Researchers are turning to microbes for help with some of our biggest problems. The results could lead to a healthier environment and new sources of fuels and chemicals for the 21st century.

E&L Harrison Enterprises is the newest farm to join the statewide Discovery Farms program. A 4,000-hog finishing operation, E&L Harrison Enterprises is owned and operated by Lynn and Pat Harrison and located near Elk Mound, northwest of Eau Claire.

The 2001 Dairy Day at the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station will focus on forage production and management.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Babcock dairy plant will no longer certify that its fluid milk supplies come from herds that avoid use of supplemental bovine somatotropin (BST).

The Wisconsin 4-H team, represented by Dodge County, took third place in the Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest – 4-H Division at the 33rd All American Dairy Show Invitational, Sept. 24 at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Registration is still open for the Midwest Dairy Herd Health Conference, Nov. 13-14 at the Ramada Inn Conference Center in Eau Claire. The conference is designed for dairy farmers interested in improving the health of their cows and features a slate of nationally known educators and a tour of Five Star Dairy LLC in Elk Mound. The University of Wisconsin-Extension Dairy Team and the UW-Madison Department of Dairy Science (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) sponsor the program. Interested participants should register by October. 30.

The Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service reported that there were 28 percent fewer dairy farms in the state last year compared with just five years ago. Wisconsin 4-H dairy youth project participant numbers declined by almost 38 percent over that period. 4-H project leaders have identified managerial or leased animal projects as one way to increase youth involvement in the 4-H dairy project. To encourage managerial dairy projects, Wisconsin 4-H has released an updated Dairy Managerial Project Agreement, which spells out the responsibilities of those involved in the lease and manages the liability issues related to the agreement.

The Discovery Farms Program is pleased to announce a new addition to its Pigeon Falls staff. Kevan Klingberg has been hired to coordinate the Discovery Farms Agricultural Training Program.

The UW-Madison dairy judging team was second high team overall, with 2,443 points, at the 81st National Collegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held Oct. 2 at World Dairy Expo in Madison.

Agricultural lands do more than produce crops – they help to raise families, provide wildlife habitat, create small-business opportunities and jobs, support rural economies, and provide natural beauty that draws visitors to Wisconsin.