Grants now available for flooded Midwest farmers
Organic and sustainable farmers and producers can now can apply for up to $5,000 to help cover the uninsured losses received from devastating flooding in the Midwest in August. Applications are being accepted through Nov. 21 and are available at www.sowtheseeds.org and www.twincitiesfood.coop.

For more information, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

—From NCGA news release




Newsham Genetics acquires Monsanto Choice Genetics
Newsham Genetics, LLC recently announced that it entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire Monsanto Choice Genetics Inc. The transaction will be completed as soon as practical. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

As part of the agreement, a three-year research alliance has been established between the two companies. The alliance will focus on technology and the genomics platform to maximize the value created in the industry from these tools.




DeLaval and Cargill join for calf-feeding initiative
Cargill and DeLaval International recently announced that the two companies have entered into a mutual agreement for marketing a complete calf management system.

The system will provide an early weaning system, make significant reductions in labor requirements for managing young calves, help in the early identification of sick calves, support rapid frame growth and reduce feed waste.

—From DeLaval press release




University of Minnesota trial shows active dry yeast benefits rumen
A recent trial conducted by researchers Stern, Bach and Linn and graduate student Melissa Thrune at the University of Minnesota showed a measurable positive benefit of Levucell SC rumen specific yeast on rumen pH.

The study determined the effects of this specific strain of live yeast supplementation on ruminal pH patterns and fermentation in late lactation conditions. When it was added to the diet, the supplemented cows had a statistically significant increase in rumen pH. In addition, the amount of time the cows spent under the subacute acidosis threshold (pH of less than 5.8) was also significantly lower with this active dry yeast supplementation.

The University of Minnesota trial confirms the benefit of this specific strain of live yeast on rumen conditions. Trying to reduce the economic impact of acidosis is a challenge, but these types of studies indicate the positive role of this active dry yeast in helping to maintain rumen health in a wide range of conditions.

This specific strain of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisae 1077) is an active dry yeast.

— Submitted by Lallemand




All-West/Select Sires distributes profits
All West/Select Sires recently announced the distribution of its 2006 business profits. Co-op members will receive their share of the $708,507 in cash being returned in the form of patronage checks. This cash disbursement amounts to 50 percent of the 2006 profits; the remaining 50 percent is scheduled to be sent to qualifying members on a five-year rotation. That will make total patronage returned to members based on their 2006 purchases $1.4 million dollars.  This is one of the largest declared patronage distributions in the 65 (plus) years history of the cooperative.  
For every dollar spent on semen with All West in 2006, 10 percent will be returned to the farmer who purchased the semen through the cooperative.

—From All-West news release



Pennsylvania small business selling manure online
The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (PSBDC) has devised an ingenious process for getting rid of manure; they sell it online. On their website, www.manuretrader.org, the PSBDC lists natural compost and services, as well as opportunities for farmers to sign up as a manure broker. Prices for manure are negotiable, giving the website an auction-like atmosphere.



Studies indicate Leptospira prevalent throughout U.S.
A recently published study has found leptospirosis to be prevalent throughout the U.S. In addition, results from a previously reported study suggested 59 percent of U.S. dairy herds may be infected with leptospira. A chronic infection of the kidney, Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis (otherwise known as hardjo-bovis) can cause abortions, stillbirths and weak calves in both beef and dairy herds and may effect overall reproductive performance.

Results from the peer-reviewed paper, “Herd Prevalence and Risk Factors of Leptospira Infection in Beef Cow/Calf Operations in the United States: Leptospira borgpetersenii Serovar Hardjo,” showed that 28 (42 percent) of 67 herds had results compatible with infection with hardjo-bovis. A greater likelihood of infection with hardjo-bovis was found in herds with higher mean annual temperatures and longer breeding seasons, meaning herds in the southern states are more susceptible to the disease, though it can be found in all areas.

“Once hardjo-bovis sets up house in the kidney, it can stay there for up to 18 months,” said Dr. Steven E. Wikse of Texas A&M University, the lead author of the paper. “The disease is spread primarily through urine – and is spread the most in the first four months of infection. Cattle can shed thousands of hardjo-bovis organisms through urine, and they can be viable for up to six months in the right conditions.

“So a drop of urine in a cow’s eye or if an animal has a cut on their foot and steps in the infected urine can lead to infection. Urine is a very efficient carrier,” he added.



Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition launches updated website
Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition recently unveiled a newly redesigned website, www.AHDairy.com. The new site navigation offers fingertip access to important product and nutrition information. Dairy producers, nutritionists, feed companies and other industry professionals can use the site to enhance productivity and profitability.  

The new navigation guides users to access information in four categories: researching product information, finding the latest information about animal nutrition, focusing on the profit centers, and finding contact information for a local  representative

“The updated site will allow nutritionists, dairy producers and the dairy feed industry to access information on a variety of nutrition topics. We are confident the new ahdairy.com will serve as an important nutrition management resource,” said Curt Siverling, director, Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition.



Zinpro releases new interactive CD-ROM
Zinpro Corporation announces the release of Ask Zinpro, a new robust, interactive CD-ROM program that delivers answers to mineral and vitamin questions from a world-renowned veterinary toxicologist.  

Robert Puls’ set of comprehensive diagnostic books on mineral and vitamin levels are considered the source to help link mineral and vitamin analyses to animal nutrition, health and performance. Now, with Ask Zinpro, the diagnostic data contained in these books are accessible in a handy, interactive form.

“We’re excited to bring this valuable mineral and vitamin resource center to the marketplace in a user-friendly, searchable format,” says Brad Frisvold, marketing manager for Zinpro Corporation. “From deficiency and toxicity information, to interactions and dietary requirements, with Ask Zinpro, a wealth of mineral and vitamin information is now simply a click away.”

The CD-ROM provides a fully searchable, complete representation of Mr. Puls’ many publications. The material is presented in numerous categories, such as tissue levels, deficiency and toxicity signs and diseases and symptoms. This valuable tool is available to purchase. For more information, visit www.zinpro.com or call (800) 445-6145.



World’s Forage Analysis Superbowl announces 2007 winners
More than 180 entries from 22 states competed for top honors in the 24th annual World’s Forage Analysis Superbowl held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo. Ron Richner of  Casper, Wyoming, earned grand champion honors and received a $2,500 coupon toward the purchase of a Kuhn-Knight product. Wambolt Cattle Co. of Torrington, Wyoming, was named Champion First-Time Entrant.

Other forage champions included S&B Dairy of Effingham, Illinois, for its entry of dairy hay. Birten Farms Inc. of Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin, was named Dairy Haylage Champion, and Goma Dairy Farm LLC of Marlette, Michigan, was named as the Dairy Corn Silage Champion

The World’s Forage Analysis Superbowl provides growers from across the United States and Canada an opportunity to vie for forage awards by entering their high quality samples in a dairy or commercial division. Dairy samples are judged on lab analysis (60%), visual judging (20%), herd production information (10%), and calculated milk per ton (10%). Commercial entries are judged on lab analysis (70%) and visual judging (30%). Visual judging consists of analyzing the color, texture, maturity and leafiness, depending on the category. AgSource Soil and Forage Laboratory, Bonduel, Wisconsin, tested the samples.

The World’s Forage Analysis Superbowl provides a unique opportunity for World Dairy Expo visitors to view quality forage entries, hear forage experts speak about forage production and milk profitability and ask questions about forage research.  PD