Some Udder Stuff

Deadline approaching for FARM Version 2028 comments

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program is soliciting feedback for proposed Version 2028 updates. All dairy industry stakeholders are invited to provide comments, feedback and concerns related to the proposed changes by Oct. 2.

In addition to FARM Animal Care, FARM Workforce Development proposed changes have been added to the open comment period to broaden the opportunity for farmer input.

Animal Care standards, rationale and accountability measures are reviewed and revised by the FARM Farmer Advisory Council, FARM Animal Care Task Force and National

Milk Producers Federation’s farmer-led Animal Health and Well-being Committee.

NMPF’s Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee will review the survey feedback and submit proposed recommendations to NMPF’s Board of Directors next March.

The FARM Workforce Development Task Force and Farmer Advisory Council work together to put forward recommendations to the NMPF Executive Committee.

The NMPF Board of Directors will provide final approval on any and all recommendations. Once approved, Version 2028 for FARM Animal Care and Workforce

Development will take effect Jan. 1, 2028.

Visit the FARM Program website to complete the survey and for more information on Version 2028 development.

Two grants open to support Minnesota livestock producers

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Livestock Investment Grant and the AGRI Protecting Livestock from Avian Influenza (Protect) Grant. The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant helps Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers improve, update, and modernize their infrastructure and equipment. The AGRI Protect Grant helps livestock producers purchase equipment that reduces the risk of avian influenza transmission on their farms.

Up to $1.5 million is available for the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant, applicants may request $400 up to $25,000. Up to $250,000 is available for the AGRI Protect Grant, applicants may request $500 up to $10,000. Both are reimbursement grant programs and require recipients to contribute matching funds.

“Livestock production accounts for nearly half of Minnesota’s $22 billion agricultural economy and is essential to the strength of our rural communities,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Investments in equipment, infrastructure, and biosecurity not only help farmers strengthen their operations, but when livestock farms do well, so do the feed mills, veterinarians, processors, cooperatives and other local businesses that work with them, creating jobs and keeping dollars circulating in communities across the state.”

Both grant programs give priority to applicants who have farmed for 10 years or less. The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant also prioritizes:

— Generational farm transitions

— Technology improvements, including robotic dairy milking equipment

— Projects that respond to and prepare for extreme weather

Applications for both programs must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17. Visit the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant webpage and the AGRI Protect Grant webpage for eligibility requirements, application instructions, and information about previously funded projects.

Since the start of the Walz-Flanagan administration, the MDA has invested more than $10.3 million through the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant to help producers improve and modernize livestock operations across Minnesota.

Funding for both grant programs is made available through the MDA’s AGRI Program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools, and more throughout Minnesota to advance the state’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.

CentralStar opens applications for 2027 summer internship program

CentralStar Cooperative is now accepting applications for its 2027 paid-summer-internship program, offering students valuable hands-on experience in the dairy and beef industries through three unique internship opportunities.

Artificial insemination specialist interns throughout Wisconsin and Michigan gain hands-on experience with dairy- and beef-cattle reproduction, heat detection, A.I., reproductive consulting, and herd-management technologies.

Research and development interns at Antelbio™ in Lansing, Michigan, focus on developing innovative diagnostic tools and conducting research that advances animal health and herd management.

Milk-sample-technician interns in the Kaukauna, Wisconsin, and Grand Ledge, Michigan, milk-analysis laboratories gain experience analyzing milk samples and supporting the delivery of herd-health and production data to dairy and beef producers.

“CentralStar internships provide students with real-world experience, industry connections, and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to agriculture,” said CentralStar recruiting and hiring manager Corinn Harmeyer. “Interns work alongside experienced professionals and gain skills that help prepare them for successful careers in the agricultural industry.”

Internship positions are paid and designed for students interested in animal science, dairy or beef production, agricultural research, genetics, reproduction, laboratory sciences, and related fields. Applications are open now and will be accepted through Oct. 31. Students can learn more and apply at https://mycentralstar.com/careers/.

CentralStar’s mission of enhancing producer profitability through integrated solutions for mutual success is fulfilled by incorporating an array of products and services critical to dairy-and-beef-farm prosperity. CentralStar’s product and service offerings include Accelerated Genetics, GenerVations, and Select Sires genetics; extensive artificial-insemination (A.I.) technician service; genetic, reproduction, and dairy-records consultation; DHI services; diagnostic testing; herd-management products; research and development; and more. CentralStar’s administration and warehouse facilities are located in Lansing, Mich., and Waupun, Wis., with laboratories in Grand Ledge, Mich., and Kaukauna, Wis. The cooperative serves dairy and beef producers throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, with additional DHI territory in various surrounding states. For more information, visit CentralStar Cooperative Inc. at www.mycentralstar.com.

National Dairy Board awards scholarships to 12 college students

The dairy checkoff has awarded 12 academic scholarships to students pursuing degrees with a focus on dairy and demonstrating strong potential as future industry leaders.

The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, through Dairy Management Inc. – which manages the national dairy checkoff – annually awards $2,500 scholarships to 11 students. In addition, the NDB awards a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to one outstanding scholarship recipient.

Eligible majors include journalism, communications/public relations, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agricultural education. Criteria include academic achievement, career interest in a dairy-related discipline and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity.

Sienna Mahaffy, a student at Oklahoma State University majoring in business administration, has been named the 2026-2027 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Students earning $2,500 scholarships are: Trell Amoss (Oklahoma State University), Cassie Bohnert (Iowa State University), Campbell Booth (University of Minnesota), Eliza Dugan (West Texas A&M University), Sara Kennedy (Pennsylvania State University), Keegan Medeiros (California State University, Monterey Bay), Nicholas Needham (University of Wisconsin-Madison), Ella Raatz (University of Minnesota), Elle Ruffner (Iowa State University), Taylor Thigpen (University of Notre Dame) and Kelsey Timp (Iowa State University).

Vikings legend to connect football, farming at 2027 MN Ag Expo

A Minnesota Vikings legend is returning to the former home of the team’s training camp to attend Minnesota’s premier indoor agricultural conference and trade show.

Chad Greenway, who grew up on a South Dakota crop and livestock family farm and later played 11 seasons with the Vikings, has been tapped as the keynote speaker at the 2027 MN Ag Expo, Jan. 19, 2027, at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato.

During his address to Minnesota farmers, Greenway will connect his farming background with greatness on the gridiron. In both football and farming, he says, the best ability is availability: Stay in the moment.

Following an All-American career as a linebacker at the University of Iowa, Greenway played his entire career with the Vikings. Using the strong work ethic farming taught him, Greenway maximized his talents to the fullest. He earned two-time Pro Bowl honors and considers the 2009 season – when the Vikings fell just short of reaching their first Super Bowl in decades – his peak as a pro. Greenway plans to discuss that season, along with other lessons learned and memories gained from his Vikings career, at MN Ag Expo.

Greenway has stayed connected to his family farming roots. His mom, Julie, still runs the family farm in South Dakota after Chad’s dad, Alan, died in 2014. Chad’s uncle, Brad Greenway, is a farmer leader who was named the National Pork Board’s 2016 Pig Farmer of the Year. Chad also operates a 70-acre hobby farm in Delano.

Greenway is also co-founder of Gray Duck Spirits, which produces vodka, beer, seltzers, cold brews and more by using Minnesota agricultural products.

Registration is now open for the free 2027 MN Ag Expo, which is co-hosted by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. Each year, Minnesota’s agriculture community gathers at MN Ag Expo for two days of connecting, learning, advocating and fundraising. With more than 150 booths across two trade show floors, attendees can visit with various commodity groups, state agencies, agribusinesses, industry organizations, legislative speakers and hear from engaging guest speakers.