Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national dairy cooperative owned by family farmers, is taking a step forward in its commitment to sustainability by becoming the first U.S. dairy cooperative to set a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

From record price volatility to tragic weather events to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis that’s shaping every aspect of lives and economies, milk producers are facing many unprecedented situations. For most dairy farmers, however, at least some of the burden is lessened by their membership in a cooperative, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) said. Co-op membership, which provides services, support and representation on important issues, gives producers more time and energy to focus on operating their farms, the organization said.

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China’s Mengniu Dairy Co. and Lion Dairy & Drinks, a large dairy company in Australia owned by Japan's Kirin Holdings, have mutually agreed to cease a $434 million sale after it became clear that the transaction would likely be denied by the Australian government.

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing risk with direct effects on the health of animals and the potential to affect human health. The American Veterinary Medical Assn. (AVMA) released Aug. 25 the inaugural report "Antimicrobial Resistant Pathogens Affecting Animal Health in the United States," the newest addition to the arsenal of interdisciplinary resources dedicated to combating the AMR threat.

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of JDS Communications

The American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA) is pleased to announce the first published issue of JDS Communications, a new journal of ADSA for short, focused papers about the production of milk or processing of milk products for human consumption.

JDS Communications launched in June 2020 and has published the first issue just two months later. The editorial team is receiving new submissions and papers are undergoing review with Matthew Lucy (University of Missouri), editor in chief and physiology section editor; MaryAnne Drake (dairy foods section editor), North Carolina State University; Pam Ruegg (Michigan State University) health, behavior and well-being section editor; Jennie Pryce (Agriculture Victoria and La Trobe University), genetics section editor; and John Roche (Down to Earth Advice Ltd, Hamilton, New Zealand), animal nutrition and farm systems.

“The launch of JDS Communications is a tremendous achievement for the dairy science community,” said Lucy. “It represents the successful completion of a coordinated effort that involved the American Dairy Science Association, FASS staff, and Elsevier. Our authors will appreciate the fresh new look and gold open access for their smaller, more focused, research studies or reviews in the dairy sciences. Our readers will enjoy open access, a strict 5-page limit and the inclusion of a single page graphical abstract that provides a concise visual summary of the work.”

Modifications to established fiber methods may be required to quantify cellulose from flow aids in grated Parmesan cheese by Tyl et al, https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2020-18275.

Cholesterol deficiency carriers have lowered serum cholesterol and perform well at an elite cattle show by Basiel et al., https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2020-18587.

A parallel evaluation of 5 indirect cost-effective methods for assessing failure of passive immunity transfer in neonatal calves by Mugnier et al., https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2019-17931 

An automated controlled-release device for intravaginal hormone delivery by Masello et al., https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2020-18816. 

When do dry cows get heat stressed? Correlations of rectal temperature, respiration rate, and performance by Toledo et al., https://doi.org/10.3168/jdsc.2019-18019. 

“For 103 years, the Journal of Dairy Science has published leading peer-reviewed research and the celebration of the first issue of ADSA’s newest journal – JDS Communications – marks an important milestone for ADSA, its members, and stakeholders in how we deliver valuable science to the entire dairy community,” said Catharine Perry, ADSA executive director.

Please join us in reading these articles and celebrating the successful launch of JDS Communications.

The Journal of Dairy Science^® recently recognized papers and authors on their “Top 100” list as being among the most highly cited recently published (2017-present) manuscripts in JDS. Click here to find the full list. Papers are listed in the order in which they were published in the journal. Congratulations to all of the authors.

The 39^th American Dairy Science Association^® (ADSA) Discover Conference: The Transition Period – From Physiology to Management, planned for October 26-29, 2020 and originally scheduled to occur in Itasca, IL will move completely online.

ADSA’s Discover Conferences ^TM have been designed to offer an informal environment and format that encourages candid interactions among scientists to improve learning and understanding of timely topics in the science of food animal agriculture. The interactive spirit of Discover conferences will remain in the virtual format; with structured discussions woven into the program, including focused discussions with the speakers. As is consistent with previous Discover Conferences, registration will be limited in order to maintain the small group, quality discussions that participants have come to appreciate about attending a Discover Conference.

This conference will highlight scientific advancements made in the last 10 years relative to the Transition Period. Conference topics include: Physiology, Inflammation and Immune Function, Management and Feeding, Monitoring and Analysis, and Health.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.adsa.org/Meetings/39th-Discover-Conference.

One more reminder from the 2020 ADSA Virtual Annual Meeting, as an added benefit from the meeting everyone who registered for the meeting has received 90 days of complementary access to S-PAC. This means that you have access to all information in S_PAC until September 20, but don't wait. Check it out now. If you were not a subscriber prior to the meeting simply go to https://spac.adsa.org/., use the same login and password that you did to register for the meeting and you will have access to S-PAC. After trying it out just click on the “Subscribe to S-PAC” link and add it to your information resources. Thank you if you are already a subscriber, your subscription was extended by 90 days.

Please contact Ken Olson keolson@prodigy.net if you have questions.

Start making plans to attend the 41^ST ADSA DISCOVER CONFERENCE^SM ON FOOD ANIMAL AGRICULTURE - Health Management of Calves: From Intrauterine Life to Successful Weaning. This conference will explore the many changes in dairy calf management practices, and research conducted over the last decade. Potential Conference Topics include:

•      Opportunities and Key Knowledge Gaps in Calf Management

•      Bull Calves & Dairy-Beef

•      Calf Housing and Behavior

•      Calf Immunology and Vaccines

•      Calf Nutrition Pre-weaning

•      Calf Welfare

•      Colostrum Management

•      Fetal Programming, Influence of Cow Stressors on Calf Development

•      Neonatal Disease Management

•      Transition to the Ruminant Calf: Weaning Strategies to Optimize Future Health and Productivity 

A poster session will be included to allow participants to share and discuss research findings. Details will be posted on the meeting site as they are finalized.