Latest News From MILK Editors

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Dollars and Sense: Environment

Dairy Today's Dollars and Sense contributors discuss the importance, and advantage, of being environmentally conscientious .

Methane Digesters Still Struggle to Be Profitable
Methane Digesters Still Struggle to Be Profitable

Without subsidies, methane digesters utilizing dairy manure might not be viable.

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Application Deadline Nears for California Leopold Conservation Award

Applications for the $10,000 award must be postmarked by July 10, 2015.

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2015 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards Announced

Dairy farms and businesses are changing the equation for sustainable business practices.

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California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Deadline for the $10,000 land stewardship award is July 10.

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Conservation Tillage Aids California Dairy Farmer during Drought

Mike McRee found benefits he never expected when he adopted the soil cultivation method for his forage crops.

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California Conservation Investment by NRCS, Farmers and Ranchers Reaches $200 Million in Federal Fiscal Year 2014

NRCS invested over $8 million in manure management plans and structural practices to help dairymen comply with increasingly stringent federal and state water quality regulations.

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Increased Supplies Put New-Crop Cottonseed 'On Sale'

Experts encourage dairy producers to lock in cottonseed needs for high-group rations.

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Lely Has Sold 1,000 Robots in Canada

To celebrate, the first 50 Lely Astronaut A4 robotic milking systems ordered in Canada for 2015 delivery will include a free MQC-C2 installed for accurate milk-quality monitoring.

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California Energy Conference Promotes Renewable Energy for Farmers and Ag Processors

Free registration is available for the Nov. 12 conference in Fresno.

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Agriculture Energy Conference Set for Nov. 12 in Fresno, Calif.

The day-long event, which includes a dairy panel, will explore trends in energy rates, renewable energy and energy efficiency opportunities.

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New Roadmap Will Help Stimulate the Emerging Biogas Market

White House plan highlights opportunities expected to foster innovation, revenue for dairy farms.

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4 Considerations for Choosing the Best Electrolyte for Your Calves

Scours results in more than 56% of all calf deaths prior to weaning. An effective electrolyte system is one of the best ways to prevent that.

Dairy Industry Releases 2013 Sustainability Report

The dairy industry has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2020.

Selecting the Right Silage Inoculant

Choose an inoculant that will get the job done.

2014 Dairy Sustainability Awards
U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards Presented to Six U.S. Dairy Operations

Winners embody the dairy industry’s pledge to provide a healthy future for the next generation.

USDA Announces Funding Opportunities to Cut Energy Costs for Farmers, Ranchers, Rural Small Businesses

REAP loans and grants can help with renewable energy projects such as solar panels.

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Dean Foods Recognized by McDonald’s as Sustainable Supply Award Winner

The award recognizes the commitment of the nation’s largest milk processor to animal health and welfare.

California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations must be postmarked by July 11, 2014 for the $10,000 environmental stewardship award.

Clear Choice: Proper Covering System Vital for Efficient Silage Storage

A new multi-study analysis of oxygen barrier film shows reduced dry matter losses, less visible spoilage and increased aerobic stability.

USDA Extends Deadline for Conservation Stewardship Applications

Chief says Feb. 7 deadline makes it possible for more producers to apply.

Vermont’s Dairy Digester Efforts Featured in “Cow Power” Documentary

Documentary shows how sustainable energy program is saving Vermont’s farms and environment.

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company Named California Leopold Conservation Award Recipient

Bob Giacomini and his four daughters are recognized for their commitment to conservation at their Northern California dairy and cheese-making operation.

Application Deadline for NRCS Conservation Programs Fast Approaching

Eligible producers are encouraged to apply for assistance by Nov. 15, 2013.

Glanbia Foods Recognized by Idaho Power as a Leader in Energy-Efficiency Efforts

Because of extensive energy upgrades Glanbia made at its Twin Falls and Gooding processing plants, Idaho Power paid the dairy manufacturer more than $235,000 in incentives.

Nutrition: Plan for a Challenging Year

Forage testing and inventory control will be critical with this year’s variable forages.

USDA Announces Support for Producers of Advanced Biofuel

Recipients include a Minnesota dairy company that will receive $8,040 to help offset the cost of producing electricity from two anaerobic digesters.

Sustainability Equals Profitability

Panel discusses how environmental sustainability leads to profit.

Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Supports ‘Cow Power’ Film

The focus is on how dairy producers from this state transform cow manure into electricity to power their farms and hundreds of local homes and businesses.

USDA Announces REAP Awards for Farm Digesters

USDA is making investments of more than $21 million in energy projects nationwide.

Good Husbandry Grants Available for Farmers

Grants up to $5,000 are available to farmers in the Animal Welfare Approved program.

New York Dairy Wins 2013 Agricultural Environmental Management Award

Family has farmed the land for 100 years, and today its thriving dairy farm uses cutting-edge technology to increase profits and protect the environment.

Washington State Awards to Projects to Improve Dairy Manure Management

Department of Agriculture provides $35,000 to help dairies manage manure, protect water.

Washington State Dairy Fined $17,000 for Violating Water Pollution Control Act

Violations include improperly applying manure to a field in the rain and operating a leaking waste water system that led to polluting salmon habitat.

Double-Check Ground Corn to Boost Milk Production Potential

What if you could stretch your corn supplies a bit further?

Quick Tips to Better Manage Silage

No. 1 on the list is what all quality silage should have.

California Cheese Maker Receives State’s Highest Environmental Honor

The award recognizes exceptional leadership in conserving California’s resources, protecting and enhancing the environment and building public-private partnerships.

California Dairy Farmer to Receive Leopold Conservation Award

Recipient represents a new breed of producers who believe strongly not only in protecting the environment but in the power of the story of farming.

Idaho Dairymen’s Association Leads Effort to Help Dairy Producers Cut Farm Energy Costs, Use

Organziation partners with the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy on Farm Energy Efficiency project.

Dairy Producer Leaders Applaud Industry Collaboration to Grow Sales and Enhance Image

Checkoff’s partnership with McDonald’s directly contributed to an additional 1.7 billion pounds of milk sold between 2009 and 2011.

USDA Announces Funding for Projects to Boost Renewable Energy Production, Reduce Energy Consumption

Washington State dairy will install an anaerobic digester and sell the resulting electricity to a utility.

DeLaval Sponsors U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards

Awards honor the ‘best of the best’ dairies that manage environmental impact and contribute to local communities while building business value.

Partnerships between California Dairy Farmers and Conservationists Save 60,000 Rare Tricolored Blackbirds

Environmental Quality Incentives Program provided assistance to farmers who delayed silage harvest to help the rare birds.

Oregon Dairy Industry Looks to the Next Generation

Influx of younger dairy farmers bodes well for the economy and environment.

New York’s Largest On-Farm Biogas Power Project Generates Renewable Energy for Nearly 1,000 Homes

Dairy digester mixes manure with waste from local food processors to produce power.

Sweetwater Valley Farm 2012 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year

Owners John and Celia Harrison received the award, which recognizes U.S. dairy producers that apply creativity, excellence and forward thinking to achieve greater on-farm productivity and improved milk marketing.

Organic Valley Dairy Producers to Receive $30 per cwt. in 2012

High input costs led to shortage of organic milk supply in 2011.

Be Careful When You Winter Spread

If you must apply manure in winter, do so to fields with the lowest risk of runoff.

Jerseys Set Records in All Categories

Jersey cows required 20% less total feedstuffs by weight and 32% less water to produce the same amount of milkfat and protein as Holstein cows.