Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd says it will pay farmers extra for sustainable dairy in a bid to incentivise production.

According to Reuters, Fonterra, the world’s largest dairy exporter, made the announcement on 23 June.

Sustainable dairy products have limited harmful impact on the environment and animals. Sustainable products have gained traction among consumers as people become more conscious about how food is sourced.

Fonterra said it would pay up to 10 cents per kilogram of milk solids (kgMS) from the June 2021 dairy season to farms that meet its sustainability and value targets.

“We’ve always paid our farmers based on the value that milk provides to the co-operative,” Chief Executive Miles Hurrell said in a statement.

“The reality is that the drivers of value are changing, and we need to reflect that. Our customers want to know that the products they are buying are not only safe, but also produced sustainably.”

According to the World Wildlife Fund, greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cows and their manure, water pollution and unregulated farming and feed production are some of the risks associated with unsustainable dairy farming.

Global consumer conglomerates including Nestle and Unilever already follow frameworks to source sustainably produced goods including dairy, vegetables and oils.

Fonterra said the payment would be funded from the total Farmgate Milk Price, or the price the company pays farmers for milk for the upcoming season.

The precise payment structure would be confirmed in the coming months.

Read more about this story here.

The a2 Milk Company (A2MC) has fuelled speculation that it is in the running to buy the $NZ400m (A$375m) Mataura Valley Milk company in New Zealand, with the release of a statement on Monday saying it is in “discussions with a number of parties”.

While the dairy giant said it’s policy is to not respond to media speculation, the company confirmed that “it has had, and continues to have, various discussions with a number of parties in relation to potential strategic options relating to participation in manufacturing capacity and capability.”

The Australian reported on Sunday that the dairy giant is believed to be one of a handful of parties in contention for Mataura Valley Milk, which is based on New Zealand’s South Island.

The company is majority owned by China Animal Husbandry Group and New Zealand-based Bodco Dairy.

Chief executive of a2 Milk Geoffrey Babidge had signalled at the half year results in February that the company was looking to invest in manufacturing partnerships.

The dairy giant said on Monday that it is in compliance with the Listing Rules and “will continue to keep the market informed in accordance with its disclosure obligations”, if and when discussions reach a conclusion.

Source: insidefmcg.com.au

The 2020 Pennsylvania Holstein Association Championship Show program will soon begin. There are changes to the schedule and updates concerning shows because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional Show, and how they currently meet the PA Holstein Association guidelines for the 2020 Show season are listed below. There are currently three (3) shows that meet the qualifications and are scheduled. PA Holstein can add additional shows if those show locations meet the guidelines.

Guidelines to participate in the 2020 PA Holstein Regional Championship Show program include these additional rules:

• the host location for the show is in the state color code of Green at the time of the show
• show exhibitors, participants, show string workers, spectators and guests must follow the current CDC and PA Health regulations for COVID-19 guidance.

You can find show entry information listed below. All Pennsylvania Holstein Association or Junior Holstein Association members can participate in a Regional Championship Show, fill out the entry information and return it to the appropriate show that you wish to participate.

The Western and Northeast Championship Shows also will be hosting Regional Red & White shows, check their show rules and bring your red & whites to participate as well.

Please note the entry deadline and entry fee and forward the proper information to the appropriate person for the show you wish to attend before their deadline date.

Entry forms, rules and show schedules can also be found on the website or by calling the PA Holstein office at 814-234-0364.

The Regional Show Program is an important part of the Pennsylvania Holstein Association Show Program, all members are invited to join us to show at the show of your choice.

SHOW SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AS OF JUNE 15, 2020
Western PA Championship Show (Please note the Location Change!)
Date: July 18, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM
Place: Crawford County Fairgrounds, Meadville, PA
Entry Fee: $10.00
Entry Deadline: July 1, 2020
Late Entry Fee: $20.00
Judge: Justin Burdette
Chairman: Tom Uber (814) 777-3777
Check In Deadline: July 17, 2020 3:00p.m.
Send Entries To: Tom Uber
3321 Rocky Glen Road
Adamsville PA 16110

SHOW SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AS OF JUNE 15, 2020
Northeast PA Championship Show
Date: August 4, 2020
Time: 9:00 AM
Place: Alparon Fairgrounds, Troy,PA
Entry Fee: $10.00
Late Entry Fee: $20.00
Entry Deadline: July 13, 2020
Judge: Jack Lomeo, Jr.
Chairperson: Pam Morse (570) 297-1023
Check In Deadline: August 3, 2020 4:00p.m.
Send Entries To: Elizabeth Cashell
3029 Covered Bridge Road
Towanda, PA 18848

SHOW SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AS OF JUNE 15, 2020
South-Central PA Championship Show
Date: August 6, 2020
Time: 9:30a.m
Place: South Mountain Fairgrounds, Arendtsville, PA
Entry Fee: $10.00
Entry Deadline: July 25, 2020
Late Entry Fee: $20.00
Judge: Michael Heath
Chairman: Joy Widerman 717-752-5871
Check In Deadline: August 5, 2020 4:00p.m.
Send Entries To: Lisa Cornman
828 Baltimore Pike
Gardners PA 17324

SHOW ON HOLD AS OF JUNE 15, 2020 – CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES
Northern Tier PA Championship Show
Date: July 30, 2020
Time: 9:30 AM
Place: Harford Fairgrounds, New Milford,PA
Entry Fee: $10.00
Late Entry Fee: $15.00
Entry Deadline: July 15, 2020
Judge: Jason Lloyd
Chairman: Lloyd Pease (570) 955-8170
Check In Deadline: July 29, 2020 4:00 PM
Send Entries To: Dana Empet
269 Deer Trail Road
Kingsley PA 18826

SHOW ON HOLD AS OF JUNE 15, 2020 – CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES
Central PA Championship Show
Date: August 15, 2020
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Huntingdon Fairgrounds, Huntingdon, PA
Entry Fee: $7.00
Late Entry Fee: $15.00
Entry Deadline: August 1, 2020
Judge: Michael Creek
Chairman: John Foster, Jr. (814) 667-3567
Check In Deadline: August 14, 2020 6:00 PM
Send Entries To: Kim Grove
6794 Groves Road
Petersburg, PA 16669

SHOW ON HOLD AS OF JUNE 15, 2020 – CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES
Southeast PA Championship Show
Date: August 18, 2020
Time: 9:30 AM
Place: Lebanon Fairgrounds and Expo Center, Lebanon, PA
Entry Fee: $12.00
Late Entry Fee: $20.00
Entry Deadline: August 4, 2020
Judge: Justin Kaufman
Chairman: Bradley Hoover 717-507-7976
Check In Deadline: August 17, 2020 5:00 PM
Send Entries To: Bryant Hlavaty
141 Reifsnyder Road
Lititz PA 17543

Holstein Association USA’s mission is to provide leadership, information, and services to help members and dairy producers worldwide be successful. To further that mission, Holstein Association USA invites research proposals with expected outcomes to benefit the profitability from Holstein cattle. Research may involve traditional production disciplines of genetics, nutrition, or reproduction as well as dairy foods or economics. Principal investigators at United States universities or non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for grant funds. The deadline to submit proposals is August 15, 2020.

Supporting research is a top priority for Holstein Association USA, the world’s largest dairy breed association. Dr. Roger Shanks, dairy genetics consultant, explains. “I’m excited about the research program that Holstein Association USA has ongoing,” Shanks says. “We are getting into our fourth request for proposals this year. The overall objective of the whole program is really to try to increase the amount of research that’s done on Holstein cows, so we can then help Holstein members be able to implement and take advantage of those research results as they come along.”

Holstein Association USA is particularly interested in research that advances the profitability and health of Holstein cattle through genetics, but proposals researching other areas of improvement are also invited. Research on the economic benefits of Holstein cows or their products are welcome as well.  Research funded with HAUSA grants are expected to be innovative, exploratory and based on sound science. Research proposals of all sizes will be considered, but Holstein grants are expected to be funded within the range of $10,000 to $80,000 per year. Grant durations are expected to be one to three years.

Holstein Association USA has funded three projects to date. One at North Carolina State University looking at how genomic information can be used to manage inbreeding; a second project at the University of California-Davis exploring the opportunity to breed Holstein cows for heat tolerance using the slick hair gene. The third project is being completed at University of Wisconsin-Madison, researching genetic and physiological aspects of double ovulation and twinning in Holstein lactating cows. These research projects hold great potential for future progress with U.S. Registered Holsteins.

More details about the grant guidelines and process can be found on the Holstein Association USA website, www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/research_grant.html. With questions or for more information, contact Holstein Association USA dairy genetics consultant Dr. Roger Shanks, at rshanks@holstein.com.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins^® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.

Feature Article:

• Panmure Jerseys Rebuilding After The Fire – It Will Never Be The Same

Top News Stories:

• Expo Winners Score Big at Budjon – Blexy Goes 97
• Rome Daughter Tops the Sun ‘Homestyle Edition’ Sale at $230,000
• Diamondback Senior 3-Year-Old Wins Grand at Wisconsin District 10 Show
•  Beston sells dairy farms for $40.4m
• Family farm closes dairy operation after 145 Years
• Pennsylvania dairy farmer loses over 50 cows as fire torches barn
• Dairy farmers India Dump Around 5,000 litres of Milk on Road
• Fancy Junior Two Year old Tops The Post Time at the Ratliff Sale
• Was Fonterra caught napping in Australia?
• China falls short on US dairy imports
• Wild price swings show dairy’s volatility 

Budjon Farms in Lomira, Wisconsin has a very exciting day as 2017 World Dairy Expo Champion Rosiers Blexy Goldwyn gained another point and was named the next EX-97 point cow in the Holstein breed. She is the 41st North American Female to do so and the 3rd daughter of Goldwyn. She is sired by Braedale Goldwyn and out of ROSIERS BEYONCE DUNDEE EX x ROSIERS BURKA TRIUMPHANT EX.  She is owned by Budjon, Vail, Abbott, Van Exel and Woodmansee.

And if that weren’t enough, Unique Dempsey Cheers passed the committee’s view and is now EX-95 also housed at Budjon and owned by Budjon, Abbott, Vail, Woodmansee and Ferme Blondin.

Congratulations to all of the owners!

[fbvideo link=”https://www.facebook.com/BudjonFarms/videos/290293898955557/?__xts__[0]

But these aren’t just any cows. Scientists genetically engineered the animals to give them an immune system that’s part human. That way, the animals produce disease-fighting human antibodies to Covid-19, which are then turned into a drug to attack the virus.

“These animals are producing neutralizing antibodies that kill [the novel coronavirus] in the laboratory,” Eddie Sullivan, CEO of SAB Biotherapeutics said in a statement to CNN. “We are eager to advance to the clinic as we move forward in the regulatory process with the hopes of bringing this potential COVID-19 therapeutic to patients in need of a solution.”

The company did not say how many people would be studied in the clinical trials or how long they would take.

The 2020 All-American Dairy Show has been cancelled to mitigate the risk of COVID-19. The show was originally scheduled to run September 12-16, 2020 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center.

“Agriculture and youth are the foundation of the All-American Dairy Show,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “These exhibitors are our top priority. We want to see them succeed, with good health and safety, as the future of agriculture relies on them. It’s the right thing to do for our agriculture community.”

The All-American Dairy Association Executive Board understands the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all exhibitors, spectators and volunteers, while also adhering to the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The All-American Dairy Show features nearly 2,000 of the top dairy cattle shown by over 1,000 of the best exhibitors in the U.S. and Canada. With 23 dairy shows in five days, including four days dedicated to youth shows, contests and programs, the All-American Dairy Show is the premier stop on the tanbark trail.

“We have spent months working through options that would have allowed us to host the show, but ultimately the All-American Board had to make the difficult decision to cancel,” said Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex Competitive Events Manager J. Harrison Frantz. “We look forward to being back at full strength in 2021.”

The All-American Dairy Association Executive Board is looking to the future and planning for next year’s All-American Dairy Show set to be held on September 18-22, 2021.

For questions or concerns please contact the All-American Dairy Show Office at aads@pa.gov. More information on All-American can be found at allamerican.pa.gov/.

“It’s always been talked about, but to have it become reality is phenomenal,” said Blake, owner of Blake Farm.

It’s a reality because of the Dairy Stop stand that sits on the edge of his property, which is another dream realized.

“I’ve been (working) two-and-a-half years on this project and I truly feel it’s a game-changer,” said Paul Godin, owner, operator and creator of the Dairy Stop concept.

Godin got his start in the dairy industry while working on his uncle’s farm growing up.

He then began selling Lely robotic computerized milking systems to farmers, like Blake, throughout the state of Vermont.

Now, with the Dairy Stop concept, Godin isn’t only changing the way Vermonters buy Vermont dairy.

He’s changing the status-quo by starting his own milk processing plant on his property in Enosburg, which falls under the Dairy Stop brand.

Godin has partnered with Blake to buy his milk, which he pays close to double the federal milk price for, to produce Dairy Stop milk.

He produces a cream line milk, which is whole milk pasteurized at a low temperature to kill bacteria while preserving the natural enzymes. There are two varieties of Dairy Stop milk: whole white milk and whole chocolate milk.

“(Blake is) getting paid what (he) should (for his milk product),” said Godin.

“It works for both of us. You’re cutting out the middle man and you’re keeping it small town local,” said Blake.

Milk isn’t all you can buy at the 24-7 self-service mini markets, which are monitored by surveillance cameras.

Puddings, cheese, eggs, butter, maple syrup, pancake mix and fresh cuts of beef all from local farms are also available.

“What we’re trying to do is partner with the highest quality products we can find and bring them to consumers at the best value,” said Godin.

“The chocolate milk is a huge hit,” said Cody Boissoneault, owner of Boissoneault Farms in Saint Albans.

So far, having a Dairy Stop stand at Boissoneault Farm has worked out.

The farm has its beef stocked in the Dairy Stop’s freezers.

“(For) vendors, it’s a great place for them to grow their business and then for the farms themselves, where the Dairy Stop is, they do receive a monthly commission which really helps,” said Boissoneault.

The Dairy Stops are a new concept and have only been open at the three locations for about a month. Already, Godin said they’re generating quadruple the projected monthly profit.

Customers seem to love the Dairy Stop concept.

“This was my first time. It was very easy,” said Michael Perkins, who picked up eggs, cheese and milk from the Dairy Stop stand in Fairfax.

“I think (the concept is) definitely a game-changer and it makes me real proud,” said Godin.

He said this is just the beginning.

“We are certainly looking for locations to add more Dairy Stops. Our intention is to have 40 to 50 dairy stops throughout the entire state of Vermont,” he said.

Godin is expecting to open two more Dairy Stops in Ferrisburgh and the Cambridge area in the near future.

If anyone is interested in having a Dairy Stop on their property, Godin is looking forward to hearing from them. The property owner gets a monthly commission, but has to maintain the building and help with re-stocking products.

Godin and Blake are excited knowing their dream is just getting started.

Dairy Stops are located at 10933 Route 105 in Enosburg, 218 Highbridge Road in Fairfax and 549 Lake Road in Saint Albans.

Source: mynbc5.com

US dairy processor and distributor, Borden Dairy will be bought out of bankruptcy by two investment firms, Capitol Peak Partners and KKR & Co. 

According to documents filed in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, New Dairy Opco LLC was the highest bidder during the auction. New Dairy Opco’s portfolio includes Capitol Peak Partners and KKR & Co. 

Capitol Peak Partners is led by former chairman and CEO of Dean Foods, Gregg Engles. Borden tried unsuccessfully to merge with Dean Foods – which has also declared bankruptcy – earlier this year. The majority of Dean’s assets were purchased by Dairy Farmers of America at the beginning of April 2020. 

Meanwhile, KKR & Co is a previous owner of Borden, having bought and privatised the company for $2 billion in 1995

The news comes shortly after Borden filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in January, citing market challenges facing the dairy industry and the rising cost of raw milk as contributing factors. 

Borden’s debts at the time were allegedly somewhere between $100 million to £500 million. 

While the sale of Borden seems imminent, bankruptcy court approval is still required. These details and the purchasing price will be finalised during a hearing on Thursday 18 June. 

Source: foodbev.com

In March, COVID-19’s impact on commodities was hard to ignore. Prices across the board took a hit, but some have since rebounded.

That includes milk prices where Minnesota dairy farmers are experiencing a somewhat unexpected turnaround, as demand at grocery stores has been steady.

“For it to all of the sudden come back like this is surprising,” said Andrew Patnode. “Spirits are getting a lot better for everybody I think.”

Patnode is a 6th generation dairy farmer in western Hennepin County. His family has seen a lot over the years, including watching milk prices sour in April. But two months later the market has returned and with it, cautious optimism.

“June milk is looking really good because demand is coming back right now and it’s coming back really fast,” said Patnode.

The turnaround can be attributed to a number of factors, from restaurants re-opening to school food programs.

“A few things happened, it all added together to make a perfect storm in a positive way,” said Lucas Sjostrom.

Sjostrom is the executive director of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association. He said schools typically don’t buy milk in the summer but with COVID, many districts are supplying food and milk to students all summer long. A restaurant resurgence has also helped.

“When you see restaurants re-opening, not just in Minnesota and Wisconsin but across southern states as they have been, that really does affect us here. Even if we aren’t selling directly to those restaurants in the southern part of the U.S., it’s helping our price,” said Sjostrom.

Cutting back on production when the virus first hit lessened the supply but raised prices. And Sjostrom said the USDA and others have stepped up to help with the turnaround.

“I would say, on average, June was a great month and the rest of the year looks like something where farmers can break even or something a little better,” said Sjostrom.

Source: minnesota.cbslocal.com

Dairy Cares of Wisconsin is going virtual for its 10th anniversary campaign.

For nine years, the non-profit organization’s signature event was a summer Garden Party that raised funds on behalf of Children’s Wisconsin (formerly Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin). However, in 2020, during a period of appropriate social distancing, the campaign is shifting to multi-media platforms.

Simulation lab at Children’s Wisconsin

Last year, Dairy Cares brought its lifetime fundraising to $1.3 million, all of which directly benefits children and families facing medical or extraordinary crises. In 2018, Children’s Wisconsin christened the new, state-of-the art “Dairy Cares of Wisconsin Simulation Lab,” which gives medical professionals a safe venue to learn and sharpen their skills.

“We appreciate that these are extraordinary times. The demands on all medical and health care providers are unprecedented,” said Jim Ostrom, Dairy Cares co-founder and a member of the Children’s Wisconsin Foundation Board. “We are asking donors to help in any way they can. Considering our country’s economic turbulence, we are particularly respectful of any decision they make in determining the amount of their donation. Every gift matters.”

Two ways to participate in 2020:

1. Donate directly. Between now and July 25, make online donations at www.dairycaresofwisconsin.org, or send sponsorships and gifts to Dairy Cares of Wisconsin, Inc., N3569 Vanden Bosch Road, Kaukauna, WI, 54130
2. Auction by text. Simply text the word “DAIRY” to 71760, to receive “live” updates as new experiences and gift packages are put on a virtual auction block.

All proceeds will directly benefit the health system, which is headquartered in Milwaukee and offers 40 different care locations through the state.

The “auction by text” technology will allow donors to see specific ways their financial gifts can be put to use during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the acquisition of cloth masks, hand sewn gowns, sanitizer and face shields.

Other Ways to Support Dairy Cares

As in the past, Dairy Cares welcomes new sponsors to contribute to the cause. Contact Laurie Fischer (laurie@lauriefischergroup.com; 920-366-1880) or Jim Ostrom (jostrom@milksource.net; 920-759-4674) for more information.

About Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

Headquartered in Milwaukee, the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin provides statewide care through 40 different locations. These various sites provide a range of specialized services, from dealing with childhood terminal illness and cancer to psychological disorders. Experts in premature birth, the neonatal intensive care unit is ranked top in the nation. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

Whanganui dairy farmer Chris Davison has more of a sparkle in his step, after being awarded a rare green diamond ring from DairyNZ.

And Davison knew exactly what to do with his prize once he received it. He placed the ring on wife Rachel’s finger to thank her for all her love and support.

“It’s right at home on Rachel’s finger, a nice reward for the demanding role of being a mother and a farmer’s wife. She’s the true gem of this outfit”.

Davison, who sharemilks 1,000 cows on the family dairy farm near Kai Iwi Beach, won the prize after being nominated by his mother Jeanette and twin brother Blake for being a “hidden gem” in a competition run by DairyNZ.

Competition for the prized diamond was hot, with more than 400 nominations received in the promotion, DairyNZ Acting GM Farm Performance Sharon Morrell said.

In his nomination, Blake, a milk tanker driver, said his brother was an all-round good guy.

“He’s an outstanding dairy farmer, employer, husband and father. I love him and nominating him to win this diamond is my ‘bro-mantic’ way of showing it.”

Meanwhile, in her nomination, Davison’s mother Jeanette said:

“Christopher is an absolute gem. He’s made a fantastic job of sharemilking on our family partnership farm … including the health, care and reproduction of the animals, managing the feed requirements, managing staff and all of the other aspects of running his own business”.

It was a nice surprise to hear he had won the diamond for being a great farmer, Davison said.

The diamond – a rare green one which may be the only one in New Zealand – was gifted by Auckland jeweller Mark Beckett and his wife Pamela to show their admiration and appreciation for New Zealand dairy farmers.

Davison said he was extremely encouraged to see such a kind gesture extended to dairy farmers from the heart of Auckland.

“This act of generosity is a good reminder that, by and large, most Kiwis appreciate and value what we farmers do. I’m sure many other farmers would feel the same way.”

Although the past 40-plus years of their lives had revolved around precious gems, both Mark and Pamela Beckett hail from dairy farming families.

“Even back then, our farming families had a long-term view of environmental stewardship – everything my father did on the farm was to care for the land and his animals,” Mark said.

“We saw the opportunity to give away this appropriately green coloured diamond to thank the good farmers for their hard work, both as stewards of the land and for bringing us milk.”

Source: nzherald.co.nz

A delivery service that harkens back to the good ol’ days — fresh, cold milk brought right to your door. The milkman is making a comeback because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Getting things you need delivered right to your door feels like the new thing to do, but what’s interesting is recently the pandemic has made something old, something new again — getting your dairy delivered.

And that is giving the milkman a major comeback.

Daryl Mast is the owner of Doorstep Dairy, a company that brings fresh and local dairy, produce, and baked goods from Lancaster, Chester, and Berks Counties to your doorstep every week.

During the pandemic, Mast says while subscription boxes and produce boxes became even more popular, so did their dairy deliveries.

“For years, we spent money on marketing,” Mast said. “Some things work, some things don’t. You try new things. The last three months, we spent zero dollars on marketing and we were overwhelmed with work. It’s been a blessing in that sense, and sometimes if I sit down and think about it, I’ll cry about it.

Mast believes a lot of people are surprised dairy delivery is still around. He says for home delivery customers, 2% and whole milk are their best sellers. Butter has also been a top seller.

“Butter was ridiculous. That was one of those things right up there with toilet paper,” Mast said.

While many were happy to see the dairy on their doorstep, many times they were even happier to see that familiar face once again.

“Back in the ’50s and ’60s it was typical for people to get milk delivered, maybe every other day,” Mast said. “I think it goes back to that nostalgia, some people remember their milkman as a kid. I think some people, they don’t have contact with people, we’re that person who’s there every week, so drink your whole milk.”

Source: philadelphia.cbslocal.com

This was the scene on Porter Road in Troy on Thursday night of last week. Fire crews responded to a large barn fire in Bradford County. It took crews around two hours to put out the flames.

“The trouble with barns is they are so open and most of them are old and there is hay and everything else,” said Troy Fire Chief Roy Vargson. “Once they go it doesn’t take long before its gone.”

“I was hoping I could push it out the door, but it was clear in the back so I went down and around, the call to the fire department had already been made and I was just hoping it would stay upstairs,” said Kris Wright.

The barn belonged to dairy farmer Kris Wright. He says its been a rough few days for his family.

The large fire killed 48 mature cows and 11 young stock and according to Kris Wright, losing those cows was like losing family.

“I lost, to me, the connection to my cows, the barn can be replaced and everything, but those cows had sentimental value,” said Wright.

Wright says he may give up dairy farming because of the damage done to his barn and livestock.

“We’ve been focusing on the cleanup, trying to take a minute and not make any quick decisions and think things through and what happens next is going to depend on a lot of things,” said Wright.

Wright has been farming since high school and this is one of the toughest challenges he has faced yet as a farmer. However, he says the support from his local community has been overwhelming.

“I was on that end of the barn most of the time and I heard that my neighbors loading heifers on the other end and I knew nothing about it and even our local feed company had gates here to help load,” said Wright.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Source: WJAC

A Wisconsin family that’s run a farm for generations is having to make sacrifices in wake of a struggling agriculture industry.

[fbvideo link=”https://www.facebook.com/wqownews18/videos/254880065604370/” width=”900″ height=”600″ onlyvideo=”1″]

On The Sweet Pine Farm in Fall Creek, there are a lot of memories.

A story that, in the Badger State, has become far too common.

“There’s no way to really do it without being bankrupt,” Wade said. “We’re rich in our different ways, you know. We don’t have a lot of money, but the connections and the hard work that went into this farm is something that can’t be explained.”

As for Norman, he’s looking forward to some more free time.

Mexico will stop sending temporary workers to Canadian farms that have registered coronavirus cases and that do not have appropriate worker protections.

According to Reuters, Mexico’s labour ministry made the announcement on Tuesday 16 June, however, it did not completely suspend the temporary work programme.

The decision came after a coronavirus outbreak in Ontario hit at least 17 farms, killing two Mexican workers aged 24 and 31, and prompting the testing of about 8,000 migrant farm workers.

Canadian farmers rely on 60,000 short-term foreign workers, predominantly from Latin America and the Caribbean, to plant and harvest crops.

This year, Mexico’s Temporary Agricultural Workers Programme (PTAT) has sent more than 16,000 people on short-term contracts to Canada, including 10,600 people since the pandemic began, the labour ministry said.

The programme was halted only from 19 March to 9 April, restarting after Canadian authorities said there were proper health conditions.

Workers planning to travel to farms that have had coronavirus outbreaks or do “not have a strategy of prevention and care for workers” will be reassigned, the labour ministry said in a statement.

Ken Forth, president of Canada’s Foreign Agricultural Resource Management Services (FARMS), said Mexico is looking for assurances that workers will be safe.

“No additional workers will go to the farms where there’s an outbreak until they can demonstrate to the Mexican government that they’ve done all the protocol for the new workers to come,” Forth said.

CNN and Canadian media earlier reported that Mexico had put the programme on hold while it reviewed Canadian health policies and procedures, citing Mexican embassy officials in Ottawa.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he expressed condolences to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in a recent call.

“We are going to make sure that we’re following up,” Trudeau said, citing living conditions and labour standards as areas that must be considered.

Read more about this story here.

STgenetics® has always been proud to support our dairy youth and this year is no different. In the month of June, STgenetics® has donated $1 for every unit of semen sold to each dairy breed’s junior associations.

To continue this celebration of our dairy industry and our dairy youth we have also spotlighted 7 youth members from each breed. These juniors are what STgenetics® believes embodies the spirit of the dairy industry, many of these youth members are involved in their communities, other agricultural organizations and all have a deep passion for the dairy industry.

These youth members may be from different breed associations and states, however the one thing they all have in common is their dedication to the dairy industry. To learn more about these outstanding dairy youth, visit the link below.

Click here.

Select Sires and the J. R. Simplot Company’s Animal Sciences division have teamed up to bring a new strategic breeding concept to commercial dairy farms. Select Sires is the first and only provider of Simplot’s SimVitro® HerdFlex™-branded beef embryos. Dairy farmers now have the opportunity to sell 100% beef calves born from pregnancies not needed for replacements while advancing elite genetics within their dairy herd and appropriately managing heifer inventories.

“Beef genetics in the dairy industry have been widely adopted, and the supply of dairy-beef crossbred calves has greatly increased,” says Chris Sigurdson, general manager of Minnesota/Select Sires. “By offering Simplot’s HerdFlex™ beef embryos, a new market opportunity opens for dairy farmers.”

Beef calves with superior genetics have the potential to earn a more desirable return on investment compared to dairy-beef crossbred calves or straight dairy calves. Resulting calves from HerdFlex™ beef embryos offer additional benefits related to feeding and finishing, including:

• A consistent, superior genetic package
• Cost per gain advantage
• High carcass merit and marbling
• Availability year-round, delivering a consistent supply to the beef cattle market

HerdFlex™ beef embryos are grade 1, high-quality and commercially produced specifically for placement in dairy cows. Each mating is to a proven Select Sires beef sire to maximize the resulting embryo’s genetic potential and value for key traits such as calving ease, $Beef and ribeye area. The $Beef value index includes weaning and yearling weight, dry matter intake, as well as carcass weight, marbling, ribeye area and fat.

HerdFlex™ beef embryos are produced by Simplot, the largest beef cattle producer in the western U.S. with extensive farm and ranch holdings, including feedlots. Simplot has invested decades of research and improvement to make commercial application of IVF embryos feasible for customers.

“Our team’s deep knowledge of IVF technology paired with a history of innovation in commercial agriculture is a great fit for this partnership,” said Brady Hicks, manager of Simplot Animal Sciences. “Together with the local Select Sires team, we’ll help dairy farms expand opportunities for their businesses and livelihoods.”

Select Sires cooperatives offering HerdFlex™ beef embryos include CentralStar, COBA/Select Sires, Minnesota/Select Sires, Premier Select Sires and Select Sires MidAmerica. Talk with your local Select Sires team member about how HerdFlex™ beef embryos fit into your breeding program.

Select Sires Inc. (www.selectsires.com) is the largest global A.I. cooperative and is comprised of six farmer-owned and -controlled local organizations in the United States. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen, as well as excellence in service and programs to supply dairy and beef producers with the world’s best genetics.

SimVitro® HerdFlex™ embryos are backed by the trusted Simplot brand. The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately held agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, has an integrated portfolio that includes phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, food processing, food brands, and other enterprises related to agriculture. Simplot’s major operations are located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America and China, with products marketed in more than 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit simplot.com.

The Board of Directors of the National Dairy Shrine announced the cancellation of the 2020 National Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet. The awards program has been held annually in conjunction with World Dairy Expo, and the cancelation of the 2020 World Dairy Expo facilitated the decision.

“Our board reviewed several different options and came to the decision that, with regard to the COVID-19 situation and the health and safety of everyone who may gather for the event, to cancel this year’s awards banquet,” says Nate Janssen, president of National Dairy Shrine. “We look forward to hosting the event again in 2021.”

The honorees who would have been recognized at the 2020 banquet will be honored in 2021. That includes the Guest of Honor, Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder and Pioneer award winners. Students who received scholarships in 2020 will also be formally recognized next year, however the monetary value of the scholarships will be provided this year. National Dairy Shrine will select award and student scholarship winners again in 2021, and those recipients will be recognized at the 2021 banquet as well.

“With this format, the adult award winners as well as the student scholarship winners will receive the accolades due to them,” says Janssen. “The National Dairy Shrine is centered on recognizing dignitaries who have made significant contributions to the dairy industry and the youth who are the industry’s future. Recognizing this year’s winners in a formal fashion fits that mission.”

The annual meeting of the National Dairy Shrine, normally held just prior to the awards banquet, has been moved to a virtual format. The 2020 meeting will be held at noon CDT on October 1, 2020.  Additional meeting details will be provided at a later date.

The 2021 National Dairy Shrine awards banquet will be held Thursday, September 30, 2021.

For more information about National Dairy Shrine, the banquet, or the students and dairy industry leaders being recognized this year, contact National Dairy Shrine’s office at info@dairyshrine.org or visit www.dairyshrine.org.

In a news release Friday, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew said, “The killing of George Floyd was an abuse of power and a horrifying act of violence — but what is even more horrifying is that this is not a rare or isolated incident.”

“People of color are far more likely to be killed by police than their white counterparts; black Americans account for just 13% of the overall population, but 26% of fatal police shootings. But police brutality doesn’t occur in a vacuum. It’s just one of many examples of racism in our country — in criminal justice, financial services, health care, voting, education, and elsewhere.

“If we stand idly by while our friends and neighbors suffer — as too many of us have done for too long — we are complicit in their suffering. Now is the time to step up, to heal these wounds, to build a just and equal society.

“This will not be a quick or easy task – to overcome the terrible legacy of racism in this country, we all must reflect on our own privileges and prejudices, rethink our institutions, and demand structural change. The road ahead of us may be long and uncomfortable, but it is our moral obligation to traverse it.”

NFU also noted that the organization has been “an early supporter of the women’s suffrage and civil rights movements” and fought for freedom and equal opportunity for people of all races, genders, ethnicities, ages, and sexual orientations since its establishment in 1902. Though significant progress has been made in the last 118 years, it is clear that racism is still a pervasive a force in American society.”

Source: The Fence Post

Michigan’s dairy farmers again stepped up to the plate to help neighbors in need. After devastating floods destroyed homes and businesses in mid-Michigan last month, the United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), United Way and checkoff partner Domino’s Pizza distributed pizza to shelters serving Midland, Gladwin and Saginaw counties. Pizza was also delivered to frontline construction and flood protection workers in the tri-county area.

“Michigan dairy farmers understand the importance of community and a good meal that includes nutritious dairy foods,” says Sharon Toth, UDIM CEO. “We were honored to be a part of this donation, providing a hot meal to those affected by the floods and the neighborhood organizations that protect our local infrastructure.”

In May, days of heavy rain and failures of the Edenville and Sanford dams sent more water rushing down the Tittabawassee and Saginaw rivers than their banks could handle. The floodwaters destroyed homes and businesses in mid-Michigan, displacing at least 10,000 people. Families have been displaced for weeks, and it will still be some time before those affected by the floodwaters will be able to return home.

“We are proud to partner with Michigan dairy farmers to provide nutritious food for people affected by the floods. Nothing like a hot cheesy pizza to make people feel just a little happiness when they have lost their home and are still trying to social distance,” says Chris Scholemann, Domino’s Pizza franchisee in Midland, Michigan. “Together with United Way, helped by a grant from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, we provided food when the need was the greatest.”

To learn more about the dairy checkoff, visitmilkmeansmore.org.

About the United Dairy Industry of Michigan

The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) is dedicated to serving Michigan
‘s hard-working dairy farm families and promoting Michigan’s locally produced dairy products. UDIM is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan. These non-profit organizations provide dairy product promotion and nutrition education services on behalf of their funding members.

Welcome New Board Members.

Leading academics across four continents have joined U.S., Canadian, and international organizations representing millions of farmers, producers, and veterinarians to sign an open letter pushing back against misinformation around animal agriculture during the pandemic.

Signatories — including the Animal Agriculture Alliance, World Veterinary Association, and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) — clarified that domestic livestock production is safe and has not played a role in the spread of COVID-19, despite recent (and entirely unfounded) claims.

The letter calls for governments and authorities to reassure consumers around the safety of meat, milk, eggs, and fish while also working with farmers and veterinarians to share lessons and expertise around animal health.

This has been signed by more than 65 farmer groups, producer associations, veterinarians and researchers, including Animal Agriculture Alliance, North American Meat Institute, and American Feed Industry Association. Multiple academics from UC Davis, Iowa State, and University of Arkansas, and former USDA Undersecretary for Food Safety, Richard Raymond. This is alongside similar global, European and Canadian groups.

“Our world needs the contributions of livestock. Globally, 1.3 billion people depend on livestock for their employment, while billions more rely on livestock to provide food for their families. Animal agriculture provides milk, meat, fish, and eggs at a time when access to safe, nutritious and affordable food is necessary to fend off a potential global hunger crisis, and offers invaluable support for farmers facing severe, often existential, economic hardships.”

The letter continued: “We urge authorities, intergovernmental groups, and NGOs to support these efforts by:

• Reaffirming the safety of livestock production and reminding consumers of our robust food safety system, including the important role of veterinarians and animal nutrition.
• Refuting misinformation that tries to manufacture a link between livestock and the spread of Covid-19.
• Consulting with livestock experts, including farmers and other stakeholders in the feed and food chain to understand how to aid their efforts to feed communities.

“During this pandemic, livestock farms and the value chain are working tirelessly to ensure we have safe and affordable food to eat and drink. It’s vital that society supports these efforts and tap into their knowledge to build a more resilient world in the future.”

The Open Letter is available to read here. 

Holstein Association USA’s Elite Performer™ recognition is given to cows that any dairyman would love to milk – cows with desirable conformation, who calve in consistently and produce high volumes of milk components. In the award’s seventh year, 330 cows have earned National Elite Performer honors, and 324 cows have been designated as Regional Elite Performers.

For a cow to qualify for the Elite Performer recognition, cows must meet the following criteria to be considered: complete at least three lactations in a herd participating in Holstein Association USA’s TriStar^SM program, completing the most recent lactation in the previous calendar year; be classified Very Good-85 or higher; and be at least 87% Registered Holstein Ancestry.

Eligible cows across the country are then ranked based on pounds of combined fat and protein per day in milk. The top one percent receive the National Elite Performer award. Those National Elite Performers are then removed from consideration and the top one percent of eligible cows from each of the nine regions are honored as Regional Elite Performers. Elite Performer recognition is a lifetime award. The cut-off for combined pounds of fat and protein produced per day in milk for the National Elite Performer list was 8.23. The highest ranking 2020 National Elite Performer cow produced an incredible 11.84 pounds of fat and protein per day in milk.

The 330 National Elite Performers are owned by 78 different breeders from 14 different states. The 324 Regional Elite Performers are owned by 162 different breeders from 23 different states, and the regional counts break down as follows: Region 1 (NY & the New England states) – 47 cows; Region 2 (DE, MD, NJ, PA, & WV) – 54 cows; Region 3 (MI, OH, IL, & IN) – 37 cows); Region 4 (Southeastern states) – 10 cows; Region 5 (WI) – 90 cows; Region 6 (IA, MN, ND, NE, & SD) – 32 cows; Region 7 (AR, KS, MO, NM, OK, & TX) – 12 cows; Region 8 (CO, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, & WY) – 13 cows; and Region 9 (AZ, CA, & NV) – 29 cows.

You can view a complete list of both National and Regional Elite Performer honorees at www.holsteinusa.com, then click on Awards in the main menu, and select the Elite Performer tab.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins^® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.

On a warm summers day in Garnett, Kansas, a large crowd gathered for the Post Time at the Ratliff’s III Sale held on June 13th. As usual, this sale series drew a sizable crowd and offered bidders in the crowd and online with JerseyBid an opportunity to buy into some of the breeds best cow families. 110 lots sold for an unofficial average of $2,206 on 111 full lots.

Topping the sale at $13,600 was Lot 68 – Ratliff Astro Prize, a junior 2-year-old fresh and ready to show! Sired by an Applejack son of Ratliff Price Alicia EX-95%, Prize is out of Ratliff Minister Porscha EX-95%, thus combining two of the best cow families in the herd.

Second high seller at $7400 was lot 112 RJF Gentry Shot, fresh Feb. 19th and milked over 80 lbs. on April test. Shot sold to Rocha, Oregon.

Rounding out the top sellers at $7000 was lot 110 Ratliff Colton Avalon-ET VG-87@2-04, a daughter of Ratliff Price Alicia EX-95. Avalon was purchased by Bill Diley, Ohio.

Holstein Association USA is proud to recognize 11 herds as 2019 Herds of Excellence. This coveted honor has been presented since 2008, and honors Registered Holstein^® breeders who have developed herds excelling in both milk production and conformation at the most elite levels.

The award is divided into three herd size divisions, based on the number of cows included in the herds’ milk production averages. The divisions are: 10 to 99 cows; 100 to 499 cows; and 500+ cows. To be recognized as a Herd of Excellence, a herd must have classified within the last year, and have an age-adjusted average classification score (AACS) of 83 points or higher; have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and be enrolled in the Association’s TriStar^SM production records program. Additionally, qualifying herds must meet the following production criteria:
·        10 to 99 cows – 25 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
·        100 to 499 cows – 20 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
·        500+ cows – 15 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein

This year’s honorees are:

Small Herd Size Division (10-99 Cows)

B-Long Holsteins – Bruce, Brenda & Bret Long, New London, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS – 87.7 points
ME Production Averages – 36,330M 1,407F 1,136P

Doorco Holsteins – Dan & Julie Vandertie, Brussels, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS – 88.8 points
ME Production Averages – 34,525M 1,377F 1,055P

Ever-Green-View Holsteins, LLC – The Kestell Family, Waldo, Wis.
96.8% homebred; AACS – 88.2 points
ME Production Averages – 38,924M 1,516F 1,175P

Hill-Ton Holsteins – The Hamilton Family, Cuba City, Wis.
95.8% homebred; AACS – 87.0 points
ME Production Averages – 36,229M 1,361F 1,101P

Hilrose Holsteins – Joseph A. Brantmeier, Sherwood, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS – 89.3 points
ME Production Averages – 35,186M 1,349F 1,062P

Spruce-Hill Holsteins – Mike & Margaret Raleigh, Elmwood, Wis.
75% homebred; AACS – 84.5 points
ME Production Averages – 34,544M 1,379F 1,092P

Medium Herd Size Division (100-499 Cows)

Koepke Farms Inc. – The Koepke Family, Oconomowoc, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS – 84.4 points
ME Production Averages – 34,021M 1,391F 1,012P

Koester Dairy Inc. – The Koester Family, Dakota, Ill.
97.2% homebred; AACS – 85.1 points
ME Production Averages – 33,634M 1,358F 1,056P

Large Herd Size Division (500+ Cows)

Bomaz Inc. – The Zwald Family, Hammond, Wis.
98.7% homebred; AACS – 85.1 points
ME Production Averages – 31,870M 1,310F 1,026P

Dinomi Holsteins – The Migliazzo Family, Atwater, Calif.
97.8% homebred; AACS – 83.2 points
ME Production Averages – 32,194M 1,221F 1,031P

Siemers Holstein Farms Inc. – The Siemers Family, Newton, Wis.
98.3% homebred; AACS – 85.1 points
ME Production Averages – 36,888M 1,508F 1,098P

Profiles of these impressive herds can be found in the Spring 2020 issue of The Pulse, available at www.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins^® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.

Ocean-View Sterling Silver, bred and owned by Ocean View Genetics, Daryl and Pam Nunes in Deerfield, Wis., has earned the honor of being named Holstein Association USA’s 2019 Star of the Breed.

The Star of the Breed recognition is given annually to one Registered Holstein^® cow that exemplifies outstanding milk production combined with exceptional conformation. To be eligible for the Star of the Breed award, a cow must place in the top five in her class at a National Show, be in a herd enrolled in the TriStar^SM program and have an official classification score. Once eligible cows are determined, a calculation is done using the cows’ combined mature equivalent fat and protein and age adjusted classification score to determine the top cow.

[fbvideo link=”https://www.facebook.com/oceanviewgenetics/videos/919744964847909/” width=”900″ height=”600″ onlyvideo=”1″]

Silver is classified Excellent-94 2E, and completed her most recent 365-day lactation, calving in at five years and seven months of age with 58,330 pounds of milk, 2,419 pounds of fat and 1,640 pounds of protein. She was the fourth place 150,000 Pound Lifetime Production Cow at the 2019 Midwest Spring National Holstein Show.

Sired by Regancrest S Braxton-ET, Silver traces back to one of the foundation cows of Ocean View, Ideograph Burkgov Steps. She completes 13 generations of Excellent and Very Good dams, with her nearest three dams being Ocean-View Zenith Sassy EX-90, Ocean-View Starlet Sassy EX-93 3E and Ocean-View Benefit Sassy EX-91 2E.

According to Daryl and Pam Nunes, Silver represents and pays tribute to the breeding philosophy that Daryl’s father, Marvin, started at Ocean View. Namely, silky, dairy cows that work hard and possess outstanding individuality with depth of pedigree. “We feel that today the art of breeding is getting lost in our industry and it’s easy to forget about the balanced cow,” they said. “We don’t look at proof numbers, we look at what a bull is making for daughters, what his cow family did and what a cow is doing in our herd. When you have worked with cow families over the generations, this one for over 50 years, you gain an insight as to how they breed. Balanced cows are our goal- cows that milk, last and look great doing it!”

An in-depth profile of this impressive cow can be found in the Spring 2020 issue of The Pulse, available atwww.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, and consulting services.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins^® and represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States.

Nominations are being sought for women in the dairy industry who connect people, inspire others, and share their knowledge as the Dairy Industry Women of the Year Award is launched.

The award, sponsored by HSBC, celebrates the achievements of women in the British dairy industry and is run by Women in Dairy an RABDF initiative. The group is designed to bring women working in the dairy industry together through regional discussion group meetings.

This is the fourth year the award has been running, with previous winners including Mary Quicke of Quicke Cheeses; dairy farmer and AHDB and NFU board representative Janette Prince and livestock consultant Dr Jude Capper.

The values of Women in Dairy must be highlighted in each nomination. This means candidates must be shown to connect with the dairy industry and the public, inspire people and share their experience and knowledge.

The winner will be announced at the annual Women in Dairy conference which this year is being held virtually on 30 September due to Coronavirus restrictions.

Women in Dairy patron Di Wastenage said: “There are lots of inspiring women involved in our industry and they are fundamental to driving our sector forward. So, it is important to recognise and reward their success!

“Nominees do not need to work on a dairy farm, but they must be involved in the industry. This means as well as farmers we can receive nominations for vets, consultants, technicians and people working right across the dairy supply chain,” added Mrs Wastenage.

Last year’s winner Mary Quicke said it was an honour to win the award.

She said: “It was such an achievement for myself and the whole team and means a great deal to everyone involved.”

Nominations are open until 31 July. From all nominations, the judging panel will select finalists who will be contacted for a short interview with judges and a member of the steering committee.

The winner will be announced live online during the evening of the virtual Women in Dairy Conference on 30th September 2020. All finalists will be invited to attend the virtual conference.
To nominate someone or find out more go to the Women in Dairy website. 

Loyalyn Goldwyn June (Ex-97-5E 1*) has just been named Holstein Canada’s Cow of the year.

Loyalyn Goldwyn June (Ex-97-5E 1*) has just been named Holstein Canada’s Cow of the year. Congratulations to Ferme Pierre Boulet inc. as well her breeders Rob and Alice Bumstead.

June was named Grand Champion at the Quebec Spring Show 2019 as well winning her class at the 2018 Royal Winter Fair.  At over 14 year old June has already produced 108.950kg of milk.

[fbvideo link=”https://www.facebook.com/HolsteinCanada/videos/279449903172216/” width=”900″ height=”600″ onlyvideo=”1″]

Since 1995, Holstein Canada’s annual Cow of the Year competition aims to recognize elite Canadian cows that have had an impact both domestically and internationally and have been enjoyed by Canadian producers. These animals could be a bull dam; a brood cow; a high or consistent milk producer; a show winner; a high-index animal; or a top cow in another country.

Holstein Canada members are welcomed to submit nominations in the fall for animals they feel deserving to be nominated for the Cow of the Year title. From submitted, eligible nominations, the Holstein Canada Cow of the Year selection committee names four Canadian-bred finalists. Nominees are narrowed to four based on animals that showcase longevity, production, genetic merit, strength of pedigree; and are a great Ambassador of Canadian genetics. And of course, nominees must be Canadian bred!

The Japanese subsidiary behind major beer brands in Australia, such as XXXX, James Squire, Hahn and Little Creatures, has been hit by a cyberattack that has left its IT system and manufacturing temporarily disrupted, according to an exclusive report by Ben Grubb from the Sydney Morning Herald.

It’s reported that workers lost remote access to the company’s internal IT system on Tuesday morning due to the cyberattack and closed it down as a precaution. It is currently unclear the party or parties responsible for the breach.

“Lion has experienced a cyber incident and has taken the precaution of shutting down our IT systems, causing some disruption to our suppliers and customers,” the company said to Sydney Morning Herald.

“We are working with expert advisors to address the issue. We have alerted the authorities and are working hard to minimise disruption to customers and suppliers. We will provide further updates when we can, and we thank our customers and suppliers for their patience.”

Despite some deliveries still being made as the attack happened, it’s been forced to cease manufacturing its beer products for the time being. It will instead rely on existing stocks it had accrued due to a drop in demand with coronavirus restrictions on pubs in place.

Production of its juice and dairy brands is also being impacted with Lion confirming with the Sydney Morning Herald it would reduce it to a limited capacity. In addition to the popular beers Lion produces, it’s also responsible for juice brands such as Berri and Just Juice as well as milk products like Pura, Dairy Farmers, Big M and Dare Iced Coffee.

It’s unknown when Lion expects its manufacturing process to restart in full but Gizmodo Australia has contacted Lion to understand when that might be and whether stocks are expected to be limited in the coming weeks.

Source: gizmodo.com.au

Science’s COVID-19 reporting is supported by the Pulitzer Center.

The latest recruits in the fight against COVID-19 are munching hay in a South Dakota barn. A biotech company has coaxed genetically modified cows to pump out human antibodies that subdue SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing the deadly disease, and it plans to start clinical trials of them this summer.

“This is promising,” says Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security. “We want to have as many countermeasures as we can.”

To manufacture antibodies for treating or preventing diseases, companies typically turn to sources such as cultured cells or tobacco plants. But almost 20 years ago, researchers began to develop the approach now pursued by SAb Biotherapeutics of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to produce antibodies on the hoof. The company genetically alters dairy cows so that certain immune cells carry the DNA that allows people to make antibodies. That upgrade enables the animals to manufacture large quantities of human antibodies against a pathogen protein injected into them, such as the “spike” surface protein of the new coronavirus. “Essentially, the cows are used as a giant bioreactor,” says viral immunologist William Klimstra of the University of Pittsburgh, who has been analyzing the bovinemade antibodies’ potency against SARS-CoV-2.

Cows make good antibody factories, and not just because they have more blood than smaller animals engineered to synthesize human versions of the proteins. Their blood can also contain twice as many antibodies per milliliter as human blood, says Eddie Sullivan, SAb Biotherapeutics’s president and CEO.

The animals may provide another advantage. Most companies trying to produce antibodies to combat COVID-19 have pinned their hopes on mass-producing identical copies of a single version, a so-called monoclonal antibody that homes in on and attaches tightly to a particular section of a virus. Instead of making just one antibody variety, the cows fashion polyclonal antibodies, a range of the molecules that recognize several parts of the virus. “That’s the natural way that our bodies fight disease,” Sullivan says. This diversity may make the cow’s proteins more powerful than monoclonal antibodies, he says, and they may remain effective even if a virus mutates.

When the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, SAb Biotherapeutics had already completed a clinical trial with cow-generated antibodies against Middle East respiratory syndrome, which is caused by a coronavirus related to SARS-CoV-2. Developing that treatment “gave us the initial knowledge to focus on the right target,” Sullivan says. Within 7 weeks the cows were generating antibodies against SARS-CoV-2’s spike.

the animals start to release these antibodies into their blood, the cows need a starter immunization—a DNA vaccine based on a portion of the virus’ genome that preps their immune system. Then comes the injection that contains a piece of SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein, which serves as the virus’ passkey to cells. Each month, one cow can yield enough antibodies to treat several hundred patients, Sullivan says.

In test tube studies, Klimstra and colleagues recently pitted the antibodies against so-called convalescent plasma from the blood of COVID-19 survivors. Rich in polyclonal antibodies, the plasma is being tested in clinical trials as a treatment for the virus. The cow antibodies were four times better than convalescent plasma at preventing the virus from entering cells, the company announced last week.

The biotech hopes to begin a clinical trial within the next couple of months, Sullivan says, and wants to test whether infusions of antibodies sifted from the cows’ blood prevent healthy people from getting infected by SARS-CoV-2 and prove beneficial for patients who are already sick.

Not everyone thinks the cows are the best choice for making antibodies, however. Infectious disease physician Manish Sagar of Boston University Medical Center says he will remain skeptical “until I see further proof that production of antibodies in cows is a lot more feasible and economically viable” than other methods. So far, no antibodies generated by the animals have been approved for treating any disease.

But infectious disease specialist Jeffrey Henderson of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis describes the cow-produced antibodies as “the logical next step” to the convalescent plasma he has been studying. “The whole approach,” he says, “is based on sound science and on past experience going back more than a century.”

Source: ScienceMag