Business Digest Highlights
New products and services
CowManager launches new Nutrition Module
On Nov. 2, CowManager launched a new Nutrition module that provides actionable insights regarding feed and transition management on dairy farms. The module has been expanded with clear graphs and user-friendly comparison functionality. Timely notifications regarding cows at risk during the transition period, heat stress, low feed intake and herd health help to focus a producer’s attention where it is needed most. These notifications allow the producer to approach herd management in a preventive, proactive and precise manner, resulting in better cow health and a more productive herd.
Visit Select Sires or CowManager for more information.
AGCO to bring Fendt 300 Vario Series tractors to North America
AGCO Corporation will bring the fourth generation of Fendt 300 Vario tractors to North American producers for delivery in early 2022. The 300 Vario tractors are light yet powerful, offering the features and superior quality of larger Fendt tractors in a range for hay and livestock production, field work and general farm use. Customers will be able to choose from models that all deliver the fuel efficiency, maneuverability and comfort expected from a Fendt.
The four 300 Vario models will be available with the new FendtONE operator station that allows each operator to customize the tractor to their individual preferences for each chore. And FendtONE provides the entire suite of Fendt smart farming technology for full connectivity from the tractor to the office.
They will include four models, the 311 (100 HP), 312 (113 HP), 313 (123 HP) and the new 314 with 132 HP and up to 142 HP with the company’s DynamicPerformance (DP) power boost, which automatically adds 10 HP when it senses the need.
In addition to front axle suspension, the tractors will be available with either mechanical or pneumatic cab suspension. The standard comfort operator seat features air suspension and armrest adjustment. The optional super comfort seat has a seat heater, rotary adapter and pneumatic lumbar support.
The tractors are controlled through the 12-inch primary display, the ergonomically designed multifunction joystick and control buttons, all integrated into the armrest itself. The new 10-inch “digital dashboard” is situated on the steering column. An optional 12-inch pull-down display recessed into the roof liner is available to provide up to 12 user-selected panels of information that can be shown across the armrest and pull-down displays.
Visit Fendt for more information.
Select Sires launches new mobile app with sire search
Select Sires has developed a full-service sire search mobile application for farmer-owners. This app is available at no cost on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The Select Sires Mobile app was designed with offline capabilities and a noticeably small download size. For farmers without wireless connection or limited access to cellular data, the app remains fully functional at all times and in all places after the initial download.
Customizable, in-depth search filters allow users to identify the sires that best fit their genetic criteria. With the ability to create lists and save favorite sires, genetic information is made readily available in the palm of your hand. The app was also built for collaboration with the ability to export genetic data, sire lists and individual sires as PDF documents or CSV files. These exports can be easily shared with your local Select Sires representative, team member or trusted adviser. Data will be refreshed regularly, including sire summary releases and monthly Zoetis information, to provide farmer-owners with timely information as they make genetic decisions for their herd.
The app is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Portuguese and English.
Industry news
Zoetis focuses on helping U.S. beef and dairy producers
The bond between farmers and ranchers and their cattle is undeniable and time-honored. It is a deep-rooted commitment fueled by passion to care for their animals as they provide for us. Zoetis recognizes this age-old, two-way relationship, and it is dedicated to delivering advanced animal health solutions to help make the bond stronger, healthier and more robust.
The stories of commitment, passion and dedication never get old. The company wants to hear from farmers and ranchers why they do what they do and how they focus on cattle care. Visit Born of the Bond and share a story that showcases the special relationship you have with your cattle, or the industry, and you may be eligible for a special gift to recognize your bond.
‘Introducing the Real Science Exchange podcast’
Balchem recently launched an extension of their Real Science Lecture Series in podcast form, called the Real Science Exchange. You’ll get to know top researchers like you’ve never known them before.
Go behind the scenes and hear the conversations that take place over a few drinks with friends. Join Balchem as they discuss the hot topics in animal science and share a range of new ideas.
Search for “Real Science Exchange” on your favorite podcast platform: Apple, Google, Spotify, etc.
Flint Hills Resources launches second Maximized Stillage Co-Products operation
Flint Hills Resources recently announced it has begun deliveries of its NexPro protein ingredient from its Shell Rock, Iowa, ethanol plant. The company installed Maximized Stillage Co-Products (MSC) technology at the plant earlier this year. This is the second Flint Hills Resources ethanol plant to receive an MSC addition.
At most ethanol plants, whole stillage is processed into distillers corn oil and distillers grains for animal feed. The MSC technology, licensed to the company by Fluid Quip Technologies, allows the Shell Rock plant to extract and refine this protein.
Visit Flint Hills Resources for more information.
Vytelle adds genetic analytics to its portfolio
On Oct. 27, Vytelle announced the exclusive licensing of the Synomics Insights Platform to increase the accuracy of predicting cattle performance using phenotype and genomics data. By bringing this new capability in-house, the company is uniquely positioned to fast-forward cattle genetic progress.
The platform can process thousands of diverse datasets and analyze large-scale genotypic, phenotypic and environmental data.
Visit Vytel for more information.
New website features ‘Built Farm Tough’ products
Rural Water Direct is a newly launched, specialized resource for farm, dairy and rural water supply products, all designed by farmers in New Zealand and stocked locally in North America. These products are designed to withstand rough use and extreme weather conditions.
Visit Rural Water Direct for more information.
Organization news
Lely North America breaks ground on new campus
In 2019, Lely announced plans for its new North American campus. The groundbreaking ceremony took place Oct. 22 at the company’s new location. Lely North America President Chad Huyser led the event, and the new campus expects to be open in the first quarter of 2022.
The new campus spans nearly 60 acres at the intersection of IA-163 and 250th Ave./Adams Ave. in Pella, Iowa. The company plans to move all its current operations from existing facilities under one roof upon completion. The new facility includes approximately 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and professional space, as well as a state-of-the-art training facility for use by employees and the company’s distribution partners throughout North America. The current production activities include manufacturing of the company’s Astronaut A5 robotic milking system and Luna cow brushes, but the new facility adds the ability to manufacture additional products in the company’s portfolio.
The facility will pursue LEED certification, with an overall emphasis on connecting the physical structure of the building to the surrounding Iowa prairie landscape.
Visit Lely, for more information email Lely or call (641) 621-2700.
AMPI cheesemakers defend title
For the second year in a row, the cheesemakers of Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) brought home the Chairman’s Trophy following the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Championship Cheese Contest. A hand-crafted aged asiago made at the cooperative’s plant in Hoven, South Dakota, was named best of class in the Italian division and also the contest’s best overall entry.
The contest awards were announced during NMPF’s joint annual meeting with the United Dairy Industry Association and National Dairy Promotion and Research Board as part of a virtual ceremony. Nearly 200 entries from cooperatives across the country were submitted for this year’s contest.
Kemin Industries recognizes Cornell University researcher with Charlie Sniffen Award
On October 22, Kemin Industries awarded the 2020 Charlie Sniffen Graduate Student Award to Cornell University researcher Andrew LaPierre for his advanced work on amino acid requirements of lactating dairy cattle.
LaPierre, a Cornell University Ph.D. candidate, was selected as this year’s recipient of the $1,000 cash prize for his quality work that will directly influence dairy performance in the future. Amino acids are vital to ruminal nitrogen management, digestive balance and overall rumen functionality. In turn, that makes optimally balanced amino acids important to the overall productivity of lactating dairy cattle.
Hailing from Chazy, New York, LaPierre earned his Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and Master of Science in animal nutrition at the University of Illinois prior to beginning his Ph.D. work in ruminant nutrition in 2016.
LaPierre was presented the award by Dr. Sniffen and Kemin President and CEO Dr. Chris Nelson during the 82nd annual Cornell Nutrition Conference.
DeLaval donates $5,000 to National 4-H Dairy Conference
DeLaval continues a 36-year tradition of supporting the National 4-H Dairy Conference with a monetary donation. Traditionally, the conference is held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo and offers youth from around North America an opportunity to participate in state-of-the-art farm tours, leadership development and dairy learning experiences. Although this year’s conference was canceled, the company recognized the need to continue supporting this program with a $5,000 donation.
Prairie Farms Cream Cheese named Grand Champion at NCCIA Cheese Contest
Prairie Farms Cream Cheese, produced at Luana, Iowa, was named Grand Champion of the North Central Cheese Industries Association annual cheese contest held in Norwood, Minnesota.
Prairie Farms Cream Cheese took the top honors in the Miscellaneous category of the contest with a 99.167 score. Prairie Farms Cheese Division, Caves of Faribault, finished second in the same category with a score of 99.033 for St. Pete’s Select Blue Cheese.
Judging took place at Bongards’ Creameries in Norwood, Minnesota. All entries were graded with an official scorecard identifying the grade and feedback of the products submitted. Judges selected one grand champion, as well as first-, second- and third-place winners in each category.
Contest winners were recognized during the banquet dinner at the NCCIA annual conference on Oct. 14.
Award-winning cheeses were put up for auction at the conference. Proceeds from the conference and auction are used to support annual scholarships at the University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, South Dakota State University and University of Wisconsin – River Falls.
NMC transitions its annual meeting to virtual format
The National Mastitis Council (NMC) board of directors approved presenting its annual meeting virtually. This virtual event will replace the in-person NMC 60th annual meeting, previously scheduled for Jan. 25-28, 2021, in Dallas. The revised agenda of short courses, general sessions, Technology Transfer Session, and Research and Development Summaries Session will be announced in November.
The NMC board of directors voted to offer NMC annual meeting registration for just $100 to NMC members.
Tentatively, NMC’s main presentations will be offered the week of Jan. 25, with short courses potentially being offered the week of Jan. 18. All general sessions will be recorded. Small groups will meet at “time zone friendly” times to foster networking opportunities and “catch up” with NMC colleagues.
National DHIA seeks veterinary student scholarship applicants
National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) is providing $1,500 scholarships to third-year or fourth-year college of veterinary medicine students. Applicants must be enrolled at a college that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education.
Judges will evaluate applicants based on overall interest as a veterinarian planning to work in dairy, involvement in dairy medicine and extra-curricular activities, and interest in using dairy software and dairy records to aid in dairy management and in improving animal health.
To apply for a National DHIA Scholarship for Veterinary Students, applicants must submit a letter of application and two reference letters. The letter of application requires applicants to submit information regarding their area of interest/specialty, academic background, experience using DHIA data, career plans, issues challenging dairy veterinary medicine and solutions to address those challenges. For more information, contact Elizabeth “Liz” Straw, national DHIA scholarship chair.
Specific application requirements are posted on the National DHIA website. Applications are due Dec. 31, 2020. Recipients will be announced at the 2021 National DHIA annual meeting, being held in March. 
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Jenna Hurty-Person
- Field Editor
- Progressive Dairy
- Email Jenna Hurty-Person
