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)
Congress Freezes Funding on Animal ID
Amid debate over illegal immigration and spending priorities, Congress has put the brakes on further Animal Identification funding to USDA, at least until they have more information on which to resume funding.
Harvestore Adds Nutritionist
Harvestore is striving once again to become the heart of dairy nutrition systems. To that end, the producer of those iconic blue silos has added a long-time dairy nutritionist to its staff. Greg Anderson, M.S. has been named Consulting Nutritionist, serving both Harvestore customers, and Harvestore researchers.
Need Dairy Photos? Get Mooving….
MoovingImages.com of Madison, WI has launched its redesigned website. The site now features online ordering, hundreds of high-resolution downloadable images, and advanced search capabilitiles. Expanded photo selections are also key, with new photos being added daily. In the near future, the site will also feature images from guest consignors. For folks interested in dairy, the catalog hosts nearly 550 dairy cow shots, 179 “dairy specific” photos, and dozens of farm scene shots.
New Mastitis Protection
Here’s a technical story that I’m going to depend on the release writer from the Agricultural Research Service to explain in their words.
NMPF CEO's Corner
The President/CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation is Jerry Kozak. He is publishing a “CEO’s Corner” on their website. Great idea and I wish more CEO’s did this kind of thing. This isn’t quite blogging but is sort of like it. Why not tell people directly what’s on your mind as the organizational leader.
Fastest Rookie Drinks Milk
I won’t be in Indianapolis until tomorrow evening. You can see my Indy 500 coverage on sister websites, AgWired and Domestic Fuel. Today though the fastest rookie was honored by the American Dairy Association of Indiana. He’s Marco Andretti and he’s winner number 32.
Accelerated Genetics May Proofs
The Accelerated Genetics May Proofs are updated and they are very happy with the results. You can find information on each sire on their website.
Helping Manage Energy
Everyone is concerned about energy these days. Heck, the high price of fuel of all kinds is enough of a reason. Vigilistics has just introduced some software to help processing facilities out. Their new software package offers real-time operations intelligence and energy-use analysis
IDFA Promotes Kristin Wilcox
Kristin Pearson Wilcox has been promoted to vice president of legislative and political affairs at the IDFA. She will be taking a lead role in the development and implementation of IDFA’s legislative and political strategy, which includes responsibility for federal government relations, grassroots activity, election outreach, and the Ice Cream, Milk and Cheese Political Action Committee.