotel is located at 4300 International Gateway, on the grounds of Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. For webinar registration, send email to info@usjersey.com before March 10.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: January 26, 2011 at 6:20 am
By Chuck
Judging from the results to our latest ZimmPoll, sustainability, is a hot button issue. We had the most results of any survey so far. The question: “What does “sustainability” really mean to the public?” By a big margin, most say “A combination of factors” at 47%. That’s followed by “Farm managed for profit/growth,” 25%; “green,” 13%; “organic,” 10% and “local,” 5%. So I think it’s safe to say that sustainability is not understood to mean any one thing and probably within the ag community as well as the general public. For this reason I don’t see how we can expect people to agree on a definition much less use this word to create meaningful legislation. Your thoughts?
Our next ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Which tillage practice do you employ on most of your farming operation?” Let us know and thank you for participating.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: January 25, 2011 at 5:32 pm
By News Editor
The 11 districts of the Midwest Dairy Association South Dakota Division will become two districts during a reorganization meeting on Wed., Feb. 9, in Sioux Falls. All South Dakota dairy farm families are invited to the event, which kicks off the I-29 Dairy Conference at the Best Western Ramkota Inn, Sioux Falls at 3:45 p. m.
Temple Grandin, award-winning expert on autism and animal handling, is the featured speaker immediately following the meeting. Midwest Dairy and national board member Allen Merrill of Parker, Midwest Dairy CEO Mike Kruger and South Dakota Division chairman Jim Neugebauer of Dimock will present highlights of the dairy checkoff’s work during 2010. Officers of the two new districts will be elected. A dinner follows the meeting.
The South Dakota Division board voted to reorganize the state’s grassroots promotion structure in late 2010, reflecting both the current dairy farm population and the level of promotion activity across the state.
“Our District structure was developed more than 10 years ago and was not really a viable structure anymore,” explained Neugebauer. “It’s important that we have an efficient and streamlined organization, and splitting the state into two districts is more representative of how South Dakota’s dairy industry looks today.”
Those who attend the Midwest Dairy meeting and register for the I-29 Dairy Conference will receive a $15 credit toward registration. RSVPs are required for the meeting, and can be directed to 1-877-678-7080 or golmscheid@midwestdairy.com by Feb. 4.
More details on the I-29 Dairy Conference are available here.
Source: Midwest Dairy Association
Posted: January 25, 2011 at 5:27 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Brubaker Farms of Mount Joy, Pa., for being named the 2011 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year!
The award was given during a ceremony at the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) Dairy Forum in Miami, Fla. Owners Luke, Mike and Tony Brubaker received the award from IDFA Vice Chairman Dave Fuhrmann, who is president and CEO of Foremost Farms USA, Cooperative.
Now in its 13th year, this award recognizes U.S. dairy producers that apply creativity, excellence and forward thinking to achieve greater on-farm productivity and improved milk marketing. The award is co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Today magazine.
With 850 cows and 700 young stock, Brubaker Farms produced 20,200,000 pounds of milk last year. It has 13 full-time employees and more than 1,500 acres of farmland.
Brubaker Farms uses new technologies, such as solar panels on the barn roof and a methane digester, to provide energy for the farm and hundreds of local homes. Brubaker Farms also participates in nutrient trading (offsets) to enhance the economic viability of the dairy operation.
“Luke Brubaker and his sons, Mike and Tony, are well known for their early adoption of new technology. They own and operate one of the most innovative farms on the East Coast,” said Russell C. Redding, who nominated the farm for the award. Redding is the secretary of agriculture for the state of Pennsylvania.
According to Redding, the owners realized that the methane digestion system could produce more electricity by accepting food waste from local manufacturers. Working with the manufacturers, they have expanded the system so that it can accept 2,600 gallons of food waste per day, waste that otherwise would be disposed of in a local landfill. This process provides additional revenue for the farm, while demonstrating community partnerships that have a positive impact on the environment.
The farm offers help to the community in other ways, too. Once the digester waste is dried, the organic material is used to fertilize fields. The farm then sells nutrient credits to a local municipality to help it to meet federal requirements and to keep sewer bills from rising.
Previous winners of the Innovative Dairy Farmer title are Mason Dixon Farms, Gettysburg, Pa. (1999); Clauss Dairy Farms, Hilmar, Calif. (2000); Baldwin Dairy/Emerald Dairy, in Emerald, Wis. (2001); Si-Ellen Farms in Jerome, Idaho (2002); Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy of Kewaunee, Wis. (2003); C Bar M Dairy, Jerome, Idaho (2004); North Florida Holsteins, Bell, Fla. (2005); KF Dairy, El Centro, Calif. (2006); Joseph Gallo Farms, Atwater, Calif. (2007); KBC Farms, Purdy, Mo., (2008); High Plains Dairy, Friona, Texas (2009); and Haubenschild Dairy Farm, Inc., Princeton, Minn. (2010).
Source: The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)
Photo Source: Flickr account-USDAgov; U.S. Department of Agriculture
Posted: January 24, 2011 at 8:11 pm
By News Editor
A meeting hosted by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, American cheese companies agreed to step up efforts to reduce the sodium content in cheese and educate consumers about the limits of sodium reduction.
The 17 leading cheese firms, including the likes of Chr Hansen, Kraft Foods and Cargill, discussed the key challenges and opportunities related to sodium reduction. The companies are working pre-competitively on best practice to reduce sodium levels through formulation as well as process and manufacturing control.
Some companies have already begun to reduce sodium levels with the launch of new reduced sodium cheeses and others are making reductions across product lines. However, there is currently no move to introduce industry-wide targets.
Carol Blindauer, SVP, health and wellness, at the Innovation Center told this publication: “While a variety of individual cheese manufacturers or multi-food companies who make cheese may have committed to a targets approach to sodium reduction for their products, the industry at large is not adopting a targets approach.”
Blindauer said this is because cheese is not one single food for which a blanket sodium target would be appropriate. Swiss cheese, for example, is naturally low in sodium so there would be little merit in making cuts that would be particularly difficult to achieve without compromising on taste or risking food safety.
The industry spokesperson said sodium plays a vital role in cheese making for flavour, moisture, versatility and even food safety. Salt is a natural preservative that is not easy to replace without resorting to artificial alternatives that many consumers prefer to stay away from.
The cheese companies are agreed that more work is needed on a marketing level to put these points to the consumer. At the meeting of the task force on sodium in cheese the companies agreed that more education work was needed to inform the consumer about the nutrients in cheese, the role of sodium in cheese and the work that has already been done on sodium reduction.
The companies are also looking to establish more clearly where the industry is as far as sodium reduction is concerned. Blindauer said a marketplace analysis has been completed and is pending publication.
She said: “Understanding where we are as an industry is the first step to being a part if the solution to addressing sodium and cheese.”
Companies involved in the Best Practices Task Force on sodium reduction include: Bongards, Cargill, Chr Hansen, Dairy Farmers of America, Davisco Foods, Foremost Farms, Glanbia, Great Lakes Cheese, Kraft Foods, Kroger, Lactalis, Land O’Lakes, Leprino Foods, Marathon Cheese, Sargento, Schreiber Foods and V&V Supremo Foods.
Source: Dairy Reporter
Posted: January 24, 2011 at 8:04 pm
By News Editor
The Super Bowl teams are decided, but have you decided what you’ll serve at your Super Bowl party? How about a cheese fondue made like the orginial?
According to Wicked Local Wenham, the cheesy treat was invented in Holland, specifically a Gouda-cheese fondue served with boiled potatoes and chunks of rye bread. And it is called kaasdoop. Use this recipe to brighten-up your party!
Kaasdoop Dip
1 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 pound gouda cheese, rind trimmed, chopped
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Mix wine and lemon juice over medium heat. Toss cheese and cornstarch. When wine boils, slowly add the cheese, whisking continually until melted and smooth.
Season with nutmeg and cayenne. Serve warm, on a warming tray or in a slow cooker with chunks of torn rye bread.
Source: Wicked Local Wenham
Posted: January 23, 2011 at 6:12 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
Who couldn’t use an extra $250 in this economy?
That’s why we’re offering World Dairy Diary readers a chance to win some extra cash just for filling out a simple survey.
Really, it’s that simple. Just take a few minutes to tell us what you think about World Dairy Diary and you are automatically entered to win in the January 31 drawing. The odds of winning are about 1 in 500 – better than the lottery!
We are doing the survey because we need some demographic information to show that we really are reaching dairy farmers and industry members on this website, and we would really like to reward everyone who takes the time to give us that information. But, since we can’t give everyone cash, we can at least give everyone who fills out the survey each month a good chance of getting a nice little check. We’ve already given away $500 in the past two months.
We will not be using any of the personal information (names, addresses, etc.) for any purpose except to send a check to the winner of the drawing. What we really need is geographic and demographic information. So you have nothing to lose, and potentially $250 to gain.
Click here to fill out the World Dairy Diary survey before January 31!
Posted: January 21, 2011 at 4:44 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
The future of biotech alfalfa was in the spotlight as the U.S. House Agriculture Committee held a hearing Thursday to review the biotechnology product regulatory approval process.
Prior to the hearing, committee chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) joined Senate Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting that the department “return to a science based regulatory system for agriculture biotechnology and to deregulate without conditions genetically engineered (GE) alfalfa.” The letter noted that while science strongly supports the safety of GE alfalfa, USDA’s proposal politicizes the regulatory process and could set a harmful precedent for open pollinated crops in the future.
Vilsack was the main witness at the hearing and in his testimony he pointed out that the legal challenges related to GE alfalfa have taken years. “APHIS made its initial decision to deregulate GE alfalfa in June 2005. Yet here we are nearly six years later with the process not yet concluded,” said Vilsack. “The situation needs to be resolved. The legal challenges, and the resulting effects, have created uncertainty for all growers. Growers need to order seed and make planting decisions, but have difficulty when the legal challenges cause so much uncertainty. There are companies and researchers who have devoted significant resources to developing safe products that can help us meet our food security needs, but find themselves fighting in the courts, or waiting to see how a judge’s decision in a separate case will affect them.”
When asked about the issue during a press conference on another subject Thursday, Vilsack made several points. “Number one, we recognize our responsibilities under the plant protection act and we take them very seriously,” said Vilsack. “Number two, we understand that our decision needs to be done in a timely basis so that folks that are waiting to decide what to do and when to do it and how to do it will have enough time and enough direction to be able to do it. Number three, we recognize that any decision that is made has to be science based, that is what the law requires and that is what we will do.”
Listen to those comments from Vilsack here: Vilsack comments on GE Alfalfa
Vilsack also commented on the issue during his address at the recent American Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting. “What we’re trying to do is to stimulate a conversation and to ensure that every person, every farmer, every rancher, every grower has the capacity to do on their land what they wish to do,” he said. “If you want to grow GM crops you ought to be able to do that, if you want to grow identity-preserved conventional you ought to be able to do that, if you want to be an organic farmer you ought to be able to do that.”
Listen to Vilsack’s comments on the alfalfa issue from AFBF here: Vilsack at AFBF
Posted: January 21, 2011 at 4:02 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
More than a dozen dairy operations are getting bioenergy producer payments from USDA as incentives to produce advanced biofuels. Under the Farm Bill, the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels authorizes payments to eligible producers to expand production and use of advanced biofuels.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the payments Thursday for over 120 operations in 33 states to support the production and usage of advanced biofuels. Payments, which range from less than $500 to over $1 million, are based on the amount of advanced biofuels a recipient produces from renewable biomass, other than corn kernel starch. Eligible examples include biofuels derived from cellulose, crop residue, animal, food and yard waste material, biogas (landfill and sewage waste treatment gas), vegetable oil and animal fat.
“This funding will help the nation’s advanced biofuel industry produce more fuel from sustainable rural resources, and in doing so create jobs, a new revenue stream for agriculture producers and stimulate rural economies across the nation,” said Vilsack.
Among the dairy operations receiving payments are: Scenic View Dairy in Michigan; West River Dairy in Minnesota; Bridgewater Dairy in Ohio; Berkshire Cow Power and Green Mountain Dairy in Vermont; Holsum Dairies, Green Valley Dairy, Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, Quantum Dairy, Clover Hill Dairy, and Grotegut Dairy Farm in Wisconsin.
Posted: January 20, 2011 at 8:18 pm
By News Editor
Dairy producers from around the country will pack their bags and head to Omaha, Nebraska for the May 15-17, 2011 National Dairy Producers Conference (NDPC). Formerly known as the National Dairy Leaders Conference, the NDPC will provide an in-depth discussion of the issues facing the dairy industry, with educational discussions on many of the key challenges looming in 2011.
“The NDPC gives dairy producer participants the opportunity to listen, learn, and lead,” said Jerry Kozak, President & CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, which is organizing the conference. “It’s a way to critically analyze the status of the dairy industry now and discuss possible solutions for the future.”
The NDPC will include a farm policy outlook panel that will look at the development of the next Farm Bill and feature congressional staff, other national farm organizations, agricultural lenders, and dairy producers as speakers. A trade policy panel will address technical barriers for global dairy trade and market access and include a speaker from the U.S. Dairy Export Council, among others.
Another NDPC session will cover the dairy industry’s environmental concerns, such as carbon regulation, EPA’s Total Maximum Daily Load regulation, results from the National Air Emissions Monitoring Study, and the outlook for EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure program. Animal care challenges remains a concern for many dairy producers, and the NDPC will include a session that will feature speakers from major retailers and processors who will explain their expectations of animal care from farmers. Another NDPC session will address costs of production (such as energy and feed), and will focus specifically on managing change and risk.
The NDPC sessions will be preceded by optional farm tours that will take place on Sunday, May 15. Participants will be able to tour local dairy farms and visit a nearby ethanol production plant.
Although the conference is geared primarily toward dairy producers, anyone with a stake in the dairy industry is invited to attend. This may include dairy cooperative executives and directors, dairy processors, suppliers and consultants to the dairy business, state and federal regulators, promotion organization executives, and academics.
Source: The National Milk Producers Federation
Posted: January 19, 2011 at 7:44 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Seena Glessing, Waverly, Minn., for being named the Princess Consultant for Midwest Dairy Association, with responsibilities in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Glessing replaces Char Hovland, who retired from that role Jan. 1.
Glessing will manage the state dairy princess competitions and events, provide training and oversight for the three state princesses and help princesses develop skills to help consumers understand more about the value of dairy foods and the way they are produced.
Glessing has been an agriculture instructor for the past 10 years at Dassel-Cokato High School, where she built the FFA chapter from five to 87 members. She coached 18 teams to state championships with two of them winning national competitions. She is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University.
“I welcome this opportunity to continue my work as an agricultural advocate and use my passion for young people,” said Glessing. She was a finalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way in 1999, representing Redwood County where she grew up on a family dairy farm.
She and her husband, Dan, operate a dairy farm with Dan’s family and the couple serves on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. The Glessings have three boys.
Glessing can be contacted regarding princess appearances and questions at 320-282-6337 or at seena.glessing@gmail.com.
Source: Midwest Dairy Association
Posted: January 19, 2011 at 8:08 am
By Chuck
We got a great response to the question “What do you think about the number of farm groups?” in our latest ZimmPoll. Our readers are not shy about letting us know their opinions and we appreciate that. The results: 33% say there are too many, 28% say the more the merrier, 25% say some are not needed but most are and 14% say there are just enough for everyone to have a voice. What do you think? Got a different answer?
Our next ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What does “sustainability” really mean to the public? This ought to be interesting. Let us know what you think and thank you for participating.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: January 18, 2011 at 4:38 pm
By News Editor
The I-29 Dairy Conference will be held Feb. 9 and 10 at the Ramkota Inn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Registration is now open.
Producers who complete the online registration form by Feb. 1 will be eligible for the early registration prize drawing, including Minnesota Vikings memorabilia, such as an autographed football and autographed helmets.
The event is coordinated by dairy extension specialists from North Dakota State University, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, and South Dakota State University. Additional partners coordinating the conference include Midwest Dairy Association and Southwest Minnesota Dairy Profit Group.
Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned livestock handling expert who was featured in HBO’s Emmy Award-winning film, “Temple Grandin,” will be the event’s keynote speaker. Dr. Grandin has received worldwide acclaim for her ability to design livestock handling systems that reduce stress on animals and improve safety for people working with the livestock. Her keynote presentation at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, will be open to both conference attendees and the general public.
Other presentations on Thursday, Feb. 10 include:
· “How Do You Define Sustainability?” Jim Paulson, University of Minnesota
· “Reducing Fear Improves Milk Production,” Temple Grandin, Colorado State University
· “Livestock Care Issues: Past, Present and Future,” Scott Higgins, Ohio Dairy Producers Association
· “Lameness: Effects on Performance, Profit and Welfare,” Jan Shearer, Iowa State University
· “Dairy Carbon Footprints: A Tool for Your Farm,” Crystal Powers, University of Nebraska
· “Mold and Mycotoxins in Your Dairy Feeds,” Lon Whitlow, North Carolina State University
Registration for the full conference is $25, including the dinner and the keynote presentation on Feb 9 and sessions on Feb. 10. The general public is invited to Dr. Grandin’s keynote presentation on Feb. 9. The admission fee for the keynote presentation only is $10. Registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the door.
Source: I-29 Dairy Conference
Posted: January 18, 2011 at 4:31 pm
By News Editor
Bovance, the cloning technology and genetic preservation leader in the bovine industry, has introduced a scholarship essay contest.
Eligible, industry youth who submit an essay on one of five topics will be judged based on innovation, writing quality and demonstration of thought-leadership for genetic advancements. The winning student will receive a $1,000 scholarship to pursue education in a cattle-related field of study.
The five topics from which students can choose to write about include:
1. How do you think cloning and genetic preservation benefit the livestock industry?
2. What animal would you choose to clone to lead a specific breed, and why?
3. How would you explain the benefits of cloning to a consumer questioning the technology?
4. How would you explain to a consumer that products from cloned animals are safe for human consumption?
5. (If you own your own animal) Which animal do you feel would be the best candidate to create value in your herd through the use of cloning technology?
Any high school senior and students in their first or second year of post-secondary education is eligible to enter. Each essay should be no more than 1,000 words, and must be submitted to Bovance no later than March 1st, 2011.
Source: Bovance
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