Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition had made several upgrades to their website!
In addition to the upgrades, AHDairy.com currently allows producers and nutritionists access to important nutrition information in an easily accessible form. The Web site includes contact information for regional Arm & Hammer representatives, distributors or feed mills, as well as producer testimonials sharing their success stories with Arm & Hammer products. Take time to visit AHDairy.com today to see the resources available at your fingertips.
New Amino Acid balancing information. A new section focusing on the practice of amino acid balancing has been added to the Web site. Amino acid balancing ensures optimal levels of key limiting amino acids are provided for use by the cow. When amino acids are provided at optimal levels, performance can be enhanced even while dietary crude protein levels are reduced. These improvements can lead to greater income over feed cost (IOFC) for the dairy.
MEGAMINE-L® Rumen Bypass Lysine is a new, cost-effective, consistent bypass lysine source that will allow nutritionists to accurately balance for limiting amino acids, leading to maximized milking string performance and more efficient nutrient utilization. Collateral pieces focused on MEGAMINE-L—including an FAQ document, Research Bulletin and Benefit Summary—have been added.
Updated product research. More current research studies and overviews of the value-added products have been added to the Web site. These resources can help producers and nutritionists make nutritional decisions that will influence their herd productivity and IOFC.
FAQ documents. FAQ documents relating to reproduction and dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) balancing provide the latest research findings surrounding both areas and details on how proper nutrition can ensure cows perform to their potential.
Timely industry articles. The latest articles published in dairy trade publications relating to feeding cows for optimal performance have been added to the Web site. These articles are summarized so visitors can easily find information. New functionality also allows for easier viewing and sorting of recently published articles and releases.
Congratulations to Steve Howard, the new Regional Representative for Bio-Vet, Inc., a company that researches, manufactures and markets direct fed microbial and nutritional products for dairy and beef cattle, small ruminants and horses.
In this position, Steve will be responsible for selling Bio-Vet products in northeast, central and southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and eastern Iowa.
His previous work experience includes positions with several major cattle genetics companies in the Midwest, as well as Genmark in Utah and the Wisconsin Holstein Association. His experience also includes livestock DNA research and sales management.
A Wisconsin native, Steve also owns a livestock mortality insurance agency with his wife, Mary. Steve has spent his entire career in the dairy industry, developing longlasting
relationships with individual dairy clients, salesmen, dealers and distributors. Steve is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science.
Posted: March 9, 2010 at 8:59 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
The Supreme Court will soon make a decision on whether or not farmers can grow biotech alfalfa – and it could ultimately impact other genetically modified crops.
That’s why the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and several other agricultural organizations have filed an amicus curiae brief with the court in the case of “Monsanto Co. v. Geertson Seed Farms” regarding Roundup Ready® alfalfa.
The groups urge that the lower courts’ decision to approve an injunction without adequately hearing the key evidence must be reversed “to protect the farmers who choose to grow genetically-engineered crops, as well as the public benefits that agricultural biotechnology brings to producers and consumers around the world.” They argue that USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has studied Roundup Ready® alfalfa and found no significant human environment impact and has recommended that farmers be allowed to grow it. APHIS just recently concluded a comment period on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for the crop.
This case is important case because it marks the first time the high court has weighed in on the risks of genetically engineered crops. It is scheduled for oral argument on April 27 and a decision is expected from the Court by June.
Read more about the case here from Farm Bureau.
Posted: February 12, 2010 at 5:32 pm
By News Editor
Here’s a light-hearted (pun intended!) story from Tim Engstrom at the Albert Lea Tribune. A farmer in Minnesota has created a unique gift for his wife – a Valentine’s Day heart…made from manure!
Following plans he jotted on scratch paper, Bruce Andersland drove his tractor and manure spreader earlier this week in the special shape for his wife, Beth. On Thursday afternoon, the Tribune was on the telephone with Beth when she had her first look at the aerial image, taken through Minnesota Aviation by Albert Lea pilot Darren Schone.
With a gasp, Beth said, “Now I’ve got my Valentine! That’s pretty cute.”
She said it was the biggest and most original Valentine she has received in her life. Bruce said he had the idea because the square-mile, snow-covered field seemed fitting for something.
“There’s such a nice field there. I thought we could just do it for fun,” he said.
Bruce began the project Wednesday and finished Thursday. The heart made of manure is recognizable only from the air. Beth first discovered he was working on the heart when he emptied his pockets on Wednesday night. She asked him about the scratch paper with the heart pattern on it, and he explained.
“He thinks of cute things to do once in a while, so I was a little surprised,” she said.
Beth raises purebred Simmentals on their farm. That makes getting a Valentine made of manure actually a good thing.
“That’s just part of farm life. Doing something fun and creative with it makes farming fun,” she said.
Source: Albert Lea Tribune
Photo Credit: Darren Schone, Minnesota Aviation
Posted: February 11, 2010 at 6:40 pm
By News Editor
ANIMART, Inc., which provides animal health products and veterinary supplies, in addition to show equipment and supplies, to dairy and livestock producers, recently donated more than $1,000 to the Dairy Business Association (DBA). DBA is a producer-driven organization working to assure that dairy producers, large and small, remain an active, thriving part of Wisconsin’s economy by fostering a positive business and political environment.
For every Pfizer Animal Health product purchased by a DBA member from ANIMART in December, ANIMART contributed a percentage of sales to DBA, totaling more than $1,000.
“We are proud to have offered a promotion during December for large animal clients and producers who are DBA members to support the efforts of the organization through Pfizer animal health product purchases from ANIMART,” says Dr. James Metz, co-owner of ANIMART with his wife, Ruth Metz. “ANIMART is pleased to partner with Pfizer and DBA in helping Wisconsin’s dairy businesses succeed.”
“We are honored ANIMART has chosen to donate a portion of sales to DBA efforts,” says Laurie Fischer, who serves as executive director of DBA. “We all know that these are difficult economic times for dairy businesses. The support that ANIMART is providing will help us be sustainable now and into the future.”
The initiatives addressed through DBA help identify business and environmental challenges facing the dairy industry and work to put practices in place that benefit all Wisconsin farms.
“We are proud to be a strong partner with Wisconsin’s dairy industry,” Dr. Metz says. “We feel supporting the efforts of DBA will benefit all farms for profitable agriculture.”
Source: ANIMART, Inc.
Posted: February 11, 2010 at 1:26 pm
By Amanda Nolz
Today I’m joining you from the 2010 Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth, MI. A delayed flight, lost luggage and nasty little blizzard didn’t deter me from getting here, and it’s been a full day of hot topics pertaining to the dairy industry today.
Before I dive into some of the details from the sessions, I thought I would share a bit of information about where we are staying during this conference, The Bavarian Inn Lodge. It’s definitely a unique place!
The Bavarian Inn Lodge is a treasure in the heart of downtown Frankenmuth – Michigan’s #1 tourist attraction. Nestled on the banks of the beautiful Cass River, the Lodge is a world-class getaway destination for families and couples. The Bavarian Inn Lodge of Frankenmuth is about gathering. For generations, millions of people have come here to stay and play, to be welcomed with our home-cooked chicken dinners, delightfully cozy beds, and warm Bavarian hospitality. It’s like stepping into the heart of Europe without a passport or the jet lag!
Posted: February 4, 2010 at 7:21 pm
By News Editor
The Wisconsin Dairy Business Association announces results from their board of directors elections, held during their Annual Business Conference’s annual meeting.
Re-elected for a third term was corporate member Greg Steele. Newly elected dairy producers include Gordon Speirs and Dr. Gordon A. Jones.
Greg Steele is a Vice President of Agribusiness Capital with AgStar Financial Services. His focus is working with commercial dairy operations that have grown and expanded their business and his responsibilities include providing expertise in the area of finance, business planning, and accounting.
Gordon Speirs owns and operates Shiloh Dairy, LLC established in 2003 in Brillion. Shiloh Dairy has 1,500 milk cows and all 1,450 heifers are raised on-site. In Canada, Speirs chaired the local milk producers organization and also served on the milk products promotion committee, as well as the local Holstein association.
Dr. Gordon A. Jones currently is the managing partner of Central Sands Dairy, a 3,800 milk cow dairy near Nekoosa. Jones also works for Quality Milk Sales as a production consulting specialist and a nutritionist for a consortium of large dairies. He attended Michigan State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science and his D.V.M.
Jerry Meissner of Norm-E-Lane Inc. in Chili, Wis. currently serves as President of the Board of Directors. John Pagel of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, LLC in Kewaunee, Wis. was elected as their new Vice-President. Greg Steele serves as Treasurer and Jen Keuning, an environmental scientist at Conestoga-Rovers and Associates (CRA), serves as Secretary.
The conference, presented by the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association, will feature leading researchers, academia and business professionals in the dairy calf and heifer industry sharing their expertise with producers. Topics range from practical applications such as vaccinations, colostrum management and biosecurity, to broader issues such as managing financial risk and developing strong contracts.
“Our annual conference is the premier event in the dairy calf and heifer replacement industry,” said Eugene Myatt, DCHA second vice president and chairman of the Conference Committee. “We bring together an elite group of individuals and ask them to present material that producers can use on their operations to be more efficient and profitable. On top of that, we have companies from all corners of the industry come and display their products in our trade show.”
In addition to the trade show, which has historically involved more than 60 companies, the 2010 Dairy Calf & Heifer Conference will also feature live animal demonstrations. Licensed veterinarians will educate producers on proper techniques for restraint, physical examination, venipuncture and more. This additional educational portion of the conference allows producers to sharpen their skills and ensure that they are handling and caring for their animals in the most humane way possible.
Posted: February 1, 2010 at 8:05 pm
By News Editor
The Breunig family of Mystic Valley Dairy LLC, located in Wisconsin, has donated a top-notch Registered Holstein calf for a March 16 auction to benefit the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation. The Holstein calf, Jenny-Lou Million 2719 will be part of the Benefit Auction during the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin’s (PDPW) Business Conference March 16 & 17 in Madison, Wis. Proceeds from the auction will support educational programs of the Foundation.
Million’s Marsh dam, GP-83 @ 2Y and due to be rescored in February, is among the elite in the breed with a CTPI of 1734. The Brett grandam, VG-86 GMD DOM, has over 47,150M @ 2-11. The third dam is the well-known Patron Toyane, VG-89 GMD DOM, the dam of Toystory and Lou.
The Breunig family’s dairy business is built around a passion for excellent cows, and that passion has helped Mystic Valley earn a BAA rating of 105.2. That ranks 7th in the U.S. for herds over 300 cows.
From a young age, involvement in 4-H, FFA, the Wisconsin Holstein Association and, in more recent years, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW), has helped fuel Mitch’s passion for quality cattle and build their dairy business. Though he’s a young producer himself, Mitch is in the habit of giving back to the industry that has taught him so much. He has coached 4-H dairy judging teams for the past ten years. In 2001, a team he coached won the national championship.
“The educational programs that the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation is able to fund are phenomenal and need to be supported,” Mitch says. “Education has been very rewarding for me and my family.”
The calf donation pays tribute to Mitch’s late father, Louis, who started the family farm in 1961 and nurtured Mitch’s passion for excellent cattle. Mitch and his mother, Jeannette, own the farm in partnership today. Mystic Valley Dairy expanded from a traditional 100-cow Wisconsin farm setup in 1998 to 400 cows and stands at 430 cows today. Their rolling herd average is just shy of 30,000. But their real niche has been developing quality genetics. The farm has been able to sell an average of 60 animals a year to fellow dairy producers.
Posted: January 31, 2010 at 9:15 am
By News Editor
America’s Dairy Farmers have partnered with ‘Pizza 4 Patriots’ to deliver more than 10,000 pizzas and 7,000 bottles of Honey Milk to some 30,000 servicemen and women stationed in Iraq for the upcoming Super Bowl.
Working with DHL, the world’s leading express delivery and logistics company and The Original Gino’s East of Chicago and Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, more than 10,000 delicious pizzas and 500 footballs from America’s Dairy Farmers, will leave Chicago, Ill. on January 29th, headed for several bases throughout Iraq in time for Super Bowl events.
In addition to the global delivery, Evans will be distributing pizzas from local vendors to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC; Audie Murphy Veterans Memorial Hospital as well as other VA hospitals around the country.
“America’s Dairy Farmers are grateful for the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and show our support for the brave men and women serving our country around the world,” said Paul Rovey, Arizona dairy farmer and chair of Dairy Management Inc. TM, the organization that works on behalf of America’s dairy families.
“As the specialists in international shipping, DHL Express is pleased to continue our partnership with “Pizzas 4 Patriots” and leverage our global network to transport these care packages that lift the spirits of our servicemen and women,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S.”
“The Original Gino’s East of Chicago and Edwardo’s Natural Pizza is very excited to participate in this event,” says Ivan Himmel, chairman of Bravo Restaurants, Inc. “These brave young men and women have given so much for our country and it is our obligation and privilege to show them that we support them in their efforts world wide.”
Posted: January 25, 2010 at 8:59 pm
By News Editor
The Department of Justice has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Dean Foods Company challenging its April 2009 acquisition of Foremost Farms USA’s Consumer Products Division. The department said that the merger eliminates substantial competition between the two companies in the sale of milk to schools, grocery stores, convenience stores and other retailers in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, along with state attorneys general from Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, filed a lawsuit today in U.S. District Court in Milwaukee, seeking to require Dean Foods to sell the dairy processing plants it acquired from Foremost Farms.
Dairy processors, such as Dean Foods and Foremost Farms, purchase raw milk from dairy farms and agricultural cooperatives to pasteurize and package the milk. The processors then distribute and sell the milk to school districts, supermarkets, grocery stores and other commercial customers.
“The purpose of the department’s lawsuit is to restore competition so that schools, grocery stores and other retailers in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, will pay lower prices for their milk,” said Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.
The department’s lawsuit not only seeks to undo the 2009 deal but also requires Dean Foods to notify the department at least 30 days prior to any future acquisition involving a milk processing operation.
Dean Foods’ acquisition of Foremost Farms’ two dairy processing plants in De Pere and Waukesha, Wis., eliminated an aggressive competitor against Dean Foods, the department said. Dean Foods and Foremost Farms were the first and fourth largest milk processors in northeastern Illinois, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (the UP) and Wisconsin, respectively. Dean Foods now has approximately 57 percent of the market for processed milk in northeastern Illinois, the UP and Wisconsin.
The April 2009 transaction between Dean Foods and Foremost Farms was not required to be reported under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, which requires companies to notify and provide information to the department and the Federal Trade Commission before consummating certain acquisitions. The purchase price of the transaction was less than the minimum reporting threshold.
Posted: January 20, 2010 at 7:51 pm
By News Editor
The latest Agriculture Community Engagement (ACE) event is coming to Stevens Point, Wis., on February 25th. ACE events provide a convenient and important venue for constructive engagement among people who seek an environment in which both local communities and agriculture thrive.
“ACE helps local officials connect with and understand dairy producers and their businesses. This collaboration improves communication and understanding for all involved,” says Rick Stadelman, executive director of Wisconsin Towns Association.
The February event, Agriculture’s Changing Face – Meeting Environmental and Community Needs, will feature speakers with backgrounds in business, conservation, economics, research and dairy production. Attendees will learn about water quality, road issues, Wisconsin’s economy, the state of our local communities, and the latest on how we can all do a better job of managing our natural resources while also maintaining Wisconsin’s proud heritage.
This one-day event has been developed for every local elected official—town and county government leaders—dairy producer and persons interested in learning more about issues that impact their communities and livelihoods.
Cost to attend the event is $40 and includes lunch and workshop materials. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. The meeting begins at 9:15 a.m., with the wrap-up session starting at 3:30 p.m.
The purpose of ACE is to educate, inform, and openly communicate on issues that are important to our communities. ACE is a collaborative effort between Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Counties Association and Wisconsin Towns Association.
Posted: December 24, 2009 at 12:48 pm
By News Editor
From all of us here at World Dairy Diary – we wish you a joyful, peaceful and merry Christmas! We hope that each of you is able to spend time with family and friends and reflect on the things that are important to you.
Posted: December 24, 2009 at 12:45 pm
By News Editor
Tonight’s the night when delicious and nutritious MILK has a starring role – as Santa’s favorite drink with his cookies! Even President Barack Obama and his family plan to leave out milk and cookies and even some reindeer snacks. What kind of milk and cookies are you leaving for the man in red?
In an interview with Spanish-language television station Univision, Obama said the White House was expecting Santa to come through the Yellow Room chimney in the middle of the presidential residence.
“Because we want to make sure when it comes to the White House that he feels like he is getting good service.”
Obama is preparing to spend his first Christmas in the White House with his wife Michelle and their two daughters Sasha and Malia.
Posted: December 18, 2009 at 1:41 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
Four “Friends of Expo” were recognized at a special, baseball-themed volunteer appreciation dinner recently at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Nearly 150 volunteers gathered to acknowledge their contributions and celebrate a successful 2009 show.
Honored for their years of support and outstanding service to World Dairy Expo, these individuals were selected from among the nearly 400 volunteers who help run the cattle shows, commercial exhibits, youth contests, school tours and Purple Cow Gift Shop during the annual, five-day show. The 2009 honorees include: Connie Kolpin, Gary Kolpin, Lynda Yates and Gordon Marquart.
Posted: December 17, 2009 at 9:32 pm
By News Editor
A recent press release from Charm Sciences reports the news that their Fast Alkaline Phosphatase (F-AP) Test has been accepted as an official approved pasteurization test for milk and dairy products in the Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).
The actions of the 2009 National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) were recently released by the FDA in Memoranda IMS-a-47.
Charm F-AP provides the fastest HACCP verification of effective pasteurization by delivering results in just 45 seconds. The limit of detection of 20 mU/L is well below the established US and EU regulatory thresholds of 350 mU/L. The simple one-step procedure requires no reagent preparation or incubation. The Charm F-AP test is based on the proven Charm PasLite test, an ISO/IDF standard method for testing alkaline phosphatase in milk and dairy products. PasLite also carries official acceptance by NCIMS/ PMO as well as by Australian (Victorian) and New Zealand Food Authorities.
Posted: December 16, 2009 at 10:20 pm
By News Editor
Still looking for a gift for the farmer in your life? How about the annual ANIMART calendar? The 2010 calendar features photos of “Cheese…Wisconsin’s Pride and Passion.”
ANIMART, Inc. has released its annual, uniquely-themed client appreciation calendar. This year, the ANIMART calendar features photos of Wisconsin cheeses, which celebrates 100 years of Wisconsin as the largest cheese-producing state. As the nation’s top cheese producer crafting more than 600 varieties, types and styles of cheese, Wisconsin is home to classics such as Cheddar and Colby and also America’s leader in specialty and artisanal cheeses.
The Cowlendar incorporates as a tool for producers return and due dates on each day to help with dairy cattle heat detection, management and pregnancy planning. In addition, dairy industry conferences are listed on the calendar keeping producers up-to-date on upcoming 2010 dairy events.
“This year’s theme focuses on one facet of the dairy industry and the importance of our clients’ dedication in producing exceptional dairy products, such as cheese,” says Ruth Metz, co-owner of ANIMART with her husband, Dr. James Metz. “This year’s Cowlendar honors our client’s commitment in producing safe, high quality milk and meat products 365 days a year.”
Posted: December 10, 2009 at 6:57 pm
By News Editor
Connecticut dairy farmer Brad Davis had a special calf born this week on Buttercup Farm – a bull calf now called “Moses.” Born with a white section of hair on his forehead that resembles a cross, Brad Davis is hoping that the calf is a special sign of “higher milk prices.”
Tell us about cows you’ve had born on your farm with unique markings!
Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition had made several upgrades to their website!
The Supreme Court will soon make a decision on whether or not farmers can grow biotech alfalfa – and it could ultimately impact other genetically modified crops.
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Tonight’s the night when delicious and nutritious MILK has a starring role – as Santa’s favorite drink with his cookies! Even 
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Still looking for a gift for the farmer in your life? How about the annual