ENTRIES are now open for the 2010 Dairy Business of the Year awards.

Farmers across the nation are invited to enter the competition, as a way to compare their skills with those of others in the industry.

Entries close March 12.

For more information visit http://www.westpac.com.au/business-banking/agribusiness/

Heat stress in cows

DAIRY farmers and industry service providers are invited to a lunch-time seminar on February 16, about dealing with heat stress.

Director of the Agricultural Research Centre at the University of Arizona, Prof Bon Collier, will address the Grains2Milk and Murray Dairy seminar about the key principles of heat stress in cows and strategies to deal effectively with the problem.

Held at The Quality Inn, 465 High St, Echuca, the event is from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

There is an option to join Prof Collier after the seminar to visit a nearby dairy farm to discuss shade structures and evaporative cooling systems.

RSVP by February 12 is essential. For more information, phone John Boyd at Murray Dairy on (03) 5833 5313 or email johnb@murraydairy.com.au

New faces at Holstein Australia

HOLSTEIN Australia has employed a new genetic improvement and research manager.

Adelaide-born Rohan Butler will join the company after working with Semex Australia for eight years.

Mr Butler completed a Master's degree thesis on the traits associated with extended productive life in dairy cows.

Burra staff appointments

BURRA Foods has announced three new senior staff appointments.

Former Warrnambool Cheese and Butter staff member Clive Baldwin has been appointed chief financial officer, while Dale O'Neill will move into the role of commercial manager.

Des Reilly has been appointed business development manager.

Seeding success

SUCCESS in turbulent times is the theme of an upcoming field day to be held at Poowong.

Notman Pasture Seeds will hold the day at Peter and Elaine Notman's farm, Ogilvys Lane, Poowong in South Gippsland, on February 23, from 10.30am.

The day will include crop and pastures inspections, pasture management discussions.

Guest speaker will be Western Bulldogs AFL player Jason Akermanis.

A barbecue lunch and afternoon tea will be provided.

For more information, including arranging transport from Maffra and Warrnambool, phone Notman Seeds on (03) 5659 2314.