Business Digest Highlights
New products and services
Genex and Nedap introduce HerdMonitor to benefit dairy herd management
Genex and Nedap introduce the new Genex HerdMonitor cow monitoring system. The launch is part of a new partnership between the companies to provide dairy farmers with trusted, innovative herd management solutions and services that add significant value to the businesses of today’s and future farming generations. The system offers dairy farmers advantages, including:
- An all-in-one system (One collar combines animal identification, heat detection, health monitoring, herd performance trends and cow locating to improve herd performance and producer peace of mind.)
- Reliable, robust and proven technology installed across wide-ranging environmental conditions and farm management systems
- Seamless integration with other automation systems, herd management programs and software tools
- A dedicated research and development team constantly innovating with new tools such as Cow Locating and Augmented Reality
Visit Genex or Nedap to learn more.
Introducing the new NL600 by New Leader
New Leader Manufacturing (NLM) introduced its latest New Leader spreader: the NL600 high throughput three-in-one pull-type spinner spreader. The equipment is a multipurpose, multiseason spreader that offers growers and custom applicators the ability to spread compost/litter, fertilizer and BioSul at higher rates and faster speeds, maximizing their time in the field and investment in their equipment.
Features and benefits of the spreader include:
- High 608-cubic-foot capacity to manage large payloads, resulting in longer times between refills
- Three times the throughput as competitive units, allowing for higher rates at faster speeds
- 304-stainless-steel bottom panel with poly floor liner, 304-stainless-steel spinner fins and 304-stainless-steel chain shields to resist corrosion and extend unit life
- Adjustable precision G4 spinner spreader technology with adjustable feedgate to allow for different densities and product rates
- Tractor or PTO hydraulics
- Optional Isobus scale system with six weigh beams for static in-field calibration
Visit New Leader Manufacturing for more information.
Industry News
TechMix acquires Immuno-Dynamics
TechMix LLC has acquired Immuno-Dynamics Inc. of Fennimore, Wisconsin. Product innovation lies at the heart of the purchase, where novel nutrition and animal health technologies from Immuno-Dynamics dovetail with innovations and products from TechMix. The combination of science and innovations from the new alignment is focused on keeping animals drinking, eating and producing.
The facilities at Immuno-Dynamics offer office, laboratory, manufacturing and warehousing space which will complement current TechMix facilities. On-site spray drying, pasteurizing, freezing and packaging equipment will offer innovation flexibility and manufacturing independence to aid in streamlining market-ready manufacturing and product development.
The merger of both companies’ research shows promising discoveries and applications through every phase of life and production for commercial livestock.
Visit TechMix LLC for more information.
Newport Laboratories Inc. re-launches HerdPoint in GVL
Veterinarians can now manage animal health and movement documents and vaccine isolates in the GVL platform with HerdPoint, a custom-made vaccine management tool exclusively for Newport Laboratories customers. The tool simplifies the nonadjacent-herd approval process and provides veterinarians with an in-depth view into their ongoing isolate management.
Along with a more intuitive interface, enhancements made to the management tool include compatibility with all major internet browsers, greater visibility into the status of their clients’ isolates, as well as extended customer support from both Newport Laboratories and GVL staff.
The GVL platform allows veterinary professionals to create and share animal health and movement documents online, with built-in requirements to help ensure compliance and reduce errors. Visit HerdPoint to learn more.
Professor emeritus of dairy science at UW – Madison, Neal Jorgensen, dies at 85
Professor emeritus of dairy science and former dean of the University of Wisconsin – Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Neal Jorgensen, passed away at 85 on Dec. 22.
After growing up on a dairy farm in Luck, Wisconsin, Jorgensen earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from UW – River Falls. He later came to UW – Madison in 1960 to earn his master’s and doctorate degrees in dairy science, also with a minor in biochemistry.
Jorgensen joined the UW – Madison faculty as a dairy nutritionist in 1968, starting out in the former department of dairy science, now the department of animal and dairy sciences. He served as associate dean, executive associate dean and dean of the college throughout his career until 1998, when he retired.
Jorgensen was the associate director of the CALS Research Division. While he was originally supposed to retire in 1997, he served as CALS dean from 1997 to 1998 following the resignation of his predecessor Roger Wyse, a time the college called a “difficult transition period.”
Jorgensen also served as president of the American Dairy Science Association, sat on the ADSA Foundation board of directors, was chairman of Farm Progress Days Inc. of Wisconsin, served on the board of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, and sat on the National Research Council Board on Agriculture.
He also received many awards during his time teaching at UW – Madison, including a dairy production teaching award and the Award of Honor from ADSA, the Service to Agriculture Award from the Farm and Industry Short Course, and the Distinguished Service Award from CALS.
Organic Valley appoints three new vice presidents
Organic Valley appointed three senior leaders as vice presidents of the cooperative. The newly promoted leaders are:
- Kate Campbell, vice president of business insights and data science
- Jaclyn Cardin, vice president of integrated brand marketing
- Jennifer Lilla, vice president of accounting and financial reporting
A 17-year veteran of the cooperative, Campbell is a highly respected leader and subject area expert skilled at creating analytical frameworks and structures. In her role, she will leverage data and analytics to help the cooperative make informed, forward-looking decisions.
Cardin is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the cooperative’s integrated marketing across the consumer journey. In her role, she oversees advertising, digital marketing, consumer communications, creative and marketing operations. She joined the cooperative in early 2018 as director of interactive.
Lilla, a certified public accountant, is responsible for overseeing accounting and financial reporting, business planning, investor relations, financing and compliance for the cooperative.
Visit Organic Valley for more information.
Cargill sets new standard for premix production with opening of new premix and nutrition facility in Ohio
On Jan. 11, Cargill announced the opening of its new premix animal nutrition facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. The 220,000- square-foot, future-ready facility is deploying advanced technology not previously used in animal agriculture or pet food production that allows the use of less resources to produce feed while ensuring the highest quality and traceability of its products for Cargill customers.
The Lewisburg West facility broke ground on Nov. 8, 2018, and represents a $50 million investment in expanding the company’s existing feed production operations. The facility produces non-medicated feed and supports Cargill and Provimi branded animal nutrition premixes and products, along with additives and specialty and custom blends.
It’s estimated that Lewisburg West will produce 154,000 tons of non-medicated animal nutrition products and premix across its production lines each year. Cargill for more information.
Organization News
Central Plains Dairy Expo: Now more than ever, connecting with others in the industry is imperative
The Central Plains Dairy Association (CPDA) board of directors and staff are excited to welcome you in person to the 2021 Central Plains Dairy Expo (CPDE), March 24-25, 2021, at the Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The event will celebrate the industry’s essential nature, the vital role dairy farmers continue to play in the health and well-being of our communities and our ongoing commitment to further enhance the success of the region’s dairy producers. From new innovations offered by CPDE exhibitors to educational opportunities surrounding the “latest and greatest” products, services and technologies that can benefit a dairy’s success, this year’s CPDE will be filled with opportunities aplenty to connect in person and celebrate the successes of the past and highlight the hopeful future facing the industry.
While this year’s concert will not take place due to health and safety precautions, the annual Prayer Breakfast on March 24 will be free for all attendees. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken is the keynote speaker for the Prayer Breakfast. TenHaken holds degrees from Dordt College and the University of Sioux Falls. He founded the marketing technology agency Click Rain as well as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that creates international service trip opportunities and philanthropic outlets for business leaders.
Attendees should register online at least 30 days prior to the event. Visit Central Plains Dairy Association to register.
Holstein Association USA announces Virtual Interview Contest winners
Holstein Association USA announced the winners of the inaugural Virtual Interview Contest. This program is designed to prepare youth for real-world opportunities, giving them the chance to sharpen their résumé writing and interview skills.
Applicants submitted cover letters and résumés based on a mock interview scenario and were selected to move on to the second phase of the contest based on their combined cover letter and résumé scores. Youth members completed a virtual interview with a panel of three judges during the second phase. Final scores were calculated based on each applicant’s cover letter, résumé and interview. All youth received feedback from the judges to help further prepare them for future interviews.
Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. Following are the results from each division.
Junior Division
- 1st place: Jenna Larson, Florida
- 2nd place: Jon Chapman, California
- 3rd place: Elsie Donlick, New York
Intermediate Division
- 1st place: Brianna Meyer, Wisconsin
- 2nd place: Courtney Glenna, Wisconsin
- 3rd place: Shelby Sumner, Florida
Senior Division
- 1st place: Sarah Lehner, Ohio
- 2nd place: Zach Jasmin, New York
- 3rd place: Miriam Cook, Michigan
Visit: National Junior Holstein Association for more information.
National Dairy Shrine seeks award nominations
National Dairy Shrine is seeking nominations for the dairy industry’s Guest of Honor, Pioneer and Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder awards.
Nominations or applications must be submitted on official forms by March 15. Visit www.dairyshrine.org and click on “Awards” and then “Adult Applications” to view a complete listing of each award form.
The annual awards banquet is scheduled for Sept. 30, 2021, in Madison, Wisconsin. Email National Dairy Shrine for more information.
Dairy cattle show judges confirmed for World Dairy Expo 2021
World Dairy Expo announced via The Dairy Show, the expo’s podcast, the slate of 16 judges selected to evaluate North America’s finest dairy cattle at World Dairy Expo, Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, 2021. The group of judges for the 54th World Dairy Expo is as follows:
International Ayrshire Show
- Official: Michael Creek, Hagerstown, Maryland
- Associate: Jamie Howard, Burgessville, Ontario, Canada
International Brown Swiss Show
- Official: Lynn Harbaugh, Marion, Wisconsin
- Associate: Phillip Topp, Botkins, Ohio
International Guernsey Show
- Official: Molly Sloan, Columbus, Wisconsin
- Associate: Glyn Lucas, Dumfries Galloway, Scotland
International Holstein Show
- Official: Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Oregon
- Associate: Tom DeGroot, Rosedale, British Columbia, Canada
International Junior Holstein Show
- Official: Brandon Ferry, Hilbert, Wisconsin
- Associate: Tyler Reynolds, Corfu, New York
International Jersey Show
- Official: Chad Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
- Associate: Kevin Doeberiener, West Salem, Ohio
International Milking Shorthorn Show
- Official: Dean Dohle, Halfway, Missouri
- Associate: Keith Fisher, New Enterprise, Pennsylvania
International Red & White Show
- Official: Pierre Boulet, Montmagny, Quebec, Canada
- Associate: Richard Landry, Ste-Brigitte-des-Saults, Quebec, Canada
Visit World Dairy Expo for more information.
Animal Agriculture Alliance makes 2020 virtual summit recordings publicly available
The Animal Agriculture Alliance announced that session recordings from the first-ever Virtual Stakeholders Summit, held in May 2020, are now publicly available. The 2020 Virtual Summit, themed “Primed & Prepared,” focused on equipping food and agriculture stakeholders with the tools needed to bridge the gap between farm and fork.
The 2021 Virtual Summit, themed “Obstacles to Opportunities” is set primarily for May 5-6.
Visit Animal Agriculture Alliance for more information. 
