CAFO Rule Change Proposed

Chuck ZimmermanGeneral, Government

The Environmental Protection Agency has opened a 45-day comment period on a proposed rule that would revise the current permit system for concentrated animal feeding operations, according to an agency release. Under the proposed rule, CAFOs — such as large pig, veal and poultry, beef and dairy farms — would continue to be required to properly manage the manure they … Read More

Manure Powered Ethanol Production

Chuck ZimmermanDairy Business, Waste Management

An ethanol facility powered by renewable energy from dairy waste is planned for a large Indiana dairy farm. Bion Environmental Technologies and Fair Oaks Dairy Farms have announced a joint venture that will enable environmentally sustainable expansion of animal agriculture in concert with ethanol production. According to the news release, Bion’s technology platform provides sufficient renewable energy from the associated … Read More

Cross Country Blogging

Chuck ZimmermanGeneral

Ethanol BloggerI know posting has been a little light the last few days. That’s because I’m on a cross country convoy trip with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The purpose is to commemorate the 50 year anniversary of the interstate highway system.

Production Continues to Expand

Andy VanceDairy Business, Government, Markets, Milk, Production

Milk production totals continue to climb as they have each month this year. USDA reports that for the 23 major dairy states, total output is up 2.8% for the month of May over the same month in 2005. Production of 14.7 billion pounds is also 3.5% above the April 2006 figure.

Dairy Biogas Grant

Chuck ZimmermanWaste Management

Intrepid Technology and Resources, Inc., an Idaho-based renewable alternate energy company, has received a $50,000 grant from the Idaho Department of Water Resources to install anaerobic digestion technology to produce useable energy from dairy biogas. According to a company release, the grant will be used to purchase energy measurement equipment at the Whitesides Dairy biogas plant. The equipment will monitor … Read More

Arla Outsources IT To IBM

Chuck ZimmermanDairy Business, International

Arla FoodsThis is what I call serious outsourcing. I wonder how the Arla employees feel about becoming IBM employees? These kinds of deals can make a lot of sense though as each party can focus on what they do best.

Junior Holsteins Got Rulon

Chuck ZimmermanHolstein Association

The Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce Olympic wrestler Rulon Gardner will give the keynote address at the National Junior Holstein Convention next week in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Gardner will appear June 24 at the awards banquet. His keynote address will focus on overcoming obstacles, including points on turning the negative into a positive, aiming high when you’re … Read More