There are some new members of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Our Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, made the announcement today.
Low-Fat Dairy May Lower Blood Pressure
According to a study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association, consuming low-fat dairy products may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health. The study supports a growing body of research that shows how dairy foods are key elements of a heart-healthy diet.
Manure Dollars
Intrepid Technology and Resources, Inc., an Idaho-based renewable alternate energy company, is turning dairy cow manure into natural gas. (see previous post) Thanks to a partnership with Utah State University, ITR is the first company to produce pipeline-quality methane from cow manure. ITR is expanding its operations, and will now produce natural gas from 100 percent of the manure from … Read More
Bioactive Proteins In Milk
Here’s some more news from the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference, ‘Unlocking the potential of agricultural biotechnology,’ that’s going on in Melbourne, Australia. We know milk does a body good and apparently some researchers have discovered some new ways.
Lots of Stuff in New USDA-ERS Report
A new report from USDA’s Economic Research Service outlines trends in the dairy industry in recent years and what the future might hold. Among the report’s findings: – Per capita domestic commercial use of all dairy products (milkfat basis) has grown only 0.4 percent annually since 1995. – Cheese has provided most of the dairy-product demand growth for many decades. … Read More
Thank Heaven For Holsteins
A very busy presenter here at the Cattle Industry Summer Conference is Dr. Gary Smith, Colorado State University.
Confident Aussie Dairy Farmers
It looks like dairy farmers in Australia are feeling pretty good. A new report by Dairy Australia called “Dairy 2006: Situation & Outlook” shows dairy farmers are more positive with more than half planning to increase production over the next three years.
Accelerated Genetics Releases New PACE Sires
Accelerated Genetics released 12 new bulls for the Progressive Action Through Cooperative Efforts (PACE) program this week. Ayrshire, Jersey, and Holstein bulls will be randomly sampled by dairy producers participating in Accelerated Genetics’ PACE program.
Low Fat Dairy May Help Lower Blood Pressure
A new study by researchers from Harvard Medical School suggests that eating low-fat dairy products could help fight high blood pressure. According to an article by Health Day reporter Amanda Gardner, scientists “aren’t clear where the beneficial effect comes from, but they said low-fat dairy might be a crucial component of a healthy diet.” The lead author of the study, … Read More
A New Way to Eliminate BVD?
USDA’s Ag Research Service is working to combat major diseases in the dairy industry. One of the most challenging has been Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD). The disease has typically been battled by vaccinations, but as we learn from Julia Ridpath, a microbioligist with ARS, this strategy isn’t as effective as it could be due to persistently infected animals. Past-President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Joe Cornely has the details here: 
Julia Ridpath on BVD (2:59 mp3)