An anniversary only comes around once a year, and Hoard's Dairyman has celebrated plenty of them! This year marks the 126th anniversary of the publication. After great fanfare with our 125th anniversary featuring the painting of the new Foster Mothers of the Human Race, website redesign, and trifold cover, we had the challenge to again "step it up" this year. The "June Dairy Month" issue will focus on the Hoard's Dairyman Farm, with an embossed cover image, depicting a scene from the 480-cow milking herd. This is a first for Hoard's Dairyman.

Features contained in the issue will include how the Hoard's Dairyman staff works with a team of advisors in evaluating the business and providing insight into future plans. The dairy farm began with 80 cows in a tie-stall barn, and now the milking herd numbers nearly 500 cows. New facilities have been constructed and previous ones redesigned for alternate uses. Insights into these decisions will be shared.

The Hoard's Dairyman Farm is a true believer in educating the public about dairy products and the dairy industry. A visitors' welcome area greets those who come to the farm, complete with life-size cow on the wall, live video of the milking parlor, and video on the history of the farm. Dairy Management, Inc (DMI) was of great assistance in guiding the content and presentation of the dairy education posters on the walls. DMI also will have a feature in the June issue as it addresses the challenge of keeping milk and dairy products in the school food programs.

We are excited about the June issue and the embossed cover. The first color cover of Hoard's Dairyman was printed in 1975, and our first tri-fold cover was in 2010. The embossing adds another first! Stretching of the paper fibers will give a multi-dimensional look to the image. We're certain June will be a "keeper issue"!

For those wanting to renew their subscriptions, visit our website at www.hoards.com/bookstore/subscribe and don't miss a single issue!