As the Washington Department of Ecology searches for ways to improve water quality in the Little Spokane River, state officials are looking for ways to engage private landowners. Landowners hold the key to reducing pollutants such as phosphorus and fecal coliform bacteria in the water.

Dairy manufacturers’ group says the proposed dairy legislation does not “significantly improve the short-term and long-term fiscal imbalance” of government’s budget.

This month’s announcement that Thiel Cheese & Ingredients of Hilbert was acquired by the Irish Dairy Board might have struck some people as a bit odd. Have the Irish run out of dairyfarmers or lost their historic knack for making cheese?Fear not. Cheese-making in Ireland is in tip-top shape, as they might say in Dublin. The purchase of a Wisconsin company by the Irish Dairy Board, a commercial cooperative, represents a strategic investment in a high-quality partner with strong research and innovation tools. For Thiel Cheese and its 66 employees, it means better access to markets in North America and abroad.

Executives shared how working through the dairy checkoff and its Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy helps drive dairy sales and protect dairy’s image.

Randy Mooney, from Rogersville, Mo., was re-elected chairman. Ken Nobis, from St. John, Mich., was elected First Vice Chairman. Nobis had been serving as NMPF Treasurer.

The National Dairy Council and The Quaker Oats Company announced yesterday a partnership that will develop effective programs in schools and other channels to increase children’s access to breakfast, nutritious snacks and physical activity.