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Make plans for the Central Plains Dairy Expo golf outing
It’s time to “get your golf on” and register for the 2025 Central Plains Dairy Expo golf tournament – Grazing on the Greens – scheduled for July 30, at Rocky Run Golf Course in Dell Rapids, S.D. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and golfers tee off at 11:30 a.m. To register, click here.
Proceeds from this fund-raising event go to the Central Plains Dairy Foundation (CPDF), which  supports tomorrow’s dairy leaders today through an endowment fund. CPDF provides scholarships and educational grant programming, initiatives that promote diversity, resiliency and sustainability in the dairy industry, and grants for innovative programs, communications and community development.
Sponsorship opportunities, such as greens, pin prizes and dinner sponsors, are available for this year’s Grazing on the Greens. Go to: https://www.centralplainsdairy.com/golf-outing to learn more about how you can capitalize on Grazing on the Greens sponsorship opportunities.
The tournament fee is $125 per person, which includes a box lunch, dinner, green fees and a shared cart on the course. The non-golfer fee is $70 per person and includes a box lunch and dinner, as well as the ability to network with all attendees. A foursome registration fee is $500 per group.
Like recent years, CPDF is offering its “Trophy Tote*” for $100. This game enhancement tool contains:
• 8 mulligans (two per player in a foursome)
• 10 yards of string
• 1 ticket to shake off a stroke on a team’s score (limit 1 per foursome)
• 1 FREE cow ball (limit 1 per foursome)
*Limit one Trophy Tote per foursome.
For more information, contact Renee Brod, Central Plains Dairy Expo member services director, at: renee@centralplainsdairyexpo.com.
English
Understanding milk leakage in dairy cows: Causes, risks, practical strategies
By Maristela Rovai, South Dakota State University
Milk leakage is a challenge in modern dairy management that can increase the risk of mastitis and may create confusion about whether proper udder stimulation has occurred. This article summarizes key findings on the anatomical and physiological causes of milk leakage, and offers practical strategies for dairy workers to understand its occurrence on farms.
Milk leakage in context
Milk leakage, technically known as incontinentia lactis, is the involuntary dripping or flowing of milk from a cow’s teat (or teats) between milkings without stimulation. Though often overlooked, this condition can negatively impact udder health, milking efficiency and increase the risk of intramammary infections (mastitis).
Read the full article here.
Spanish
Comprendiendo el goteo de leche en vacas lecheras: Causas, riesgos y estrategias prácticas
Por Maristela Rovai, South Dakota State University
Goteo de leche es un desafío en el manejo moderno de granjas lecheras que puede aumentar el riesgo de mastitis y generar confusión sobre si se ha realizado una estimulación adecuada de la ubre. Este artículo resume hallazgos clave sobre las causas anatómicas y fisiológicas del goteo de leche y ofrece estrategias prácticas para que los trabajadores lecheros comprendan su ocorrencia en las granjas.
Goteo de leche en contexto
Goteo de Leche—técnicamente conocida como incontinentia lactis—es la pérdida involuntaria de leche de uno o más pezones de la vaca entre ordeños sin estimulación. Aunque a menudo se pasa por alto, esta condición puede afectar negativamente la salud de la ubre, la eficiencia del ordeño y aumentar el riesgo de infecciones intramamarias (mastitis).
Lea el artículo completo aquí.
FFAR, DMI, Zoetis call for research proposals to study cattle health, economics, environment
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and Zoetis launched the Dairy Health, Efficiency & Resource Dynamics (Dairy HERD) Initiative. The goal for this $1.3 million research collaboration is to advance research in animal health, ensure the economic viability of the U.S. dairy industry and improve environmental outcomes. FFAR is currently accepting research proposals – requesting between $500,000 and $1 million per project – for projects lasting up to two years. The required matching funds for this opportunity have been secured, but additional matching funds are encouraged.
 The Dairy HERD Initiative recognizes that animal health and welfare are top priorities for producers and consumers. The initiative advances research on the positive impacts of disease prevention and herd management on economic and environmental outcomes. These outcomes will help support the U.S. dairy industry’s collective 2050 environmental stewardship goals, which include reducing emissions, optimizing water use and recycling and improving water quality. The initiative will help ensure that results are available to farmers and other stakeholders by incorporating them into existing models and decision support tools, enabling farmers to increase efficiency and profitability on their farms.
The U.S. dairy industry has made significant strides in meeting its stewardship goals. Thanks to improved farming practices, producing a gallon of milk in 2017 required 30% less water, 21% less land and had a 19% smaller carbon footprint than in 2007. Dairy farmers already prioritize cow health and welfare. The Dairy HERD Initiative seeks research proposals to help quantify the benefits of these stewardship efforts and provides farmers with the tools to do so.
The Dairy HERD Initiative welcomes applications from all domestic and international higher education institutions, non-profit and for-profit organizations and government-affiliated research agencies. Pre-applications are due June 11. For more information and to apply, visit the Dairy HERD Initiative page on FFAR’s website.
South Dakota Governor’s Ag Summit to convene June 17-18
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the speaker lineup and tour locations for the upcoming 2025 South Dakota Governor’s Agricultural Summit. Hosted by Governor Rhoden, the two-day event on June 17-18, in historic Deadwood, S.D., at the Deadwood Mountain Grand, brings together stakeholders from across the agricultural community to connect, collaborate and discuss industry challenges and opportunities.
Tuesday, June 17
- Governor Rhoden will provide a policy update and present the 2025 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award
- DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts will provide a Welcome Address
- Bernt Nelson, American Farm Bureau Federation economist, will lay out the current trends in cattle inventory, why it matters and how family farms can lead their businesses through this “hypercycle” in the cattle industry
- Jack Hubbard will present “Animal Agriculture is Under Attack,” which will address current challenges facing animal agriculture, focusing on the threats to the livestock industry and the actionable steps necessary to protect its future
- Brett Kaysen, National Pork Board, will provide insights into consumer trends and behaviors within the meat industry
- Alan Hojer, South Dakota Ag Foundation, will present an overview of their “Keep Farmers Farming” program, offering essential estate and transition planning support for South Dakota’s agricultural producers, along with a producer panel
- A forestry roundtable will bring together South Dakota and Wyoming state foresters, as well as leading industry experts to discuss the importance of effective forestry management practices
Wednesday, June 18
- Regional forestry tour, focusing on forestry management from tree growth to finished product, and other industry tours to be announced.
For more information and to register for the Governor’s Ag Summit, a free event, visit: https://danr.sd.gov/AgSummit/default.aspx
Stateline Dairy and Ag Outlook Seminar set for June 17
The Stateline Dairy and Ag Outlook Seminar will be held on June 17, in Waukon, Iowa. This program will primarily focus on dairy, livestock and crop commodity market updates, farm transition planning and current topics within the agricultural industry relevant to ag lenders and service providers.
 Presenters include Matt Tranel, senior dairy market advisor, Ever.Ag, Nathan Hulinsky, associate extension professor, University of Minnesota, Madelynn Wuestenberg, agricultural climatology specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Joseph Lensing, farm management specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Jennifer Bentley, dairy field specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
For more details and/or to register, click here.
USJERSEY offers $32,000 in scholarships and awards
Apply for scholarship and educational awards administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) by July 1. Find applications here.
The funds provide financial support for young Jersey owners pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey cattle. Eligible applicants are Junior or Lifetime members of the association, with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Scholarships to apply for include: The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($2,500). This scholarship was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, Calif., from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020.
The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) is in its second year. It will be awarded to an incoming or current undergraduate student in any post-education institution studying dairy-related majors, working toward a 2-year or 4-year degree, and demonstrating satisfactory academic performance. Recipients are eligible to receive the scholarship up to two times but must reapply to be considered.
The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies of $5,000 will be awarded to a graduate student in dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.
Students who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2025 may apply for the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000). Students who have completed at least one year of study toward their degree are eligible for the V. L. Peterson Scholarship (2,250). Also, the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,250) will be awarded to an eligible nominee for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
A Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing or dairy product marketing, and who demonstrates through completed coursework and goal statement, significant progress toward this intended degree and a clear intention for a career in agriculture.
The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($1,500) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.
The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($2,750) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing. The Lineweaver Scholarship ($3,500) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.
The AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business.
The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.
Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates but not older than 36 years old as of Jan. 1, 2025.
For application forms and instructions, visit the “Scholarships and Internships” page on the USJersey website or use this link. Recipients will be recognized on Nov. 8, at the Youth Awards Ceremony held during The All American Jersey Shows and Sales in Louisville, Ky.
Register for the NMC Regional Meeting in Rochester, New York
NMC: The Global Milk Quality Organization invites you to attend the 2025 NMC Regional Meeting, set for July 22-24, in Rochester, N.Y., at the Hyatt Regency Rochester. With a theme of “Clearing Hurdles to Improve Milk Quality,” this event will bring together dairy producers, veterinarians, researchers and industry professionals for a collaborative exchange of knowledge and innovative practices to tackle key challenges in milk quality and udder health.
Find details about the NMC Regional Meeting at: https://www.nmconline.org/2025-regional-meeting-agenda. To register for this event, go to: https://bit.ly/NMC2025Regional.
As the dairy industry continues to evolve, so do the obstacles that hinder optimal milk quality and production, and animal welfare. The NMC Regional Meeting will feature expert-led sessions on emerging mastitis pathogens, on-farm milk quality strategies, antimicrobial stewardship and technologies for monitoring herd health.
“Our goal is to help dairy professionals identify and overcome the barriers that hinder milk quality,” said Rick Watters, an NMC board member and regional meeting co-chair. “By bringing together some of the brightest minds and most practical tools in the field, we aim to drive significant progress for enhancing udder health.”
The 2025 NMC Regional Meeting includes short courses, general sessions, panel discussions, dairy farm tours and networking opportunities designed to foster practical learning and actionable solutions.
Short Course topics and presenters*
Troubleshooting Bacteria Counts in Conventional Milking Systems: Paul Virkler, Quality Milk Production Services, and Rick Watters, AgroChem
Milking System Design & Analysis: Roger Thomson, MQ-IQ Consulting and Michigan State University
Mastitis Microbes I: Let’s Figure Out the Bugs Behind the Battle: Quinn Kolar and Michael Zurakowski, Cornell University
The Milking Routine: Lisa Ford, Cayuga Marketing, Kaitlyn Lutz, Cornell University, and Francisco Mendoza Gomez, Newmont Farms (taught in Spanish)
Troubleshooting Bacteria Counts in Automated Milking Systems: Kira Andersen, Lely, and Guy Séguin, Dairy Farmers of Ontario
Milking System Vacuum and Airflow Testing: Roger Thomson, MQ-IQ Consulting and Michigan State University (hands-on training using the “Teaching Parlor”)
Judicious Use of Antimicrobials: Matt Chuff and Tracy Potter, Perry Veterinary Clinic
The ABCs of Milking Machines: Operation, Cleaning and Inspection: Carolina Pinzon, University of Wisconsin, and Dario Roma, DCR Consulting (taught in Spanish)
Identification of Mastitis-causing Organisms Using On-farm Methods: Quinn Kolar and Michael Zurakowski, Cornell University
Wash System Analysis: Roger Thomson, MQ-IQ Consulting and Michigan State University, and Rick Watters, AgroChem
General Session topics and presenters*
Bedding Management: How to Interpret Bedding Bacterial Counts – Felipe Peña Mosca, Cornell University
Beyond Cell Count: Non-traditional Measures of Milk Quality – Nicole Martin, Cornell University
Milk Quality Standards: Beyond SCC and SPC – Kaitlyn Briggs, fairlife
Sensor Technology for Improved Animal Health – Julio Giordano, Cornell University
Using Artificial Intelligence to Interpret Data Silos – Elsa Vasseur, McGill University
How to Use Camera Technology Without Infringing on Employees’ Privacy Rights – Emily Skowronski, Cattle Care
Panel Discussion: How Dairy Farms are Using Artificial Intelligence and Camera Technology
*Topics and presenters subject to change.
Plus, tour some of New York’s finest dairy farms on July 24. The tour features Reyncrest Farms, Corfu, N.Y.; Bonna Terra Farms, Bloomfield, N.Y.; and Rudgers Registered Jerseys, Attica, N.Y.
Additionally, you won’t want to miss NMC’s Taste of New York – set for the evening of July 22. Taste some of the Empire State’s finest cheeses, wines and beers. And, participate in NMC’s first-ever chocolate milk tasting contest.
To make your hotel reservation at the Hyatt Regency Rochester, go to: https://bit.ly/NMCregionalmeetingHotel. Book your hotel room by June 30 in the NMC room block to take advantage of the discounted rate of $129 per night (not including taxes and fees).
YDLI seeks applicants for Class 14
The Holstein Foundation’s leadership program, the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), is now accepting applications for Class 14. The engaging, hands-on program is open to young adults (ages 22 to 45) who have a keen interest in the dairy industry. Applications for YDLI Class 14 are due Aug. 1, and can be found at www.holsteinfoundation.org.
 The interactive, three-phase program focuses on strengthening young adults in the areas of interpersonal communications, growth mindset, team culture, influence, advocacy, embracing change and community involvement. Many participants say they leave the on-site training sessions with a renewed sense of energy, drive and passion for the dairy community.
“YDLI has been incredibly valuable, equipping me with leadership skills such as effective communication, strategic thinking and the confidence to advocate for agriculture in meaningful ways,” said YDLI Class 13 graduate Jenna Facer of New York. “Through this program, I’ve gained not only knowledge but also a network of inspiring peers who share a passion for shaping the future of our industry.”
Phase I of YDLI will meet in Dallas, Feb. 2-5, 2026. The on-site training sessions are energetic and motivational, designed for participants to build skills and connect with others. During Phase II, participants will complete self-driven projects in their local communities. The program will wrap up with another round of thought-provoking, in-person sessions during Phase III, held Feb. 1-4, 2027, in Dallas.
Seeking to attract the brightest and most engaged young adults in the dairy community, those working on dairy farms or in other aspects of the industry are encouraged to apply. International English-speaking applicants are also invited to apply for the program.
The Young Dairy Leaders Institute has graduated nearly 800 alumni since its inception in 1993. Top tier applicants will be selected from across North America for Class 14, diverse in their backgrounds and roles within the industry.
Those selected as YDLI class members will need to invest the time needed to complete projects throughout the year-long program. Much of the program is funded by the Holstein Foundation, thanks to several generous sponsors. However, class members pay a registration fee, along with travel and hotel costs. Some scholarships are available for full-time dairy producers who apply.
To learn more about cost or sponsorship opportunities, or find the YDLI application, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org. Contact Jodi Hoynoski at jhoynoski@holstein.com for more information.
Milk is defined by safety
In an era of evolving food policy, it’s good to know that food safety safeguards that have existed for generations are still doing their jobs, no matter what the anxiety of the month may be.
Milk is Exhibit A of the tried-and-true in action. The Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO), which regulates all Grade “A” milk, is more than a century old, making sure that a product that caused 19th century panics has been a trusted source of premium nutrition well into the 21st century. The PMO is pretty mundane. Its exhaustive rules and regulations make a great cure for insomnia. And that’s the point. By outlining in extensive prescribed detail how milk must be handled, tested and then mandating those procedures, the PMO goes to great lengths to ensure the safety of milk – so you don’t have to worry about it.
Here’s a taste of the required testing milk must go through, from farm, to processing plant, to store shelf. And these are the minimum requirements. Many dairy farmers and milk processors go above and beyond to protect the health of consumers and their own success in the marketplace.
According to the PMO
Within two hours of milking, all milk must be cooled to 45° F. (7° C.) and refrigerated properly until a  milk truck driver arrives, in a vehicle that’s highly regulated to ensure proper cleanliness. When the driver arrives at a farm to pick up milk, the driver takes or picks up samples from each farm’s bulk milk tank (and/or silo) and holds those in a cooler for further follow-up if any anomalies are identified in subsequent testing. When the tanker arrives at the processing location, each tanker is tested for animal drug residues as required by the PMO. And if the results find antibiotics (specifically, beta lactams), the milk is rejected and removed from the animal and human food supply. Tankers are also tested for somatic cells to assess quality and tested for added water, which is illegal, and would render the milk adulterated. In addition, the milk’s temperature is checked to ensure it’s been stored properly and inspected for any adverse physical signs, such as off color or odor.
Once the milk arrives at a processing plant, the PMO requires every milk truck to be tested for beta lactams before it enters. In 2024, only 1 out of every 17,083 tankers (less than 0.00006%) tested positive for a drug residue – the lowest ever.
Once all those hurdles have been surmounted, milk enters the plant and receives the gold standard treatment – pasteurization. For more than 100 years, pasteurization has been keeping consumers safe from threats that ranged from tuberculosis (second only to cancer as a cause of death in 1925) to bird flu, which pasteurization renders harmless in milk, according to repeated tests taken last year when the virus was identified in dairy cattle.
Here’s how pasteurization works. Under HTST (high-temperature short-time) pasteurization, milk is heated to a specific temperature, typically at least 161° F. (71.5° C.), though many plants go even higher. The heated milk is held at the specific temperature for a set time, typically no less than 15 seconds for HTST. This allows the heat to effectively kill harmful bacteria.
Alternative methods, like vat pasteurization, use lower temperatures (145° F. or 63° C.), but for longer periods (30 minutes). In general, the higher the temperature, the longer the milk’s shelf life. Ultra-pasteurized milk, for example, is heated to temperatures around 280° F. (140° C.) for a short time, resulting in longer shelf life. And ultra-high temperature, which is processed and packaged in a commercially sterile environment, may go even higher (e.g., 285° F. or 140° C.), resulting in shelf-stable milk.
In every case, the combination of temperature and time allows the heat to effectively kill harmful viruses and bacteria, and keep milk safe. After pasteurization, the milk is then rapidly cooled, usually to around 40° F. (4° C.) This prevents further bacterial growth and maintains the milk’s quality.
Pasteurized milk also undergoes its own tests, including a phosphatase test to confirm efficacy. The phosphatase test, specifically the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test, is used to determine if milk has been properly pasteurized. ALP is an enzyme naturally present in raw milk but is inactivated by heat during pasteurization. ALP activity in milk indicates insufficient pasteurization or contamination with raw milk after pasteurization. From there, the milk is packaged and sent to the store.
Milk is a product of proven safeguards and processes, backed by state and federal regulations and an industry that doesn’t want to be associated with food scares and illness outbreaks. Do outbreaks still occur? Yes, but given the billions of pounds of milk produced each year, such outbreaks are exceedingly rare. And when they do happen, regulators and the dairy industry learn and do better.
CDCB plans to release ‘Milking Speed’ for Holsteins
With Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) board approval of new data flow, CDCB is one step closer to releasing Milking Speed (MSPD) for Holsteins in August. As with the release of all new traits, this timeline is still tentative until new data are flowing into the National Cooperator Database and a test run of the trait has passed review by the Dairy Evaluation Review Team and the Genetic Evaluation Methods Committee. More information about this revolutionary new trait will be shared as the timeline to launch is confirmed.
 Not to be confused with the existing milking speed (MSP) trait for Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorn, the new MSPD trait for Holsteins is calculated using data from in-line sensors, rather than collected during the type classification process. Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTA) for MSPD represent the average pounds of milk per minute a cow or bull’s offspring is estimated to produce. PTAs will be compared to an average milking speed of 7 pounds per minute for Holsteins. This trait is designed to increase efficiency in parlors and milking facilities across the country.
CDCB is also asking producers and the industry to affirm that calf health data are flowing from farms into the National Cooperator Database so progress can continue toward publication of traits for the resistance to diarrhea and respiratory incidences in calves. As the process of trait development moves from research to operational implementation, access to contemporary data in the national database is a key step in this process.
Lastly, as announced before the April evaluations, the calving traits – Sire Calving Ease, Daughter Calving Ease, Sire Stillbrith, and Daughter Stillbirth – will experience a base change in August. Watch for more details.
AJCA plans to include Percent Jersey Ancestry in official documents
Effective June 1, the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) will include Percent Jersey Ancestry (PJA) on all official documents issued by the organization. This new designation provides an added layer of transparency by indicating each animal’s probable Jersey breed composition based on its pedigree and ancestors.
“This is a step forward in equipping breeders and industry partners with even more valuable, detailed information,” said John Metzger, AJCA genetic consultant. “Percent Jersey Ancestry will provide a clearer understanding of expected breed composition of individual animals and support informed decisions in genetic selection, marketing and herd management.”
PJA is calculated as the average of an animal’s parents’ PJA values, tracing back through the oldest  ancestors in its pedigree. It offers a more streamlined and reliable method of assessing breed ancestry, especially for determining male registry eligibility, than the previously used combination of Generation Count (GC) and Breed Base Representation (BBR).
All animals in the AJCA database will be assigned a PJA value based on their documented lineage. Moving forward, PJA will serve as the primary tool for evaluating male registry status. Specifically, bulls born after March 31, 2025, must have a Generation Count of GC {6} or higher and a minimum PJA of 94% to be eligible for registry.
The new ancestry tracking system will be integrated into AJCA’s official pedigrees, progeny reports, Animal Family Tree and other herd management tools. While PJA becomes a central feature, Generation Count and BBR will still be displayed for reference. Each measure provides distinct insights:
- GC: Indicates how many generations separate a Registered Jersey from a non-Jersey or foundation animal, based on the number of Registered Jersey sires in the pedigree.
- BBR: A genomic estimate of breed composition calculated by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, using a reference population of qualifying sires. Bulls with BBR ≥94 are standardized to a value of 100.
- PJA: Calculated by AJCA, this pedigree-based percentage reflects the expected breed composition and will serve as the most accurate and consistent tool for assessing Jersey ancestry and registry status.
For questions or further information about PJA, contact Metzger at: jmetzger@usjersey.com.
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