CPDA recognizes outgoing board members Kari Jungemann, Michael Reecy
The Central Plains Dairy Association (CPDA) thanked two individuals – Kari Jungemann and Michael Reecy – for each serving six years on the CPDA board of directors. They “retired” on June 30. As CPDA board members, they helped guide the association’s mission to strengthen, support and advance the Central Plains dairy industry. Their leadership provided a key role in supporting continued growth, industry relevance and long-term vitality for dairy producers and allied businesses across the Central Plains.
Jungemann, who served as the board’s secretary/treasurer for six years, works full time with her husband Lucas and his parents Russel and Janet Jungemann on their farm Lazy J Dairy, LLC, Wolsey, S.D. A Sioux Center, Iowa native, Jungemann earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota. Jungemann spent nearly 10 years working for VB&VV where she did tax and financial preparation for farm and dairy clients. At Lazy J Dairy, she primarily handles the calf operation but helps with herd health, record keeping and finances.
“Kari brought a unique combination of financial expertise, dairy production experience and firsthand knowledge of farm operations to her service on the Central Plains Dairy Association Board of Directors,” stated Renee Brod, CPDA member services director. “Her thoughtful perspective, practical insight and commitment to the dairy industry have been invaluable to the board. We are deeply grateful for the time, leadership and dedication she has given to the association and dairy producers throughout the Central Plains.”
Reecy serves as a senior executive in the agribusiness and financial services sector, currently serving as senior vice president – corporate agribusiness and syndications at Farm Credit Services of America, which operates AgCountry, Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit. Based in Dell Rapids, S.D., he has more than 15 years of experience in agricultural finance and syndications. Reecy earned a bachelor’s degree in business finance from South Dakota State University and a master’s degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University. Also, he served in the South Dakota Air National Guard as an aircraft fuel systems mechanic from 2004-2014.
“Mike’s six years of service on the Central Plains Dairy Association Board of Directors have been defined by thoughtful guidance, a strong understanding of the industry and a genuine commitment to the success of dairy producers throughout the Central Plains,” Brod remarked. “His extensive background in agricultural finance and agribusiness brought valuable knowledge to the board, and we are grateful for the experience and commitment he contributed to our organization.”
In addition to the retirement of Jungemann and Reecy, the CPDE board of directors elected a new executive team. CPDA board members elected Barry Visser, Vita Plus, to serve as president, Rick Eggebrecht, Novita Nutrition, LLC, as vice president, and Michael Ten Clay, VB&VV, as secretary/treasurer. Other board members include Tom Walsh, Riverview Dairy, Evan Grong, Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Jennifer Landman, Linde Dairy, LLC, Stacie De Groot, Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment Inc., Aaron Titterington, Jones Dairy, Erin Marotz, En-Mar Holsteins & TLAY Dairy Video Sales, and Chris Kayton, Farm Credit Services of America.
The Central Plains Dairy Association is uniquely governed by dairy producers, processors and allied industry professionals representing Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. Together, these leaders help advance the association’s mission of providing meaningful opportunities, reliable information and innovative platforms for the Central Plains dairy community while supporting the industry’s continued growth and vitality. Those interested in contributing their experience and serving the dairy industry through a position on the CPDA Board of Directors are encouraged to contact Renee Brod for more information at renee@centralplainsdairyexpo.com.
By Noelia Silva-del-Rio, Rubia Branco-Lopes, and Yael Sarai Alonso-López, University of California Cooperative Extension
Why navel health matters
For newborn calves, the navel is a potential entry point for bacteria. After birth, the internal umbilical structures begin to close and regress, but the external stump remains moist and vulnerable until it dries and heals.
Infection may remain localized to the stump or extend into the internal umbilical structures, leading to liver abscesses, joint infections, septicemia, poor growth and death. Affected calves may have a wet, enlarged, warm, firm, painful or draining navel. Fever, depression, reduced milk intake, swollen joints or lameness are also reasons for concern.
Calves with persistent enlargement, systemic illness or failure to improve should be examined by a veterinarian. External examination may not reveal the full extent of infection; ultrasonography may be recommended when internal involvement is suspected.
📷 New World Screwworm infestation in a wound on a calf’s head.
Proteger el ombligo es proteger al ternero: prácticas de manejo y vigilancia ante el gusano barrenador del Nuevo Mundo
Por Noelia Silva-del-Rio, Rubia Branco-Lopes y Yael Sarai Alonso-López, Universidad de California, Servicio de Extension
¿Por qué es importante la salud del ombligo?
En los terneros recién nacidos, el ombligo es una posible vía de entrada de bacterias. Después del nacimiento, las estructuras umbilicales internas comienzan a cerrarse e involucionar, pero el muñón umbilical externo permanece húmedo y vulnerable hasta que se seca y cicatriza.
La infección puede permanecer localizada en el muñón o extenderse hacia las estructuras umbilicales internas y causar abscesos hepáticos, infecciones articulares, septicemia, crecimiento deficiente e incluso la muerte. Los terneros afectados pueden presentar un ombligo húmedo, agrandado, caliente, endurecido, doloroso o con secreción. La fiebre, el decaimiento, la reducción del consumo de leche, la inflamación de las articulaciones o la cojera también son motivos de preocupación.
Los terneros con un agrandamiento persistente del ombligo, signos de enfermedad sistémica o que no mejoran deben ser examinados por un veterinario. El examen externo puede no revelar la extensión completa de la infección; cuando se sospecha que las estructuras internas están afectadas, puede recomendarse una ecografía.
📷 Infestación por el gusano barrenador del Nuevo Mundo en una herida en la cabeza de un ternero.
FARM Program opens comment period for Version 2028
The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program today began its open comment period for both the Animal Care and Workforce Development programs’ proposed Version 2028 updates to compile and incorporate farmer and industry feedback.
“Farmer involvement is critical to ensuring program standards are practical and achievable,” said James “Cricket” Jacquier, an Agri-Mark member-farmer and chairman of the FARM Animal Care Task Force. “Farmers who participate in the open comment period can provide feedback on practices and protocols that help promote U.S. dairy industry efforts in demonstrating our commitment to high-quality dairy products.”
All dairy industry stakeholders are invited to provide comments, feedback and concerns related to the proposed revisions by Oct. 2. Click here to view the proposed standard updates and complete the survey.
Animal Care standards, rationale and accountability measures are reviewed and revised by the FARM Farmer Advisory Council, FARM Animal Care Task Force and NMPF’s farmer-led Animal Health and Well-being Committee.
Key Animal Care directives include review of the evaluation process for injured tails and Fitness to Transport guidelines. The groups also reviewed calf nutrition, animal observations, documentation requirements and continuing education standards.
NMPF’s Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee will review the survey feedback and submit proposed recommendations to NMPF’s Board of Directors next March.
Proposed changes to the Workforce Development evaluation tool include wording adjustments to improve clarity and farm-level relevance of questions; restructuring certain questions and their response options to be less prescriptive (e.g. on timing of safety self-inspections); and exploratory additions to the evaluation to cover new topic areas.
The FARM Workforce Development Task Force and Farmer Advisory Council work together to put forward recommendations to the NMPF Executive Committee.
The National Milk Producers Federation Board of Directors will provide final approval on any and all recommendations. Once approved, FARM Version 2028 will take effect Jan. 1, 2028.
More information about Version 2028 development is available on the FARM Program website.
DCHA webinar addresses management for maximizing growth and development
Mark your calendars to attend the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association’s (DCHA) Aug. 6 webinar – Heifer fundamentals: Management for maximizing growth, development and first lactation success – set to start at 12 p.m. Central time (U.S./Canada). Michael Overton, global dairy platform lead for Precision Animal Health, Zoetis, and Joe Armstrong, veterinarian with the Dairy Technical Services team at Zoetis, will lead this free, one-hour offering.
To register for the webinar, go to: https://bit.ly/ZOETIS080626. Your webinar registration confirmation e-mail will include a web link to join the webinar.
This webinar will provide an overview regarding the importance of raising healthy, well-grown heifers and the role that the post-weaning phase plays in this goal. Participants will learn about research that examines factors related to heifer completion rate and emphasizes the relationship between weight at first calving and milk production. Additionally, participants will gain practical insights on how to help drive growth and protect calf health in the first 2 to 6 months of life.
Overton has worked at Zoetis for six years as the Global Dairy Platform lead within the company’s Precision Animal Health Group. In this role, he works extensively in data analytics and economic modeling, and collaborates across multiple areas within Zoetis. He received his bachelor’s degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from North Carolina State University and practiced veterinary medicine for eight years in North Carolina. Then, he completed a Dairy Production Medicine Residency and Masters of Preventive Veterinary Medicine at the University of California-Davis. Next, Overton served as professor of dairy production medicine and chief of service for the University of Georgia’s food animal program. He then spent eight years at Elanco Animal Health in a data analytics and consultancy role.
A member of the Zoetis Dairy Technical Service Team, Armstrong focuses on helping dairy and beef operations with the practical application of evidence-based medicine and management. With Zoetis, he is responsible for providing technical support to producers and veterinarians in Minnesota, western Wisconsin and northeast Iowa. Armstrong received his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Minnesota-Morris. He graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2015. After veterinary school, Armstrong worked as the University of Minnesota’s cattle production systems extension educator.
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians may earn one Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit for attending this DCHA webinar. To learn more about this opportunity, contact JoDee Sattler at: jodee@calfandheifer.org.
DCRC’s August 20 webinar features the use of monitoring technologies to increase employee efficiency
Join Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) for its next webinar – The use of monitoring technologies to increase employee efficiency and drive employee retention – set for Aug. 20, starting at 2 p.m. Central time (USA/Canada). Glaucio Lopes, Merck Animal Health associate director dairy monitoring, will present this free one-hour webinar.
Lopes will explore how monitoring technologies have been used in large, progressive dairy operations in the United States. He will describe the process of having different stakeholders at the dairy to embrace and use technology, and the challenges they face during implementation. With farm performance data, attendees will learn how the use of technology is paramount to increasing efficiency and driving employee satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, the presentation will include a discussion of the benefits of using monitoring technologies and how the adoption and implementation of these technologies are helping owners increase their bottom line – driving efficiencies with the animals and animal handlers.
To register for this DCRC webinar, go to: https://bit.ly/DCRCWebAug20. If you are a DCRC member and cannot attend the live program, you may access the webinar recording at www.dcrcouncil.org after Sept. 3.
A native of Brazil, Lopes received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Upon graduation, he practiced in small commercial dairy farms and beef operations as a veterinarian before joining Ricardo Chebel at the University of California-Davis. In California, Lopes worked in several research studies focused on reproduction of dairy cows and heifers; calf management, growth and feed additives; and dairy production and health in large dairy farms. In 2011, he completed his master’s degree in reproductive physiology from the University of Wisconsin. His research focused on synchronization and resynchronization of ovulation protocols for fixed-time artificial insemination, use of electronic devices for estrous detection and assessment of accuracy of blood tests for pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cattle. Lopes has worked for Accelerated Genetics, World Wide Sires, SCR Dairy and the URUS Group. Three years ago, he joined the Technology Solutions Team at Merck Animal Health.
Veterinarians and veterinary technicians may earn one Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit for attending this DCRC webinar. To learn more about this opportunity, contact JoDee Sattler at: jodee@dcrcouncil.org.
The next I-29 Moo University Beef on Dairy Dialogue Webinar is set for Aug. 26, starting at 12 p.m. Central time. Dathan Smerchek, Iowa State University assistant professor in animal science, will discuss the effect of growth-enhancing technology on mineral requirements in beef cattle.
There is no fee to participate in this webinar. However, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar’s start. Register online at: https://go.iastate.edu/P4ZUFZ.
Trace minerals are an essential component of the ruminant diet. Although required in small amounts, trace minerals are vital in supporting and enhancing cattle growth, and ensuring profitable beef production.
Historically, trace mineral requirements were set to prevent deficiencies. These requirements significantly improved growth and reproductive performance.
In the United States, the beef cattle industry continues to increase total beef production with a shrinking mature cow herd. Improvements in growth and production are achieved through improved cattle genetics, precision nutritional strategies, increased days on feed and improved use of growth-enhancing technologies.
Growth-enhancing technologies, such as steroidal implants and beta-adrenergic agonists, are valuable tools that significantly improve growth performance, feed efficiency and lean tissue accretion. Thus, cattle grow faster and more efficiently than ever and to heavier finished weights. Given that many trace mineral requirements were established more than 40 years ago, it is important to re-evaluate whether these standards still meet the needs of the modern beef animal.
Smerchek’s current research program focuses on the early stages of development, but the overall goal of his research program is to foster innovation within the beef industry through science-based approaches to improve precision livestock nutritional and technological management to influence sustainability, productivity and profitability.
Nominate dairies for NMC’s National Dairy Quality Awards program
It’s time to submit nominations for NMC’s National Dairy Quality Awards (NDQA) program. This program recognizes U.S. and Canadian dairies that excel in producing high-quality milk. Nominations close Aug. 31.
Coordinated by NMC: The Global Milk Quality Organization, the NDQA program honors dairy producers who market milk with a low somatic cell count (SCC) and low standard plate count (SPC). Additionally, judges evaluate dairy producers’ systems of monitoring udder health, milking routine, protocols for detection and treatment of clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis, and strategies for overall herd health and animal welfare.
Dairy industry professionals – including veterinarians, extension agents, dairy processor field staff and consultants – are encouraged to nominate dairy herds that exemplify milk quality excellence. To nominate a dairy producer, go to: https://www.nmconline.org/ndqa and complete the online nomination form. Dairy producers cannot nominate themselves or their peers.
The NDQA nomination form asks for: herd size, rolling herd average (pounds of milk, fat and protein), DHI testing, SCC and SPC averages, SCC and SPC high monthly average, bulk tank SCC and SPC testing frequency, clinical mastitis incidence, culling data and cow deaths. Milk quality numbers are based on the 12-month period – June 1, 2025-May 31, 2026.
Judges will name approximately 50 finalists from the NDQA nominations. Finalists, along with their nominators, will complete a more detailed final application. From the finalists, judges will rank dairy operations as Platinum, Gold or Silver. The Platinum winners receive international recognition, complimentary lodging and registration, and a travel stipend to attend the NMC’s 65th Annual Meeting, Jan. 25-28, 2027, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Fla., USA.
This year’s NDQA sponsors include Boehringer Ingelheim, Cargill, Conewango, Elanco, GEA, Hoard’s Dairyman and NMC: The Global Milk Quality Organization.
Animal Agriculture Alliance announces agriculture advocacy program
The Animal Agriculture Alliance will once again offer its annual College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program. Beginning Sept. 21, the nine-week program connects college students from across the country who are passionate about sharing agriculture’s story. Through hands-on communication challenges, mentorship and networking opportunities, participants will strengthen their communication skills while gaining confidence to engage in conversations about agriculture online and on campus. Collegiate students, clubs and classes are invited to sign up now.
Through CAO, the Alliance awarded more than $16,000 in scholarships and prizes to students, clubs and classes last year for demonstrating creativity and effective communication. Similar scholarship opportunities are available for participants in the 2026 program.
Throughout the program, participants connect with farmers, ranchers, industry professionals and agricultural communicators who serve as mentors, offering real-world insight into agricultural communications and career development. Among this year’s mentors is Alexis Main, who serves as the Oklahoma Animal Care Advocate through her consulting firm, Paradigma Agricultural Innovations and Consulting, LLC. As a former CAO scholarship recipient, Main brings firsthand experience with the program and is excited to help participants strengthen their communication skills and confidently share agriculture’s story.
“CAO played such a pivotal role in my life, not only helping me develop the skills and confidence to advocate for animal agriculture but also inspiring my pursuit of an advanced degree in animal well-being,” said Main. “Having been a CAO scholarship recipient and past Alliance intern, it’s incredibly meaningful to come full circle as a mentor and support students through the same program and organization that had such a lasting impact on me, both personally and professionally.”
In the individual division, students earn points by completing weekly challenges, such as writing blog posts, creating infographics, producing short-form videos and developing social media content that promotes agriculture and food production.
In the club and class division, collegiate organizations and classrooms compete by planning and hosting educational events that engage their campuses in conversations about agriculture. Activities may include food drives, farm tours, campus outreach events, educational displays and other creative initiatives that connect students with modern agriculture.
Throughout the program, students have opportunities to network, collaborate and ask questions in a private online group, connecting with peers from across the country, as well as industry mentors and program sponsors.
“CAO helps college students bring structure to their passion for agriculture and sharing their agricultural story,” said Nicki Hardy, manager, partnerships and programs, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “It is a unique opportunity for students to practice their communication skills in a supportive space where they can learn from others, compete for scholarships and build confidence for future careers and advocacy.”
Registration is now open for the 2026 program. College students clubs, and classes are encouraged to sign up and begin preparing for the Sept. 21 kickoff.
Submit udder health, milk quality research for NMC’S Technology Transfer Session
NMC: The Global Milk Quality Organization welcomes research submissions for its 2027 Technology Transfer Session (TTS), which will be held in conjunction with the 66th NMC Annual Meeting, Jan. 25-28, in Jacksonville, Fla. Submit manuscripts by Sept. 30.
NMC Research Committee members will review submitted papers during October and inform authors in November regarding the status (accepted or rejected) of their paper(s). The review committee considers these factors when evaluating submitted papers:
Manuscript is based on accepted scientific or educational practices.
Subject matter aligns with NMC’s mission and goals.
Work reported is complete.
Data and statistical validity are presented.
Reasonable conclusions are drawn based on the presented data.
NMC policy on commercialism is not violated.
Manuscript is written in English.
NMC accepts four types of papers:
Research articles
General interest articles
Review articles
Case reports
Each article should contain an introduction, materials and methods, results and discussion, conclusions/recommendations, and references. When authors submit papers, they must include an interpretive summary and keywords. However, these are not included as part of the article.
NMC strives to provide quality papers – focused on educational content – which is free of commercial influence or bias. Manuscripts and posters are not to be used as platforms for commercial sales, promotions and/or advertising. Excessive use of brand names, product names, trade names and/or trademarks is not allowed.
TTS supplements the NMC Annual Meeting program by providing additional information through posters and one-on-one interaction. Ten posters will be presented orally during the Research and Development Summaries Session on Jan. 27.
Author instructions may be found at: https://catalyst.omnipress.com/nmc_2027. For more information, contact JoDee Sattler (jdsattler@nmconline.org) or Anja Sipka (anja.sipka@cornell.edu).
Jungemann, who served as the board’s secretary/treasurer for six years, works full time with her husband Lucas and his parents Russel and Janet Jungemann on their farm Lazy J Dairy, LLC, Wolsey, S.D. A Sioux Center, Iowa native, Jungemann earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Dakota. Jungemann spent nearly 10 years working for VB&VV where she did tax and financial preparation for farm and dairy clients. At Lazy J Dairy, she primarily handles the calf operation but helps with herd health, record keeping and finances.
“Cricket” Jacquier, an Agri-Mark member-farmer and chairman of the FARM Animal Care Task Force. “Farmers who participate in the open comment period can provide feedback on practices and protocols that help promote U.S. dairy industry efforts in demonstrating our commitment to high-quality dairy products.”
To register for the webinar, go to: 
the United States. He will describe the process of having different stakeholders at the dairy to embrace and use technology, and the challenges they face during implementation. With farm performance data, attendees will learn how the use of technology is paramount to increasing efficiency and driving employee satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, the presentation will include a discussion of the benefits of using monitoring technologies and how the adoption and implementation of these technologies are helping owners increase their bottom line – driving efficiencies with the animals and animal handlers.
There is no fee to participate in this webinar. However, registration is required at least one hour prior to the webinar’s start. Register online at: 
who market milk with a low somatic cell count (SCC) and low standard plate count (SPC). Additionally, judges evaluate dairy producers’ systems of monitoring udder health, milking routine, protocols for detection and treatment of clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis, and strategies for overall herd health and animal welfare.
Through CAO, the Alliance awarded more than $16,000 in scholarships and prizes to students, clubs and classes last year for demonstrating creativity and effective communication. Similar scholarship opportunities are available for participants in the 2026 program.
