5/9/08: DFA uncovers unathorized $1 million payment in 2001
By Dave Natzke, Editor, Dairy Profit Weekly
   Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) members have been informed of an unauthorized payment of $1 million – arranged by former DFA CEO Gary Hanman to former DFA chair Herman Brubaker. The payment, made in 2001 through a DFA affiliate, had not been approved by the DFA board. The affiliate was not identified.
In a teleconference with dairy media on May 9, current DFA president and CEO Rick Smith said all DFA members were informed of the discovery via a May 8 letter from Smith and DFA board chair Tom
Camerlo. Smith said the current board and management team became aware of the payment in the past six to eight weeks. Smith said the $1 million, plus interest totaling “hundreds of thousands of dollars,” has been paid back by Hanman and Brubaker. He said it was too early to determine if DFA would pursue criminal charges against Hanman and Brubaker, but that the co-op would reserve that right.
   The DFA board established a special committee to investigate all details related to the payment, as well as any other potential unauthorized payments or activities made by Hanman, Brubaker or others. A committee report is expected in the next few months. Smith said the payment discovery was made during “due diligence” on a different matter. He said his role at DFA in the past two years has included creating “a culture of transparency,” which includes looking into past transactions. “We’re not on a witch hunt, but
we’re not going to have a whitewash,” he said. Brubaker stepped down as DFA chair in 2003; Hanman retired as CEO at the end of 2005, but in a pre-existing employment agreement was technically retained as a consultant. At the time of the payment discovery, Smith said Hanman was no longer providing consulting services, and the employment agreement has been terminated. Smith said the payment should not reflect on DFA’s internal controls, “because it happened outside of DFA,” but that the special committee will also look into internal controls and systems to make sure they are adequate and consistent. The letter assured members that significant operational changes designed to ensure the long-term strength and success of the cooperative had been implemented.

5/8/08: Excalibur Sires added two new young sires to their bullpen. Henkeseen Expression-ET and Henkeseen Exotic-ET are full brothers sired by the breed's #1 TPI sire, Picston Shottle from the heart of the Hillary family.

Dam: Kerndtway Durham Emily-ET EX-92
5-07 2x 365d 34350m 3.9% 1329f 3.2% 1102p

FULL BROTHER: Mesland Duplex

Gr’dam: Henkeseen Hills Emerald EX-91
5-01 2x 365d 39,400m 3.2% 1272f 3.1% 1225p

3rd Dam: Henkeseen Hillary EX-94
8-00 2x 365d 42,390m 4.1% 1720f 3.6% 1546p
Dam of 7 EXCELLENT daughters

4th Dam: Henkeseen Mark Marci EX-94
5-02 2x 305d 28,790m 3.5% 1008f 3.4% 979p
Dam of 7 Excellent daughters

5th Dam: HENKESEEN CHAIRMAN MANDY VG-88

6th Dam: HENKESEEN CONDUCTOR IRISH MISS VG-85

    The bulls were bred by Leah Ann Henkes, daughter of Trent and Leslie Henkes of Henkeseen Holsteins, Luana, Iowa.
    Semen from Exotic and Expression is now available from your Excalibur Sires Breeding Advisor. Be sure to contact them today so you can be one of the first to use these hot young bulls. For more information, please contact your local representative, call the office directly at 507-282-7451,or check out our website at www.excalsires.com.

5/7/08: World Dairy Expo is pleased to announce that Laura Herschleb of Beaver Dam has accepted the position of Dairy Cattle Show Manager. “Laura brings a unique perspective to the job with her strong dairy background and work experience in the dairy communications and marketing fields,” says World Dairy Expo’s General Manager, Mark Clarke.
    Herschleb has worked as a communications coordinator for Agri-Nutrition Consulting; was Director of Agricultural Programs for the Fond du Lac Association of Commerce; and most recently was a regional marketing coordinator with Alltech. She holds a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in dairy science and agricultural journalism with a business emphasis. An active member of the Badger Dairy Club while on campus; she now serves as the club’s industry advisor. Herschleb has also served as a leader and dairy bowl coach for the Washington County Junior Holstein Association and is a member of the Badger Chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association. She grew up in southeastern Wisconsin and continues working with her family’s registered herd of dairy cattle at Kolwy Acres Dairy Farm.
    Herschleb’s new job responsibilities will include managing all aspects of the world’s premier dairy cattle show. She will work closely with the dairy cattle exhibitor committee, and will coordinate the youth contests and Kingsmill Farm II International Futurity. World Dairy Expo’s for-profit subsidiary, WDE Management, Inc., oversees the Dane County Fair and provides management services to the Wisconsin Rural Opportunities Foundation (WROF), North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) and Purebred Dairy Cattle Association (PDCA). In addition to her World Dairy Expo responsibilities, Herschleb will also manage the fair’s entry department, assist with WROF’s scholarship program and provide support to NAIDC and PDCA.

5/7/08: Semex USA adds two to sales force
    Semex USA is pleased to announce that Kurt McCullough has accepted the position of District Sales Representative (DSR) in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
    Kurt graduated Summa Cum Laude from UW-Platteville, receiving his BS in Animal Science with a dairy emphasis. He also brings a broad range of hands-on industry experience including: being raised on a dairy farm, working as a herdsman where he was responsible for reproduction and herd health on a 1600-cow dairy, and four years experience working as an AI technician for another AI organization. Kurt was also very active the Pioneer Dairy club for over four years as well as in judging. Kurt and his wife Rachel reside in Monroe, Wisconsin.
    Elizabeth Finke has been hired as Dairy Genetic Consultant in the Central Region. Elizabeth will work closely with District Sales Representatives in the Central Region to build and maintain a customer base in the Excell GM Mating and Premier Young Sire programs.
   Elizabeth was born and raised on an 80 cow registered Holstein dairy farm where she was active in the daily operations, herd health and genetic mating. Elizabeth is a graduate of Purdue University where she earned her BS in Agriculture Sales and Marketing, with an emphasis in Animal Science.
    Elizabeth has previous experience working for a competitor AI organization in addition to serving as a marketing assistant for USDA Agricultural Marketing Service in Washington DC. Most recently, she served as a Financial Services Officer for Farm Credit Services. Elizabeth has also been very active in Holstein activities throughout her life including various judging through 4-H and Purdue University Inter-Collegiate Dairy Judging team, as well as serving on many different organizations, including the Bartholomew County Young Farmer Committee, Indiana Holstein Association, Boilermaker Heifer Sale Co-Chairman and many others.
    Elizabeth is currently engaged and is excited to relocate to Wisconsin.

5/2/08: Rodale Institute Begins Mission to Fight Global Warming – with Farms
New CEO Tim LaSalle Calls Organic Farming "The Brightest Hope for Our Planet"
     KUTZTOWN, PA – Timothy J. LaSalle took over as CEO of the Rodale Institute with a mission: to tell the world that a practical solution to global warming already exists. And farmers are standing on it.
     Rodale Institute has proved that organic practices, sometimes referred to as regenerative farming, can remove about 7,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year and sequester it in an acre of farmland. Thus if all 434 million acres of American cropland was converted to organic practices, it would be the equivalent of eliminating 217 million cars – nearly 88 percent of all cars in the country today and more than a third of all the automobiles in the world.
     "The way that we farm may be the single biggest – and most undervalued – way that we can mitigate global warming," said LaSalle, a native Californian and a former agriculture professor at Cal Poly. He added that he came to Rodale Institute, headquartered on a working organic farm in Pennsylvania, because he believes Rodale's 60-plus years of leadership in organics can offer solutions to many of the most serious issues of the day – from nutrition and famine prevention to global warming.
     The idea is simple: Soil is a natural carbon storehouse and farming techniques that depend upon petroleum-based practices disrupt this natural process. The ecological impact of these conventional agricultural practices is made worse by greenhouse emissions from fertilizer production and nutrient losses. The result is that U.S. agriculture, using petroleum-based methods, contributes nearly 10 percent of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions.
     Nearly 30 years of research in Rodale Institute's Farming Systems Trial, the nation's oldest side-by-side scientific study of organic and conventional practices, has proved that organic practices, which do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, can be the single biggest way to mitigate global warming.
     Paul Hepperly, Ph.D., research director at Rodale Institute and Fulbright Scholar states, "We've shown that organic practices can do better than anyone thought at sequestering carbon, and could counteract up to 40 percent of global greenhouse gas output." Hepperly, who is helping other nations implement organic farming systems, explains that using soil-building crops and compost to support cash crops helps to build soil carbon levels while keeping productivity in line with conventional systems.
     "The world is taking climate change seriously," says LaSalle. "The U.S. presidential candidates are being questioned about their environmental platforms. Major corporations are trying to be green in practice and products. Timing is everything and 21st Century regenerative farming is the brightest hope for our planet to reverse the effects of global warming, and to protect and improve the health of farmers, global citizens and future generations."

4/28/08: British Bull Enters The Record Books As Top Producer Of Sexed Semen
    A British dairy sire has entered the international record books by producing more sexed semen than any other bull in the world.
    The bull – Crichel Principal – has notched up 116,000 straws of sexed semen in his lifetime to date, which his owners, Cogent, say puts him far ahead of his nearest rival. He combines this milestone with a celebration of his 13th birthday this month.
    Principal’s accomplishment has been achieved through a combination of his own high fertility (at his prime he was producing semen seven days a week); the widespread demand for his daughters both in the UK and world-wide; and the foresight of Cogent, who were the first breeding company in the world to offer sexed semen commercially to the cattle farming industry.
    Cogent brought the US-developed technology to their premises in Cheshire in 1998; have undertaken research and development into sexing techniques since that time; and made the product commercially available in 2000. Today, around 30% of all the semen they sell is sexed, with each successful conception giving their customers a 90% chance of producing a female calf. As such, they have retained their position as a world leader, offering semen sexing services to other breeding companies as well as directly to their own customers.
    “This technology is exceptionally important to the farming industry, because of the enormous demand for heifers to enter the dairy herd, stemming in turn from the growing international demand for dairy produce; and the negligible value of dairy bull calves,” remarks Hugh Pocock, sales and genetics manager with Cogent. “There are welfare issues associated with producing unwanted bull calves, and animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA are firmly in favour of this technology.”
    Crichel Principal himself was one of the first bulls to produce daughters resulting from the sexing process and now has an estimated 50,000 on the ground world-wide. “Farmers who have used him find his daughters to be extremely efficient milk-producing cows,” says Mr Pocock. “They also have great legs, feet and locomotion and particularly good health and fitness.
   “He also has some exceptional sons, including Dalbytop Phil, currently one of our best-selling bulls.”
    Principal himself was bred in Dorset by dairy farmer, Tim Harding. For conformation the bull is classified EX95 – one of the highest scores available – and he has a Profitable Lifetime Index of £147, reflecting his commercial relevance and balanced proof. This still ranks him in the top 100 PLI list of all available Holstein bulls, despite his advancing years. Conventional semen is still available although it is no longer put through the sexing process.

4/28/08: Two Michigan State University (MSU) dairy science research projects were recently selected to receive the first funds awarded from the Elwood Kirkpatrick Dairy Science Research Endowment, established in honor of Elwood Kirkpatrick, former president of the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA).
    The endowment, with matching support from the MSU Department of Animal Science, the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension, the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and the MMPA, awarded $10,000 in competitive research dollars for 2008.
    Recipients of the first funding cycle are Robert Tempelman, MSU Department of Animal Science biostatistician and geneticist, and Nora Bello, MSU animal science Ph.D. student, who were awarded funding for their project, “Modeling the role of herd management on the relationship between production and reproduction in dairy cows.” Lorraine Sordillo and Ronald Erskine, professors from the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences in the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, also received funding for their project, “Bovine leukosis virus and vaccine responsiveness in dairy cattle.”
    Researchers were encouraged to submit proposals addressing dairy industry-identified priorities: animal waste recycling, nutrient management/utilization, and manure handling and storage; animal comfort and well-being, health and reproduction; business, financial management skills, management information systems and profitability; labor and management skills; or planned growth and profit strategies.
    Bello said that she and Tempelman were honored to receive the award. She said their current research addresses a challenge facing all dairy producers: examining the factors that influence the relationship between high milk yield and reproductive efficiency in dairy cows.
   “Previous studies conflict as to whether the relationship between milk yield and fertility is antagonistic,” Bello said. “Because of this funding, we will be able to perform an in-depth study on more than 1 million cow records from 800 herds supplied to us by Michigan DHI [Dairy Herd Improvement]. Our objective is to identify the herd management factors that are jointly responsible for high production and reproductive success.”
    The MMPA board of directors established the Elwood Kirkpatrick Dairy Science Research Endowment at MSU in 2007 upon Kirkpatrick’s retirement from the MMPA, which he served as president for 26 years. Numerous industry organizations and individuals have also contributed to the endowment fund in support of dairy and dairy-related research and education programs.
   “Elwood believed that more applied research was needed in the dairy sciences at the university level and that investing in this research would directly benefit the lives of Michigan dairy producers and their families,” said Ken Nobis, MMPA president. “The endowment established at MSU recognizes Elwood’s dedication and service to the dairy industry, and it guarantees that seed money will continue to be available for dairy scientists to undertake new applied research projects there.”

4/28/08: Dairy and beef producers throughout the United States rely on bovine artificial insemination (A.I.) professionals from Genex Cooperative, Inc. to create the animal pregnancies they need on their farms and ranches. As a result, the Genex technician force, the largest employed marketing force in U.S. agriculture today, has reached a milestone of over two million arm services in a 12-month period.
   “Since the turn of the century, the number of arm services per year has followed a significant growth curve,” stated Tom Bjelland, Vice President of Domestic Marketing, Genex. “It is through our members’ and customers’ confidence in the abilities of our well-trained technician force and the further development of team service that we have experienced this notable increase.”
    As a dairy producer and Genex board member, John Ruedinger of Van Dyne, Wis., recognizes the value of Genex arm service. “As a dairyman myself, I see the added value of Genex arm service. That extra set of eyes watching over my cattle, the outside perspective and their experience in breeding cows each day, makes the local Genex representatives assets to my herd’s management team.
   “On a larger view, records on over two million services provide the cooperative with valuable data,” added Ruedinger. “In the past the cooperative has used its extensive non-return (to service) database to develop new sire evaluations such as SynchSmart™ and GenCheck™. This increase in the number of services creates further opportunities.”
    The development of service teams, or groups of Breeding Program Specialists working together to provide service in a larger geographical area, has made a positive impact on the cooperative’s ability to provide superior service to herds of all sizes and to expand the range of services available. In this respect, Genex representatives not only offer A.I. service, but also provide heat detection, synchronization protocol management, and data input and analysis. These services are offered in conjunction with a number of profit-related programs.
   “In today’s economic times, you want to use all the tools you can to advance,” stated Ruedinger. “To stay on top of your game utilize full reproductive service by A.I. professionals along with high Lifetime Net Merit sires. Incorporate programs such as the MAP mating program, Reproductive Profit Manager™, Achieve™ and Results™ into your management strategies too. Genex members and customers are in a fortunate position to be able to use all of these tools to enhance their herds.”
    Genex is a subsidiary of Cooperative Resources International (CRI). CRI, a member-owned holding cooperative, is comprised of three subsidiaries: Central Livestock Association, AgSource Cooperative Services and Genex. The CRI Mission Statement summarizes the goal of CRI: "To provide products and services as effectively as possible to maximize the profitability of members and customers worldwide while maintaining a strong cooperative."

4/25/08: As part of the 2007 Business Plan, the Holstein Association USA board of directors approved the development of several new awards for members, cows and industry leaders. Two of the awards, Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership, were presented at last year’s national Holstein convention. This year, the Star of the Breed honor is being presented for the first time.
    MS Crockettacres Monique-ET has been named the first winner of Holstein Association USA’s Star of the Breed award. Monique is owned by Terry and Marcia Stammen and their son, Zach, and daughters Allison, Elizabeth and Emily of Wabash-Way Holsteins, New Weston, Ohio.
    Purchased as an embryo, Monique was delivered by c-section on June 12, 2004. Sired by Braedale Freelance-ET, Monique is classified Very Good-88 and in her first lactation made a record of 2-5, 2x, 305d, 32,900M, 1,491F, 1,169P. Her dam is Crackholm M Madonna-ET, VG-85, with records of 2-2, 2x, 365d, 33,596M, 1,451F, 1,185P and 3-9, 2x, 365d, 36,850M, 1,378F, 1,120P. She is sired by Sildahl BW Dutch Boy-ET. Maternal Granddam is Crackholm Comestar Memory-ET, VG-87, with a record of 2-2, 2x, 365d, 41,250M, 1,667F, 1,299P.
    Monique was the third place junior three-year-old at the 2007 Mideast Spring National Holstein Show and was third in the futurity class. She had previously placed third in the summer yearling class at the 2005 Mideast Fall National show.
    To be eligible for the Star of the Breed award, a cow must have placed in the top five in her class at a National Holstein Show, must be in a herd enrolled on the Association’s TriStar program and must have an official classification score. A point score is determined by the following calculation: Combined ME Fat and Protein + Age Adjusted Classification Score x (Breed Average ME CFP/Breed Average Age Adjusted Score).
   Wabash-Way Holsteins consists of 100 Registered Holstein cows. The Stammens have been in the Registered Holstein business for more than 25 years.

4/24/08: Semex introduces Repromax, its lineup of highly fertility sires selected to increase profitability by reducing costly days open. Semex scientists have carefully reviewed fertility information from over 3,000 bulls to determine which Semex sires were most effective at getting cows bred, and have designated these fertility specialists as Repromax sires. Repromax is unique as it takes into account international information from numerous countries and sources, with the goal of improving the fertility performance of cows, and makes Repromax the world’s first international fertility evaluation.
   “The Repromax sire list combines the best fertility information from all sources,” says Senior Geneticist, Dr. Jacques P. Chesnais. “We’ve taken into consideration the well-known and established forms of fertility analysis, Estimated Relative Conception Rate (ERCR), Agri-Tech Analysis (ATA), as well as Canada’s Non-Return Rate data to determine which Semex sires are fertility specialists, and we have designated these sires as Semex Repromax sires.”
   “The Canadian information is particularly important because it is based entirely on extensive professional technician data. This increases the reliability of the fertility evaluation and makes designated Repromax sires a powerful tool for dairymen.” Pregnancies are a valuable commodity on the dairy and Repromax sires work to make sure dairymen have the best product to get cows in calf, everytime.
   “Our Repromax sires represent the best of the best,” says Pierre Laliberté, Senior Vice-President, Global Genetic Programs/Operations. “Semex’s Repromax sires are highly proven, reliable bulls from our lineup that are proven to be high fertility sires, with no genetic sacrifices for quality. We believe dairymen should have the best of both worlds… cows in calf and genetic improvement in their herds.”

Holstein Repromax Sires:

4/23/08: Cool new way to market the milk
Apr 21 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
As Britain's dairy farming stands on the brink of collapse over low milk prices and rising production costs, a Denby Dale couple are challenging the market with new products. ANDREW BALDWIN reports.
   'Louise and I wanted a modern twist to the business and to reflect changes in farming.'
WITH agriculture in a state of flux, it is more important than ever that farmers diversify.
Jeremy Holmes and his wife Louise are on board the revolution - with their own brand of luxury ice cream.
   Their move comes as the number of dairy farms in Yorkshire and the north-east continues to fall, from 2,371 to 1,367 in 10 years.
   The decline is escalating as dairy farmers rapidly leave the industry due to low milk prices and soaring production costs.
   Jeremy and Louise, who have 250 acres of grazing land at Delph House Farm on the outskirts of Denby Dale, are determined to be among those who survive.
   Increasing numbers of visitors are making the trip to the farm or delicatessens to sample the wares of their Yummy Yorkshire Ice Cream Company churned from the farm's own herd of 150 Friesians.
   The couple, both 37, are part of a new breed of Yorkshire farmers, who are finding exciting ways to add value to their traditional products. And in an increasingly tough industry, creative thinking is becoming the only way to make a living from the land.
   Jeremy is delighted with the success so far and is expecting business to rise with a new ice cream parlour due to open in the summer for customers.
   He says: "Representing the third generation of farmers at Delph House Farm, my wife Louise and I wanted a modern twist to the business and to reflect the changes in farming.
   "We are delighted with the response that our ice cream has attracted so far and being enjoyed by customers who appreciate its fresh ingredients and creamy taste.
   "The milk used is processed from the cow to the bottle within 90 minutes and then used in our ice cream, so you can't get much fresher than that."
   He's certainly not the first to branch out into something different, but it is become more of a necessity nowadays as farmers say they make a loss of 3p on every litre of milk they supply.
Wife Louise was instrumental in coming up with the decision to add ice cream to their activities.
   Thirteen flavours have been introduced including midnight mint, caramel fudge made with clotted cream, marmalade cheesecake and banofee pie.
   The couple describe their product as a traditional ice cream with a silky smooth texture and creamy taste which uses fresh local ingredients wherever possible.
   They have forged links with other Yorkshire suppliers for the fresh strawberries, lemon curd and liquorice they use.
   Plans are in hand to sell their ice cream at the forthcoming Honley and Emley shows and the Huddersfield Food Festival.
But Jeremy and Louise are not banking their hopes on ice cream alone.
   Louise says: "We also produce our own fresh fruit, chocolate and vanilla milkshakes via our other venture, Jem and Ju's Milkshakes.
   "Yummy Yorkshire ice cream is just another example of our commitment to evolve and expand our product ranges."
   For the last five or six years, farmers have been getting 18p a litre for their milk, when it can cost up to 21p a litre to produce.
   In reality, they need between 23p and 25p minimum - the gap resulting in up to three dairy farmers a day going out of business in some area.
   A new report published last month highlighted the precarious condition of British dairy farming and called for a 'fair trade' price to be paid to farmers for their milk.
   Peter Humphreys, chief executive of First Milk, a co-op with 2,600 members says: "For many dairy farmers, we are at a pivotal moment."

4/22/08: DART Meetings address precision feeding benefits - April Series to be Held at Dairy Processing Facilities
    Sales and service representatives who work closely with Pennsylvania dairy producers are invited to upcoming Dairy Advocacy and Resource Team meetings to learn about an environmentally friendly new approach to lowering feed costs.
    The DART meetings are slated for April 17, 22-24, and 29-30 at various dairy processing facilities in the state. The meetings will be hosted by the Pennsylvania Dairy Task Force and Center for Dairy Excellence.
    Tom Nauman, head nutritionist at Hoober Feeds, has helped 20 of his 250 producer clients convert their dairy herds to precision feeding programs. The biggest benefit for the producers, he says, is a significant reduction in feed costs without a corresponding drop in productivity.
   “It’s difficult to calculate the savings because of the huge increases in total feed costs recently, but their cows are making as much or more milk with lower levels of protein in the diet, and their component levels haven’t suffered at all either,” Nauman said. “The benefits to the environment are also significant, with lower levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the manure.”
    Pennsylvania’s dairy processing infrastructure will be showcased during the meetings, with each meeting held at one of six dairy processing facilities located across the state. Meeting participants will learn about opportunities for producers to transition their herd into lower-cost, free-stall housing set-ups.
   “We are excited about this round of DART meetings, aiming for a better understanding of two on-farm management areas that can impact profitability; modernizing smaller scale farms and feeding efficient rations,” says John Frey, executive director of the Center for Dairy Excellence. “Touring several local dairy processing plants will add even more learning opportunities.”
    Dr. David Kammel, from the University of Wisconsin, and Dan McFarland from Penn State Cooperative Extension, will lead discussions on dairy housing and low-cost solutions to increasing cow numbers.
    Nauman will share his clients’ precision feeding benefits at the DART meetings in Carlisle and Lancaster. One of three presenters tapped to lead the nutrition discussion, Nauman says some of his producers are also seeing improved reproductive performance. “It’s great to learn this because the fear is that when we cut phosphorus, we are going to compromise reproduction,” he added.
    Virginia Ishler from the Pennsylvania State University will lead precision feeding discussions in Middlebury Center and New Wilmington, and Dr. Robert Munson will discuss precision feeding at the Sunbury and Johnstown meetings.
    The April DART meetings are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations.

• April 17 from 12:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. at Galliker’s Dairy, 143 Donald Lane, Johnstown, Cambria County;
• April 22 from 12:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. at Yoder’s of New Holland, 14 South Tower Rd., New Holland , Lancaster County;
• April 23 from 12:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. at Middlebury Center Co-op., Route 287, Middlebury Center, Tioga County;
• April 24 from 12:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. at Land O’Lakes Carlisle, 405 Park Drive, Carlisle, Cumberland County;
• April 29 from 12:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. at Sunbury Weis Dairy Plant , 100 South 2nd St.,
Sunbury, Northumberland County; and
• April 30 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Dairy Farmers of America, Rte. 18 and 208, New Wilmington, Lawrence County.

    Any dairy professionals directly involved with producers in Pennsylvania are encouraged to attend. The meetings qualify for continuing education credits from the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) and in veterinary medicine.

4/22/08: Big 10 Schools sweep North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge
    It was a clean sweep for the Big 10 at this year’s North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC), held April 4-5, in the Madison, Wis. area. Teams from the University of Minnesota, Michigan State University, University of Illinois and Purdue University earned the highest award – First Place Platinum – in the Seventh Annual NAIDC.
    Hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the event attracted a record number of 32 teams from the United States and Canada, challenging them to put their textbook and practical knowledge to the ultimate test – analyzing dairies. The contest started with a walk-through at the dairies, followed by the opportunity to ask questions of the owners and analyze farm-specific data. Student teams used this information to develop management recommendations, and then presented their management recommendations to the herd owners and a panel of five dairy industry judges.
    Each of the First Place Platinum team members received $200 scholarships.
    The University of Minnesota’s team members included Amber Hazel, Evan Van Beusekom, Matthew Rosenfeld and Melisa Bauer. Marcia Endres coached the University of Minnesota team. Michigan State University’s team, coached by Marcus Hollman and Miriam Weber-Nielsen, included Andrew Reinker, Ashley Messing, Christine Hadley and Laura Zeldenrust. The University of Illinois’ team members included Elizabeth Johnson, John Mitchell, Matthew McCoy and Steven Fluty. Kate Cowles coached the team. Purdue University’s team, coached by Mike Schutz, included Brandon Miller, Craig Blough, Rob LaFollette and Steve Hein.
    Second Place Platinum award winners, who received $100 scholarships, included: Iowa State University’s Doug Bjelland, Kate Phipps, Matt Jaschen and Tim Rauen, coached by Lee Kilmer. The Ohio State University team included Anton Henry, Eric Weitzel, Jesse Whinnery and Stephanie Metzger. Maurice Eastridge coached the team.
    Kansas State University also earned a Second Place Platinum award; team members included Billy Brown, Darrel Rezac, Kristen Schulte and Michelle Sullivan, coached by Mike Brouk. Additionally, the North Dakota State University team earned a Second Place Platinum award. Team members were Christine Drake, Jayme Fiesel, Karissa Brobst and Kendra Hinnenkamp, with Dan Schimek serving as the coach.
    Gold Awards (in random order) were presented to teams from Penn State University, Virginia Tech, University of Vermont, South Dakota State University, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, University of Guelph, California Polytechnic State University, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, University of Maine, University of Florida, Delaware Valley College, Cornell University, University of Idaho, University of Wisconsin-Madison and Louisiana State University.
    Teams (in random order) from the University of Maryland-College Park, Washington State University, University of New Hampshire, California State University-Fresno, Southern University A&M, Alabama A&M University, Clemson University, North Carolina State University and University of Massachusetts received Silver Awards.
    The North American Dairy Challenge was established as a management contest to incorporate all phases of a specific dairy business. It strives to incorporate a higher learning atmosphere with practical application to help prepare students for careers in the dairy industry. Supported financially through generous donations by industry and coordinated by a volunteer board of directors, the first NAIDC was held in April 2002. In 2009, NAIDC will be held March 29-30, in Syracuse, N.Y. For more information about NAIDC, log on to www.dairychallenge.org.

4/22/08: Smith Dairy Helps Raise Funds with New Cash Cow Coupon Books - Schools, Organizations Can Earn Double, Triple Profits of Typical Fundraising Activities
    Smith Dairy Products Company, the leading regional maker of dairy products, beverages, and ice cream, is offering schools, bands, teams, clubs, and organizations of all types a way to earn double or even triple the profit of typical fundraising activities with its new SMITH'S Cash Cow Coupon Book program.
   "We've all bought a candy bar or some other item from a fundraiser, not because we want the item, but because we want to support the cause," said Penny Baker, Director of Marketing at Smith Dairy. "The Cash Cow Coupon Book program gives organizations a chance to sell something that people use everyday - SMITH'S and Ruggles(R) premium dairy and ice cream products-and make a much higher profit than with many other fundraisers."
    Typical school and organization fundraisers yield a 40 to 90 percent profit. In contrast, with the SMITH'S Cash Cow Coupon Book program, fundraisers can make 150 percent profit or more, with no-out-of pocket expenses. Program administrators set the price for the coupon books, which can be sold throughout the year because of generous coupon expiration dates.
   "Another benefit of this program is that kids don't have to deliver bulky or perishable products," Baker said. "It's simple, instant, and convenient, plus no one has to be talked into saving money on products they already love."
    Those organizations interested in participating in SMITH'S Cash Cow Coupon Book program should call 1-800-776-7076, extension 6528 or 6516, or visit http://www.smithdairy.com for more information.
About Smith Dairy Products Company
    Family-owned since 1909 and headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, with production facilities in Ohio and Indiana, Smith Dairy Products Company manufactures a full line of quality dairy, beverage, ice cream, and foodservice products. From Ruggles(R) Premium Ice Cream to SMITH'S milk in the distinctive Yellow Super Jug(R), Smith Dairy assures its customers the freshest and highest-quality products.

4/20/08: April showers brought more than May flowers during the new April proofs! The April sire summary saw many household names like Laudan, Bojangles, Leif, Big Daddy, and Delano holding rock solid but also brought in many incredible new bulls to the Excalibur Sires line-up. Four new proven sires were added by Excalibur Sires during the April proofs.
    Lesperon Lewis, provides dairymen a fantastic source of outcross genetics. A Canyon-Breeze Allen son from the Laurie Shiek family, he has come through at +714 Milk, +.03% butterfat and +.02% protein. +2.07 PTAT and +1.32 FLC round out this complete package.
    Henkeseen Hurricane-ET joined the ranks of the proven sires with a spectacular production proof! Hurricane, a Stormatic Son, has an impressive +1124 milk. and +0.04% for protein. Hurricane’s dam is Henkeseen M Hillary-ET 3E-94 GMD DOM who is the dam of 8 Excellent daughters!
     Another graduate of the Excalibur Sires Pinnacle Program was Ralma Morty Fillmore-ET. This Morty son debuted at +1522 Milk. He also boasts an aAa of 516! Fillmore’s Dam, Ralma Juror Faith EX-91 GMD DOM.
    Another new bull to Excalibur Sires’ proven sire ranks was Lypoll-Red. Lypoll’s benefits do not end with a nice +.02% fat, a low +2.83 SCS, and a productive life of +2.9. Lypoll is naturally polled so 50% of his offspring are born without horns!
    Many bulls already on Excalibur Sires’ proven sire list saw nice increases to their proofs.
    Delano saw an increase in milk bringing him to +643. Delano is easily becoming the bull who makes perfect commercial cows. This is evident with his solid production proof and being +1.86 Type and + 1.51 UDC.
    Making another nice jump during the January proofs was Laudan-ET who climbed to +1427 Milk, +1.62 Type, +1.26 F&L bringing him in at an incredible +1819 TPI good for number 13 on the official TPI list.
    Laudan’s paternal brother Leif, at 1787 TPI offers many of the same strengths at a much more affordable price. Leif boasts an incredible +0.18% Fat and +0.06% Protein, SCS of +2.64 and a productive life of +4.1. Leif is now being used as a sire of sons by several American bull studs.
    Bojangles hangs tough at +1804 TPI, +1.83 PTAT, and +1.81 PL. His daughters continue to impress all those who see them with their width, POWER, and strength.
    Lesperron Big Daddy is a Morty son from a VG-87 full sister to Stormatic. This BIG BOY sires Stormatic udders with lots of substance of bone. At +1445 milk 80% Rel. as well as a fantastic aAa: 615. His daughters are turning heads!!!!!
    Excalibur Sires, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is the fastest growing A. I. company in North America. In cooperation with global partners, Excalibur Sires progeny tests over 1,000 Holstein young sires a year. For more information, please contact your local representative, call the office directly at 507-282-7451. You can also visit the website at www.excalsires.com.

4/18/08: Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce twelve semifinalists in the 86th annual Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) competition. The Distinguished Junior Member award, established in 1922, is the highest honor given to Junior Holstein members.
   “These Junior Holstein members are the cream of the crop,” said John M. Meyer, Holstein Association USA CEO. “Each year, I am impressed by the quality of all of our youth, especially those who apply for this recognition. It’s inspiring to see the passion these kids have for Registered HolsteinsSM and the dairy industry.”
    The semifinalists in the 2008 Distinguished Junior Member contest are: Jessica Berg, Baltic, S.D.; Andrew Birch, Derby, Vt.; J.R. Boyke, Fond du Lac, Wis.; Danyel Hosto, Juda, Wis.; Julia Hudyncia, Fort Plain, N.Y.; Heather Petersheim, Viroqua, Wis.; Kate Probert, Mansfield, Mo.; Kelly Sheehan, Huntley, Ill.; Lucas Sjostrom, Lafayette, Minn.; Michael Stewart, Oelwein, Iowa; David Wilson, Port Royal, Penn., and Hannah Young, Clifton Springs, N.Y.
   “As I look back over my years of involvement with the Junior Holstein Association, I see remarkable growth and change,” said David Wilson in his Story of Junior Project Work. “I like to believe this change is due not only to my involvement in Junior Holstein activities, but also the friends I have found through Junior Holstein and the adult advisors who have helped me along the way.”
    Heather Petersheim stated in her Project Story, “Ideally, I would love to own a small farm of my own someday, where I could raise a family with the same great values that I learned growing up on a farm. I can’t imagine myself working anywhere other than in the dairy industry. It is what I love to do, it’s my passion.”
   These semifinalists will interview at the National Junior Holstein Convention, June 23-26 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., where six finalists will be chosen to receive the DJM honor.
    Any junior Holstein member, age 17-21, is eligible to compete in the Distinguished Junior Member contest. Contestants are judged on an entry book highlighting their Junior Holstein project work and involvement with activities, both in the Holstein and dairy industries, as well as in their schools and communities.
    For more information about these, or other Junior Holstein programs, contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or kdunklee@holstein.com or visit www.holsteinusa.com.

4/17/08: ABS Millionaire Sire 29H8538 Regancrest Rbk DIE-HARD VG-86 has surpassed another exciting milestone - he is now the number one semen production bull of all time at ABS. As of March 26, 2008, DIE-HARD has produced 1,408,195 units that have passed ABS quality control measures and been made available for sale to dairy producers around the world. The previous title holder was 29HO9023 ROYlane Jordan-ET.
   DIE-HARD is a Roebuck son from the Snow-N Denises Dellia EX-95 family. His daughters excel in any environment and possess well-attached udders with a deep seam and correct teat placement. An ABS Durabull™, DIE-HARD is a health and management trait stand out, ranking in the ABS Top Ten for Daughter Pregnancy Rate (+2.8) and Productive Life (+4.1). DIE-HARD is also an ABS Diamond Sire (over 1,000 milking daughters) and a Calving Ease Specialist at 6% CE.
   DIE-HARD tops an elite class of ABS bulls worldwide in providing high customer satisfaction genetics for a continuous number of years. He headlines the ABS Millionaires Club (1 million units produced) that also includes 29H5296 SOUTHWIND, 29H8343 CONVINCER-ET and 29HO9023 ROY.

4/16/08: Holstein Association USA is proud to recognize eight finalists in the fifth Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) contest. Similar to the Distinguished Junior Member contest for older Junior members, the YDJM contest recognizes the work of Junior Holstein members ages 9-16.
   “Holstein Junior members are among the most passionate and involved youth in the dairy industry,” said Kelli Dunklee, Program Specialist. “These outstanding and enthusiastic young people are dedicated to the dairy community and are the future leaders of our industry.”
    The 2008 Young Distinguished Junior Members are: Jacob Achen, Sauk Center, Minn.; Sara Bechtel, Martinsburg, Penn.; Sarah Davis, Union Bridge, Md.; Kyle Demmer, Peosta, Iowa; Matt Henkes, Luana, Iowa; Tera Koebel, Three Oaks, Mich.; Taylor Pires, Los Banos, Calif., and Rachel Sammons, Johnstown, N.Y.
   "'Cows are my life…the rest is just details' is the logo on my favorite tee-shirt," said Matt Henkes in his Story of Junior Project Work. “That quote pretty much sums up my life. My favorite hobby is showing cattle, my favorite leisure activity is going to cow sales, and my favorite vacation includes visiting outstanding Holstein herds.”
    Taylor Pires stated in her Junior Project Story, “I have learned leadership skills, new knowledge I would have never known, met fascinating people, and took part in many memorable experiences. I feel the [Junior Holstein] association has agitated my dreams and ideas, making them a reality.”
    These eight junior members will be recognized at the National Junior Holstein Convention, June 23-26, in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. YDJM contestants are judged on an entry book similar to that submitted for the Distinguished Junior Member contest. The entry book highlights their Junior Holstein project work and involvement with activities, both in the Holstein and dairy industries, as well as in their schools and communities.
    For more information about these, or other Junior Holstein programs, contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or kdunklee@holstein.com or visit www.holsteinusa.com.

4/15/08: ABS Global added three new sires to the ABS Sexation line-up with the release of the April 2008 Sire Summary data. ABS Sexation, the global brand for ABS sex sorted semen, combines flow cytometry technology with ABS semen quality standards.
   529HO11630 Jeffana Outside VOYAGE-ET*TV is an Outside x Mtoto. VOYAGE provides dairy producers with daughters that are built to last in any type of environment as they possess an ideal combination of strength and dairyness. VOYAGE daughters are well uddered cows with exceptionally strong fore and rear udder attachments and correct teat placement. Being +1654 TPI, VOYAGE is the number two TPI bull in the ABS Sexation line-up.
   529HO11661 Ensenada PRESTIGE-ET*TV is a Rock Solid® graduate (100 daughters in 60 herds) and is an excellent source for milk yield (+1697 PTAM) and milk quality (2.87 SCS). PRESTIGE’s dam, Plushanski Amel Patty-ET 3E-92, has produced over 185,000 pounds of milk lifetime with over 6,000 pounds of fat and has several active sons in A.I. Being +1.86 UDC, PRESTIGE daughters possess udders with strong attachments, a deep seam and good teat placement. PRESTIGE will add more strength and depth and openness of rib to his daughters.
   529HO11467 Ammon Farms CLASS ACT-ET*TV provides dairy producers with a unique pedigree stack of Capri x Rudolph. CLASS ACT sires medium sized cows that possess well-attached udders carried high above the hock. He excels in his management traits as he sires longevity and udder health.
   Headquartered in DeForest, Wisconsin, ABS Global is the world-leading provider of bovine genetics, reproduction services and technologies. Marketing in more than 70 countries around the globe, ABS has been at the forefront of animal genetics and technology since its founding in 1941. ABS Global is a division of Genus plc.

4/15/08: Bertil and Olympic earn HG a clean sweep in first- and second-crop success
   A fair number of exciting new black-and-white and red Holstein HG sires are jostling for a place in the top of the NVI list. With attractive production figures, strong proofs for udder, feet and legs and high longevity scores these guys are going flat out for high lifetime yields and profitable dairying.
   Beekmanshoeve Bertil is the name of HG's new showpiece. With a score of +223 NVI, Bertil has made his debut in the NVI list as the highest newcomer. Bertil breeds the ideal freestall-barn cow that is capable of achieving high lifetime yields. And his production proof is also eye catching, where he combines a fair amount of milk (+887 kg) with exceptionally high protein (+0.20%) and +0.08% fat. The daughters of Bertil are medium-sized cows with adequate width and depth. They have incredibly good udders (109) and very good feet and legs (107). His longevity figures look good at +326 days. Being by the outcross sire Veneriete Willis (Sestak Scout x Carousel Amos) and out of a dam by Jocko Besne, there are ample opportunities to use Bertil across the world's Holstein population.

First son of Sinatra
    Nelson 174 Alfons is the first son of Silverpost Sinatra to graduate to the HG line up. A strong fat improver (+0.37% and +79kg of fat) this calving ease sire (106) shows good all-round type figures (106 Total Score). His daughters display plenty of dairy strength, as they are not extremely angular and keep good body condition. Alfons is also an ideal bull to use to lower rump angle.

At the top
    At the top of the NVI list, Delta Paramount maintains his strong position (+211 NVI). With his longevity proof of +437 days, Paramount is one of the very best, as the majority of the proven sires are finding themselves between -250 and + 250 days, with the elite sires scoring above +500 days.
    Also notable was the further ascent of health trait specialist Dudam Surprise (+186 nvi) who for several proof runs has been making his way to the top of the list. His daughters are very persistent producers, who now appear to also be very late maturing when you look at the production progress they are making in their second lactations compared to their first. With this they are providing Surprise with a considerable increase in his milk, fat and protein proofs.

Second-crop excitement
      Many producers who have used calving ease sire Delta Olympic won't be dissappointed as with large numbers of second-crop daughters now calving his type proof went up to an all-time-high of 114 Total Score. In the previous proof round his type proof increased, but now with almost 250 classified daughters he realises considerable plusses in every single composite trait. With scores of 115 for frame, 105 for dairy strength, 109 for udder and 108 for feet and legs, Olympic increases his NVI by 29 points to a level of +144 NVI.
     With more than 400 daughters in his proof Delta Canvas goes from strength to strength, lifting his production proof to a spectacular +2,623kg of milk with +74kg of fat and +73kg of protein. He is the world leader for kilograms of fat and protein. His longevity proof, at +316 days, shows that the Canvas daughters are very capable of achieving high lifetime productions.

Red-and-whites jostling for leading positions
    In the red Holstein breed several Lightning sons are jostling one another for a top position, and with the high-ranking Huyben's Red Tequila (+169 NVI) the list is also welcoming the first son of Faber-Red. And what a bull Tequila is. With his balanced production proof and 112 for Total Score for type, at +169 NVI Tequila is the second highest newcomer in the red Holstein NVI list. His dam is Almere Pietje 514, a full sister to Pericles, who is also the dam of the high milk transmitter Huyben's Red Devil (+134 NVI). The daughters of Tequila have super udders (111) and excellent feet and legs (109).

'Conformation League'
     With 114 for Total Score, Classic is experiencing more and more competition in the 'conformation league' because along with Red Tequila - whose semen stocks are limited at the moment - HG is also adding HS Twister (114 Total Score) and Lowlands Umpire (112 Total Score) to the line-up.
    HS Twister (Lightning x Stadel) breeds tall (113), strong and wide cows with great feet and legs (111) and very good udders (108). Twister is not just a high type transmitter - with a longevity proof of +603 days his daughters are long lasting cows.
    Lowlands Umpire (Beautiful x Ronald) is a high milk transmitter (+1,679 kg) and with that he has a favourable fat-to-protein ratio (+56kg fat and +53kg protein). Like Twister, Umpire is a frame specialist (111) who breeds cows with strength (107 dairy strength), very good udders (109) and feet and legs (106). Impressive are the rear udders of the Umpire daughters, which show very high rear attachments (114).

Lightning sons
    Adding 14 points to his NVI, Heihoeve Delta Spencer the highest ranking son of Lightning and he reinforces his number-two position on the red Holstein list behind the long-time leader Kian. Spencer daughters are making considerable progress in their second lactation, and also worth mentioning are his very good longevity proof (+429 days) and favourable somatic cell count figures (107).
    With an NVI of +169, HG adds Aalshorst Balaton, another new Lightning son, to the active sire list. Aalshorst Balaton is an udder specialist (110) who improves every single udder trait. In the feet-and-legs department Balaton will particularly improve the rear legs rear view. At +478 days his longevity figures are looking very good, and his daughters have very good temperament and are milking out fast. With Holland Merton as his maternal grandsire, some interesting blood is being injected as Merton is a Lucky Leo son from the famous Massia family.
    More influence from the Massia family comes from the new addition Delta Woody, who is out of the famous Delta-evaluated Lentini-daughter Apina Massia 20 VG89. Woody is sired by the German bull Rubens, who is by the German-bred Rusty son Rudi. With +103 for NVI, Woody is an udder improver (108) with +1,018kg milk.

4/14/08: Holstein breeding values - April 2008
     With his new Interbull breeding values and more than 30.000 daughters RAMOS once again improves his position as the leading bull of the progressive Holstein breeder worldwide. With RZG 144 in Germany, TPI 2010 & NM$ 709 in the United States, NVI 272 in the Netherlands or TMI 45 his rankings are tremendous. LANCELOT, the highest Lukas son worldwide, is to find as well in all International Holstein top lists - with in total more than 16.000 daughters. Now in April he starts in Australia with his first own 375 daughters and reaches directly the # 1 position as the best import sire with APR 115. In the United States Lancelot remains the # 1 protein improver, which strengthen his image as "the protein king". JOSE (APR 106, TPI 1786, LPI 2406, £PLI 197, PFT 2056, ISU 159) and WIZZARD (APR 111, NM$ 565, LPI 2369, £PLI 222) are reaching already very high rankings in many countries with their converted breeding values. Their daughters now in 3rd lactation from the testing period in Germany as well as the huge number of young heifers around the world are looking very promising. Semen of all four mentioned bulls is available.

4/14/08: This year, the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) will hold its 62nd Annual Convention on Wednesday and Thursday, September 17-18, followed by the 22nd Biennial Technical Conference to be held Thursday and Friday, September 18-19, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The headquarters hotel will be the Wyndham Milwaukee Airport Hotel (formerly the Four Points Sheraton) located just across from the airport.
    The NAAB Annual Business meeting will be held Wednesday afternoon, September 17, and include a report from the Chairman of the Board, Al Kuck, Genex Cooperative/CRI, who will give the “Chairman’s Address”; a report on Certified Semen Services will be given by CSS Chairman, Dr. Charles Brown, ABS Global, and NAAB President, Dr. Gordon A. Doak, will give his “President’s Address”. Chairman of the Nominating Committee, Bob Holterman, Accelerated Genetics, will report on candidates for the NAAB Board of Directors, and NAAB voting delegates will elect one director. Al Kuck is the one incumbent eligible for re-election. Delegates will also review the finances of the Association, and act on any resolutions brought before the Convention.
    Several vendors will display their products throughout the 2½ days, where all Milk and Coffee Breaks and receptions will take place.
    Thursday morning, September 18, the 22nd Technical Conference on Artificial Insemination and Reproduction will begin at 8:00 a.m. This will feature speakers and topics in the field of artificial insemination and reproductive physiology and industry technical personnel involved in semen production, sire management, and sire health. They will discuss and review scientific developments and important technical issues relevant to the AI industry.
    At noon, there will be a special Awards Luncheon featuring this year’s recipients of the NAAB Research Award, Distinguished Service Award, Member Director Award and the Pioneer Award. AI technicians who have serviced over 100,000 cows, as well as industry sales people who have sold over 500,000 units of semen, will be recognized with a plaque presentation ceremony.
    Following the Awards Luncheon, the Technical Conference will continue with a Barn Breakout Session and Lab Breakout Session. The next day, Friday, September 19, the Technical Conference will resume at 8:00 a.m. and will include a student session and several other speakers with current topics of interest. The conference will conclude by Noon.
    For registration information you may contact Mary Derby, NAAB, P.O. Box 1033, Columbia, MO 65205, Tel: 573/445-4406; Fax: 573/446-2279; Email: naab-css@naab-css.org; or go online at www.naab-css.org for hotel information and to print off a registration form.

4/12/08: By LARRY MARGASAK, Associated Press Writer Fri Apr 11, 6:34 AM ET - As reported on www.yahoo.com
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration is likely to move its research on one of the most contagious animal diseases from an isolated island laboratory to the U.S. mainland near herds of livestock, raising concerns about a catastrophic outbreak.
   Skeptical Democrats in Congress are demanding to see internal documents they believe highlight the risks and consequences of the decision. An epidemic of the disease, foot and mouth, which only affects animals, could devastate the livestock industry.
   One such government report, produced last year and already turned over to lawmakers by the Homeland Security Department, combined commercial satellite images and federal farm data to show the proximity to livestock herds of locations that have been considered for the new lab. "Would an accidental laboratory release at these locations have the potential to affect nearby livestock?" asked the nine-page document. It did not directly answer the question.
   A simulated outbreak of the disease - part of an earlier U.S. government exercise called "Crimson Sky" - ended with fictional riots in the streets after the simulation's National Guardsmen were ordered to kill tens of millions of farm animals, so many that troops ran out of bullets. In the exercise, the government said it would have been forced to dig a ditch in Kansas 25 miles long to bury carcasses. In the simulation, protests broke out in some cities amid food shortages.
  "It was a mess," said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., who portrayed the president in the 2002 exercise. Now, like other lawmakers from the states under consideration, Roberts supports moving the government's new lab to his state. Manhattan, Kan., is one of five mainland locations under consideration. "It will mean jobs" and spur research and development, he says.
   The other possible locations for the new National Bio-and Agro-Defense Facility are Athens, Ga.; Butner, N.C.; San Antonio; and Flora, Miss. The new site could be selected later this year, and the lab would open by 2014. The numbers of livestock in the counties and surrounding areas of the finalists range from 542,507 in Kansas to 132,900 in Georgia, according to the Homeland Security study.
   Foot-and-mouth virus can be carried on a worker's breath or clothes, or vehicles leaving a lab, and is so contagious it has been confined to Plum Island, N.Y., for more than a half-century - far from commercial livestock. The existing lab is 100 miles northeast of New York City in the Long Island Sound, accessible only by ferry or helicopter. Researchers there who work with the live virus are not permitted to own animals at home that would be susceptible, and they must wait at least a week before attending outside events where such animals might perform, such as a circus.
   The White House says modern safety rules at labs are sufficient to avoid any outbreak. But incidents in Britain have demonstrated that the foot-and-mouth virus can cause remarkable economic havoc - and that the virus can escape from a facility.
   An epidemic in 2001 devastated Britain's livestock industry, as the government slaughtered 6 million sheep, cows and pigs. Last year, in a less serious outbreak, Britain's health and safety agency concluded the virus probably escaped from a site shared by a government research center and a vaccine maker. Other outbreaks have occurred in Taiwan in 1997 and China last year and in 2006.
    If even a single cow signals an outbreak in the U.S., emergency plans permit the government to shut down all exports and movement of livestock. Herds would be quarantined, and a controlled slaughter could be started to stop the disease from spreading.
   Infected animals weaken and lose weight. Milk cows don't produce milk. They remain highly infectious, even if they survive the virus.
    The Homeland Security Department is convinced it can safely operate the lab on the mainland, saying containment procedures at high-security labs have improved. The livestock industry is divided. Some experts, including the former director at the aging Plum Island Animal Disease Center, say research ought to be kept away from cattle populations - and, ideally, placed where the public already has accepted dangerous research.
   The former director, Dr. Roger Breeze, suggested the facility could be safely located at the Atlanta campus of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Md., home of The United States Army Medical Research Institute for infectious diseases.
    Another possibility, Breeze said, is on Long Island, where there is no commercial livestock industry. That would allow retention of most of the current Plum Island employees.
    Asked about the administration's finalist sites located near livestock, Breeze said: "It seems a little odd. It goes against the ... safety program of the last 50 years."
    The former head of the U.S. Agriculture Department's Agricultural Research Service said Americans are not prepared for a foot-and-mouth outbreak that has been avoided on the mainland since 1929.
  "The horrific prospect of exterminating potentially millions of animals is not something this country's ready for," said Dr. Floyd Horn.
    The Agriculture Department ran the Plum Island lab until 2003. It was turned over to the Homeland Security Department because preventing an outbreak is now part of the nation's biological defense program.
    Plum Island researchers work on detection of the disease, strategies to control epidemics including vaccines and drugs, tests of imported animals to ensure they are free of the virus and training of professionals.
   The new facility will add research on diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans. The Plum Island facility is not secure enough to handle that higher-level research.
    Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee also are worried about the lab's likely move to the mainland. The chairman, Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., and the head of the investigations subcommittee, Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., are threatening to subpoena records they say Homeland Security is withholding from Congress. Those records include reports about "Crimson Sky," an internal review about a publicized 1978 accidental release of foot-and-mouth disease on Plum Island and reports about any previously undisclosed virus releases on the island during the past half century.
    The lawmakers set a deadline of Friday for the administration to turn over reports they requested. Otherwise, they warned in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, they will arrange a vote next week to issue a congressional subpoena.
   A new facility at Plum Island is technically a possibility. Signs point to a mainland site, however, after the administration spent considerable time and money scouting new locations. Also, there are financial concerns about operating from a location accessible only by ferry or helicopter.
   The Homeland Security Department says laboratory animals would not be corralled outside the new facility, and they would not come into contact with local livestock. All work with the virus and lab waste would be handled securely and any material leaving would be treated and monitored to ensure it was sterilized.
  "Containment technology has improved dramatically since foot-and-mouth disease prohibitions were put in place in 1948," Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said.
   Cattle farmers and residents are divided over the proposal to move the lab to the mainland.
  "I would like to believe we could build a facility, with the knowledge and technology we have available, that would be basically safe from a bio-security standpoint," said John Stuedemann, a cattle farmer near Athens, Ga., and a former scientist at the Agriculture Department.
   Nearby, community activist Grady Thrasher in Athens is worried about an outbreak from a research lab. Thrasher, a former securities lawyer, has started a petition drive against moving the lab to Georgia, saying the risks are too great.
  "There's no way you can balance that equation by putting this in the middle of a community where it will do the most harm," Thrasher said. "The community is now aroused, so I think we have a majority against this."
   In North Carolina, commissioners in Granville County originally endorsed moving the lab to their area but later withdrew support. Officials from Homeland Security ultimately met with residents for more than four hours, but the commissioners have taken no further action to back the facility.
  "Accidents are going to happen 50 years down the road or one year down the road," said Bill McKellar, a pharmacist in Butner, N.C., who leads an opposition group that has formed a research committee of lawyers and doctors.

4/9/08: It was a great classification day last week in Scipio Center, NY. Several cows housed at the ZiemBarbWay herd received great new scores, including 10 new Excellents, seven new first calf heifers scored between 87-89, two new 93-point cows and one new 92-point cow. New Excellents included Burr-Ayr OMan Gabriella (EX-90, EX-MS, owned by Burr-Ayr Fams Ltd. and ZiemBarbWay); T-Farm Best Preference (EX-91, EX-92-MS, owned by T-Farm, Violet Hill, Ziems, and ZiemBarbWay); Poplar-Ride Violet (EX-90, EX-MS @ 3-10, owned by Carriel Schmitt); Vermillion Distigene Spring-Red (EX-90 EX-MS owned by Jake Westbrook and ZiemBarbWay); Oakfield Outside Brynn (EX-90, EX-MS, owned by Alicia Lamb); Comestar Lauvelyn Outside (EX-90, owned by Dev Hurley, Gail Arnald and ZiemBarbWay); Wakefield BW Marsh Anita (EX-91, owned by Ziems Holsteins and ZiemBarbWay); Ziems Rubens Kutos (EX-90, owned by ZiemBarbWay); and Ziems Durham Idea (EX-90, owned by Joe Piskorowski); MS Centrfold Durham Trinity (EX-91, owned by Joe Piskorowski and ZiemBarbWay).
    Very Good 1st calf heifers were Greenlea Talent Lee-Red (VG-89, owned by Jonathan and Alicia Lamb); Paradise-RV Pealar (VG-89, owned by Andy Merry and Jonathan Lamb); Castleholme Dund Rhapsody (VG-88, owned by Jonathan and Alicia Lamb); Ziems-EF Eternity (VG-87, owned Ziems Holsteins and Elkendale Farms); Chix Sophie (VG-87, owned by Hurley, Arnold and ZiemBarbWay); Leeland Talent Sisco (VG-88, owned by Hurley, Arnold and ZiemBarbWay); and MS Americana LDC Twinkle (VG-87, owned by Jonathan and Alicia Lamb).
    Two new 93-point cows included Roedale Fantastic (2E-93, EX-94-MS @ 8-5, owned by Jonathan and Alicia Lamb); and Penn-Gate Storm Fleuel (2E-93, EX-94-MS @ 6-0, owned by Jonathan and Matthew Lamb).
   Finally Penn-Gate Durham Finely scored 2E-92, EX-92-MS @ 6-4, also owned by Jonathan and Matthew Lamb.
    For the most up-to-date information, be sure to visit the ZiemBarbWay website by clicking here!

4/9/08: American Agri-Women to promote children’s website featuring natural resource providers
   American Agri-Women (AAW) met last week for their annual policy-setting meeting in Columbus, Ohio. After an exciting exchange with Provider Pals founder Bruce Vincent, a Montana logger, AAW members made plans to work with him to help promote the Provider Pals’ website for children, a game called Provider World. This site provides children a safe environment in which to explore farming and other natural resource-based occupations, through exciting games and activities.
   This site is an extension of the main Provider Pals program in which classrooms adopt a logger, fisherman, miner, farmer or rancher as their very own for a year. The children receive videos, letters, photo albums and e-mails from their provider, and once a year he visits the school to talk and answer questions. The program got off the ground in 1997 and has since expanded to include over 300 classrooms in 20 cities across the nation and Canada, addressing the question, “Where does my stuff come from?”
   The Provider World web site offers AAW members a unique avenue for reaching thousands of children to give them accurate information about farmers and how important farming is to them. The women took immediate action by collecting individual donations to sponsor a classroom for a year on the website, and are planning to look into further fund-raising possibilities.
   In other actions taken at their yearly mid-year meeting, members took a stand for responsible management of horses and other farm animals and opposed the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act as introduced in Congress in January 2007, and all other attempts on the local and state level to outlaw horse slaughter.
   American Agri-Women is the nation’s largest coalition of farm, ranch and agribusiness women, with 50 state, commodity, agribusiness affiliate organizations and collegiate chapters throughout the country. AAW is an all volunteer organization, working to provide reliable information about agriculture to the public since 1974.

4/8/08: ABS Global added twelve new sires to its active global line-up with the release of the April 2008 Sire Summary data on Tuesday, April 1. These new additions to the ABS active line-up included ten Holsteins.
   29HO11658 Sandy-Valley HAMEL-ET*TV is a Stormatic son from the Snow-N Denises Dellia EX-95 family. HAMEL’s dam, Regancrest-JB Tatum-ET VG-87, is a maternal sister of ABS Million Unit Sire 29H8538 DIE-HARD. HAMEL follows the Dellia tradition by siring high type daughters designed for maximum longevity and profitability. HAMEL excels in type and composites being over two points and in the ABS top ten for type (+2.40), udder composite (+2.36) and foot and leg composite (+2.36).
   A highlight of the ABS April graduates is 29HO11647 Mr Million MEGA-MAN-ET*TV. MEGA-MAN is an Outside son that will sire extreme milk production (+2436 PTAM) and outstanding longevity (+4.60 Productive Life). His grand dam, Muranda Oscar Lucinda-ET, made headline news in November 2007 by becoming the new world record milk producer. MEGA-MAN is also the second high ABS TPI sire at +1932 TPI.
   Rock Solid® (100 daughters in 60 herds) graduate 29HO12398 Burlane TENNYSON*TV is an early Gordon son sampled in the United Kingdom and Australia. He sires well balanced, powerful daughters that track straight ahead with an ideal set to the hock and foot angle. TENNYSON is a high milk yield bull that is expected to attract immediate attention from producers.
   29HO11572 B-Long CANNON-ET*TV offers dairy producers a unique sire stack as he is a Stormatic x Manfred and hails from B-Long Holsteins in Wisconsin. A foot and leg improvement sire (+1.53 FLC), CANNON daughters have adequate depth of heel and track straight when viewed from behind. CANNON ranks in the ABS top ten for Net Merit (+365 NM$) and Productive Life (+4.2).
   29HO11614 Ked Outside JEEVES-ET*TV is an Outside son that descends from the cow family which produced the all-time ABS favorite, 29H6658 JUROR. JEEVES sires the profitable kind that are built to last as he excels in longevity (+6.2 PL), fertility (+1.6 DPR) and milk quality (2.09 SCS). Being over two points for Type (+2.55), Udder Composite (+2.15) and Foot and Leg Composite (+2.09), JEEVES daughters are well-balanced cows that track straight ahead and possess excellent fore udder attachments.
   29HO11713 Var-Bros MIDSTAR-ET*TV is a PIPPEN son that sires daughters ideal for any environment. MIDSTAR delivers outstanding health and management traits and excels in longevity (+3.8 PL) and milk quality (2.75 SCS). In addition, he is a feet and legs specialist (+2.22 FLC) that sires an ideal set to the leg and outstanding locomotion.
   One of the first REVENUE sons to be released, 29HO11654 Hunsberger STRAUSS*TV makes daughters built to last in any environment as they display the ideal balance between strength and dairyness with an udder carried high above the hock, a strong fore udder attachment, deep cleft and close front teat placement (+2.31 UDC). STRAUSS sires longevity (+5.0 PL) and fertility (+1.4 DPR). He is also an ABS Sexation™ sire.
   29HO11672 Mayval OZFEST-ET*TV is the first OZZIE son available from ABS and offers a unique pedigree of OZZIE x Rudolph. OZFEST sires high Net Merit (+579 NM$) and components (+76 PTAF and +61 PTAP). He is also the second high milk sire at ABS, behind MEGA-MAN, with +2211 PTAM. OZFEST daughters possess shallow udders with a deep cleft and desirable front and rear teat placement.
   A full brother to CASHMERE, 29HO12341 ABS SEATTLE*TV is a United Kingdom based sire whose daughters have a great will to milk (+1626 PTAM). His grand dam is a full sister to ABS Million Unit Sire 29H8343 CONVINCER. SEATTLE daughters possess well-attached udders with a deep crease and outstanding teat placement (+2.06 UDC).
   29HO11631 Ca-Lill MarLIN-ET*TV has a unique pedigree being an Outside x Demand x Belltone and is backed by two generations of Excellent cows. LIN is a feet and legs specialist (+3.07 FLC) whose daughters possess a steep foot angle and track straight from the rear. His daughters have an ideal balance of strength and dairyness and are built to last in a variety of environments (+4.5 PL). LIN is also in the ABS top ten for TPI (+1657 TPI).

4/8/08: ANIMART, Inc. will host a beef and dairy cattle fitting and showmanship demonstration for area 4-H and FFA youth at ANIMART in Beaver Dam, Wis., on Thursday, May 1st from 6 to 9 p.m. All youth are invited to this complimentary hands-on workshop intended to help learn more about the art and techniques that will help them achieve high placings of their 4-H and FFA livestock at summer shows.
   New this year the demonstration will feature a hands-on small group component for youth to get up close with cattle in picking up a clippers and learning the techniques of grooming animals in preparation for the show ring.
   Beginning at 6 p.m., Wayne Keil of the ANIMART sales staff will be conducting a beef cattle fitting and showmanship demonstration.
   At 7:30 p.m., a dairy cattle fitting and showmanship demonstration will be led by successful local Holstein breeders and exhibitors including, Al White. Both demonstrations will be given on-site, using live animals.
   In addition, ANIMART will feature specials on show equipment and a full line of grooming supplies. Complimentary refreshments and snacks will be served for all attendees as well as prizes will be given away. The ANIMART cattle fitting demonstration is also an authorized event for youth to earn points toward their educational component to be eligible to show or sell their animals at county fairs.
  "This workshop is planned to help our customers and their junior exhibitors be more competitive for blue ribbon awards," says Ruth Metz, co-owner and founder of ANIMART. "We are proud to be a strong partner with Wisconsin's dairy and livestock industries and we feel this hands-on workshop can be both educational and fun. We encourage all interested students and parents to attend."
   The workshops will be held at the ANIMART warehouse and large animal retail store, located at 900 Green Valley Road in Beaver Dam, Wis. For additional information on the demonstration, contact ANIMART staff at 1.800.255.1181. For beef-specific questions, contact staff member Wayne Keil at extension 2235 and for dairy questions, contact Stephany White at extension 2241.

4/7/08:  Selner Named New Director of National Dairy Shrine   ~ Wisconsin Ag Connection
    A long-time professional involved with Wisconsin's dairy industry will become the next executive director of the National Dairy Shrine. Dr. Dave Selner of Shawano was chosen to succeed Maurice Core as the leader of the 59-year-old organization. Based in Ohio, the NDS is dedicated to preserving dairy history, promoting the dairy industry, and developing future dairy leaders. Selner will begin his role as director in August.
  "National Dairy Shrine is fortunate to secure the talented Dr. Selner as its next Executive Director," says NDS President Linda Hodorf. "We are confident that his extensive dairy industry experience combined with his spirit of community service will help NDS further expand its contributions to the dairy industry."
   Dave served six years on the NDS board of directors. In 2002, he stepped up to the plate and served as the 53rd president of the organization. At the time, the organization set plans in motion to renovate the Visitor's Center and to update all its presentations at the Fort Atkinson based facility. Selner also initiated the fundraising campaign and developed the fundraising brochures for the campaign.
  "I am greatly honored to step into the role of the executive director for National Dairy Shrine," Selner said. "I have big shoes to fill. National Dairy Shrine has been blessed with great executive directors from Joe Eves, 'Mr. Dairy Shrine' to Maurice Core. I promise to do my best to live up to the standard they have set for me."
   The next step for organization's executive committee will be selecting a new location for the organization's administrative offices since Selner calls Wisconsin home.

4/5/08: The National Cattlemen’s Foundation and Fort Dodge Animal Health announced a new scholarship program at the 2008 Cattle Industry Annual Convention held last month in Reno, Nev. The Fort Dodge Animal Health Legacy Scholarship Program will consist of five scholarships of $5,000 each. Three scholarships will be directed to veterinary school students that have designated an emphasis in bovine practice. Two scholarships will be directed to junior or senior undergraduate students enrolled full-time in an animal science program with an emphasis in bovine production.
   The deadline for scholarship applications is April 30, 2008. Application requirements include a biographical account of experience in the cattle industry, an essay describing a mentor in the beef industry and how that person has shaped the applicant’s life, and two letters of recommendation.
   “This scholarship fits very well with the mission of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation - providing scholarship opportunities to inspire young people to pursue careers in all phases of agriculture,” says Bob Josserand, chair of the foundation’s board of trustees. “We are most appreciative of the valuable commitment Fort Dodge Animal Health has made to young people and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation."
    Last fall, producers utilized their Fort Dodge Animal Health purchases to help support this scholarship program – in turn, helping cattle production and cattle-producing families for the next generation. By purchasing qualifying Fort Dodge Animal Health products, a contribution of 3 percent of each qualifying invoice was made to the scholarship fund. Eligible products included CYDECTIN® and Synanthic® dewormers, SYNOVEX® implants, Triangle® all-killed vaccines, PYRAMID® MLV vaccines, Presponse® vaccines, PRISMTM KV/MLV vaccines and TrichGuard® V5L vaccine.
   "Driving change from within requires discipline, strategic thought, and investments," says Craig Wallace, vice president-marketing, Fort Dodge Animal Health. "Frequently, in a changing business climate the long-term investments, which are the future of our industry, are passed over while the short-term challenges consume our time and energy. The Legacy Scholarship Program is a commitment from Fort Dodge Animal Health to support the long-term investments so critical to the future of our industry."
    The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2008-2009 academic year. Winners will be announced at the 2008 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo., July 15 – 19. In addition to the scholarship, all five recipients will receive an expense-paid trip to attend the summer conference. For more information, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org or www.fortdodgelivestock.com.

4/4/08: Holstein Canada’s Annual Meeting - Holstein Canada focuses on providing genetic improvement programs to enhance profitability for all dairy producers.
    Elected officers of Holstein Association of Canada for 2008:

President, *Brian Leach, Cobden, ON
Vice-President / Board Chairman, * Germain Lehoux, Ste-Elzéar, Qc
Past President, *John Iversen, Olds, AB

BC Richard Bosma, Abbotsford
Qc *Serge Blanchette, St-Hyacinthe
SK/MB Dale Strudwick, Balgonie
Qc Denis Fournier, Ste-Luce
ON *Glen McNeil, Goderich
Qc Mario Perreault, St-Esprit
ON Paul MacLeod, Woodstock
Atlantic John Davidson, Bass River, NS
ON Ron Sleeth, Battersea
*Executive Committee

   Members from across Canada attended Holstein Canada’s 125th Annual Meeting in London, ON on March 29. Held at the Hilton Hotel, this business meeting anchors all other events staged during an activity-packed convention.
   In 2007, Holstein Canada reported revenue of $10,707,029, expenses of $10,474,840, and a surplus of $232,189. For 2008, the Association is budgeting for a deficit of $185,913 with revenue projected at $10,305,621 and expenses at $10,491,534.
    Registration activity for all purity levels was comparable to 2006 while total registration revenue decreased by 14.8% because of the increase in electronic registration applications (ERA) and the associated $3 discount. As well, there was a decrease in revenue because of the revised fee structure and subsequent decline in late filing fees. Breed Improvement and Classification revenue increased 13.9% from last year. The number of animals classified was up in 2007 (to 226,115), as were mid-round visits.
    Outgoing President John Iversen referred to his eight years as a Board member and President as an honour. He observed Holstein Canada has grown into a global leader regarding the value of programs and services available to its breeders. Canada enjoys the highest rate of registration and classification anywhere in North, Central, and South America. Approaching its 125th anniversary, the Association will remember its founders, but continue to adjust to a changing industry—fewer herds with more cows and increased production. John predicted more consolidation within the industry, such as the all-breeds classification program. Because of its tremendous success, Holstein Canada is now focusing on sharing this computerized program with other countries, such as Australia and newly-signed Brazil. John expressed his sincere delight that borders have re-opened to Canadian Holsteins.
    Board Chairman Brian Leach reported on behalf of the Board. Specifically, the Sustaining the Genetic Quality of Ruminants program was concluded and loose ends tied up regarding Holstein coat colour. The Board established policy, which includes procedures and penalties pertaining to show ethics. It also made progress on enhancing the classification and awards programs with support for an increased weighting from 10% to 15% on the health and fertility component of the LPI formula. >From the Sustaining the Genetic Quality of Ruminants Program, money was used by the Association to develop responsible, comprehensive programs to retain and grow its customer base, thereby increasing market share. The Association allocated $600,000 to CDN to develop a National Health Project. The objectives of the project are to evaluate the genetic ability of an animal to resist diseases and satisfy consumers’ desire for healthy products from healthy cows.
    Secretary Manager Keith Flaman presented a number of statistics pertaining to the world and domestic dairy industries. In Canada, the rising world price slowed imports of dairy products and, by late spring, triggered an increase in allotment of milk quota. Throughout the year further quota assignments, coupled with a number of export orders, saw cattle inseminations accelerate. An increase in registrations is anticipated in 2008, and dairy herd inventories are expected to build toward pre-BSE numbers. Holstein Canada continues to co-ordinate the tagging program for the National Livestock IDentification program for all dairy the breeds. Efforts with producers and tag manufacturers to improve retention of ear tags are ongoing. Working closely with the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency and Agri-Traçabilité ensures that all registered Holsteins are age verified and in the national database. Premises registration and animal movement are the next steps in moving to a full traceability system. Canada must adopt practices to control the spread and mitigate the losses of world-transferred diseases.
    Four By-law amendments presented by the Board were passed by the membership. The most significant expands the Herdbook to eliminate blanks in the pedigrees regarding Holstein male genetics with a purity level less than 96.87% (minimum six generations). Four resolutions were carried and will be considered by the Board. Sparking the most discussion, but defeated by members, was a resolution requesting Holstein Canada to modify its policy concerning eligibility to Red and White shows and no longer accept red and white *VRC animals.
    Braedale Baler Twine (VG-86-2yr-CAN 20*) was declared 2007 Cow of the Year for Syndicat Gén-I-Beq, St-Patrice, Qc. Baler Twine was bred by Braedale Holsteins, Cumberland, ON. Wm. J. Merrill, Campbellford, ON, (prefix Merlholme) was honoured with a Century of Holsteins award for 102 years of continuous Association membership.
    Holstein USA President and Guest speaker Douglas Maddox, Riverdale, California of Ruann and Maddox Dairies, shared how acquiring his first registered bull calf changed his life and allowed him to follow his dreams and become the successful and respected dairyman he is today.
    Twenty-one Holstein breeders were recognized with Master Breeder shields in a gala banquet the previous evening.

4/4/08: The board of directors of Holstein Association USA held its spring meeting in Brattleboro, Vt. March 27-28.
    During the meeting, the board approved the 2007 financial report presented by CFO Barbara Casna, which showed the Association realized net income of $331,000, which was $47,000 higher than 2006 results. Financial highlights included an increase in revenues from Holstein COMPLETE of 16 percent, an increase in TriStar revenues of five percent, an increase of 27 percent in ear tag sales, an increase in revenues received from registrations of four percent and an increase in revenues from classification of 10 percent.
    A total of 215,632 animals were classified, an 11 percent increase, while number of herds classified increased to 5,174, or four percent. At year end, there were 197,680 animals enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE in 1,705 herds which is a 15 percent increase in the number of animals enrolled in the program and a 13 percent increase in herds compared to 2006.
   
Staff members provided updates on the 2008 Management-by-Objective Business Plan and directors and staff reviewed discussions from the recently-completed regional member meetings. Also discussed were the responsibilities and requirements of national convention hosts.

Committee Reports
The board heard reports of the following committees:
-Audit
-Governance
-Nominating
-International
-Junior Advisory
-National FAIR

     Within the Governance Committee report, the board approved a motion to recommend that the President state at the beginning of each annual meeting that, unless the delegates object, the rules of the annual meeting will allow all members present to speak to issues being discussed. In the past, any member could have the floor during the first day’s business session, while only delegates were allowed to address the convention on the second day.
    Also from the Governance Committee, the board approved a motion to amend Article III, Section 7 of the Bylaws to read: A person serving or elected as a delegate at three consecutive Annual Meetings is not eligible to be nominated to be a delegate again until at least two Annual Meetings are held.
    Director Glen Brown and staffer Tom Lawlor provided an update on the Association’s research on Genomic Selection. This cutting edge technology could speed up genetic improvement within the breed.
    President Doug Maddox appointed a special Type Advisory Committee, which will be chaired by director Bill Peck. The charge of the committee is to evaluate the current dairy cattle scorecard to discuss its relevancy in today’s dairy industry. The committee plans to meet in May and will report to the board at its June meeting in Wisconsin.
    The board approved a motion to grant the Great Western Holstein Show, to be held September 1 in Oregon, “National Show” designation for the open show and “Regional Show” designation for the junior show.
    Staff members provided demonstrations of the updated software for Red Book Plus, DairyVision Trend Analysis Program (DVTAP) and DairyVision Current Herd Analysis Program (DVCHAP). They also reviewed the development of a new internet tag ordering system.
    One of the major initiatives of the Association’s communications department for 2008 is a complete redesign of the Association’s Web site. The board previewed the progress that has been made on the redesign, which is scheduled to go “live” during the fourth quarter of the year.
    The next meeting of the board of directors will be held prior to the annual meeting in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., on June 22-23. The fall meeting will be held in St. Louis on November 13-14.

4/4/08: United States, Mexico And Canada Announce OIE Consistent Trade Standards For Cattle, Furthering Progress For NAFTA Partners
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008-Officials from the United States, Canada and Mexico concluded a series of meetings today that provided all three countries an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern affecting agriculture, food and trade.
    Today, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer and Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz held the first meeting between the countries since full implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on Jan. 1, 2008. And, the United States, Canada and Mexico announced protocols, effective tomorrow, to harmonize standards for the export of U.S. and Canadian breeding cattle to Mexico consistent with international standards.
   "Canada, Mexico and the United States have been engaged in candid, productive talks over the past two days," said Schafer. "As each other's most important trading partners, we discussed trade in a variety of agricultural products. We mutually agreed on the importance of normalizing beef and cattle trade in North America consistent with the guidelines established by the World Organization for Animal Health. Our respective industries have benefited when our countries have worked together, and we are confident that we can build on our history of trust and collaboration to continue to resolve issues and to help set the standard for progressive trade policy and science-based practices with other countries."
    Tomorrow, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Mexico's Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación (SAGARPA); and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will make effective protocols for the trade of breeding cattle born after Jan. 1, 1999, consistent with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standards. The new protocols outline conditions for the export of U.S. and Canadian cattle to Mexico. Canadian exporters will need to obtain import permits from APHIS and SAGARPA, as well as a health certificate from CFIA. Shipments will be inspected by U.S. and Mexican officials.
    The harmonization of the standards in North America reaffirms the U.S. position that cattle can be traded safely when countries follow the OIE standards for effectively managing the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and further ensures that trade protocols for Canada, Mexico and the United States are consistent between the countries and with OIE. The protocols further a 2005 agreement to more effectively address the BSE risk in North America.
    In May 2007, the OIE formally classified the United States as a controlled risk country for BSE. This status confirmed that U.S. BSE regulatory controls are effective and that U.S. beef and beef products of all ages can be safely traded.
    OIE recommendations, which are based on the latest science, provide guidelines for trade in cattle of any age, as well as beef and many other cattle products. These guidelines apply to all OIE risk country classifications for BSE with recommended mitigation measures appropriately applied to protect both human and animal health.

4/3/08: Newly released Premier Graduate 0200HO05217 Vieuxsaule Malicieux (Income x R Marshall) is one example of Semex's success through the USA's Premier Program. Malicieux graduates with a 1794 TPI with an impressive NM$ of +417, driven by his low SCS at 2.99, positive Productive Life, 10 for Calving Ease and impressive +2.48 PTAT, +1.99 UDC and +1.70 FLC. 0200HO07317 Magor Bolivia Allen (Allen x Storm) and his full brother 0200HO07321 Magor Baroque Allen (Allen x Storm) are two newly proven Allen sons that are true global sensations, showing that Semex Works Everywhere!
   These brothers are both housed in Hungary, with Bolivia being dual sampled in the USA and Hungary, and Baroque being dual sampled in Canada and Hungary. 0200HO07317 Magor Bolivia Allen joins Malicieux as a recent graduate of the USA Premier Program, debuting in January with impressive type figures that did not waiver in April as he added dozens of daughters from Hungary, making him a true international phenomenon.
   Bolivia and Baroque are also brothers to the highly sought after 0200HO03205 Braedale Goldwyn. Goldwyn continued his climb up the TPI listing in April to the #3 position, and rose to the #2 LPI position and #1 Conformation sire in Canada. As field reports tell us that the Goldwyn daughters are the most impressive seen, his increasing PTAT of +3.91, +577 NM$, 71 Fat, increased PL and low Somatic Cell Scores haved further defined him as one of the most sought after sires in the world today.
    Bolivia gained daughters in his April proof, increasing his reliability without sacrificing his impressive figures of +3.49 PTAT, +2.08 UDC and +2.22 FLC with a low 2.85 SCS. Full brother, 0200HO07321 Magor Baroque Allen (Allen x Storm), debuted as #26 on the Canadian LPI listing. These well-balanced cows follow this family's strong conformation and workability traits, with lots of dairy strength, angularity and low Somatic Cell Score.
    Canadian proven 0200HO1885 Claynook Anthony (Stormatic x Rudolph) is just one of 12 Semex sires who score over 1700 TPI. These 12 sires have impressive averages of: 431 NM$; 2.86 SCS; 2.3 PL; +1513 PTAM; and impressive +2.40 PTAT, +1.68 UDC and +1.29 UDC.

Code TPI Name PTAM PTAF PTAP PTAT UDC FLC PL SCS NM$
200HO03205 2035M BRAEDALE GOLDWYN 970 71 40 3.91 2.92 2.67 3.1 2.58 577
200HO04779 1838 R-E-W BUCKEYE-ET 1782 47 49 2.78 2.18 2.06 2.1 2.87 435
200HO05217 1794 VIEUXSAULE MALICIEUX 1690 37 56 2.48 1.99 1.70 2.1 2.99 417
200HO07128 1776M GORGONZOLA 2877 56 59 1.88 1.22 1.58 2.3 2.75 472
200HO01666 1761 DIAMOND-OAK APPOINT-ET 509 42 27 2.78 2.61 1.88 1.9 2.75 401
200HO04541 1754M REGANCREST-HHF LUCK-ET -555 54 1 1.63 2.03 0.34 6.2 2.76 520
200HO01796 1749M STANTONS SIDNEY 1501 53 61 2.19 1.40 0.73 1.3 3.03 384
200HO03315 1735M BRAEDALE PAGEWIRE 1430 48 52 2.66 1.64 0.67 2.2 3.09 363
200HO04624 1727M BRIGEEN GIVENCHY-ET 2014 64 43 2.60 1.02 0.89 1.7 2.76 413
200HO01584 1713 DIAMOND-OAK FROSTY-ET 1903 76 57 1.72 1.39 1.59 0.1 2.97 387
200HO01885 1712M CLAYNOOK ANTHONY 1853 52 51 1.97 1.16 0.34 2.1 2.87 411
200HO05156 1710M COMESTAR LITTORAL 2186 28 48 2.23 0.59 1.06 2.9 2.84 387
Average(s) 1775 1513 52 45 2.40 1.68 1.29 2.3 2.86 431

    Type specialist 0200HO05191 Kerndtway Howie (Morty x BW Marshall) joined the Semex ranks, taking the #3 LPI position with an impressive +15 Conformation, +13 Mammary System, +11 F&L with a low 2.90 SCS and an overall LPI of 2324, pushed by his equally impressive +2355M +75F +67P. These Morty look-a-likes are built to work, with tremendous feet & legs, width of chest and body depth.
    Howie joins a well-balanced Semex lineup featuring sires with incredible workability including the #4 and #5 LPI sires 0200HOH3375 Glenhaven Carnival (Goodluck x Rudolph) and 0200HO05049 Morningview Ashlar (Aerowood x Formation). These two sires offer an impressive package, with a average +10 Conf, they both deliver solid production, Herd Life and Somatic Cell Scores, easily making them profitable additions to matings everywhere through increased longevity, health and durable conformation.
    For additional information, please visit www.semex.com.

4/3/08: With the release of April 1 genetic evaluations, Select Sires graduates seven outstanding new Holstein sires that offer diverse pedigrees, elite Total Performance Index(TM) (TPI(TM)), high type, outstanding milk and components production and more.
    BUSHMAN: Specializing in Milk, Net Merit and Total Performance 7HO8245 Sandy-Valley BUSHMAN-ET is a high-ranking TPI sire (+1822 TPI) with big-time production. He sires medium-sized dairy cows with exceptional feet and legs and a great rear udder. BUSHMAN ranks among the top 5 at Select for Net Merit (+$517) and stands among the top 10 for both Milk (+1,992) and Protein (+57). This early Comestar Stormatic-ET son offers the big-league production, solid type improvement (+2.00 Type) and positive Productive Life (+2.1) that are ideal in almost any herd.

The New Leader in Red
Topping the Red and White breed for both TPI and Net Merit is 7HO8055 Sure-View AMERICA-RED-ET. At +1768 TPI and +$480 Net Merit, AMERICA-RED is a popular Super Sampler(TM) graduate, already with 91% Reliability. He is an elite production sire with +1,917 Milk and favorable Protein yield (+.01%P
and +61). At 6 percent Calving Ease, he is an excellent option for heifer-A.I. programs and is an ideal mating for 7HO7872 KHW Kite ADVENT-RED-ET daughters.

More Super Sampler Graduates Offer High Reliability
7HO7982 Penn-England REGIS-ET and 7HO8012 O-Bee JABEZ-ET are both former Super Samplers that enter the proven lineup with at least 90% Reliability. REGIS, a Roylane Jordan-ET son, is out of a powerful Very Good (89-GMD-DOM) Pen-Col Duster-ET dam. This Superior Settler(TM) sires shapely shallow
udders with correct teat size and placement and offers positive Daughter Pregnancy Rate and Productive Life. JABEZ is a maternal brother to 7HO6417 O-Bee MANfred Justice-ET and is the final son ever produced by their dam, Meier-Meadows El Jezebel-ET (EX