Posted: January 26, 2012 at 3:59 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
Whether you like the Patriots or the Giants – or neither one – Super Bowl time is a great opportunity to highlight the powerful partnership that dairy farmers, through their checkoff program, have forged with the National Football League.
The “Fuel Up to Play 60″ program encourages young people to get 60 minutes of activity daily, and to make balanced nutrition choices, including low fat and fat free dairy products. Mark Leitner of Dairy Management Inc., which manages the National Dairy Checkoff, says more than 70,000 schools with some 36 million students are now participating in the program.
“It makes the program by far the largest program of this type, nutritional and physical fitness program in the country, and gaining momentum because of that,” said Leitner. “Because of its scale and success we’re starting to attract additional resources, additional partners to the program — which is great for farmers, because of course, that means the message of nutrition and dairy products goes out to not just at the school level, but at the individual kid level.”
Fuel Up to Play 60 benefits from the NFL’s star power to encourage kids to be more physically active and enjoy the nutritional benefits of reduced fat dairy products including milk, cheese and yogurt. Leitner says one study of the 21 pilot markets with the program resulted in an additional 42 million pounds of milk sold.
Posted: January 26, 2012 at 3:25 pm
By News Editor
Large animal veterinarians should apply for AgriLabs scholarship for post-graduate continuing education efforts.
In collaboration with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), AgriLabs is offering an award to two veterinarians, one beef and one dairy.
Named as a tribute to Bruce Wren, D.V.M., each award will provide $5,000 for professional-development training so these practitioners may better serve their producer-clients. Completed applications are due July 15, 2012, and the presentations will be made at the annual AABP Awards Banquet.
The grant process allows applicants to determine how best they want to use the $5,000 grant from AgriLabs and judging will be based on three primary criteria:
1) The applicants’ professional-development plan, which describes the skills/knowledge they would like to improve to become a more valuable resource for their producer-clients.
2) How the $5,000 will be utilized to fulfill the professional-development plan.
3) Letters of reference from three individuals (including at least one producer and one veterinarian) who have first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s practice experience and educational interest.
Source: AgriLabs
Posted: January 26, 2012 at 3:20 pm
By News Editor
Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the USA and Canada) has announced a signed agreement with the Department of Medical Microbiology of the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Utrecht University to embark on the development of innovative vaccination strategies against bacterial udder infections (mastitis) in dairy cattle.
The project is titled “Evasion Molecules in Bovine Mastitis Vaccines” (EVAC) and its objective is to develop a series of vaccines against difficult to treat infections with certain bacteria known to cause bovine mastitis. Examples of such bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis and Escherichia coli. The EVAC project is part of the ALTANT (ALTernatives for ANTibiotics) program that is coordinated by Immuno Valley, a public-private research consortium. The program is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation as well as by academic and industrial partners with the aim to generate knowledge and alternative tools that complement the available treatments to control infectious diseases in farm animals.
Dr. Paul Vermeij, senior project leader at Merck Animal Health’s Discovery & Technology Department in Boxmeer (the Netherlands) explains: “In the open innovation model as applied in the EVAC project, we are combining the veterinary vaccine expertise of Merck Animal Health with the knowledge on evasion molecules of the Department of Medical Microbiology at UMC Utrecht and the expertise on bovine immunology available at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University.”
“The technologies developed within the ALTANT program may result in an efficacious vaccine against bovine mastitis. In combination with our current therapeutic tools, it can result in unprecedented possibilities to control the disease. In addition to improvement of animal welfare and economic advantages for the farmer, such a vaccine can also contribute to a responsible use of antibiotics,” added Dr. Rene Aerts, vice-president Global Biologicals R&D at Merck Animal Health.
Source: Merck Animal Health
Posted: January 25, 2012 at 3:45 pm
By News Editor
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is pleased with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s updated school meal standards that continue to stress the nutritional benefits of low-fat and fat-free milk and dairy products.
A final version of those standards was released Wednesday by the USDA following more than a year of public comment and review. NMPF submitted comments to USDA last April focusing on the nutrient package of milk and dairy foods, which will continue to be a core component of school meals, with fluid milk being offered at all meals.
“The updated nutrition standards require that low-fat or fat-free milk remain a part of every school meal,” said NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak.
In addition, Kozak said, including both plain and flavored milk in school meals is a sure-fire way to make diets more nutritious. “Milk, including chocolate milk, is the No. 1 source of three out of four nutrients cited by the U.S Dietary guidelines as lacking in children’s diets,” he said, “and chocolate milk is the drink-of-choice in school meal lines.”
Kozak noted that, since 2006, the dairy industry has proactively reduced the sugar in flavored milk by nearly 40 percent, and flavored milk contributes only three percent of the added sugar in children’s diets.
Kozak also praised USDA for keeping low-fat and fat-free yogurt and cheese on school breakfast and lunch menus. “Yogurt and cheese are kid-friendly solutions to help meet protein requirements,” he said. “They are favorites at home so it’s only natural that schools also should offer these products.”
Source: National Milk Producers Federation
Posted: January 25, 2012 at 3:39 pm
By News Editor
A new study shows that people who drank an enriched skim milk shake made from powdered milk and additional dairy components had fewer gout attacks and less painful symptoms.
Previous research has already shown that people whose diet is low in dairy products are more likely to develop gout.
But researchers say this is the first short-term study to show adding dairy products to the diets of people already diagnosed with gout can reduce gout attacks and symptoms.
Gout is a form of arthritis that causes sudden attacks of burning pain, stiffness, and swelling in a joint, usually a big toe. It occurs when there is too much uric acid in the body.
Normally, the kidneys rid the body of excess uric acid in the form of urine. But when the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, the uric acid can form hard crystals in the joints.
In this study, researchers at the University of Auckland in New Zealand looked at the effects of drinking a skim milk powder enriched with two dairy components, glycomacropeptide (GMP) and G600 milk fat extract (G600), on the frequency of gout attacks in 102 people.
The people were divided into three groups. They drank either the enriched milk powder, a plain skim milk powder, or a lactose powder mixed with water as a vanilla-flavored shake each day.
After three months, the frequency of gout attacks dropped in all three groups. But those who drank the enriched skim milk had a significantly bigger reduction in gout attacks than those in the other two groups.
The enriched skim milk group also had more improvements in pain-related gout symptoms, fewer tender joints, and lower levels of uric acid in their urine.
The researchers write that this study shows the need for more clinical trials to support dietary recommendations (such as dairy) for gout.
Source: WebMD
Posted: January 25, 2012 at 7:55 am
By Chuck
Our latest ZimmPoll asked a very timely question since it’s on a topic that is the subject of a cover story on USA Today. We asked, “How will proposed changes to child labor in agriculture regulations affect farms?” Seventy percent said Negatively, seventeen percent said No Effect and only thirteen percent said Positively.
You may know that last fall the Department of Labor proposed changes that many believe could have major impacts on family farms and farm life (proposed rule – pdf). This is just another example of unnecessary government intrusion in private business and lives in my opinion. We don’t need it but . . . as if the government knows better. Riiight. You can find out more from this DOL early news release.
Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Do you agree with President Obama’s call for more clean (renewable) energy?” Let us know what you think. He definitely issued a call during his State of the Union speech last night. Here’s an excerpt:
We have subsidized oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits and create these jobs.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: January 24, 2012 at 9:50 pm
By News Editor
The South Dakota State University Dairy Science Department welcomes three new professionals; David Casper, Assistant Professor in Dairy Science, Tracey Renelt, SDSU Extension Field Specialist in Dairy and Melissa Schmitt, Assistant Manager for the Dairy Research and Training Facility.
David Casper will focus on production in his new position as Assistant Professor in Dairy Science. Casper will teach undergraduate and graduate classes in Dairy Production and will initiate a research program focusing on the efficiency and profitability of nutrient digestion and utilization by Dairy Cattle when rations are formulated using different qualities and amounts of energy, protein, and forages.
Casper received his B.S. degree in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Dairy Production from South Dakota State University. After completing his Ph.D. at SDSU, Casper was a Research Dairy Scientist with the Agriculture Research Service of USDA at Beltsville, MD where he researched the energy metabolism of dairy cows fed diets containing high fat feed ingredients, nonstructural carbohydrates, or different forage sources using the respiration chambers at the Energy Metabolism Unit.
He later joined Cargill, Inc., as Dairy Innovation Development Manager researching and designing new feeding programs and products. He moved to Agri-King, Inc. in 1997 as Consulting Dairy Nutritionist and was eventually promoted to Vice President of Nutrition. His responsibilities in that position included managing the Nutrition department, product development and formulation, sales force training, field research and development through field trials, implementation of new nutritional technologies and concepts for formulating rations, and direct nutrition consulting with dairy producers.
Tracey Renelt joined the SDSU Extension team as an Extension Field Specialist in Dairy. In her position as Field Specialist, Renelt will be based in the Watertown Regional Extension Center and will work with SDSU Extension Dairy Specialist Alvaro Garcia, to serve dairy producers throughout the state. Some areas of expertise and interest for Renelt include employee management, nutrition, quality assurance and various other aspects of dairy production.
She received her B.S. in Dairy Manufacturing and Production from SDSU in 1989. Renelt brings significant Extension experience to the position. Immediately after graduation, she worked for SDSU Extension as the Extension Educator in Grant County from 1989 to 1993, and again from 1995 to 2000. Renelt worked as a Livestock Production Specialist for Land O’Lakes from 1993-1995. From 2000 until accepting her current position as a Field Specialist, Renelt served as Extension Educator/Livestock in Kingsbury County.
Melissa Schmitt is a 2011 Dairy and Animal Science graduate of Iowa State University. Schmitt joined the Dairy Science Department as Assistant Manager for the Dairy Research and Training Facility. In this position, Schmitt will assist the farm manager, Steve Crego, in all aspects of the dairy farm operations.
Schmitt comes with prior experience at the Iowa State University Dairy Farm, Full Circle Jerseys in Dalhart, TX and study abroad in South Korea.
Source: SDSU College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences
Posted: January 24, 2012 at 9:44 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to the winners of the National Dairy Quality Awards (NDQA), sponsored by Merial, in partnership with the National Mastitis Council (NMC) and Hoard’s Dairyman.
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.
Source: Merial
Posted: January 23, 2012 at 7:30 pm
By News Editor
Outstanding dairy leaders from across the global dairy industry are being sought for World Dairy Expo’s annual recognition awards.
Nominations will be accepted through February 15, in the following four categories:
· Dairy Woman of the Year
· Dairyman of the Year
· Industry Person of the Year
· International Person of the Year
The Dairy Woman and Dairyman of the Year awards are presented to individuals who are active dairy producers and whose primary source of income is derived from their dairy operation. His/her farming operation needs to demonstrate and excel in the breeding of quality animals and efficient production. Progressive management practices, along with involvement in community, government activities, breed organizations and other aspects of the dairy industry will also be considered.
The Industry Person of the Year award is presented to an individual in recognition of excellence in research, development, education, marketing or other fields that are part of the dairy industry.
The International Person of the Year will be recognized for significantly contributing to international relations, business development, trade or cooperation in the dairy industry.
Individuals will be honored at the Dinner with the Stars at World Dairy Expo October 3, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Nominations for 2012 recognition awards are due Wednesday, February 15.
Source: World Dairy Expo
Posted: January 23, 2012 at 7:22 pm
By News Editor
Chobani, the maker of Greek yogurt in upstate New York, thinks that the Greek yogurt trend has just gotten started.
Its plant already pumps out 1.5 million cases of the thick yogurt every week, and pallets are stacked four stories high in the chilled warehouse. But like other Greek yogurt makers, Chobani is expanding.
Greek yogurt now accounts for a quarter of the total yogurt market after a dizzying growth spurt that is especially apparent here in the heart of upstate New York. The nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 Greek yogurt brands — Chobani and Fage, respectively — are both expanding plants within 60 miles of each other, and another company is building a plant in western New York. The expansions come as the big U.S. yogurt makers are focusing on Greek products, too.
While the quick growth has some hallmarks of a food fad — think cupcakes or bubble tea — the long-term investments point to a widespread industry belief that many Americans will continue to like their yogurt a bit richer.
“I personally do not believe that the yogurt story has started yet. I believe the yogurt story in this country is about to start,” Chobani’s founder, Hamdi Ulukaya, said during an interview in his office. “The magnitude hasn’t started yet.”
The company said production will increase from 1.5 million cases a week to more than 2 million when the current $134 million expansion is completed this year. Another $128 million Chobani plant being built 2,000 miles west in Twins Falls, Idaho, will add still more.
About 60 miles northeast, the Greek company Fage (pronounced FA’-yeh) is in the early stages of doubling the capacity of its 3-year-old plant in Johnstown, N.Y. to about 160,000 tons of yogurt annually.
The NPD Group, a consumer marketing research firm, reports that Greek yogurt appeals most to adult females and that it’s more popular in smaller and higher-income households.
“I think that you’re going to see a very high level of innovation in the yogurt category generally and in Greek yogurt specifically over the next 6 to 12 months,” General Mills chief executive officer Kendall J. Powell told a conference call with analysts last month.
Source: Copyright 2012 Associated Press, Wall Street Journal
Posted: January 23, 2012 at 7:10 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Sweetwater Valley Farm of Philadelphia, Tenn., for being named the 2012 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year during a ceremony held at the International Dairy Foods Association’s Dairy Forum in La Quinta, Calif.
Owners John and Celia Harrison received the award, which recognizes U.S. dairy producers that apply creativity, excellence and forward thinking to achieve greater on-farm productivity and improved milk marketing.
The award is co-sponsored by IDFA and Dairy Today magazine. The Harrisons were nominated for the award by Jennifer Walker, director of dairy stewardship, Dean Foods Company, and James Drake, Dairy Direct farm relationship manager, Dean Foods Company.
Sweetwater Valley Farm includes a 1,000-cow dairy that will expand to 1,350 this spring, a small cheese factory, a retail store, a 5,000-square-foot event center called “The Udder Story” and farms tours that last year hosted nearly 13,000 visitors. In a variety of ways, the Harrisons demonstrate innovation and creativity at the farm level and in marketing their products.
The farm was the fourth dairy in the nation to install the AfiMilk system, which uses pedometers to track cow activity and detect when cows are in estrus. The system allows the Harrisons to plan breeding around the monitoring activity and operate with fewer people.
A new waste management system, ready to come online this year, will allow the farm to recover all sand for re-use and segregate solids that can be used as fertilizer. John Harrison estimates that the new system will virtually eliminate fertilizer purchases for the farm.
The farm’s cheesemaking operation annually produces 200,000 pounds of more than 25 cheese varieties, including Colby, aged cheddars and flavored cheeses, such as Fiery Fiesta, Italian Pesto and Roasted Garlic Pepper. The Harrisons also sell cheese curds, which fly off the shelves of the retail store once customers taste the abundant free samples.
Fielding frequent questions from store visitors about how cows are raised and how milk is made, the Harrisons recognized a great marketing opportunity that evolved into the “The Udder Story.” This 5,000-square-foot event center, completed in 2010, is divided to leave open space for meetings, banquets and weddings. The other half houses displays that show how feed is grown, how farmers used to milk cows by hand and how technology has evolved to allow modern
milking parlors and robotic milkers.
The farm also offer tours, charging visitors $6 per person to visit the feed center, freestall barns, the milking parlor and the maternity and calf care center.
Sweetwater Valley Farm is featured in the January issue of Dairy Today magazine.
Source: International Dairy Foods Association; AgWeb
Posted: January 23, 2012 at 6:53 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 18 requests for export assistance from Bongards, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 1,821 metric tons (4.015 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Central America. The product will be delivered January through June 2012.
In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 10.4 million pounds to 10 countries on three continents. That is the equivalent of 101 million pounds of milk, or the annual production of 4,800 cows.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
Source: Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
Posted: January 20, 2012 at 3:04 pm
By News Editor
National Dairy Shrine is again seeking nominations for its most prestigious awards: Guest of Honor, Pioneer, Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder, Progressive Dairy Producer, and Graduate Production Award.
”NationalThe Guest of Honor is given to a contemporary dairy leader for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the dairy industry. It has been awarded every year since 1949 when Dean H. Kildee was named the first Guest of Honor. Each year, three to four living or deceased Pioneers of the dairy industry are honored by National Dairy Shrine for their service and leadership in the dairy industry. Meanwhile, the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder is an award which recognizes active, progressive dairy producers who, through their expertise in managing a dairy breeding herd based upon sound genetics and business principles, serve as a model of success for fellow breeders throughout the country. All these award winners’ accomplishments are on permanent display in the Dairy Hall of Fame at the National Dairy Shrine Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wis.
One of National Dairy Shrine’s newer awards, the Progressive Dairy Producer Award, is given to producers ages 21 to 45 who have introduced and applied effective management and business practices that help achieve more profitable dairy businesses. Two $2,000 awards for education and travel are given annually, one for herd sizes with 300 milk cows or less and a second for herds with over 300 milk cows. The Graduate Dairy Production Award recognizes and assists qualified two-year and four-year agricultural college graduates efforts to pursue a career in commercial dairy farming and to gain ownership of dairy cattle with the intent of growing their dairy herd. The applicant must be employed in a herd management role on a commercial dairy when completing the award application. The winner will receive a $2,500 award from National Dairy Shrine.
Nominations or applications must be submitted on official forms by March 15, 2011. If you know someone who should be nominated for these awards, please visit the NDS website and click on “Adult Awards” to view a complete listing of each award form. Then you can download the application for the respective award desired. You can also request an application for the respective award via e-mail at info@dairyshrine.org or by mail at PO Box 725, Denmark, WI. 54208.
The annual National Dairy Shrine awards banquet will be held on October 4 during World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.
Source: National Dairy Shrine
Posted: January 20, 2012 at 3:01 pm
By News Editor
Wisconsin dairy farmers and businesses can now sign up for the Dairy Business Association’s seventh annual Expansion Symposium, scheduled for February 21-22 in Green Bay. The event will be held at the KI Center and will address the issues and topics that affect Wisconsin’s dairy business.
The first day will focus on the advantages of turbulent ventilation, and improving leadership and management styles. There will also be a panel discussion on risk management and dairy price volatility.
On Wednesday, attendees will hear from speakers about streamlining the DNR’s general permit process, being prepared for an OSHA visit on your farm, look at incremental revenue during expansion, and making the end of world hunger a reality.
There will also be a $1,000 cash giveaway that attendees will be eligible to sign-up for.
Trade show displays throughout the symposium will provide vendors and organizations the opportunity to showcase their products and services and allows attendees to see the latest industry trends.
The cost to attend the Expansion Symposium is $175 for DBA Corporate members and $220 for non-members. The special producer rate is $110 per person.
For more information or to sign-up for the Expansion Symposium, visit the website.
Source: Dairy Business Association
Posted: January 20, 2012 at 10:43 am
By Cindy Zimmerman
California dairy families are proud of the sustainability accomplishments they achieved in 2011.
According to the California dairy farming sustainability coalition Dairy Cares, the state’s dairy industry continued its commitment last year to protect and improve the environment.
Central Valley dairy farmers launched the nation’s largest dairy groundwater monitoring program, a non-profit, collaborative scientific effort to assure that dairy farming practices are protective of California’s precious groundwater resources. Dairy farmers will invest several million dollars in this effort over the next several years. California dairy farmers are already utilizing improved management practices to grow crops in balance with nature and protect groundwater, and results from groundwater monitoring will be used to develop improved management practices where needed and encourage their use.
Meanwhile, dairy farmers continued to do their part in 2011 to reduce air emissions and improve air quality in California’s Central Valley. Dairy farmers across the valley have adopted management practices to reduce emissions by more than 25 percent, while dairy industry organizations continue to invest in cutting-edge research toward cleaner air. Dairy farmers will also continue their efforts to convert manure biogas to clean, green, renewable energy (cow power), building on the accomplishments of pioneering dairy farmers over the past decade.
Read more here from Dairy Cares.
Posted: January 19, 2012 at 7:59 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
The Seventh Annual I-29 Dairy Conference coming up Feb. 8 and 9 in Sioux Falls will Focus on Global Dairy Issues under the theme, “Now and in the Future.”
The event is coordinated by dairy extension specialists from South Dakota State University, North Dakota State University, Iowa State University, University of Minnesota and the University of Nebraska. Additional partners coordinating the conference include Midwest Dairy Association and Southwest Minnesota Dairy Profit Group.
Speakers and topics with global impact headline this year’s conference. Neil Baker, a dairy producer and sustainable agriculture award winner from the UK and a top-notch slate of dairy industry experts will focus on global dairy issues and sustainability topics at the seventh annual I-29 Dairy Conference. Noted University of Minnesota climatologist Mark Seeley, Stan Erwine, Dairy Management, Inc. as well as Dave Casper, SDSU; Marin Bozic, UM; and a panel of producers and industry stakeholders will cover issues affecting your future dairy business.
Interested producers should complete the online registration form by Feb. 1 to ensure room availability at the Ramkota Inn in Sioux Falls.
Posted: January 19, 2012 at 7:18 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Gerry Bange expects milk production to increase in 2012.
Talking about the latest USDA Dairy Outlook in terms of production and price estimates, Bange says, “U.S. milk production in 2012 is expected to increase about 1.3%. We’re looking now at 198.5 billion pounds.” That’s unchanged from the last forecast, but the 2011 production total was lowered. “It looks like 2011 is going to come in right around 196 billion pounds. That’s down about 100 million pounds from what we previously thought.”
Given the 1.3% increase in production expected for the coming year, Bange says they are expecting lower prices compared to 2011. “We’re now looking at an all milk price for 2012 at $18.70 per hundred weight,” he said. That’s up 20 cents from the previous USDA forecast but down 7% from the $20.14 of 2011.
Posted: January 18, 2012 at 9:45 pm
By News Editor
New Jersey is once again debating the sale of raw milk in the state.
Assembly Bill 743, has been resurrected under the new number A518 and introduced into the new Assembly session. The measure is missing one sponsor, Rep. Charlotte Vandervalk, a 39th District Republican, who retired from the Assembly after 20 years.
Sponsors want to make populous New Jersey the 31st state to allow commercial raw milk sales. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) says 30 states currently allow raw milk sales, although in 13 of those states unpasteurized milk is restricted to on-farm sales.
In the last three years, there have been numerous proposals in state legislative bodies both to ease raw-milk restrictions and to tighten raw-milk regulations. During that time period, NASDA reports five states have increased quality standards for unpasteurized dairy products.
Because of New Jersey’s sheer size, however, there is considerable interest in what steps it may take. It also borders Pennsylvania and New York, where raw milk sales are legal. Not only do New Jersey residents already drive to those neighboring states to pick up raw milk, but there are also some sophisticated delivery routes in place.
In the new Assembly, sponsors are picking up on new “value-added” theme, namely that the Garden State’s remaining 87 dairy farms need a value-added product to survive.
Source: © Food Safety News
Posted: January 18, 2012 at 9:39 pm
By News Editor
The 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention, “The Future…Is Now,” will open at 10 a.m., March 13, and is free to all Nebraska dairy producers, families and guests. Attendee and sponsorship registration forms are available online. The deadline to register is March 2.
An Olympic Gold Medalist, the coronation of the Nebraska Dairy Princess and a seminar on handling high commodity prices are on the agenda for the 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention March 13-14 at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk. The convention also serves as a backdrop for the business meetings of several of the state’s dairy groups.
The meeting opens with a trade show, followed by a presentation titled “Managing Today’s Commodity Prices” by Archer Daniels Midland nutritionist Ron Linquist at 10:30 a.m Midwest Dairy Association will present information on its child health and wellness initiative, Fuel Up to Play 60, at an 11:30 a.m. lunch. A 4:30 p.m. session, “Animal Welfare – the Next Challenge,” will be presented by We Support Agriculture. The trade show continues until 5:30 p.m. on March 13.
The annual meeting of the Nebraska State Dairy Association takes place from 12:30 – 2 p.m. on March 13, and the Nebraska Holstein Association will meet from 2:30 – 4 p.m. that day.
The March 13 events draw to a close with a wine and cheese reception at 5:30 p.m. Olympic bobsledder Curt Tomascevicz headlines the banquet at 6:30 p.m. The new Nebraska Dairy Princess will also be crowned at that time.
Board meetings for the Nebraska Division of Midwest Dairy Association and the Nebraska State Dairy Association will take place on convention’s second day, March 14. The Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board, Nebraska Dairy Industry Review Board will also meet that day.
Source: Nebraska Dairy Convention
Posted: January 18, 2012 at 8:00 am
By Chuck
In our latest ZimmPoll we asked the question “Do you think there is currently an “Ag Bubble?” It looks like most think so since 66% said Yes and 34% said No. That’s kind of a pessimistic outlook don’t you think? If you think we’re in a bubble please feel free to comment on why. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “How will proposed changes to child labor in agriculture regulations affect farms?” Last fall the Department of Labor proposed changes that many believe could have major impacts on family farms and farm life (proposed rule – pdf). At best it seems like there are some good intentions without careful consideration of the consequences and then there’s always that “how does the Dept. of Labor interpret the rules thing.” A public comment period ended on December 1, 2011.
Here’s some language about the proposed changes from an early news release:
The proposal would strengthen current child labor regulations prohibiting agricultural work with animals and in pesticide handling, timber operations, manure pits and storage bins. It would prohibit farmworkers under age 16 from participating in the cultivation, harvesting and curing of tobacco. And it would prohibit youth in both agricultural and nonagricultural employment from using electronic, including communication, devices while operating power-driven equipment.
The department also is proposing to create a new nonagricultural hazardous occupations order that would prevent children under 18 from being employed in the storing, marketing and transporting of farm product raw materials. Prohibited places of employment would include country grain elevators, grain bins, silos, feed lots, stockyards, livestock exchanges and livestock auctions.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
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