Study: Pampered cows are healthier, more productive
A new study by Cornell University shows that dairy cows using the DeLaval Swinging Cow Brush register higher milk production and lower clinical mastitis cases. The study compared different groups of cows housed in pens using the Swinging Cow Brush (SCB) to the similar reference groups kept in identical pens under the exact same conditions but without the SCB.

The research team concluded that second- lactation cows using the SCB showed a significant and increasing difference in daily milk production of up to +1kg per day.

“The Swinging Cow Brush provided a favorite pass time for the cows in this herd. It was fun to watch their interaction with this grooming device. The added benefit of increased production and reduced clinical mastitis makes me think that every farmer should utilize the Cow Brush to make the cows and themselves a bit happier,” said Ynte H. Schukken, professor of Herd Health at Cornell University.

Installation of the SCB resulted in an immediate increase in cow grooming behavior. Farm workers noticed instantly the frequent, intense use of the brushes and the eagerness of the cows to use them, according to the Cornell research team. A second major finding was the significant drop in clinical mastitis cases (over 30 percent) among second and older lactation cows housed in pens with a SCB present.

According to DeLaval the investment made on SCB can be covered several times over by the profits made through increased milk production and the cost savings achieved through mastitis prevention. Additionally, the SCB keeps cows clean, active, calm and more balanced. The initial results of this study are based on a comparison between two pens with and two pens without an SCB.

The research was conducted by the Quality Milk Production Services of the Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; and the Sprucehaven Farm and Research Center, Scipio Springs, New York.
—From DeLaval news release

DFA distributes balance of 2008 patronage early
Recognizing the continued financial burden its members are experiencing, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA) Board of Directors has issued the balance of 2008 patronage payments several weeks ahead of schedule. More than 12,000 members who marketed their milk through DFA in 2008 will receive cash payments equal to 2 cents per hundredweight, for a total of $7.6 million.

Combined with the payment issued in April, DFA members received a total of $19 million (a combined 5 cents per hundredweight) in patronage payments for 2008. An additional $9.5 million was distributed to members in July, which was paid from 2009 earnings. Patronage is the cooperative’s way of sharing DFA’s earnings with its members.

The amount of patronage a member receives each year is based on the amount of milk marketed through the cooperative. The payments are being issued 100 percent in cash, regardless of members’ base capital level.
—From DFA news release

Accelerated Genetics website adds new features
In order to keep up with the ever-changing world of technology, Accelerated Genetics added brand- new features to its website (www.accelgen.com). Spanish-speaking industry people across the country and world will be able to take full advantage of the website, which is now offered in Spanish.

Mirroring the English version of the Accelerated Genetics website, the Spanish version is catered to make it more convenient for Spanish speakers to find what they are looking for. Spanish-speaking employees, dealers, and producers alike will be able to get news, data and key information faster and easier. Visit www.accelgen.com/spanish to access this website.

New features have also been added to many of the beef pages as well. Producers will now be able to view video footage of Accelerated Genetics’ most popular beef bulls with just the click of a mouse. More videos for dairy sires and also training on farm products will be coming in the near future to the Accelerated Genetics website.
—From Accelerated Genetics news release

AFA announces expanded partnership with Dow AgroSciences
Agriculture Future of America (AFA) announced an expanded partnership with Dow AgroSciences. AFA’s programming is made possible by corporations, associations, foundations and individuals who are committed to the future of the agri-industry. Dow AgroSciences has shown its commitment by increasing its investment with AFA to enhance the development of young men and women in agriculture.

“The expanded partnership with Dow AgroSciences allows AFA to strengthen the quality of its programs and develop new programs for college men and women entering the agri-industry,” said Russ Weathers, AFA president/CEO.
—From Dow AgroSciences news release

International Ag Show to have numerous educational opportunities
The International Farm and Ranch Show to be held October 8-10 at the Freeman Coliseum and surrounding grounds northeast of downtown San Antonio, Texas, will have a variety of educational offerings for visitors, according to show coordinators.

A maximum of nine continuing education units will be available to any individual participant over the three-day show period. Two additional instructional sessions designed for spouses but open to all show attendees will be presented. An educational session on health and finance will be held on Oct. 8, and a session on modern advertisement and promotion for ranchers, including website design, will be held on Oct. 9.

Educational presentations over the three-day show period will address topics including: tillage and irrigation technologies; livestock fertility management; precision agriculture and global positioning system technology; solar/alternative energy; viticulture; new seed developments; alternative crops; biofuels; beef production; sheep and goat marketing; nature-based tourism; feral hog impact and control, horse management, wine-grape growing in the Texas hill country and wildlife management.

Many of these educational sessions, including those on irrigation technology, bovine genetics and wildlife management, will also be presented in Spanish. Admission to the show is free, and parking is $5. Trade show hours will be 8a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday.

For more information on the show, securing exhibitor space or becoming a show sponsor, visit www.farmandranchexpo.com or contact the Freeman Coliseum at (210) 226-1177.
—From Texas A&M news release

National Farm-City selects animal agriculture as symposium topic
“Farm Animal Care: Myths vs. Facts” will be the 2009 topic of the annual Farm-City Week Symposium during National Farm-City Week, celebrated November 20 to 26, ending Thanksgiving Day. In addition, the National Farm-City Council and its state organizations will work to communicate to urban audiences the challenges facing producers of America’s meat supply.

These issues will be discussed at this year’s Farm-City Week Symposium, which will be held in Indianapolis at the Westin Hotel on November 19. The public is invited to attend. The National Farm-City Week, recognized by a White House proclamation, is organized by the National Farm-City Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing links between farm families and urban residents.
—From National Farm-City Council news release

Animal health company breaks through
Alltech named top green company by Inc. Magazine
Global animal health company, Alltech was featured as one of eight green companies by Inc. magazine. Alltech, located in Nicholasville, Kentucky, focuses on making and selling natural animal feed supplements, with their 2008 revenues exceeding $400,000,000. It is believed that Alltech is the first animal health company named to the list.

In conjunction with the honor of being named one of the top companies in the world in terms of “being green,” Alltech was also named to the top lists of revenue (#66), employees (#79), and gross dollars of growth (#97).

Each year, Inc. and Inc.com celebrate the remarkable achievements of today’s entrepreneurial superstars – the privately held small businesses that drive our economy. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.

“If you want to know which companies are going to change the world, look at the Inc. 500,” said Inc. editor Jane Berentson. “These are the most dynamic, fast-growth companies in the nation, the ones finding innovative solutions to problems, creating smart systems, and inventing products we soon discover we can’t live without. The Inc. 500 list is Inc. Magazine’s tribute to American business ingenuity and ambition.”

Alltech has recently teamed up with Muhammad Ali to create the Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund, as well as being the title sponsor for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be held for the first time ever in Kentucky in 2010.  PD
—From Alltech news release