CLINTONVILLE, WI
H&S Manufacturing to shutter Clintonville facility
Longtime forage equipment manufacturer H&S Manufacturing announced it will be closing its Clintonville facility and consolidating operations to its Marshfield location later this year.
Managing Director Craig Harthoorn told members of the media manufacturing operations will cease in late 2024 with the research and development facility closing its doors in early 2025. While Harthoorn did not disclose how many positions would be impacted, he said they are working to retain as many employees as possible.
Last year the company announced the completion of a new 38,000 sq ft assembly building at the Marshfield location. The new space accommodates multiple assembly lines with supplemental automation. The company was acquired in June 2023 by Oxbo of New York, according to the company's website.
GREEN BAY, WI
Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters recognized
Several ag educators and FFA alumni were honored during the 44th annual convention of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters organization in Green Bay. About 300 FFA Alumni members and guests from across the state of Wisconsin attended this year’s event.
This year's state officer team consists of: President Grant Staszak, Bonduel; Vice President Chris Blank, Cashton, President Elect Nick Lowe, Stoughton; Past-President Bobbie Jo Montgomery, Waupaca.
Several FFA educators were honored at the annual awards banquet program. Outstanding Ag Educators were Mary Handrich, Denmark; Joseph Heinbuch, New Holstein; Tracy Heinbuch, Plymouth; Walter Taylor, Oconto Falls; Hallie Rehn, Oconto Falls; Dan Robinson, Lomira; Mariah Markhardt, Oconto Falls; Samantha White, Stoughton and Jared Mack, Sauk Prairie. Troy Talford, teacher from Sauk Prairie, was named the state winning educator.
Curtiss Steffes from New Holstein was presented the Outstanding Young Member Award for his exceptional leadership. Elkhorn FFA Alumni & Supporters was chosen as state winner of the Media award.
Lomira FFA Alumni & Supporters was named the Outstanding State Chapter in the small division while Oconto Falls FFA Alumni & Supporters topped the large division.
WASHINGTON DC
Ecuador company likely source of tainted cinnamon that poisoned US children
Officials in Ecuador have named the likely source of contaminated ground cinnamon used in fruit pouches tied tomore than 400potential cases of lead poisoning in U.S. children, the Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.
Carlos Aguilera, a cinnamon-processing company in Ecuador, supplied the spice added to WanaBana and other applesauce pouches sent to the U.S., according to the Ecuadorian regulatory agency ARCSA. Associated Press reported that the cinnamon, which was sent to another supplier, Negasmart, was found to be contaminated with high levels oflead and chromium, an FDA analysis showed. Carlos Aguilera is not operating at this time, ARCSA said.
MODESTO, CA
Listeria recall: More cheese products pulled at Walmart, Costco, Safeway, other stores
Anationwide recall of products containing cheesewith a risk for listeria contamination continues to grow larger with salad kits and taco kits sold at stores including Albertsons, Costco, Walmart, and WinCo being removed from shelves.
The following items from Dole were included in the recall, all of which were processed on the same line as the cheese recalled by Rizo-López Foods sold in 25 states including Wisconsin: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.recalledDole Chopped Kit Avocado Ranch,Dole Chop Kit Avocado Ranch,Dole Premium Kit Southwest Salad,Dole Cajun Ranch Chopped Kit,Dole Premium Kit Endless Summer,Dole Supreme Kit Southwest Salad,President’s Choice Southwest Salad Kit, andMarketside Chopped Salad Kit Bacon Ranch Crunch(best-if-used-by dates ranging from Feb. 3, 2024 to Feb. 21, 2024).
ROSEMONT, IL
Checkoff introduces hot chocolate milk program in schools
A dairy checkoff partnership is putting hot chocolate milk into the hands of students during a pilot program with a leading school food service company.
National Dairy Council and Chartwells K12, which serves more than 2 million meals daily at 700 U.S. school districts, have launched the Hot Chocolate Milk program in 58 schools. The pilot, which will run through the end of the school year, features chocolate milk — with toppings such as cinnamon and peppermint — served hot during breakfast and lunch, Ag Daily reported.
NDC began working with Chartwells K12 last year on a dairy-based smoothie program, which is available to all Chartwells schools following a successful pilot.
Chartwells K12 is optimistic hot chocolate milk will be popular among students and can help increase overall meal participation in schools.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia
16yo brother of boy who died from bird flu tests positive
Cambodia’s Health Ministry says the brother of a boy who died last week from bird flu has tested positive for the virus. The 9-year-old’s death in the northeastern province of Kratie was the first from bird flu in Cambodia this year.
The World Health Organization and the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization this month warned that Lunar New Year festivities celebrated in much of Asia posed an increased risk of spreading the virus. Officials are investigating who had contact with the brothers and how and where they contracted the virus, Associated Press reported.
Most human cases have involved direct contact with infected poultry, but there have been concerns that the virus could evolve to spread more easily between people.
