An article published in the Journal of Dairy Science examined the New York state fluid milk improvement program, which has been working for more than a decade to improve consumer acceptance and shelf life of fluid milk.

The article says that challenges such as post-pasteurization contamination can be overcome, resulting in higher quality products for consumers.

Recently, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced that for the months of February through May 2013, the minimum prices for the five classes of milk will be increased by varying amounts, resulting in an overall blend price increase of about $0.25 per hundredweight (cwt).

The American Veterinary Medical Association turns 150 in 2013.

The association will be using this significant anniversary as an opportunity to educate the public about the important role veterinary medicine plays in society with a traveling Smithsonian exhibit and coffee table book.

The USDA has issued a notice extending the Dairy Forward Pricing Program to allow producers and cooperative associations to enter into forward price contracts under the program through Sept. 30, 2013.

The notice, which became effective on Feb. 1, 2013, also extends all other program requirements outlined in the program’s Oct. 31, 2008, Final Rule until Sept. 30, 2013.

Maine's dairy farmers fear the closing of one of the state's major milk processors could mean a financial hit for every farmer. (Click here to read a previous story about the plant's closure.)

Maine's 306 remaining dairy farms each receive a small bonus payment each month from the Maine Milk Pool. That pool is funded by a 13-cents-per-gallon fee paid by Maine milk processors.

The 2013 Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin's Managers Academy was held Jan. 15-17 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

One of the top educational conferences in the country, the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference is dedicated to helping dairy producers learn new ways of increasing their profitability by doing more with less. In its 11th year, the conference plans to deliver a high impact program.

Leading experts will make presentations on topics ranging from labor management and community connections to calf nutrition and global issues concerning the dairy industry. Read below to see a sampling of the educational sessions.