Posted: July 15, 2008 at 7:56 pm
By News Editor
An Australian researcher who studied nutritional benefits of dairy food, was awarded the Danisco International Dairy Science Award by the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA). Congratulations to Dr. Parodi for this wonderful honor!
Dr Parodi, 74, is a world expert in dairy nutrition, particularly the role of dairy fat in human health. In 1977, he was the first person to discover the presence and determine the structure of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – a major form of trans fatty acids in milk fat.
His work spans five decades uncovering the positive health benefits – and possibly the cancer-fighting properties – of dairy foods. Dr Parodi’s work in determining the structure and composition of milk fat was so important that in 1998 he was given the honor of naming a major trans fatty acid found in milk, which he called rumenic acid, after the cows’ stomach system, the rumen.
“For a scientist, exploring the unique properties and health benefits of dairy foods has been very rewarding,” he said.
His research has been supported by Australian dairy farmers through dairy research organizations – most recently Dairy Australia. Last year Dr Parodi was honored with the International Dairy Federation (IDF) award at its world summit in Dublin. He has been a recipient of dairy science’s most prestigious national awards – including the Award of Merit from the Australian Society of Australia and the Loftus Hill Dairy Science Award twice.
The annual international research and development award was established in 1980 and is judged by panel drawn from the ADSA. It recognizes outstanding accomplishments in chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, technology, and engineering pertaining to the dairy foods industries.
Posted: October 31, 2007 at 5:17 pm
By News Editor
Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA) has announced a new scholarship program for college students pursuing a career in the dairy industry. Says DFA, “We recognize the importance of developing future leaders in the dairy industry, and are committed to investing in their educations.” Applications are due January 15, 2008 - to learn more visit DFA’s website.
Scholarships are available for the following studies:
* Dairy Herd Management/Production
* Large Animal Veterinary Medicine
* Marketing/Economics/Finance
* Processing/Manufacturing
* Communications/Journalism
* Quality Assurance
* Dairy Nutrition
* Dairy Foods
* Education
* Engineering
* Policy
* Genetics
* Law
* Others
Posted: October 10, 2007 at 7:20 pm
By News Editor
Researchers at Cornell University have found that a diet that includes some dairy and meat is more efficient in terms of the amount of land used to produce it than a strict vegetarian diet.
Even though a moderate-fat plant-based diet with a little meat and dairy uses more land than the all-vegetarian diet it feeds more people because it uses more pasture land, which is widely available.
This deduction stems from the findings of their new study, which concludes that if everyone in New York state followed a low-fat vegetarian diet, the state could directly support almost 50 percent more people, or about 32 percent of its population, agriculturally. With today’s high-meat, high-dairy diet, the state is able to support directly only 22 percent of its population, say the researchers.
The study, published in the journal Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, is the first to examine the land requirements of complete diets. The researchers compared 42 diets with the same number of calories and a core of grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy products (using only foods that can be produced in New York state), but with varying amounts of meat (from none to 13.4 ounces daily) and fat (from 20 to 45 percent of calories) to determine each diet’s “agricultural land footprint.” They found a fivefold difference between the two extremes. (more…)
Posted: July 16, 2007 at 7:45 pm
By News Editor
Marcus Hollmann, Michigan State University, was awarded the 2007 National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) National Dairy Leadership Scholarship and the Murray Hintz Memorial Scholarship to advance his research into reducing methane production by supplementing feed with coconut oil. The NMPF awards are given to graduate students who exhibit academic excellence and whose research demonstrates a strong, positive contribution to the dairy industry.
“Coconut oil has been shown to reduce methane emissions from cows and their manure, but no one has done specific nutrition and air quality research,” Hollmann says.
Methane emissions are one of the greatest contributors to the greenhouse effect, and lactating dairy cows produce the most methane of all livestock species. Collectively, cows’ digestive tracts plus stored dairy manure generate about 25% of methane emissions worldwide and 80% of ammonia emissions in the United States.
“Methane has been shown to be a greenhouse gas, and this project is part of a worldwide effort to help reduce those gases,” Hollmann says. “Our goal is to reduce the methane that cows produce without reducing the amount of milk produced. If you get less milk, you will need more cows, which would counteract our efforts.”
Hollmann’s research will focus on reducing methane and ammonia emissions on both ends of the nutrient cycle — feeding and excretion. Studies have shown the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil can reduce digestive tract methane production in cows by 68 percent.
Posted: December 8, 2006 at 1:19 pm
By News Editor
Agricultural students from Alfred State College will appear on the cover of the DairyBusiness Communictaions Dairy University directory. Great photo!
The Alfred State College’s CAL (Collegiate Agricultural Leaders) Club have placed first in the National Intercollegiate Photo Contest for the 2006 College Directory, and will appear on the cover.
In 2006, Holstein World and DairyBusiness Communications will present their 21st and most comprehensive directory of university dairy programs. This directory is made available for the benefit of prospective students and their families. The 2006 edition includes 37 college and university programs from 24 states and Canada.
Posted: October 18, 2006 at 9:59 pm
By Chuck Zimmerman
The next round of the North American Intercollegiate Challenge regional contests is set to begin next week. Here’s a story about the upcoming Northeast challenge and the three dairies that will host the challenge.
“I think helping kids become interested in agriculture is a positive thing,” said Adams, who is looking forward to the students’ feedback. “If it helps to improve business, we look at that as positive,” she said.
John Knopf, of Fa-Ba Farm, is also eager to hear what the students’ think. Knopf said he started farming about 25 years ago, and although he studied agriculture, he never participated in anything like the Dairy Challenge. “It’s kind of like having 43 consultants evaluating the farm,” Knopf said. “I don’t mind the scrutiny.”
Posted: August 15, 2006 at 10:37 am
By Chuck Zimmerman
Before we got to go into the dairy barn on today’s IFAJ Congress tour we learned about automatic or robotic milking from the expert.
He’s Gunnar Pettersson, Swedish University of Agricultural Science. He used a power point presentation but I recorded him anyway and am providing an edited version of that talk.
In his talk he mentions how much dairy producers like these automatic systems like the DeLaval one in use on the farm today. The main reason is how it changes the lifestyle of the farmer. It gives him/her more time for things other than managing the animals.
Pettersson says he been on many, many farms studying the best management practices and he’s found and helped quantify what a robotic system can mean to the producer.
You can listen to Pettersson here: 
Gunnar Pettersson Presentation (14 min MP3)
AgWired coverage of IFAJ 2006 is sponsored by: 
Posted: May 31, 2006 at 10:54 am
By Chuck Zimmerman
It looks like construction has started on the new Iowa State University dairy farm south of Ames and officials look forward to opening the facility in 2007. The ground breaking was held this spring.
“We are beginning an important new chapter in dairy science at Iowa State and for the state of Iowa,” said Wendy Wintersteen, dean of ISU’s College of Agriculture. “The Dairy/Animal Science Education and Discovery Facility will elevate Iowa State into the top tier of institutions with educational and research facilities devoted to progress in dairy science and animal science.” (more…)
Posted: May 22, 2006 at 2:46 pm
By Chuck Zimmerman
It’s not too early to start thinking about World Dairy Expo. The Babcock Institute has announced it’s 9th Annual Babcock Institute/World Dairy Expo International Dairy Short Course. Say that 5 times real fast!
Please join us this fall! The Babcock WDE course for 2006 will take place from Sunday, October 1st to Wednesday, October 4th, 2006. The Expo will run from October 3rd to 7th. The 2006 Babcock Institute / World Dairy Expo short course offers more educational experiences than ever before with integrated farm visits, increased workshop selection and a broad range of dairy-related lectures. This seminar is for dairy producers, employees, herd managers, veterinarians and all types of agribusiness professionals.
Register before September 1 or the price is higher.
Posted: May 10, 2006 at 9:11 am
By Andy Vance
You may have an opportunity to turn fescue problems into strong pastures this season, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Beacuase of this year’s early onset of warm Spring weather, tall fescue fields have reared seed heads nearly a month ahead of normal. As you know, the fescue seeds carry high levels of toxicity that can reduce weight gains and lower milk production, so this news is troubling. But the story doesn’t end there.
Extension forage experts suggest that you can turn this situation to your favor by mowing your pastures now. If you do nothing, the toxins will poison your cattle. Mow now and you’ll have two months of Spring left for regrowth, which should, with proper management, lead to some great foraging. Because of the early growth, the mowing and ensuing regrowth will lead to a higher quality forage with improved nutritive value.
The reason the regrowth will improve your forage is that the seed only produces once per season, so mowing it will encourage additional leaf growth, nearly eliminating the toxins present in the seeds. Mow low enough to cut below the seed heads, and only mow if the field is fairly well developed in terms of seed head. If there are only a few seeds present, manage as normal.
Posted: May 4, 2006 at 8:21 pm
By Chuck Zimmerman
I didn’t know that colleges had stores like this. Maybe Mississippi State University is the only one. If you know of others let me know.
It’s the Mississippi State University Cheese Store where their biggest sellers are edam and cheddar. They aren’t accepting new order until July 1 to ship for Christmas. You can order online or they do have an on-campus store. Very cool.
Posted: April 27, 2006 at 12:44 pm
By Andy Vance
With higher energy prices this summer, you might be tempted to stretch that silage a little farther than you probably should. One University of Minnesota Extension Dairy Specialist indicates that would be a bad idea. You can listen to his comments and learn why: Spoiled Silage Discussion (1:24 mp3)
Posted: April 27, 2006 at 8:13 am
By Andy Vance
… by offering six scholarships to young agricultural students. Four scholarships of $500 have been awarded to incoming college freshmen including:
Christina Egner of Shelby, Ohio, who will be studying animal science at The Ohio State University this fall. The current Ohio Queen of Beef, Christina will be minoring in agricultural education and agribusiness.
Cassi Schriefer of Golden Valley, North Dakota, a potential veterinarian/chiropractor, will be studying microbiology at North Dakota State.
Sandra Kirchner of Clintonville, Wisconsin is planning to study both Dairy Science and Agronomy, focusing eventually on crops and dairy feed management, while continuing on at her family’s family Guernsey operation.
Shannon Muenzenberger of Coon Valley, Wisconsin will be attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring both in agricultural communication and dairy science. She owns a herd of Brown Swiss.
Along with these four scholarships, Accelerated Genetics awarded two $1000 scholarships to current college students.
Jarred Huber, a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is majoring in Agricultural Economics.
Rebecca Tokach is in her first year of Animal Science at Kansas State.
Posted: April 24, 2006 at 2:42 pm
By Andy Vance
Three land-grant universities are cooperating to teach and demonstrate effective, efficient, and sustainable manure handling strategies this July. Michigan State University, Purdue University, and The Ohio State University are working with the Midwest Professional Nutrient Applicators Association to host the 2006 Great Lakes Manure Handling Expo July 27th in St. Johns, MI.
Ranging from the Economics of Manure to Odor Control and Composting, speakers from five states will present the latest in research and application, with a number of presentations focusing on issues specific to the dairy industry, such as bedding innovations.
No registration fee is required, and lunch will be available. You can download the promotional flyer, or visit the event’s information website to learn more about the Expo.
Posted: April 19, 2006 at 12:10 pm
By Andy Vance
Scouting for field crop insects is not just left to corn and soybean growers. Now is the time for alfalfa producers to begin scouting their fields for alfalfa weevil, an insect that can cause severe defoliation if left unchecked.
Many areas across the country have warmed up enough to where alfalfa weevil feeding will become more prevalent. Growers in the South should be scouting fields now, and in the central and northern cornbelt, being scouting fields over the next one to two weeks.
Ohio State University research entomologist Ron Hammond notes that “alfalfa weevil feeding is tied to temperatures. The need for scouting is especially true in southern counties where heat unit accumulation has reached the 300 heat units needed for egg hatch and beginning feeding. Remember that fields that have a south-facing slope tend to warm up sooner and need to be checked for weevil earlier.”
To effectively scout alfalfa fields, entomologists recommend that growers collect a series of three 10-stem randomly selected samples from various locations in a field. Place the stems in a bucket and vigorously shake them, counting the number of alfalfa larvae that fall into the bucket. The height of the alfalfa also should be recorded.
“Economic threshold is based on the number of larvae per stem, the size of the larvae and the height of the alfalfa,” Hammond said. “The detection of one or more large larvae per stem on alfalfa that is 12 inches or less in height indicates a need for rescue treatment. Where alfalfa is between 12 and 16 inches in height, the action threshold should be increased to two to four larvae per stem depending on the vigor of alfalfa growth.”
The adult alfalfa weevil is a small, brown, snout-nosed beetle with a dark stripe down its back. The alfalfa weevil larva is green with a black head and a white stripe down its back. The larvae develop through four stages, or instars. Larvae that are in their third or fourth instar cause the most foliar injury. First cuttings of alfalfa are at the highest risk for defoliation damage.
“Fields that are severely defoliated are left with a brown or bronze appearance,” Hammond said. “Once you see it you don’t forget it.”
The alfalfa weevil is controlled naturally by parasitoids — beneficial species that prey on the weevil and help keep its populations in check. In cases of high populations, the alfalfa weevil can be controlled with insecticides.
Posted: April 13, 2006 at 9:20 pm
By Chuck Zimmerman
Iowa State University is about to break ground on a new project. It looks like we’re all invited.
Iowa State University invites you to a groundbreaking ceremony at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, April 22, 2006, for the new Dairy/Animal Science Education and Discovery Facility south of Ames. Make plans to attend and learn how this state-of-the-art facility will enhance dairy science education, research and extension at Iowa State. The program will begin promptly at 2:30, followed by a reception at ISU’s Ag450 Farm classroom located just across the road and a quarter mile to the west.
For more information, call (515) 294-6022 or e-mail dkenealy@iastate.edu.
Posted: March 3, 2006 at 1:14 pm
By Andy Vance
How well do you know your nutrition program? Are you squeezing every drop of potential production out of your milking string? I just read an article discussing how your profitability will suffer if you either over or under estimate forage requirements for your herd. With that in mind, you might consider making plans to join me in Fort Wayne later this Spring.
Purdue, Michigan State, and The Ohio State University invite you to the 15th Annual Tri-State Dairy Nutrition Conference at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The Universities are joined by experts from a whole host of University and industry areas of expertise. The Conference, held April 25 & 26, will feature discussions on nutrition and animal health, ration formulation and forages, and nutrition and the environment. The overall theme of the conference, “New Developments in Dairy Nutrition and Feeding Systems,” will be extremely relevent because of the impact of dairy farms and dairy nutrition on the environment and the public perception of agriculture.
Some specific session topics include feeding corn disteller grains and the maximum inclusion rate, recent research on energy intake and reproduction, digestibility of fat supplements, in-vivo digestibility of forages, and starch digestibility of corn and corn silage. Speakers will hail from Cornell, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Illinois, Elanco, USDA, Utah State, South Dakota State, K-State, Penn State, and Virginia Tech.
Registration is $130, and is due by April 7th.
Posted: February 28, 2006 at 5:55 pm
By Andy Vance
On the very day the patent infringement trial was to begin, Monsanto Company announced they had reached a licensing agreement with the University of California resolving a dispute over bovine somatotropin or BST. Monsanto markets BST under the brand name Posilac, but the product was patented by UC back in 2004. BST, of course, is used to enhance milk production and efficiency of dairy operations.
Under the terms of the agreement, Monsanto has exclusive commercial rights to manufacture BST. The University, meanwhile, retains non-commercial rights for research and educational purposes. The University agreed to drop the lawsuit, and in exchange, Monsanto agreed to pay the University $100 million in royalties upfront, with an ongoing royalty of 15 cents per dose of Posilac sold through the expiration of the patent in 2023. The University will be paid a minimum $5 million in those royalties regardless of how many doses Monsanto sells. That means the company will have to sell over 33.3 million doses just to cross that threshold.
Monsanto’s Executive Vice President for North America Commercial Operations Carl Casale pointed out that “this agreement illustrates that we are willing to work jointly to resolve disputes, and it allows us to avoid the expense and inconvenience of protracted litigation.
Posted: February 28, 2006 at 4:45 pm
By Andy Vance
If you raise your own corn, either for grain or silage, you’re probably giving a lot of thought to how much more money you are going to be spending this year on nitrogen. As the cost of all our energy inputs have ebbed and flowed, Nitrogen costs are the one input no expected to soften, even as Natural Gas prices have retreated to more reasonable levels. To assist in planning your application rates, there are two great new tools available. The first is a Nitrogen Energy Estimator available at USDA’s website. This energy consumption tool enables you to calculate the cost of nitrogen product use on your farm. NRCS agronomists have developed these cost estimates based on nitrogen fertilizer management methods for the predominant crops in your state.
The second tool is available from The Ohio State University. They have developed a Nitrogen rate calculator that figures your application rate based on both desired yield AND both the cost of Nitrogen couple with the price of corn at which you will market. The combination provides for maximum efficiency by taking into account the profit potential of the crop and balancing those concerns at the time of application. OSU Extension soil scientist Robert Mullen commented that “Historically, we’ve treated excess nitrogen as cheap crop insurance. While that used to be the case, it’s not true any more.”
Each calculator is customized to your geography, and allows you to input several variables to get the most specific recommendation possible.
Posted: February 24, 2006 at 8:22 am
By Andy Vance
The typical dairy cycle is for a producing cow to enter a dry period from between 45 and 60 days prior to calving. That cycle, however, may not be the most profitable production practice available. Dr. David Zartman, Professor Emeritus at The Ohio State University’s Department of Animal Sciences recently released an article examining the concept of perennial lactation - a lactation lasting over two full years, and in several cases, three and four years without a dry period. I spoke with Dr. Zartman on the subject, and you can listen to his comments here: David Zartman Interview (8:54 mp3 file)
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