Swiss voters say no to mandating state lawyers for abused pets

Swiss voters overwhelmingly rejected a referendum that would have compelled all cantons (member states) to hire lawyers to defend the rights of animals, a setback to animal-rights organizations.  According to preliminary results, 71% of Swiss voters rejected the proposal on Sunday, with the rest voting in favor of the measure....

Recession has caught up with organic milk business

Organic milk may yet provide North Coast dairy farmers with the niche market they need to survive, but this year it won't protect them from the pain of overproduction amid a sluggish economy. "The recession has caught up with the organic business," said George McClelland, a Two Rock dairy farmer...

Changes in medicated milk replacer regulations

-  -The FDA ruling that the combination drug of neomycin and oxytetracycline can no longer be used in its current 2:1 dosage in milk replacer will influence the medication options that milk replacer manufacturers offer their customers in the near future.  The change in medicated milk replacer regulations gives calf...

Water increase might come next week

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will announce any possible increase in water supply next week for Westlands Water District and other federal water contractors on the Valley's west side. Usually, the announcement would come in the third week of the month, but federal officials are aware that west-side farmers need...

Labor update on tap at WUD convention Wednesday

WUD Group Legal Counsel Anthony Raimondo will present a labor update for dairy producers on Wednesday, March 10, at the Western United Dairymen Convention. The 10:25 a,m. presentation will cover recent developments in labor and employment law that impact dairies, union activity in the dairy industry, and the greatest risks...

Alternative convention hotel rooms available

March 5, 2010 - - There are just a few rooms left at the Doubletree Hotel, Modesto, for WUD's annual convention March 10-12.  Members may also run into the problems of "no rooms available" if they call the hotel and ask for the "Western United Dairymen" rate. There are no...

Receive Friday Update Electronically

Western United Dairymen publishes a weekly newsletter for our members. The Weekly Update is published every Friday, except for holidays, and delivered to members and non-members. The main delivery system is the U.S. Postal Service. As many of you know, postal costs continue to rise and postage costs for mailing...

Environmental stewardship classes March 16, 18 set for Modesto, Tulare

The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is once again offering free classes in air quality, one of the components needed for environmental stewardship certification.  Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, will teach the classes, which cover air quality-related environmental issues, regulatory requirements and management practices for dairy producers. Producers wishing...

WUD offers informational sessions on diesel truck rules

Feb. 18, 2010 - - Western United Dairymen is offering informational meetings for members who want to learn more about the diesel truck rule being implemented by the state Air Resources Board.

• Another informational session will be held at WUD's annual convention on Wednesday, March 10, from 3:30...
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