Posted: August 10, 2010 at 6:16 pm
By News Editor
The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence will host two educational conference calls in August as part of its ongoing “Mastering the Dairy Business” learning series.
The first call, set for Tuesday, Aug. 24, will feature Paul Craig, from Penn State Cooperative Extension, who will offer tips for harvesting and storing this year’s forage crop to maximize quality. Rick Grant, president of the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, N.Y., will discuss reducing production costs through feed efficiency and cow comfort on Wednesday, Aug. 25. Both calls will be held from noon-1:30 p.m.
“The past year has forced all dairy farm families to think more strategically about how they manage their feed supply and their cows to make the greatest profit from their operation,” says John Frey, executive director of the Center for Dairy Excellence. “The center is hosting the conference calls to give producers the opportunity to hear the latest research on techniques used in harvesting and storing crops and in feeding and caring for cows.”
Craig has worked with Penn State Cooperative Extension for the past 31 years and is currently the regional forage agronomist housed at the Dauphin County Extension Office. Since 2004, Craig has conducted on-farm bunker silo management investigations on 195 bunkers at 85 different farms across Pennsylvania, evaluating bunker silo density levels and feed-out practices to minimize shrink.
At the William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, which is a privately funded educational and research institute focused on dairy, equine and agronomy, Grant leads a team of researchers focused on forage quality, dairy cattle nutrition, behavior and management.
There is no charge to participate in the calls, but pre-registration is required. Each conference call is limited to 60 producers. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, call the center at 717-346-0849 with name, phone number, e-mail address and the date of the call on which you plan to participate. Once registered, participants will receive the call-in number and code.
Source: Center for Dairy Excellence
Posted: August 5, 2010 at 7:54 pm
By News Editor
Discovery Dairy, a free, interactive educational program has introduced four new middle school lessons. Check out this wonderful resource today!
Four new comprehensive lessons, complete with video, reading guides and lab-based instruction, teach middle school students about where milk comes from and how dairy farms contribute to our world, while applying science concepts to real-life situations.
Discover Dairy meets state educational standards and anchors for math, science and reading. Funded by the Dairy Checkoff program, it was produced as a joint initiative of the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program, Center for Dairy Excellence and Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association.
“Introducing these middle school-level lessons is a way to connect students with the dairy farms that produce the milk and dairy foods they eat,” said Jayne Sebright, communications director of the Center for Dairy Excellence. “We ask local dairy farm families to encourage more school districts across the Mid-Atlantic region to offer the lessons.”
The new lessons build on existing Discover Dairy lessons designed for upper elementary level students, launched in 2008. Since then the series has been used in more than 300 Pennsylvania classrooms and more than 15 states. The www.discoverdairy.com website, which also includes interactive games for kids and farm tour resources for farmers, typically draws about 1,000 visitors each month.
“The new middle school lessons take science concepts, like selective breeding and renewable resources, and apply them to real-life situations on the dairy farm,” Sebright said. “The lessons help students, many of whom have never seen a farm, better understand the dairy industry’s key role in feeding the world.”
Developed with input from science teachers, each lesson includes a four-minute video motivator with footage from Pennsylvania dairy farms, a guided reading selection that includes relevant vocabulary and lab-based instruction to provide hands-on exercises related to the lessons.
“In each lesson, middle school students have the opportunity to experience some aspect of dairy farming,” Sebright said. “For example, the lessons have students balancing a feed ration for cows, making cheese, creating energy to do work, and moving money through a community.”
Source: The Center for Dairy Excellence, Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program
Posted: August 2, 2010 at 8:24 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Laura Kohake and Casey George, the recipients of a scholarship from the Kansas City Division of Midwest Dairy Association.
The scholarships are part of the 2010 Educational Program. The program helps dairy farm families with college expenses. Two students from Missouri also received scholarships.
“Being able to help dairy families with the expense of their children’s college education is very important to us,” says Byron Lehman, chairman of the Kansas City Division board. “We have to continue supporting our future of agriculture, no matter what. Plus, this is a great way to demonstrate our support of the farms that contribute funds to our association through the dairy checkoff program.”
Laura Kohake, daughter of John and Mary Beth Kohake of Centralia. Kohake is a student at Kansas State University where she is majoring in veterinary medicine with a master’s degree program in clinical sciences.
Casey George, son of Walter and Laura George of Baldwin City. George is a graduate of Baldwin High School and plans to attend North Central Kansas Technical College to study heavy equipment.
Recipients of the scholarship were selected based on leadership, academic activities, reference letters, personal essays and their involvement in the dairy industry.
Source: Midwest Dairy Association
Posted: July 24, 2010 at 11:04 am
By News Editor
Three Wisconsin organizations—Wisconsin Counties Association, Wisconsin Towns Association and the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin—are partnering to sponsor two on-farm Agriculture Community Engagement Twilight Meetings in August. The meetings, conducted in different parts of the state, are set for Wednesday, Aug. 11, and Thursday, Aug. 12.
“This is an open invitation to the state’s community leaders, elected officials, conservation officials, dairy and livestock producers and all citizens interested in learning from each other so Wisconsin communities can be vibrant and green,” states Eric Hillan, dairy producer from Ladysmith and president of PDPW. “Those attending an ACE twilight meeting will be treated to a 60-minute tour of the hosting dairy followed by a discussion moderated by Dennis Frame of UW Discovery Farm. The discussion will provide a platform for open communication about issues important to our communities.”
The Wednesday, Aug. 11, meeting will take place at Saxon Homestead Farm LLC, Cleveland. The dairy—owned by Robert and Kathleen Block-Klessig, Karl and Elizabeth Klessig, Gerald and Elise Klessig Heimerl and families—transitioned in 1991 from conventional dairying to management intensive rotational grazing and is home to 450 crossbred cattle housed on 900 acres.
The Thursday, Aug. 12, meeting will be near Independence at the Bragger Family Farm, a three-way partnership involving Hildegard Bragger and two of her sons, Joe and Dan. This dairy milks 285 head on two farms and is involved in a 32,000 pullet operation and beef operation. Both Saxon Homestead Farm LLC and Bragger Family Farm are graduates of UW Discovery Farms.
The meetings, which are free to all attendees, are slated to start at 6:00 p.m. and will wrap up by 8:30 p.m. To attend one of the upcoming ACE Twilight Meetings, please reserve your space by contacting the Wisconsin Towns Association. Call Wisconsin Towns Association (715) 526-3157 or email wtowns@frontiernet.net by August 4.
Source: Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
Posted: July 7, 2010 at 5:43 pm
By News Editor
Are you, or will you be a two-year or four-year college student, whose family’s dairy is a member or employee of DHI? Then, you are eligible to apply for National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) scholarship. National DHIA will award approximately 20 $750 scholarships. Generous contributions from National DHIA members, friends and supporters help fund these scholarships.
To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, the applicant must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee, or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a member of National DHIA. (Arizona DHIA, Dairy Lab Services, Dairy One Cooperative Inc., DHI Cooperative Inc., Idaho DHIA, Indiana State Dairy Association, Lancaster DHIA, Louisiana DHIA, Minnesota DHIA, NorthStar Cooperative DHI Services, Puerto Rico DHIA, Rocky Mountain DHIA, San Joaquin DHIA, Southeast DHIA, Tennessee DHIA, Texas DHIA, United Federation of DHIAs, Vermont DHIA and Washington State DHIA are National DHIA members.)
Judges will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements and leadership in school and community activities. Applications are due Oct. 15, 2010. Recipients will be announced at the 2011 National DHIA annual meeting, being held March 16-17, in New Orleans.
To apply for a National DHIA scholarship, log on to the website and download and complete the electronic application form.
Source: National Dairy Herd Information Association
Posted: July 6, 2010 at 6:14 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Kari Barry who was crowned the 2010 Western Illinois Dairy Princess on June 24. The pageant marked the Western Illinois Dairy Council’s 55th annual promotion banquet.
The Western Illinois Dairy Princess, and the banquet that serves as a backdrop for the ceremony where she is named, has been a tradition since 1955. Barry, the newest title-holder, will participate in promoting wholesome and nutrient-rich milk products, riding in parades, helping with dairy judging activities, speaking at dinners and working milk shake stands at county fairs.
The contestants were judged on an interview and prepared speech.
Barry, the daughter of Rick and Kris Barry, of Liberty, Ill., will be a junior at Liberty High School this fall, where she is involved with basketball, volleyball, FFA, 4-H, SAA, Science Club, Spanish Club and the student council. Barry has helped on her family farm since she was young, milking, feeding calves, scooping grain, and baling hay and straw. Barry also helps on her grandparents’ farm near Liberty.
The banquet also honored the Gene and Lorrie Klauser family, which was presented with the Heritage Farm Award. The Klauser family has been milking since 1972, always as their family farm. One of the children remembered “sitting at the side of the bulk tank on a bucket eating an egg and cheese sandwich with a glass of milk.” The Klausers raised 10 children and currently have 21 grandchildren with two more expected this fall. They’ve been married for 40 years. The Klausers milk about 100 cows with an equal number of young stock, owning about 890 acres near Liberty.
Source: Midwest Dairy Association
Posted: June 30, 2010 at 4:11 pm
By Chuck
The presenters for the Dairy Solutions Symposium 2010, sponsored by Alltech, got together for dinner this evening. I’ll be interviewing most of them over the next couple days.
To get a preview of what this conference is all about I spoke first with Sylvie Andrieu, European Ruminant Technical Manager, Alltech. She says that the initial idea for this conference came from the idea that most give you a “little bit of everything” instead of more in-depth information. So they’ve selected one central topic for all the presentations to focus on. In this conference the focus will be on rumen health. There are 250 registered participants and the hope is that they will go home with practical solutions.
Post Update: I didn’t have a photo of Sylvie when I first posted this but now I do after she presided over the first afternoon session.
You can listen to my interview with Sylvie here: Sylvie Andrieu Interview
Dairy Solutions Symposium 2010 Photo Album
Posted: June 29, 2010 at 4:07 pm
By News Editor
A recent commentary by Megan Pierce, Dairy Herd Management, reflects on her visit to the grand re-opening of the Hilmar Cheese Company Visitor Center in Hilmar, Calif. Read on for her thoughts about the educational viability of this new visitor’s center.
Commentary by Megan Pierce:
If you’ve never had the delight of stopping by Hilmar Cheese I suggest you put it on the “to do” list for your next visit to California. Each year, the Visitor Center hosts thousands of guests from all around the world. More than 15,000 students visit annually and approximately 200 tours buses include a visit to Hilmar Cheese Company as part of their tour itinerary every year.
At the grand re-opening last week, Hilmar Cheese unveiled a new educational exhibit. Educating the public about where food comes from has been a part of who Hilmar Cheese has been from the very beginning, Richard Clauss, dairy farmer and co-founder of Hilmar Cheese told attendees.
The gap between consumers and dairy farmers is one that continues to grow. Less than 2 percent of the population today is involved in production agriculture. This means the challenge to educate the public where food comes from is going to be indescribably difficult in the future. “More people need to understand why we’re here,” explained A.G. Kawamura secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
The new educational exhibit at Hilmar Cheese also meets two other needs – science education and tourism. “At a time when funding for science in schools is dwindling, this exhibit gives science a boost,” Lee Andersen, superintendent of Merced County School told attendees.
The exhibit is exactly what visitors to California are asking for – something that they can touch and feel and learn what California is all about, explained Shellie Cook, regional marketing manager for the California Tourism Commission.
In the new exhibit, visitors can experience how dairy farmers care for their animals through activities, like the “cow-comfort” bench which provides cushions made of actual bedding used on-farm. Dairy farmers’ recycling efforts are highlighted in a “Healthy Planet” section. Video is used to demonstrate dairy farmers’ contributions to the local economy. And visitors can “dress-up” like a farmer, a veterinarian or a cheesemaker. A touch-screen interactive game allows users to try their hand at milking a cow, taking all of the same safety precautions as dairy farmers do to ensure milk quality. The exhibit also includes a 3-foot by 5-foot detailed model of a modern dairy farm.
Dairy Management, Inc. cooperated with Hilmar Cheese on building the multi-sensory exhibit that spans 50-feet.
The educational exhibit panels and interactive kiosks were designed using a prototype created by Dairy Management, Inc, as part of its Dairy Farmer Image Program, which works to help narrow the information gap between dairy producers and the general public. The Image Exhibit Kit is now available from Dairy Management Inc., to other organizations to help them educate consumers on the origins of milk and the dairy industry. Hilmar Cheese plans to install a second educational exhibit at its Dalhart, Texas facility later this year.
Source: Dairy Herd Management
Posted: June 22, 2010 at 8:21 pm
By News Editor
ANIMART, Inc. recently donated nearly $30,000 to the Wisconsin FFA on behalf of dairy and livestock producers who purchased Pfizer Animal Health vaccines during a 2010 winter and spring program.
“We are proud to have offered large animal clients and producers a program to support FFA through their purchases of Pfizer Animal Health products during a three month promotion,” says Ruth Metz, co-owner of ANIMART with her husband, Dr. James Metz. “ANIMART, through our clients, is pleased to help FFA chapters across Wisconsin develop tomorrow’s future agriculture leaders.”
For every eligible purchase of Pfizer Animal Health cattle vaccines from January 1 thru March 31, 2010, ANIMART donated one percent to Wisconsin FFA.
The donation will support Wisconsin FFA programs that complement instruction in agricultural education by giving students practical experiences in agriculture, personal growth and career success skills for members.
Since last year, ANIMART has been a member of the Blue and Gold Society, an elite group of nearly 40 individuals and organizations who generously demonstrate their support of Wisconsin’s FFA members and programs by contributing $10,000 or more. Since 2008, ANIMART has contributed more than $70,000 to the Wisconsin FFA Foundation supporting agricultural education and FFA programs benefiting nearly 18,000 Wisconsin FFA members.
Source: ANIMART, Inc.
Posted: June 15, 2010 at 3:13 pm
By News Editor
Looking for a fun way to learn more about the dairy industry? Then check out the new website “Dairy Fun” created by Dairylea Cooperative Inc. and Dairy Farmers of America’s (DFA) Northeast Area Council.
The website will teach consumers about all the benefits that dairy farmers provide – from producing high-quality, nutritious products to supporting the economy and creating a ripple effect on both the agricultural and economic well-being of rural America.
“Dairy farmers are the fabric of rural America,” said Karen Cartier, Vice President of Communications for Dairylea Cooperative and DFA’s Northeast Area Council. “They are dedicated to the care of both their animals and natural resources as well as production of a quality product. Our goal is to bring an increased awareness of the importance of dairy in a healthy diet.”
To salute farmer members, increase public awareness on the value of milk and dairy products, and therefore support milk markets for the 2,300 Dairylea member farms and the 1,900 DFA’s Northeast Area Council member farms, a series of initiatives are underway.
* An interactive website to share the positive health benefits of milk and dairy products.
* A free, educational DVD, VRROOMMM! 2 Dairy Farming for Kids. This movie, available to elementary schools, takes a look at life on a 700-cow dairy farm.
* A visit with a local elementary school to educate children on the dairy farming process and provide fun dairy treats.
* Various dairy tours and events around the region – inviting people to take a firsthand look at life on a dairy farm.
Source: Dairylea and the DFA Northeast Area Council
Posted: June 13, 2010 at 7:14 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
Purdue University is introducing a new podcast for dairy producers.
“Purdue Dairy Digest,” a podcast series created by three Purdue Extension animal science specialists, will be available for free download by noon each Wednesday beginning June 16. Each podcast will run about two minutes and will include both information directed to dairy farmers and some general information for the public.
“The dairy industry is still in a very challenging time and due to the low milk prices of last year, a lot of producers are still having financial issues,” said Tamilee Nennich, Purdue Extension dairy specialist. “Although the milk price has recovered somewhat, it has been a slow process. With dairy farmers facing so many challenges, we hope this will be a good information source to help manage their operations as efficiently as possible.”
Every Wednesday, Nennich or Purdue Extension dairy specialist Mike Schutz, will speak about topics important to both producers and consumers to help bridge the gap between the two. Podcasts will include information on general dairy topics, management issues, animal welfare, updates on upcoming conferences and meetings and more.
“Purdue Dairy Digest” will be available for download each week at http://www.ansc.purdue.edu/DD. The podcasts also will be available by searching “Purdue Dairy Digest” in iTunes.
Posted: May 24, 2010 at 7:12 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Christine (Lepple) Lindner for being named the 63rd Alice in Dairyland! She was one of six final candidates for the public relations job that carries six decades of Wisconsin agricultural tradition.
“My goal as Alice in Dairyland is to encourage consumers to take action with their dollars in supporting Wisconsin agriculture by buying locally-grown products,” Lindner said. “As the 63rd Alice in Dairyland, I look forward to communicating how our state’s $59 billion agriculture industry embraces innovative technology to enrich our daily lives.”
Christine (Lepple) Lindner, Fall River, was raised on her family’s 80-cow dairy farm near Beaver Dam. She graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin – Madison in 2006, earning a degree in agricultural journalism. Some of her first-hand experience in marketing and communication stems from serving as the publicity co-chair for the 2009 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, promoting agriculture education as a Wisconsin State FFA Officer and her internships at Agri-View, Alto Dairy Cooperative, Filament Marketing, Wisconsin State Fair and Fort Dodge Animal Health. Lindner is currently the marketing manager for ANIMART and responsible for the company’s dairy and livestock marketing, communications and public relations initiatives. As part of the selection process she was evaluated on her: public speaking, ability to answer impromptu questions, written communication skills, media interviewing, as well as her passion and involvement in agriculture.
Lindner starts her contract on June 7 and during her year will travel over 40,000 miles and visit more than 400 events, talking to students, civic groups, consumers and media about Wisconsin agriculture. She will kick off June Dairy Month in partnership with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. “Alice” drives an E-85 flex-fuel Chevrolet Tahoe courtesy of the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board and receives a mink garment from the Kettle Moraine Mink Breeders Association. Courtesy of the Wisconsin Jewelers Association, she uses a 14K gold and platinum brooch and tiara with citrines and amethysts — gems indigenous to Wisconsin.
Other finalists for the position were Christa Behnke, Clintonville; Andrea Bloom, Loyal; Sheri Nelson, East Troy; Katie Reichling, Darlington; and Rochelle Ripp, Lodi.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Posted: May 18, 2010 at 7:50 pm
By News Editor
Select Sires’ recently held an employee orientation for fifteen professional technicians, Select Mating Service™ (SMS™) evaluators, Select Reproductive Solutions™ (SRS™) specialists, and sales and marketing staff. Employees from five member cooperatives, Select Sires Inc., and World Wide Sires Ltd. were present for the three-day event where they received advanced education in serving Select Sires’ customer-owners.
“Our employee orientation is a great means to provide both new and current employees more knowledge and give them the opportunity to share ideas with their colleagues,” said Lyle Kruse, vice president of U.S. market development for Select Sires. “The occasion to receive this information from Select Sires’ key staff members allow our new employees to better serve our customer-owners.”
The participants received in-depth information about Select Sires’ programs including the Program for Genetic Advancement™ (PGA™), SRS, Program for Fertility Advancement™ (PFA™) and SMS. They also received advanced training on the topics of reproductive solutions, fertility research, beef and dairy sire programs, cattle evaluation, herd management products, and Select Sires’ gender SELECTed™ process.
Attendees included: Travis Mecham, Kuna, Idaho; and Nathan Walker, Gooding, Idaho, Cache Valley Select Sires Inc.; Scott Winchell, Wooster, Ohio; Trey Buras, Portales, N.M.; Casey Payne, Melrose, N.M.; and Heather West-Robinson, Stephenville, Texas, COBA/Select Sires; Wyatt Miller, Columbus, Wis.; and Shannon Sauer, Waterloo, Wis., East Central/Select Sires; Lynn Harbaugh, Marion, Wis.; Bridgette Voisnet, Laingsburg, Mich.; Elyse Wilcox, Marshall, Mich.; and David Wing, Charlotte, Mich., NorthStar Cooperative; Elizabeth Smith, Lebanon, Pa., Select Sire Power; Friedrich Gödeker, Germany, World Wide Sires; and Renée Norman, Columbus, Ohio, Select Sires Inc.
Source: Select Sires Inc.
Posted: May 17, 2010 at 5:29 am
By News Editor
Congratulations to the twelve young ladies named as finalists in the 57th Princess Kay of the Milky Way! Good luck to each of you!
The contestants’ names were announced at the conclusion of a statewide workshop for about 90 young women who live or work on dairy farms and serve as county dairy princesses. Seventy-three of them completed judging for the finalist positions, going through a personal interview and a mock media interview, and presenting a prepared speech.
Being a Princess Kay finalist means the princess will have her likeness carved in butter during the Minnesota State Fair, and participate in the Princess Kay contest. Princess Kay is crowned at the State Fair Band Shell the night before the fair opens, and is the first of the 12 to be sculpted.
The dairy princess program is sponsored by Minnesota’s dairy farmers through Midwest Dairy Association’s Minnesota Division. The current Princess Kay is Elizabeth Olson of Hutchinson in McLeod County.
The finalists are:
* Karen Anderson, 20, McLeod County, daughter of David and Donna Anderson of Lester Prairie;
* Michaela Bengtson, 18, Kandiyohi County, daughter of Jerome and Kristine Bengtson of Kandiyohi;
* Kristin Boyum, 19, West Otter Tail County, daughter of Al and Jean Boyum of Battle Lake;
* Joylynn Hadrich, 19, Stearns County, daughter of Dale and Corrine Hadrich of Avon;
* Megan Herberg, 21, Nicollet County, daughter of Steven and Kathy Herberg of St. Peter;
* Katherine Holdvogt, 18, Stearns County, daughter of Alvin and Bernie Holdvogt of Freeport;
* Labecca Johnson, 19, Houston County, daughter of Richard and Linda Johnson of LaCrescent;
* Kathleen Miron, 19, Washington County, daughter of Fran and Mary Ann Miron of Hugo;
* Brittany Moorse, 20, Lyon County, daughter of Greg and Becky Moorse of Minneota;
* Angela Sellner, 19, Brown County, daughter of David and MaDonna Sellner of Sleepy Eye;
* Ashley Swenson, 18, Nicollet County, daughter of Paul and Cindy Swenson of Nicollet; and
* Kelsie Trosen, 20, Wadena County, daughter of Allen and Karen Trosen of Verndale.
Source: Midwest Dairy Association
Posted: May 14, 2010 at 4:24 pm
By News Editor
South Dakota State University, its dairy industry partners and private donors held a ceremonial groundbreaking May 7 for the dairy plant renovation project at SDSU. The planned remodeling and additions will turn the 50-year-old plant into a modernized dairy processing research and education plant laboratory. Construction is expected to start in June and the project should be completed during the summer of 2011.
The net estimated cost of the project, including the building and equipment, is approximately $9.3 million. All but $1 million is privately funded. The project is made possible largely because of financial support from members of the Jackrabbit Dairy Council, which is composed of dairy industry partners and private individuals from across the country.
Corporate and private council members include:
The American Dairy Association of SD/Midwest Dairy Association; Davisco Foods International, Inc., headquartered in Le Sueur, Minn.; ECOLAB, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn.; Glanbia Foods, Inc., headquartered in Twin Falls, Idaho; Hilmar Cheese Company, headquartered in Hilmar, Calif.; Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc., of Milbank, S.D.; the Gonzenbach family of Milbank; Jerry Lohr, a 1958 SDSU alumnus and president of J. Lohr Properties and J. Lohr Winery, both located in San Jose, Calif.; SA Education Foundation; and Tetra Pak, with U.S. headquarters in Vernon Hills, Ill.
In addition, the Institute for Dairy Ingredient Processing is a research component of the new dairy plant. The Institute was formed by a partnership between SDSU, the ADA of South Dakota, the Midwest Dairy Association and Dairy Management Inc.
“Research continues to show that dairy-based ingredients provide exceptional nutrition, functionality and flavor to meet consumer demands for convenient and healthier food choices,” said Gregory D. Miller, Ph.D., M.A.C.N. and executive vice president of research, regulatory and scientific affairs for Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). “We are committed to these research efforts and proud to be a partner in the development of this facility as we explore the next generation of dairy ingredients and provide even greater options for our industry partners and product innovation.”
The facility will contain state-of-the art filtration, evaporation and drying equipment that will be used to conduct applied research on dairy-based ingredients. The purpose of the Institute for Dairy Ingredient Processing is to expand the portfolio of dairy-based ingredients produced by the United States for domestic and international markets.
“From the dairy farmers’ point of view, we need to create research and information to enhance the competition of dairy worldwide,” said Ginger Hanten, chair of the American Dairy Association of South Dakota. “We need to develop student knowledge today to support tomorrow’s dairy industry. With obesity in the forefront in today’s world, we need ongoing nutrition and product research. What better place to implement these needs than right here at South Dakota State University.”
In addition to remodeling the existing dairy plant area of 7,050 square feet, the project will add 10,850 square feet of space onto the east side of the existing lab, creating a state-of-the-art facility totaling 17,900 square feet.
Mistry said the renovation will ensure that the dairy industry in South Dakota and the surrounding region will continue to be both cutting-edge and globally competitive and an international leader. The plant will enable the SDSU Dairy Science program to better compete for the best faculty and students, he said. The project also will contribute to new and expanded economic opportunities for South Dakota and the region.
Source: South Dakota State University
Posted: May 7, 2010 at 6:10 pm
By News Editor
Students, apply today for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDPRB) scholarships. Completed applications are due by May 31, 2010.
NDPRB, through Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), annually awards up to 19 $1,500 scholarships to eligible undergraduate students (sophomore through senior) enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy. Majors include: communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science, and Ag education. In addition, the NDPRB awards a $2,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to the outstanding scholarship recipient.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and 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 a NDPRB Scholarship Committee composed of an external review panel and at least two Board members. The recommendations of the Scholarship Committee are summarized by NDPRB staff and the scholarships are then awarded.
Students may be awarded scholarships in multiple years. Scholarship winners must be enrolled during the entire academic year for which the scholarship is awarded. Announcement of winners will be made to both awardee and university department chairman on or about July 30, 2010.
Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of the following criteria:
1. Academic performance.
2. Courses related to dairy.
3. Apparent commitment to a career in dairy.
4. Involvement in extra-curricular activities, especially those relating to dairy.
5. Evidence of leadership ability, initiative, character and integrity.
Source: Dairy Management Inc.
Posted: April 29, 2010 at 3:57 pm
By News Editor
National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) took a stance this week, a decade after it first asked the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to crack down on the misappropriation of dairy terminology on imitation milk products. Not only did NMPF send another petition to the FDA, asserting that the practice has gotten worse in the past 10 years, it also reached out for support through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
In its petition submitted April 29th, NMPF contends that not only have the terms “soy milk” and “soymilk” continued to proliferate, but also other dairy-specific terms like “yogurt,” “cheese,” and “ice cream” are now being used by products made out of a wide variety of non-dairy ingredients.
“The FDA has allowed the meaning of ‘milk’ to be watered down to the point where many products that use the term have never seen the inside of a barn,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. “You don’t got milk if it comes from a hemp plant, you can’t say cheese if it’s made from rice, and faux yogurt can’t be made from soy and still be called yogurt,” he said.
This matter was originally brought to the attention of the FDA in February 2000, when NMPF sent a letter asking that the agency make clear to manufacturers of imitation dairy products that product names permitted by federal standards of identity, including dairy terms such as “milk,” are to be used only on foods actually made from milk from animals like cows, goats, and sheep. The FDA has failed to act on that petition, so NMPF “is again asking our regulators to defend the letter and the spirit of regulations intended to prevent false and misleading labeling on consumer products,” Kozak said. “The use of these terms shouldn’t just be determined by the common and convenient vernacular that marketers prefer; they should be used according to what the law allows.”
As NMPF had predicted ten years ago when it first brought this issue to the attention of FDA, soy “milks” continue to be marketed and sold right along with dairy milks, and now, a bevy of new artificial dairy products has reached store shelves in the past decade. In many cases, these products don’t contain the equivalent levels of nutrients that real milk does.
NMPF’s petition cites examples including imitation milks made from hemp, rice, almonds, and other plants, legumes and vegetables; yogurts made from soybeans and rice; and cheeses made from soy, rice, and nuts. In some cases, marketers use superficial word changes, such as “cheeze,” in an apparent attempt to skirt the standards of identity regulations.
Non-dairy products “can vary wildly in their composition and are inferior to the nutrient profile of those from dairy milk – although they are marketed as replacements for foods that consumers are familiar with and which have a healthful image,” Kozak said. “Although some phony dairy foods may have a passing resemblance to their authentic counterparts, they are very different in nutritional value, composition, and performance from standardized dairy products.”
Source: National Milk Producers Federation
Posted: April 27, 2010 at 9:27 am
By Cindy Zimmerman
About a dozen students along with some of their advisors toured the Novus International headquarters in the St. Louis suburb of St. Charles and the company’s research farm last week as part of Novus’ 2nd annual “Science: A Foundation for Dynamic Careers” days, where students who have received Missouri Colleges Fund scholarships (funded, in part, by Novus) get to see firsthand how they might be able to apply their science degrees in the future.
“Our hope is really for them to get a glimpse of what a science and math degree can do for them out in the ‘quote-unquote’ real world,” said Dr. Joyce Cacho, Chief Sustainability Officer for Novus, during an interview with Agwired’s John Davis who covered the event.
Dr. Cacho says Novus supports these students through the Missouri Colleges Fund because of the nature of the students’ degrees.
“The largest plank in our relationship with the Missouri Colleges Fund is Novus’ commitment to encouraging a pipeline of young people to innovate in science and mathematics as it relates to health and nutrition for livestock, as well as the human area. [The] fund offers us a structure to reach out to young people to attract them to our industry and to attract them to our mission and vision of feeding the world sustainable food and improving the quality of life.”
She adds, however, Novus welcomes more than just people with math and science degrees. Dr. Cacho points out there are lots of employees who come from marketing, business, and even physical training backgrounds who have found homes at Novus. The key is to find people who want to innovate.
Listen to or download John’s interview with Dr. Cacho in the player below.
2010 Novus International Science: A Foundation for Dynamic Careers Photo Album
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Posted: April 12, 2010 at 7:31 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to the students from California Polytechnic State University, Cornell University, The Ohio State University and University of Wisconsin-Madison for being the highest placed teams in the ninth annual North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC). Each college team earned the highest award, First Place Platinum, during the Challenge which was held April 9-10, in the Visalia, Calif. area.
Hosted by Cal Poly and California State University-Fresno, NAIDC 2010 attracted teams from 30 universities located throughout the United States and Canada. Each team of four was challenged to put their textbook and practical knowledge to the ultimate test – analyzing dairies. The contest started with a walk-through at one of the four host dairies, followed by the opportunity to ask questions of the owners and analyze farm-specific data. Teams then used this information and their observations to develop management recommendations, and then presented their recommendations to the herd owners and a panel of five dairy industry judges.
Members of the First Place Platinum teams received $200 scholarships. This was the second consecutive year for teams from Ohio State and UW-Madison to earn the contest’s highest ranking.
Ohio State’s team, coached by Maurice Eastridge, consisted of Ryan Conklin, Annie Eilenfeld, Heather Moff and Amanda Paulhamus. Members of the UW-Madison team were Robb Bender, Lydia Hardie, Ashley Sprengeler and Melvin Zenner. They were coached by Dave Combs and Lizzy French. The Cal Poly team of Anthony Martin, Brian Medeiros, Katherine Rector and Michael Wesselink was coached by Stan Henderson. Cornell University team members were Brett Feldpausch, Breanna Fulper, Shane Reynolds and Chad Wall. Team coach was Michael Van Amburgh.
Scholarships of $100 were presented to members of the Second Place Platinum teams:
* University of Idaho: Carl Betts, Crystal Burke, Stewart Russell and Jackie Wuebben; Amin Ahmadzadeh, coach.
* South Dakota State University: Holly Bruns, Alex Ode, Samantha Wahls and Abigail Wirt; Arnold Hippen and Matt Laubach, coaches.
* University of Guelph: Steven Larmer, Martina Pfister, Caitlin Shirreff and Ryan Wynands; John Walton, coach.
* Penn State University: Janelle Hartzell, Amy Miller, Elizabeth Smith and Peter Yoder; Gabriella Varga, coach.
Gold Awards were presented to teams from Iowa State University, Mississippi State University, Purdue University, University of Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Delaware Valley College, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Alabama A&M University, University of Florida and University of Kentucky.
Silver Awards went to teams from California State University-Fresno, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, North Carolina State University, University of Alberta, West Virginia University, Clemson University, Kansas State University, Louisiana State University, Michigan State University, University of Maine and Washington State University.
Source: North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge
Posted: March 30, 2010 at 8:29 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
In collaboration with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) and the National Dairy Shrine, AgriLabs has introduced two new awards for young veterinarians actively working with beef and dairy operations.
“The increasing gap between the number of veterinarians available to serve dairy and beef producers, and the actual need is a much-discussed trend,” says Steve Schram, president and chief executive officer, AgriLabs. “By introducing these grants for deserving young veterinarians, AgriLabs is thrilled to provide significant resources for self-directed professional development while encouraging these veterinarians to remain in large-animal medicine.”
Named as a tribute to Dr. Bruce Wren, each award will provide a $5,000 grant for professional-development training to help the veterinarians better serve their producer-clients. Schram says Schram is highly regarded for his commitment to both practical and formal continuing education for veterinarians.
“Bruce’s service to the profession as a practitioner, a teacher, a veterinary pathologist and a technical-services veterinarian has been exemplary,” says Schram. “AgriLabs is so pleased to give back to the profession in his name with this significant award. Whether the young veterinarians receiving these $5,000 continuing-education grants come from single-veterinarian or multi-practitioner practices, or from areas with high or low beef and dairy concentrations, this investment will be good for bovine medicine.”
The first two grants will be awarded in August 2010, with completed applications due June 15, 2010. Application form is available here on the AABP website.
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