World Dairy Diary

New Tool Available for Pa. Dairy Farmers

Pennsylvania dairy producers can access a new tool to assess employee relations and development through the Dairy Decisions Consultant, or DDC, Program administered by the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence.

“Dairy farm families invest a substantial amount of time and money into farm employees,” said John Frey, executive director of the center. “That investment can become costly if the business lacks an effective strategy for employee relations and human resource development.”

As a new consultant program option, farms can apply to receive professional consulting in employee development through the DDC program. Introduced in 2010, the program provides dairy farm owners and operators with professional consulting resources to help make decisions that will shape the future of their farms.

The two consultants designated as Dairy Decisions Consultants for Employees are:
Chris Barton, VMD – With 40 years of experience in dairy veterinary medicine with Lancaster Veterinary Associates, he conducts formal and informal employee, owner and management consulting for dairy farms throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.
David C. Welch, VMD, MBA – A dairy business consultant from White Oak Consulting in Berlin, Somerset County. He is experienced in developing and writing feasibility, business and human resource plans for expansions and startups.

The program covers the cost for dairy farm families and dairy farm business owners to visit with a consultant for a maximum of 15 hours, valued at $1,500, to evaluate the farm’s current business performance, financial condition and/or employee relations.

Producers must complete an application and provide a $250 application fee, which is returned if the application is not approved. They must demonstrate a need for unique consulting services and show a sincere interest in improving performance, financial position and/or employee relations.

Source: The Center for Dairy Excellence

Expansion Symposium Scheduled

Wisconsin dairy farmers and businesses can now sign up for the Dairy Business Association’s seventh annual Expansion Symposium, scheduled for February 21-22 in Green Bay. The event will be held at the KI Center and will address the issues and topics that affect Wisconsin’s dairy business.

The first day will focus on the advantages of turbulent ventilation, and improving leadership and management styles. There will also be a panel discussion on risk management and dairy price volatility.

On Wednesday, attendees will hear from speakers about streamlining the DNR’s general permit process, being prepared for an OSHA visit on your farm, look at incremental revenue during expansion, and making the end of world hunger a reality.

There will also be a $1,000 cash giveaway that attendees will be eligible to sign-up for.

Trade show displays throughout the symposium will provide vendors and organizations the opportunity to showcase their products and services and allows attendees to see the latest industry trends.

The cost to attend the Expansion Symposium is $175 for DBA Corporate members and $220 for non-members. The special producer rate is $110 per person.

For more information or to sign-up for the Expansion Symposium, visit the website.

Source: Dairy Business Association

Nebraska Dairy Convention

The 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention, “The Future…Is Now,” will open at 10 a.m., March 13, and is free to all Nebraska dairy producers, families and guests. Attendee and sponsorship registration forms are available online. The deadline to register is March 2.

An Olympic Gold Medalist, the coronation of the Nebraska Dairy Princess and a seminar on handling high commodity prices are on the agenda for the 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention March 13-14 at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk. The convention also serves as a backdrop for the business meetings of several of the state’s dairy groups.

The meeting opens with a trade show, followed by a presentation titled “Managing Today’s Commodity Prices” by Archer Daniels Midland nutritionist Ron Linquist at 10:30 a.m Midwest Dairy Association will present information on its child health and wellness initiative, Fuel Up to Play 60, at an 11:30 a.m. lunch. A 4:30 p.m. session, “Animal Welfare – the Next Challenge,” will be presented by We Support Agriculture. The trade show continues until 5:30 p.m. on March 13.

The annual meeting of the Nebraska State Dairy Association takes place from 12:30 – 2 p.m. on March 13, and the Nebraska Holstein Association will meet from 2:30 – 4 p.m. that day.

The March 13 events draw to a close with a wine and cheese reception at 5:30 p.m. Olympic bobsledder Curt Tomascevicz headlines the banquet at 6:30 p.m. The new Nebraska Dairy Princess will also be crowned at that time.

Board meetings for the Nebraska Division of Midwest Dairy Association and the Nebraska State Dairy Association will take place on convention’s second day, March 14. The Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board, Nebraska Dairy Industry Review Board will also meet that day.

Source: Nebraska Dairy Convention

Core Dairy Track Available for Pa. Dairy Summit

Dairy farmers have the opportunity to participate in a one-day “Core Dairy Track” at the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit. Registration information and a program brochure are available online. The cost to register for the one-day “Core Dairy Track” is $125 for non-producers and $68 for producers and students. Additional scholarship opportunities and discounts for multiple participants from the same farm are also available.

Designed to meet the needs of those dairy producers who can’t get away from the farm for a two-day event, the Core Dairy Track will be held from 9 a.m. – 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, during the first day of the two-day Dairy Summit program being held at the Lancaster Host Resort in Lancaster, Pa.

The summit is hosted annually by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and the Center for Dairy Excellence, with support from the Penn State Extension Dairy Team and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The Dairy Summit is now in its seventh year, with participation and support for the annual event continuing to grow.

“Producers can come to hear a dairy farm showcase, participate in producer panel discussions, and learn more about the global dairy markets and what it will take to succeed in dairy in the next 5-10 years,” said Dave Hunsberger, chair of this year’s summit.

Dr. Nigel Cook from the University of Wisconsin Madison will discuss the “Dairyland Initiative: A Welfare Friendly Guide to Dairy Housing,” while Dr. William Weiss from the Ohio State University will provide a look at alternative feeds and their effectiveness from both a ration and cost perspective. Four producer panel discussions will be held as part of the breakout sessions, focusing on genomics, reproductive strategies, robotic milking solutions, and succession planning.

Dr. Bruce Jones from the University of Wisconsin will share the “Critical Factors for Success in Dairy Now and in the Next Ten Years,” while Mark Piper from Fonterra, the world’s largest exporter of dairy, will offer his perspective on global markets, dairy policy and the mailbox price. Dr. John Niezen, dairy manager of Greenstone Grazing in Georgia, will provide a showcase of the intensively grazed operation. Also included in the event is an opportunity to visit with vendors at the Dairy Trade Show and learn more about the latest technologies and services for your dairy.

Source: The Center for Dairy Excellence

Scholarships Available for Pa. Dairy Summit

Funding is available for students and young adults ages 17-25 who want to attend the 2012 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, providing financial assistance to cover registration and hotel costs.

The summit will be held Feb. 8 and 9 at the Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center in Lancaster. It features cutting edge information for today’s dairy managers and agribusiness leaders.

The deadline to apply for scholarships, sponsored by the Center for Dairy Excellence and Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, is Jan. 13. Winners will be notified by Jan. 17.

To be eligible, applicants must operate a dairy farm, be employed on a dairy farm or be enrolled in an agricultural degree program in a college or trade school. All applicants will receive a Workforce Investment Board discount and must agree to attend and pay a $25 registration fee.

Scholarships are also on a first-come, first-served basis for Dairy Leader Scholarship winners to offset hotel costs. Up to 25 one- or two-night hotel scholarships are available at a maximum value each of $220, or $110 per night, and may be used only on Feb. 7 and/or 8, 2011.

The Pennsylvania Dairy Summit is hosted jointly by the center and the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania. Supporting partners are the Penn State Extension Dairy Team and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Send applications to Emily Yeiser, Center for Dairy Excellence, 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA. 17110. Applications can be faxed to the center at 717-705-2342 or emailed to eyeiser@centerfordairyexcellence.org.

Source: Center for Dairy Excellence

Internships Available

Attention students! Midwest Dairy Association is seeking applicants to several internships.

These are an excellent opportunity for students interested in communications, public relations, marketing, food science or agribusiness. The intern must positively represent Midwest Dairy Association objectives as they gain practical experience in communication, public relations and marketing programs for dairy products.
2012 Summer Positions Available

St. Paul, Minnesota: Position located in the St. Paul corporate office; strong communications skills desired. Must be available through Labor Day.

Illinois: Position located in or near Springfield. Must be able to travel extensively. Approximate dates June 1 – Aug. 25.

Overland Park, Kan.: Part-time position located in our Overland Park, Kansas, office. This requires strong communications/writing experience and an interest in nutrition communications.

Contact Samantha Carter, scarter@midwestdairy.com, for additional information.

Source: Midwest Dairy Association

Attend Missouri Dairy Forum

Missouri dairy farmers and allied industry members are invited to attend the Missouri Dairy Forum and Trade Show, January 27-28, 2012 in Springfield, Mo.

The Dairy Forum brings together seven dairy organizations including the MDA, Missouri Holstein Association, Missouri Brown Swiss Association, Missouri Guernsey Breeders Association, Missouri Jersey Cattle Club, Missouri Dairy Growth Council and the Sho-Mo Dairy Heifer Growers Association.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Missouri dairy farmers to get new technology and ideas from nationally known speakers and the largest dairy specific trade show held in the state,” says says Missouri Dairy Association (MDA) President Larry Purdom.

In addition, dairy policy development will be a major focus of the Forum. National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President Randy Mooney of Rogersville, Missouri will discuss “Dairy in the 2012 Farm Bill” before MDA’s voting delegate session.

A Dairy Forum schedule of events can be found online. Registration is free but luncheon reservations are required for Friday and Saturday by emailing dairystl@aol.com or calling (636)519-9300 with attendee names.

University Plaza Hotel room reservations can be made directly by calling (417) 864-7333. The cut-off date for the special Dairy Forum room rate is January 12, 2012.

Source: Missouri Dairy Association

Pa. Center Opens Enrollement

Pennsylvania dairy producers who want to tap into the knowledge of a personal team of dairy industry experts to improve their operations and profitability can enroll in the 2012 On-Farm Dairy Resource Team Program offered by the state’s Center for Dairy Excellence.

“Profit teams are a valuable tool for any dairy farm family,” said John Frey, executive director of the center. “Many who participate in the profit team program credit their team for helping them better manage their business, improving production and enhancing profitability.”

An on-farm dairy resource team operates much like a board of directors for the farm, with trusted advisors meeting regularly to discuss the farm operation and bottlenecks that impede profitability. A facilitator designated by the farm, with assistance from the center, coordinates the meetings and focuses the team.

The center offers funding to support the cost of paid team members and other discovery-related costs. Funding levels for 2012 are the same as for previous years:
Dairy Profit Team: Up to $1,500 for new teams or $1,000 for existing teams;
Target Profit Team: Up to $1,000 for new teams or $750 for existing teams for specific operational performance review; and
Dairy Succession Planning Team: Up to $2,000 for new teams and up to $1,000 for existing teams.

Dairy farms not enrolled but interested in establishing a profit, target or succession planning team can contact the center to receive an application by calling 717-346-0849 or emailing info@centerfordairyexcellence.org.

Source: The Center for Dairy Excellence

Volunteers Needed for Pa. Farm Show

Attention Pa. dairy farmers! Your help is needed 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg on Jan. 7 – 14. Volunteers will assist in providing consumers with a look at a modern dairy farm.

Individuals, families, or company groups are welcome to volunteer. Contact Emily Yeiser, dairy initiatives managers with the Center for Dairy Excellence, at 717-346-0849 or eyeiser@centerfordairyexcellence.org for more details and to volunteer.

The dairy portion of the “Today’s Agriculture” display is being developed by PennAg Industries, the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and the Center for Dairy Excellence to show how dairy cows are housed and cared for in modern dairy facilities. Volunteers are needed to staff the exhibit, visit with spectators and answer questions about dairy farm practices.

Volunteers are also needed to help serve and prepare dairy foods at the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association booth within the Food Court, which is adjacent to the “Today’s Agriculture” display.

Shifts for “Today’s Agriculture” volunteers are broken into 3.5 hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day of the show. Shifts for the Dairymen’s Association food stand are five hours, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m., each day of the show.

Source: The Center for Dairy Excellence

Southern Regional Challenge Results

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

Bozic to Present Two Sessions at Midwest Dairy Expo

Don’t miss two breakout sessions for farmers attending the Midwest Dairy Expo in St. Cloud Nov. 29-30, presented by Marin Bozic, dairy economist with the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center. His topics, “Don’t Bet the Farm: Surviving and Thriving in Volatile Markets” and “Dairy Exports and Your Milk Check,” capitalize on his knowledge of dairy marketing.

Bozic is an assistant professor of dairy foods marketing economics in the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota, a position funded by dairy producers through Midwest Dairy Association. He completed his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin in Madison just before he started work in August. A native of Croatia, Bozic was selected by a committee of Midwest dairy industry leaders last spring. They had identified a void in the economic research available to the industry – one that could provide the economic analysis for developing and delivering dairy foods and ingredients to meet consumer needs, and drive dairy demand and consumption.

“The position is unique,” says Bozic. “Dairy economists usually work on policy or milk production issues. To my knowledge, this position is the only one actively working to find the right match between dairy products and ingredients, and the market.”

“We have many resources to help producers with the economics at home on the farm,” explains Ken Herbranson, chairman of Midwest Dairy Association’s Minnesota Division board and a dairy producer from Clitherall who served on the selection committee. “What we didn’t have was a good model to help us know if we’re producing the right products and dairy ingredients. We hope this new focus will help us to provide the economic analysis of these important market dynamics.”

Bozic is charged with capturing synergies between the work of the Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center, various departments at the three universities connected to it (South Dakota State, Iowa State and the University of Minnesota), the industry and producers. He’ll rely on an Economic Advisory Board to identify and prioritize issues, obtain research support and access, and evaluate results.

Source: Midwest Dairy Association

Cornell Building New Dairy Barn

Cornell University is building a new dairy teaching barn that is scheduled to open in the fall of 2012. The new barn is an effort to expand hands on learning and real-life application for students pursuing a career in veterinary medicine or animal science. The barn will be located within walking distance from the campus.

“Early in the vet programs, students use textbooks to learn how to do physical exams of all domestic species,” said Prof. Lorin Warnick Ph.D. ’92, ambulatory and production medicine. “Now, we can take them out to the new dairy barn and have a place set up where they can safely work around the cows, learn how to perform a medical examination and administer medication.”

The barn will contain 150 milking and dairy cows, and will be used for both teaching purposes and commercial production of milk, said Alfonso Torres, associate dean for public policy at the vet school.

Torres said he hopes the facility will broaden the educational experience of farm-management outside the vet school and into the local community.

“The barn has a built-in classroom with a large window overlooking the cow stable,” he said. “We want to attract students from elementary to high school, as well as the general public, so they are able to observe how milk is obtained from the cows without ever having to enter the farm.”

Source: Cornell Daily Sun

Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge Results

Morrisville State College hosted a successful Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge that drew 111 students from 12 northeast colleges and two Canadian universities to Watertown, New York on October 27-29, 2011.

This event marked the ninth annual Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge which is an innovative, three-day educational competition designed to prepare students for careers in the dairy industry.

Working in mixed-university teams of four or five students, contestants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm, including facilities, nutrition, financials, reproduction, animal health and much more. Students collaborated on a 20-minute team presentation that detailed their observations and suggestions to a panel of judges and participating farm families. Teams were ranked as platinum, gold or silver based on how well their evaluations matched the judges’ evaluations of the dairy operation.

Teams, which were named after top sponsors of the Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge, were ranked as follows:

Platinum – Farm Credit, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Merck Animal Health and Zinpro Corporation

Gold – AgChoice Farm Credit, Alltech, Dairy One, Dairylea Cooperative, DSM Nutritional Products, Elanco Animal Health, Farm Credit Northeast Ag Enhancement, Genex Cooperative, Inc., Kent Nutrition Group and Select Sires, Inc.

Silver – ABS Global, Inc., Cargill, Inc., Cows Come First, Dairy One, Holtz-Nelson Dairy Consultants, New England Jersey Breeders Association, Northeast Ag & Feed Alliance, Northeast Dairy Producers Association, Shur-Gain, Table Rock Farm and Woody Hill Farm

Source: The Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge

Krull Named Jersey Queen

Congratulations to Cassandra Krull, of Lake Mills, Wis. – the new National Jersey Queen!

Cassy will represent Jersey breeders for the next year with her participation in events such as the Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association, World Dairy Expo and The 60th All American Jersey Shows & Sales.

The National Jersey Queen contest lasted two days with 10 outstanding young women from across the country competing for the coveted crown. Participants had to pass a general dairy knowledge test, were interviewed by a panel of judges, and prepared a two-minute video presentation that demonstrated their ability to represent the Jersey breed through public speaking.

On the tanbark trail, in the classroom, in 4-H and FFA and in her community, Cassy is a tireless promoter for the dairy industry and agriculture. These activities were recognized by a top 10 ranking in the 2010 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, being selected for the 2010 Garland Bastin-NAILE Scholarship, and her selection to the second Jersey Youth Academy this past July. She was an honor roll student all through high school, and is a freshman at Allen County Community College in Iola, Kansas.

Cassie Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y., was named first alternate in the contest. Cassie is a fourth-generation Jersey breeder with numerous accomplishments to her credit. She received third place in the 2010 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, a third award in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest, and showed the winner of the Sunbow Farms Trophy for high producing cow of the 2011 All American Junior Jersey Show. A sophomore at Cornell University, Cassie was selected for Jersey Youth Academy’s inaugural class in 2009.

Kelli Carstensen, Petaluma, Calif., was the second alternate. She ranked fourth in the 2010 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest and received the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship. She is a junior at California Polytechnic State University, majoring in dairy science with a minor in agricultural business. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in dairy cattle genetics or marketing, or continue on to law school to become an agricultural lawyer. Kelli was a member of the second class of Jersey Youth Academy.

The Queen and her court presented awards for the National Jersey Jug Futurity and The 59th All American Jersey Show, plus assisted with the clerking of The All American Jersey Sale.

The Charlene Nardone National Jersey Queen Fund provided scholarships of $500, $300 and $200 to the Queen and two alternates.

Source: The American Jersey Cattle Associationstrong>

Interships Available at East Central/Select Sires

East Central/Select Sires is excited to offer two summer internships: a communications internship and a member service internship.

The Communications Intern will be responsible for a variety of projects within the areas of public relations, written communications, print advertising, and web; as well as receive a broad-range of experience with all East Central/Select Sires programs and services. The intern will be responsible for interviewing customers and writing feature articles for the company newsletter as well as writing general news releases and customer testimonials. In addition, the intern will represent East Central/Select Sires at numerous functions throughout the summer including dairy shows, county fairs and producer activities. Other duties include taking photographs, developing and designing brochures and various types of ads, and assisting with social media programs.

As the Member Service Intern, you will have the opportunity to experience a career in the A.I. industry and hone your breeding skills in both large herd tail chalking operations, along with conventional sized dairies.

Interested applicants should send cover letters and resumes to the following by December 1, 2011.

Source: East Central/Select Sires

Students: Win Big By Creating Dairy Food

The Dairy Research Institute New Product Competition is seeking undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in creating an innovative and original dairy beverage.

Bring your knowledge and expertise to the dairy industry – new program will recognize outstanding student teams who develop an innovative dairy beverage. Enter by February 15, 2012.

The dairy beverage must meet the following guidelines:
Be for human consumption;
Uses any form of the fresh or dry milk, whey, milk fat, milk proteins, lactose fractions or other dairy ingredients;
The exact amount of a dairy product for your formulation is not specified, however, entries must be composed of greater than 51% dairy ingredient(s).

First prize is $8,000; second prize is $5,000 and third prize is $3,000.

Source: US Dairy

Two Internships Available at Select Sires

Select Sires Inc. has announced plans to offer two summer internships at its headquarters facility in Plain City, Ohio, during the summer of 2012. Positions are available within the sales and marketing department, with applications due by January 1, 2012.

“Both practical work experience within the industry and networking are extremely important in helping college students prepare for full-time employment upon graduation,” says Dave Thorbahn, Select Sires president and C.E.O. “That’s why Select Sires offers hands-on internship opportunities each year. These internships help introduce students to the industry side of agriculture, while they contribute to the day-to-day operation of the Select Sires federation.”

College students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dairy science, animal science, agricultural economics, agricultural communications or related agricultural fields may apply for these internships. Applicants must be familiar with cattle pedigree information. Previous dairy judging team experience is an advantage. While important for all internships, strong writing and computer skills are a requirement for students working in corporate communications. Dairy-marketing interns must have experience working with cattle, and the ability to clip and prepare animals for still or video photography.

For more information about these internships or to submit a resume for consideration, visit here or send an email message to tsmith@selectsires.com.

Source: Select Sires Inc.

Idaho Dairymen Award 15 Scholarships

Congratulations to the 15 students who were awarded $1,500 scholarships from the United Dairymen of Idaho (UDI) and its two branches – the Idaho Dairy Products Commission and the Idaho Dairymen’s Association!

The Idaho dairy industry’s first scholarship recipients include the following 15 students, who will graduate this spring:

Billy Arriaga, son of Lynn and Rick Arriaga, attending the College of Southern Idaho; Charisse DeVries, daughter of Cynthia and Curtis DeVries, attending Seattle Pacific University; Katylyn DeVries, daughter of Julie and Gregory DeVries, attending Whitworth University; Jeremiah McKell Funk, son of Shirlene and David Funk, attending the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston; Jacob Harris, son of Becky and Nils Harris, attending Brigham Young University – Idaho; Morgan Hubsmith, son of Kaysi and Rod Hubsmith, attending Idaho State University; Kilee Lehman, daughter of Lauri and Russel Lehman, attending the College of Southern Idaho; Adam Machado, son of Jacquline and Matt Machado, attending the University of Idaho; Elizabeth Russell, daughter of Claudia and Steve Russell, attending the University of Idaho; Michael Siegersma, son of Wendy and Mike Siegersma, attending Carroll College; Nolan Stouder, son of Charleen and Gary and Stouder, attending Point Loma Nazarene University; Katelin Taber-Barth, daughter of Karla Barth and Chris Taber, attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor; Kaitlin Troost, daughter of Joyce and Greg Troost, attending Dordt College; Andrea Annie VanderWoude, daughter of Bridget and George, attending the University of Idaho; and Danielle Yett, daughter of Fran and Dan Yett, attending Providence Christian College.

UDI’s scholarship program honors the academic excellence of children of dairy farm families. Besides their academic success other factors in awarding the scholarships’ included; extracurricular activities, community and volunteer activities and an essay on how the applicant planned on using his degree in their chosen career path.

Source: Idaho Dairymen’s Association

Sign-Up for Webinar on Anaerobic Digesters

The use of anaerobic digesters for livestock operations in the Southwest is the focus of the Renewable Energy Education Field Day planned for Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011.

This webinar will examine technical, environmental and financial factors to consider when installing an anaerobic digester on a livestock operation. Specific attention will be given to the use of digesters with dry manure and the unique environmental issues and climatic conditions of the Southwest.

This virtual Field Day, which is free of charge, is targeted to dairy and beef producers in New Mexico, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Representatives of environmental and agricultural organizations working with livestock producers, as well as staff from state and federal agencies, are also encouraged to participate.

Farm Foundation, NFP is organizing this webinar in collaboration with USDA Rural Development, USDA’s Office of Energy Policy and New Uses, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Webinar sessions will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. MDT. The sessions are being taped and will be available for viewing for one year after the event.

There is no charge to participate but registration is required.

Session topics include:

  • Producer experiences with anaerobic digester systems
  • Digesting manure under dry climate conditions
  • Using a digester to manage livestock manure/nutrient issues
  • Potential revenue streams from an integrated digester system
  • Financing options for installing an anaerobic digester
  • Next steps to begin integrating a digester in a livestock operation.

Source: Farm Foundation, NFP

Interships Available in Pa.

The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence has internships available for college students during the summer of 2012.

Interns will provide assistance and support for the Center for Dairy Excellence in meeting goals identified in its three-year strategic plan. Applicants should have strong communications and interpersonal skills and be proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel software programs. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the dairy industry is preferred.

Interested applicants may send resumes and cover letters to Jayne Sebright, communications director, at 717-346-0849 or jsebright@centerfordairyexcellence.org.

Source: The Center for Dairy Excellence


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