Posted: December 5, 2011 at 8:25 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Dr. Don Niles, for receiving the Dairy Business Association (DBA) Advocate of the Year and Secretary Ben Brancel for receiving the DBA Leadership Award. The awards were sponsored by Vita Plus.
Don Niles, DVM is co-owner and manager of Dairy Dreams, LLC in Kewaunee County. Dairy Dreams is a 2,800 cow dairy with a rolling herd average of 28,000 pounds of milk production per cow. The dairy has a methane digester that provides enough electricity to power over 700 homes.
“Don really deserves recognition as DBA’s Advocate of the Year,” commented Jerry Meissner, President of DBA. “He has consistently engaged his community and elected officials in a dialogue on farm sustainability and modern food production, whether it was one on one interaction as he delivers over a thousand cookies to neighbors or when he hosted over 6,000 guests for the Kewaunee County Dairy Breakfast.”
Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Ben Brancel was given the DBA Leadership Award for his role in protecting and promoting the dairy industry. Most recently, Secretary Brancel took the lead in defending Wisconsin’s dairy industry by requesting federal lawmakers consider an economic study on a proposed policy change.
“As a former dairy farmer, Secretary Brancel knows the struggles involved in farming,” said Laurie Fischer. “We are very fortunate to have a DATCP Secretary that is willing to take the lead to continue to move our state’s largest industry forward.”
Source: The Dairy Business Association
Posted: December 5, 2011 at 8:10 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Enchanted Dairy, LLP for being named Minnesota’s 2011 Producer of the Year! The award is given annually by the Minnesota Milk Producers Association in recognition of a farm that has a proven commitment to the dairy industry, manages its farm for future generations, and is active in their local community. Watch this video to learn all about the farm!
Enchanted Dairy, LLP, is operated by brothers Ron and Marvin Miller, who began by milking 75 cows on the traditional tie-stall dairy where they grew up. They significantly expanded their business in 2000, when they began construction on a state-of-the-art 40-stall internal rotary parlor, featuring free-stall barns with mattress bedding. Today, they own 1,700 dairy cows and 1,500 dairy heifers, and raise 2,200 acres of alfalfa and corn. The family’s mission is to produce safe, high-quality, wholesome milk using environmentally friendly methods and by focusing on the comfort and well-being of their cows.
“Animal care and comfort is a top priority, so much so that we refer to our cows as our business partners,” says Ron Miller, Enchanted Dairy’s general manager. “All of us strongly believe we’re stewards of our animals and the land we farm.” Enchanted Dairy’s mission statement is “Growing for the Future,” and its leadership team — which includes Ron’s wife Jeannie and daughter Brooke — is working to build an efficient, profitable and modern farm through good management and professional dairy practices.
Growth and the future are considered in just about every decision the dairy makes. An aggressive management program has added 600 cows to the farm in the past seven years, all from internal growth. Dr. Matt Boyle, a veterinarian who does pregnancy checks and tends to the health and comfort of the herd, has high praise for the Millers. “I can honestly say I have not worked on a dairy that tries harder to do the right thing every time — for the cow, and in terms of the decisions that they make that eventually affect the food that they’re making,” he says.
The commitment to quality evident in Enchanted Dairy’s everyday operation is demonstrated to the public in the frequent tours that the family hosts for everyone from agricultural professionals to students to international visitors. Some tours are informal with one tour guide; others are more formal with educational stations manned by industry experts. Over the past 12 years, Enchanted Dairy has given tours to thousands of visitors.
“Enchanted Dairy’s open-door policy and its tradition of showcasing its animal- and environmentally friendly practices are great examples of how Minnesota’s dairy industry is working hard to make sure the public understands what happens on a farm, and gets to know the people behind the product,” says Bob Lefebvre, Minnesota Milk Producers executive director.
Souce: Minnesota Milk Producers Association
Posted: November 30, 2011 at 7:41 pm
By News Editor
The University of Florida hosted the 2011 Southern Regional Dairy Challenge contest, with a total of 50 students from 10 southern colleges and universities participated in the sixth annual event.
A key objective is to present students with a real-life situation that stresses the importance of teamwork and professionalism. Teams of students from the different schools were formed to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a working dairy farm. Afterwards, teams presented their analysis and prioritized opportunities for improvement to a panel of expert judges and the dairy owners. Hosts for this year’s Southern Regional Dairy Challenge were Keith Shiver, Shiver Dairy Farm, Mayo, FL and Ashley Bailey, Lafayette Dairy, Mayo, FL.
The 12 teams were named after major Dairy Challenge platinum sponsors: ABS Global Inc., Dairy Farmers of America, Dairy Production Systems, Dairy Records Management Systems, DSM Nutritional Products, Farm Credit, Genex Cooperative Inc., Land O’Lakes Purina Feed, Alltech Inc., Pfizer Animal Health, Select Sires Inc., and Southern States Cooperative.
Receiving Platinum Awards were:
Christie Burke, Louisiana State University; Alison Craine, Berry College; Erin Henley, Virginia Tech; Angela Stuart, Alabama A & M University
Rachel Manning, West Virginia University; Lauren Mayo, University of Florida; Lauryn Singer, Virginia Tech; Colton Turner, Alabama A & M University
Receiving Reserve Platinum Awards were:
Mae Dunn, Alabama A & M University; Ben Ketchie, North Carolina State University; Kaitlin MaGill, Berry College; Kaylee Quinn, Clemson University; Ben Smith, Virginia Tech
Elizabeth Eckelkamp, Louisiana State University; Chris Potts, Virginia Tech; Chase Rucks, Santa Fe College; Emma Schaffel, Clemson University
Receiving Gold Awards were:
Nikita Armstrong, Alabama A & M University; Sarah Burczynski, Virginia Tech; Andrea Steyer, West Virginia University; Claire Stuyck, Clemson University
Kaylene Lyons, Berry College; Cody Meyer, College of the Ozarks; Cory Robbins, North Carolina State University; Vaughn Stevenson, Clemson University
Janae Matthews, Alabama A & M University; Robin Nolan, Berry College; Abby Patch, Virginia Tech; Jodie Rose, West Virginia University
Lauren Clemency, North Carolina State University; Brenson Crenshaw, Alabama A & M University; Lindsay Hetrick, Virginia Tech; Nathan Leckie, Clemson University; Kenneth Sharp, Berry College
Receiving Silver Awards were:
Karl Paulson, Virginia Tech; Martha Peterson, Alabama A & M University; Carmen Riguero, Berry College; Alex Swain, University of Florida
Caitlin Coriasso, Alabama A & M University; Justin McEntyre, North Carolina State University; Ty Rowland, College of the Ozarks; Grace Skaff, West Virginia University
Alyssa Degreenia, North Carolina State University; Kelly Jo Johnson, Virginia Tech; Gairy Kimber, Alabama A & M University; Leah Moore, Berry College
Phillip Gunter, Clemson University; Michael Hemme, College of the Ozarks; Carrie Hoffner, North Carolina State University; Matthew Scott, Louisiana State University
Source: The Southern Regional Dairy Challenge
Posted: November 29, 2011 at 8:32 pm
By News Editor
Body by Milk is offering 25 student athletes the chance to win a $7,000 college scholarship and be featured in a Milk Mustache ad! Do you have what it takes? Enter the 2012 Sammy Awards!
Are you a student athlete who excels in academics and community service? High school seniors who understand the importance of eating a balanced breakfast, with nutrient rich milk, can now apply for the 2012 SAMMY Scholarship!
Twenty-five accomplished teens will: Be featured in a Milk Mustache ad, Receive a $7,500 college scholarship, Attend an awards ceremony with celebrity guests at Disney World.
A super-star line-up of Milk Mustache celebrity athletes, including basketball all-star Chauncey Billups and gold medal winning swimmer Dara Torres will help select this year’s 25 winners.
Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM ET Friday, March 9, 2012. Winners will be selected by June 2012.
Source: Body by Milk
Posted: September 23, 2011 at 5:41 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Dr. Christian Steenholdt the 2011 Quality Veterinarian of the Year. Steenholdt was awarded the title at the 44th Annual Conference of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners.
Dr. Christian Steenholdt was recognized for his participation in the Dairy Quality Center’s Verified Premium Plus Program during Merial’s Dessert Reception.
“Dr. Steenholdt’s dedication and loyalty to his dairy clients includes the verification process to review various activities on the dairies,” states Keith R. Carlson, Executive Director of the Dairy Quality Center. “Premiums are offered from a local packing plant for cows qualifying when they participate in the VPP Program.”
Merial, a world-leading animal health company, Duluth, GA, and the Dairy Quality Center (DQC), Stratford, IA, co-sponsor this annual award, designed to recognize veterinarians who help dairy producers implement quality management practices within their operation.
Dr. Steenholdt joins a long line of distinguished bovine practitioners to receive the Quality Veterinarian of the Year award. Fellow colleagues receiving Merial’s Veterinarian of the Year award over the last thirteen years includes: Dr. Jeff Dietrich, Dr. James Warling, Dr. Robert Schell, Dr. Brian Mitchell, Dr. Andy Johnson, Dr. Jim Reynolds, Dr. James Jarrett, Dr. DonGardner, Dr. Jill Hollingsworth, Dr. Craig Schank, Dr. Larry Taylor, and Dr. Joe Gillespie.
Source: Merial
Posted: September 23, 2011 at 5:27 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Craig Walton, Emily Thornburg, Gene Iager, Shelby and Harold Rader, Jr., and Amy, Scott, Skip and Steve Lackey of Pleasant Plain, Ohio. Together, the Registered Jersey cow they own, Frederick 2783 Adventure, was named Supreme Champion of the 2011 All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pa.
Cargill Animal Feed and Nutrition, Inc., sponsored the $3,000 cash award for the supreme champion.
Adventure was chosen from among the top seven breed champions by the judges who placed 1,183 head of cattle in the open shows.
The judges are Eric Topp, Botkins, Ohio; Lee Barber, DeWitt, Iowa; Daniel Sivesind, Waukon, Iowa; Ronald Heffner, Middletown, Md.; Larry Schirm, Laurelville, Ohio, who judged ‘Adventure’ in the Open show; Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill.; and Matthew Lawrence, Mercer, Pa.
The six other All-American Grand Champions were:
Ayrshire: Sunny Acres Harmon’s Kennedy, Doug Evans and Family, Georgetown, N.Y.
Brown Swiss: Dublin Hill Treats, Ken Main and Peter Vail, Copake, N.Y.
Guernsey: Millborne Tiller Blair-ET, P. Morey Miller, Granby, Conn.
Holstein: Windy-Knoll-View Pledge-ET, James and Nina Burdette, Mercersburg, Pa., Franklin Co.
Milking Shorthorn:Tex-Star Othello Peri, Keith and Donnette Fisher, New Enterprise, Pa., Bedford Co.
Red & White: Sweet Peas Felicity-red-ET, Lloyd and Denise Pease, Susquehanna, Pa., Susquehanna Co.
Source: All-American Dairy Show
Posted: September 21, 2011 at 7:26 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Duane and Donna Duncan of Carlisle, Pa. the winners of the 2011 All-American Dairy Show Image Award.
The Image Award is presented annually to an individual who has enhanced the image of the All-American Dairy Show with significant contributions to its reputation, prestige and welfare.
With wife Donna by his side, Duane served 45 years as a Penn State Agricultural Extension Educator in Adams and Cumberland counties, with 36 years spent as extension director in Cumberland County. He worked with local farm families, developed youth farm safety and therapeutic horseback riding programs, and educated the non-farm public about agriculture.
Along with a local dairyman, Duane was instrumental in starting the 4-H and FFA Dairy Judging Forum at the All-American Dairy Show. For 37 years, the contest annually hosts more than 250 students who evaluate seven classes of dairy cattle and compete in a management quiz. Donna has been a key partner in coordinating the contest and serving as a scorekeeper since the contest began.
Duane served as the secretary for the Pennsylvania Junior Dairy Show from 1972-1991, and continued to assist with the annual show that boasts between 700-1,000 entries each year. Since 1980, he has served as treasurer of the Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Development Committee. Most recently, Duane and Donna have supported the All-American Dairy Show Youth Showmanship Contest.
Source: All-American Dairy Show
Posted: September 13, 2011 at 6:50 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Sarah Engstrom, M.S. student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Kevin Herrick, Ph.D. student at South Dakota State University. They were awarded the Land O’Lakes Foundation John Brandt Memorial Foundation scholarship.
The John Brandt Memorial Foundation scholarship program supports graduate students pursuing work in dairy animal, food science or agribusiness at one of four eligible institutions: Iowa State University, South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
This year’s winners are both studying dairy science, each with different approaches. Engstrom is currently working on modeling the survival and growth of certain strains of bacteria in order to develop a predictive methodology for cheese handling and storage. Herrick, on the other hand, is studying the effect of enhancing the butyrate content of feed for lactating cows in an effort to drive lactation and milk production. Both projects promise to have a significant impact on the dairy foods industry at different points of production.
Engstrom and Herrick will each receive $25,000 to help them continue their important dairy research.
Engstrom plans to complete her Ph.D. in Food Science in 2013, and she said she hopes to make a positive improvement to the dairy industry. “Cheeses stored at non-refrigerated temperatures would cost less to transfer and store—this benefits processors, distributors and consumers,” Engstrom said. “My research also has the potential to open doors in cheese innovations, such as optimizing adjunct bacteria growth for flavor enhancement.”
Herrick hopes to build on his already-established career in the dairy industry once he finishes his Ph.D. research in improving milk production. “This project is very rewarding for me,” Herrick said. “Economic conditions are very challenging for dairy producers. Any opportunity to provide a product or service that would help improve profitability would be satisfying.”
The scholarships are awarded in memory of John Brandt, an industry organizer who formed and remained president of Land O’Lakes until his death in 1953. The Land O’Lakes Foundation awards one or two scholarships each year to students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and aptitude toward their field of study.
Source: Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Posted: September 13, 2011 at 6:37 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Janet Harding Ruslavage of Clarion, Pa., has been named the winner of the 2011 Obie Award, the top honor of the All-American Dairy Show.
The award was established in memory of Obie Snider of Bedford County, a founding father of the All-American Dairy Show. It recognizes an individual who places significant value in service to the industry and community and displays high standards of conduct.
“Promoting the dairy industry has been a top priority in Jan’s life, just as it was for Obie,” said Rita Kennedy, president of the Pennsylvania Dairy and Allied Industries Association. “She has been a pioneer for women in agriculture from working with breed associations, raising a family while owning and operating a successful dairy and retail store, and grooming hundreds of young women to follow in her footsteps.”
Source: All-American Dairy Show
Read Jan’s bio here: (more…)
Posted: September 9, 2011 at 6:29 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Kathryn Boor, the 2011 recipient of the International Dairy Foods Association Research Award in Dairy Foods Processing.
Kathryn J. Boor is the dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. Boor has made outstanding contributions through her integrated extension and research programs in dairy microbiology quality and safety, dedicated to improving dairy product shelf life, wholesomeness, and safety through reduction of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Boor’s research provides dairy processors with the means to advance the quality of their products.
The International Dairy Foods Association Research Award in Dairy Foods Processing was created to recognize individuals whose research findings have allowed dairy foods processors to develop new products, and to make a significant improvement in the quality, safety, or processing efficiency of dairy foods.
The winner must have conducted research at public or private institutions, and their research findings must have clearly and significantly benefited the dairy foods processing industry in its ability to manufacture products with higher quality or safety (chemical and/or microbiological), or with increased processing efficiencies, or have led to innovative product development with a measurable impact on the market. The adoption of the findings must affect a significant portion of the dairy foods manufactured.
Source: International Dairy Foods Association
Posted: September 8, 2011 at 9:38 am
By Cindy Zimmerman
Summer’s not over yet, there’s still time to enjoy this Summer Strawberry Delight dessert recipe featuring Crave Brothers Mascarpone Cheese that recently won first place in the Second Annual Crave Brothers Farmstead Classics Cheese Recipe Contest.
Creative cooks from three states entered the contest, which was held on August 11 at the Waterloo Farmer’s Market. Deb Dunstan of Deerfield, Wisconsin, was named Grand Prize Winner for her Summer Strawberry Delight dessert that includes fresh strawberries and a creamy Mascarpone cheese and strawberry mixture in the cake batter.
Linda Jennissen of Brooten, Minnesota, won the Main Dish category with her Farmers Rope® of Pearls Pizza. Crave Brothers Farmer’s Rope-Part Skim Mozzarella was incorporated into the edge of the unbaked pizza dough, and toppings included Crave Brothers Marinated Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Pearls.
Rick Karlin of Chicago took top honors in the Side Dish category with Spinach Artichoke Mashed Potatoes. The recipe evolved out of an improvisation on Christmas Day, stirring leftover Spinach and Artichoke Dip from Christmas Eve into Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes. The cheese-rich dip recipe combines Crave Brothers Mascarpone and Crave Brothers Les Frères® cheeses.
Randy Hughes of Waterloo, Wisconsin, created the attractive winner in the Appetizer category—Fresh Mozzarella with Balsamic Drizzle and Walnuts. The stacked ingredients included sliced Crave Brothers Fresh Mozzarella balls and sliced tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic reduction sauce and topped with fresh basil, dried cranberries and candied walnuts.
Find out more here.
Posted: August 30, 2011 at 7:06 pm
By News Editor
East Central/Select Sires awarded eight $250 scholarships to students enrolled in the UW-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course (FISC).
Scholarship recipients include: Brett Hildebrandt, son of Roger and Fay Hildebrandt of Hustisford; Matthew O’Connor, son of James and Theresa O’Connor of New Glarus; Deanna Sterman, daughter of Matthew and Rhonda of Hartford; Zachary Meyer, son of Dale and Kelly Schmuhl of Ripon; Brittany Kadlec, daughter of Mike and Wanda Kadlec of Big Foot; Megan Daluge, daughter of Peter Daluge and Katie Gunn of Janesville; William Solberg, son of Terry Solberg and Karen Chrostowski of Oregon; and Garrett Lederman, son of Dean and Dawn Lederman of Brodhead.
All of these students achieved academically and have shown outstanding leadership ability to qualify them for this scholarship. All were recognized at the recent East Central/Select Sires annual meeting in Madison. For more information about this scholarship program or for an application, contact the Farm and Industry Short Course office at 608.263.3918.
Source: East Central/Select Sires
Posted: August 25, 2011 at 7:25 am
By News Editor
Congratulations to Mary Zahurones, the 58th Princess Kay of the Milky Way! Zahurones is an 18-year-old college student from Pierz, Minnesota.
As Princess Kay, Zahurones, who represents Morrison County, will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s nearly 4,500 dairy farmers. Mary is the daughter of Chuck and Pat Tax of Pierz, and will attend the University of Minnesota Twin Cities this fall as a pre-med student studying biology and chemistry.
Twelve county dairy princesses competed for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way title. Stephanie Kasper of Owatonna, representing Steele County, and Theresa Twohey (TOO ee) of Stewartville, representing Olmsted County, were selected as runners-up. Twohey was also named Miss Congeniality. Scholarships were awarded to Erin Daninger of Forest Lake, representing Washington County, April Johnson of Heron Lake, representing Cottonwood County, and Emily Krekelberg of Le Sueur, representing Le Sueur County.
One of Zahurones’ first duties as Princess Kay will be to sit in a rotating cooler for about six hours on the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair to have her likeness sculpted in a 90-pound block of butter. Each of the 11 other finalists will have her likeness carved in butter during the fair as well. This year marks butter sculptor Linda Christensen’s 40th year carving Princess Kay of the Milky Way and finalists at the Minnesota State Fair.
Throughout her year-long reign as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Zahurones will make public appearances helping consumers make a connection with Minnesota dairy farm families who are dedicated to producing wholesome milk while caring for their animals and natural resources.
Princess Kay candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, personality and enthusiasm for dairy promotion. The Midwest Dairy Association sponsors the Princess Kay program with funds provided by dairy farmers.
Source: Midwest Dairy Association
Posted: August 24, 2011 at 4:02 pm
By News Editor
The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence Board of Directors has selected seven individuals to receive $1,000 Student Leader Scholarships.
The scholarships provide recognition, encouragement and financial assistance to outstanding students enrolled in academic programs that support the dairy industry.
Selection of the scholarship winners was based on the completed application within the following criteria: academic performance; apparent commitment to a career related to the dairy industry; evidence of leadership, character and integrity; and application compliance.
The recipients of the scholarship include:
Philip Bachman is the son of Mark and Melanie Bachman, Ulysses, Potter County, and is a senior enrolled in animal science at Penn State.
Sara Bechtel is the daughter of Gary and Claudia Bechtel, Martinsburg, Blair County, and a junior studying animal science at Penn State.
Maggie Harding is the daughter of Jeff and Cindy Harding, State College, Centre County, and is a sophomore majoring in food science at Penn State.
Destinee Horning is the daughter of Nevin and Denise Horning, Lititz, Lancaster County, and is a sophomore majoring in dairy science at Delaware Valley College.
Chad Horst is the son of Kirby and Sheryl Horst, Newmanstown, Lebanon County, and is a freshman studying animal science at Penn State.
Heidi Musshafen is the daughter of Nick and Margie Musshafen, Millerton, Tioga County, and is an agriculture systems and environmental resources management major at Penn State.
Hannah Wentworth is the daughter of Rob and Bonnie Wentworth, Quarryville, Lancaster County, and is a junior studying animal science at Penn State.
Source: Center for Dairy Excellence
Posted: August 22, 2011 at 4:47 pm
By News Editor
The 2011 Championship Dairy Product Contest, sponsored by the Wisconsin Dairy Products Association (WDPA) and Dairy Foods magazine, received a record number of 705 entries for cheese, butter, fluid milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, ice cream, sour cream, sherbet, cultured milk, sour cream dips, whipping cream, dried whey and creative/innovative products from throughout the United States.
Babcock Hall Dairy Plant, Madison, Wis., was selected as the Cheese and Butter Grand Champion, while Gifford’s Dairy, Skowhegan, Maine, was chosen as the Grade A & Ice Cream Grand Champion.
On Oct. 4, the contest’s auction will be held at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis., where all category first-place winners will be auctioned off. A portion of the proceeds will be used to fund the Dr. Robert Bradley Scholarship Fund, which is awarded annually to a deserving student pursuing a career in the dairy industry. The auction will begin at 5 p.m. and will feature Doug Wilson, Cooperative Resources International, as the auctioneer.
Click here to see a complete list of first-place winners for each category.
Source: Dairy Foods
Posted: August 11, 2011 at 7:03 pm
By News Editor
The National Dairy Quality Awards (NDQA) is seeking applicants for it’s 18th year. The NDQA recognizes the very best in quality milk production. The deadline for submitting nominations is September 10, 2011.
The NDQA program honors dairy producers of all sizes from across the country who have placed a high priority on producing milk of the highest quality. Producers must also successfully implement and achieve their quality goals.
Producers are nominated, preferably online, using a short questionnaire. NDQA judges then select top applicants who, working with their nominator, will be asked to complete a more detailed application form. Applications will be evaluated on a variety of criteria, including measures of quality, systems of monitoring udder health, milking routine, and strategies for overall herd health and welfare.
Platinum, gold, and silver winners will be designated. Platinum award winners will receive national recognition, along with complimentary registration and complimentary lodging at the NMC 51st annual meeting, January 22 to 24, 2012, in St. Pete Beach, Fla., where the quality award winners will be announced. The January 10, 2012 issue of Hoard’s Dairyman will have a feature article on the NDQA winners.
Note: Dairy producers may not nominate themselves. Applications need to be submitted by professionals who serve the dairy industry, such as dairy plant field representatives, veterinarians, extension specialists, or DHI supervisors. The nominator must work with the dairy producer to complete this application.
The major sponsor is Merial, with contributing sponsors GEA, IBA, Ecolab, Elanco, Select Sires, QMI, NMC and Hoard’s Dairyman.
Source: HD Notebook
Posted: August 9, 2011 at 6:17 pm
By News Editor
This is a cool idea: the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association is hosting a contest called the “V.I.P. Dairy Farm Experience”. The contest is open until August 31 to entrants 18 years and older that live within the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association region. Enter today!
The V.I.P. Dairy Farm Experience is a contest that will give six winners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a V.I.P. guest on a working dairy farm. Winners will also receive a basket full of dairy-themed goodies, including a one month supply of Turkey Hill ice cream. Farming buffs can enter the V.I.P. Dairy Farm Experience contest by describing, in 50 words or less, why they should be chosen as a dairy farm V.I.P.
The contest is part of the Association’s “Your Milk Comes From a Good Place” campaign, which is designed to shed some light on the hard work of the region’s many dairy farmers.
Winners will be whisked away, with a friend, to a local restaurant to be treated to dinner, including an overnight stay at a local bed and breakfast or luxury hotel. The following morning, they’ll receive a behind-the-scenes tour of a dairy farm and have an opportunity to perform a variety of hands-on farming tasks.
Source: Turkey Hill Ice Cream Journal
Posted: August 3, 2011 at 7:46 am
By News Editor
The new 2011 Baileys® Irish Champion Holstein Friesian cow has been crowned. Dalevalley OT1 J Lulu, owned by Irish farmers Eugene and Sean Murphy, has won the prestigious award.
Dalevalley OT1 J Lulu, is a six year old cow that beat 24 other bovine beauties from across Ireland to take the Baileys Irish Champion title. The competition recognises good body conformation with proven excellence in milk production and it is the first time that the Murphy family, who are from Co. Cork, has won this prestigious competition which dates back to 1983.
Dalevalley OT1 J Lulu has had four calves and produced 12,007 kgs of milk in her last lactation (approximately 2,500 gallons.) She was bred in the North of Ireland, in Donegal, as part of the Dale Valley herd, owned by Roy Cromie and was purchased by the Murphy’s as a heifer-in-milk. She is the daughter of sire, Astronomical and dam Dalevalley Cousteau Lulu. She adds the title of Baileys Irish Champion to her recent success at the Cork Show.
Commenting on his selection, competition judge, Iwan Morgan from Wales said: “It has been an ambition of mine to follow in my father’s footsteps and judge this competition. All of the cows here today were remarkable but the sheer power and capacity of the winner and in particular that incredible udder gave her the edge.”
Source: Baileys® Irish Cream
Posted: August 1, 2011 at 3:50 pm
By News Editor
Eight junior members of the American Jersey Cattle Association displayed impressive depth of breed knowledge and engaging presentation styles during the sixth national Jersey youth public speaking contest, TalkJersey.
The contest, offering cash awards sponsored by ABS Global Inc., De Forest, Wis. Contestants could speak about any topic related to Jersey cattle or Jersey milk, including current affairs and dairy industry trends. Presentations were scored on content and organization (25 points), language and voice (10 points), presentation (5 points), and total effectiveness (5 points). Each contestant received written evaluations from each member of the judging panel.
Rankings in each division were as follows.
Division I (7-10 years)
1. Katarina Emerich, Mooers, N.Y., “The Importance of Animal ID”
Division II (11-13 years)
1. Allison Foster, Portage, Wis., “Why Jerseys”
2. Gerret Boer, Dalhart, Texas, “Heat Stress and the Brown Cow”
Division III (14-16 years)
1. Sydney Endres, Lodi, Wis., “The Queen of Cows: Jerseys”
2. Meghan Skiba, Cambridge, Minn., “Jerseys: A Dairy Good Fortune”
3. Ben Grammer, Sebring, Ohio, “Why Go With Jerseys”
Division IV (17-20 years)
1. Kara A. Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa, “Sexed Semen”
2. Kaitlyn Riley, Gays Mills, Wis., “Spreading Word about the Farming Industry”
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 20, 2011 at 5:56 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Christy Hansen, Canby, Ore., for receiving the Young Jersey Breeder Award.
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.
The ability to develop outstanding Registered Jersey™ cattle runs in the family at Cascadia Farm. Christy purchased her first Jersey calf in 1985 at the Washington County (Ore.) Junior Jersey Sale, bidding on the first animal to enter the ring. After attending college and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, Christy went back to Cascadia to join her parents and brother in operating the dairy.
Christy is responsible for the majority of the mating decisions at Cascadia, where she has developed a progressive breeding philosophy that takes into account both high production and type traits for fitness and longevity.
The average appraisal score of the herd is 83% and the December 2010 AJCA lactation average was 15,718 lbs. milk, 643 lbs. fat, and 567 lbs. protein on 143 records. The farm also has five heifers on the Top 500 Heifer list (May 2011), and one cow ranked on the Top 1.5% list for Genomic Jersey Performance Index (GJPI).
For more than a decade now, Christy has served as treasurer for the Oregon Jersey Cattle Club. She played an instrumental role in the planning and operation of the 2010 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Portland, Ore.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
«Past Entries
