MerialMerial is honored to continue its sponsorship of the National Dairy Quality Awards (NDQA), in partnership with the National Mastitis Council (NMC) and Hoard's Dairyman, and applauds this year's award winners. Recipients of the 2011 NDQA Platinum Award are Ron and Terrie Brooks of Waupaca, Wis.; Ryan and Charina Dellar of Harrisville, Mich.; Michael and Nancy Kleinhans of Kiel, Wis.; Dean and Patti Tohl of Tillamook, Ore.; and Duane and Laurie VanPolen of Marion, Mich.

"Milk quality is at the top of mind for everyone in this industry, and we're pleased to support producers that employ strategies for a higher standard of milk production, including lowering somatic cell counts," says Steve Vandeberg, director endectocide marketing, Merial. "It's important for Merial and the rest of the industry to acknowledge the efforts these producers make each day to provide high-quality milk through best management practices."

Award winners were nominated by dairy industry professionals and were selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their quality measures, systems for monitoring udder health, milking routines, protocols for detection and treatment of clinical and subclinical mastitis cases, and strategies for overall herd health and welfare.

"Herd health is vital to producing high-quality milk," says Vandeberg. "With real economic pressure and changes in the global dairy marketplace, an invigorated focus on milk quality can make a real difference for producers. Merial is committed to supporting efforts that can make a practical and tangible difference for the dairy industry."

Through the Best in Class Dairies program, Merial provides dairies free access to valuable training tools in English and Spanish, as well as external resources, including a daily dairy report with up-to-date market information for milk, cheese and butter prices and relevant dairy news.

Producers can get more information about the Best in Class Dairies program or Merial's line of dairy products by contacting their sales representative or visiting www.BestInClassDairies.com.

About Merial
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,600 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2010 sales were more than $2.6 billion. Merial is a Sanofi Company. For more information, please see www.merial.com.

1.24.2012