Posted: May 31, 2007 at 8:25 pm
By News Editor
Smith Dairy Products Company, a dairy processing company in Ohio, has announced their decision to produce milk that is bST free. The company also has facilities in Indiana and manufactures a full line of quality dairy, beverage, ice cream, and foodservice products.
“The use of rBST on dairy cows is an emotional issue for some consumers,” said Penny Baker, Director of Marketing at Smith Dairy. “We’re listening to them and, hopefully addressing their concerns.”
“Consumers who object to the use of artificial growth hormones now have an option,” Baker said. “Like our Yellow Super Jug(R), which protects milk from vitamin loss and flavor changes, SMITH’S rBST-free milk is another part of our continuing commitment to provide the best quality and selection to our consumers and customers.”
Posted: May 31, 2007 at 7:49 pm
By News Editor
A recent article on MSN.com gives an even rebuttal to the bST debate that has been in the news the last few months. The article aims to calm the fears of consumers and to lay out the facts on bST. What do you think of the points made?
Growth hormones exist naturally in a dairy cow and in the milk she produces. The hormone, called bovine somatotropin (bST) or bovine growth hormone (bGH), is a determining factor in how much milk the cattle can produce. In 1993, a synthetic growth hormone was approved for use. When injected in a cow, the synthetic hormone extends the cow’s lactation period, increasing her milk production by at least 10 percent. Treated cows produce more milk with less feed and less animal waste, making an entire herd as efficient as the farmer’s best cow.
The growth hormone was developed using recombinant DNA technology, a feat of genetic engineering in which naturally occurring genes are “recombined” to create virtually identical versions of the originals. Of course, it’s the “virtually” part that gets people upset. But the same technology has successfully yielded new vaccines and insulin products. Recombinant bST (sometimes written rBST) is manufactured in the U.S. by Monsanto under the name Posilac.
The risks of drinking milk from injected cows are unsubstantiated. (more…)
Posted: May 30, 2007 at 7:19 pm
By News Editor
Wisconsin farmers, and other dairy producers across the country, are optimistic as milk prices rise to levels that haven’t been seen in almost five years. With fuel prices and the demand for corn-based ethanol, producers are hoping the increase in the milk price will help offset the dramatically increased expensses.
“That’s the nature of farming and the commodity markets,” said Mike Wildeck, dairy agent for the University of Wisconsin-Extension Marathon County. “It’s supply and demand, and it’s a perishable product. It’s very cyclical.
“You have times when you can’t make ends meet and you’re cutting corners, and other times you get caught up on bills and maybe replace some machinery.”
The average price for Wisconsin milk in April was $17.20 per hundredweight, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wisconsin field office. That’s up $4.70 from a year ago.
Last year, Wisconsin farmers earned an average of $13.30 per hundredweight for their milk, $2.30 less than the 2005 average. Corn prices have been rising as a result of demand for the corn-based fuel ethanol.
“They don’t hit the home run and hit the high price, but they kind of even out the the roller coaster,” Wildeck said. “It’s hard to run a business when it’s feast and famine.”
Posted: May 30, 2007 at 7:05 pm
By News Editor
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has released a statement that they are generally pleased with the outcome of last week’s discussion by the House Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Subcommittee about what to include in the 2007 Farm Bill.
“The new Farm Bill took its first baby steps today, but it has a long way to go before it can run,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. “We appreciate the hard work that Subcommittee Chairman Leonard Boswell (D-IA) and his colleagues have invested in this process, and we will continue to work with them and others on the Agriculture Committee as the bill continues its progress.”
The subcommittee included as the primary dairy producer safety net a major revision of the dairy price support program, one that NMPF had suggested to the committee earlier this spring. The panel also included other provisions supported by NMPF, including a reauthorization of the Dairy Export Incentive Program, language requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to account for its inventory reporting procedures on nonfat dry milk, and provisions that requiring the USDA to expedite the hearing process for making changes in Federal Milk Marketing Orders.
In addition, NMPF’s efforts to include a direct payment program for farmers in this Farm Bill received strong support today from Boswell and others members of the Subcommittee, such as Reps. Kagen and Gillibrand, who discussed the need for a farmer payment program, and pledged to work to secure a funding baseline for it.
Posted: May 30, 2007 at 10:23 am
By Chuck Zimmerman
While ruminant starch digestibility (STRD) is a complex subject, producers’ control can be simplified by addressing basic critical factors: harvest moisture, particle size and length of time in fermentation. Dr. Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Global Nutritional Sciences Manager, offers details, particularly on the influence of moisture and the extent of fermentation in high moisture corn. This is the first in a series of segments highlighting research on STRD, drawing on dairy feed studies at the Pioneer Livestock Research Center, as well as trials with university cooperators.
Dr. Bill Mahanna on influencing starch digestibility (4 min MP3)
To see all archived Pioneer Forage Forum podcasts, click here.
Previous Forage Forum podcasts are also archived at the Pioneer GrowingPoint website. To access them, go to www.pioneer.com/growingpoint and click “Livestock Nutrition” and “Forage Blog.” Those not registered for Pioneer GrowingPoint website can call 800-233-7333 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT for assistance.
Posted: May 30, 2007 at 9:17 am
By Chuck Zimmerman
Here’s the latest announcement from Cooperatives Working Together:
Cooperatives Working Together announced that it accepted seven export assistance bids last week for the sale of cheese and butter.
One bid was from Darigold for the export of 300 MT (660,000 lbs) of butter to Belgium.
Another bid was from Foremost Farms for the export of 36 MT (79,200 lbs) of Mozzarella cheese to South Korea.
The other five bids were from Land O’Lakes for the export of retail-packaged cheese and butter products. These include 4.8 MT (10,560 lbs) of cheese to China, 1.6 MT (3,520 lbs) of butter to Bermuda; 0.815 MT (1,793 lbs) of cheese to Panama; 0.12 MT (264 lbs) of butter to China; and 0.05 MT (119 lbs) of butter to Trinidad & Tobago.
These accepted bids increase CWT’s total 2007 export obligations for cheese to 5,265 MT (11.6 million lbs), its YTD export obligations for butter to 5,117 MT (11.3 million lbs) and its YTD anhydrous milkfat exports to 1,680 MT (3.7 million lbs).
Through these bids, the total milk equivalent for 2007 is 470 million pounds.
Posted: May 29, 2007 at 6:42 pm
By News Editor
It really is an exciting time in research for the dairy industry. New Zealand scientists have discovered that some cows have genes that give them a natural ability to produce skimmed milk. What a discovery!
The researchers plan to use this information to breed herds of milkers producing only skimmed milk.The researchers also plan to breed commercial herds producing milk with the unique characteristics required to make a butter that is spreadable straight from the fridge. They have already identified a cow, Marge, with the genes required to do this and say a commercial herd is likely by 2011. The milk is very low in saturated fats and so should be high in polyunsaturates and monounsaturated fats.
Experts say that the discovery of these rogue milkers could completely revolutionise the dairy industry. Ed Komorowski, technical director at Dairy UK says that the New Zealand approach could be used to breed cows that still produce full-fat milk but with only the good fats, which could swing things back in favour of full-fat milk. In the UK, for example, only 25% of milk sold is full fat. ‘In future if whole milk can be made to contain unsaturated fats – which are good for you – then it might mean that people change back to whole milk products. The big thing about dairy products is taste, so this would be a way of giving the benefits of taste without the disadvantage of saturated fats,’ according to Komorowski.
Posted: May 29, 2007 at 6:22 pm
By News Editor
The All American Jersey Shows, sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association has also announced the judges for its 55th annual dairy cattle show. The shows will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center November 3, 4 and 5, 2007, in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. Interested participants can find premium lists and entry forms online. Entry deadline is September 20.
The open show on November 5 will be judged by Wayne Sliker, recipient of the National Dairy Shrine Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award in 1998. His consultant will be Brian Garrison, Tiffin, Ohio.
The 54th National Jersey Jug Futurity, offering nearly $10,000 in premiums, will be judged by Alta Mae Core, Salvisa, Ky. Her consultant will be C. Neal Smith, Smyrna, Tenn.
The judge for The All American Junior Jersey Show will be Lynn Lee, Smyrna, Tenn. Ryan Lancaster, Ferndale, Wash., will be the consultant.
Two sales, both managed by Jersey Marketing Service of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, will occur during the weekend. A total of 32 Registered Jersey™ heifers will be offered to youth between seven and 20 years of age in the 50th Pot O’Gold Sale. Cow’s Match® Jersey Blend is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2007 Pot O’Gold Sales. The 55th All American Jersey Sale, the premier showcase for Registered Jersey™ genetics in the United States, will offer approximately 75 lots. Last year’s sale of 60 head averaged $4,239.58, with a top of $16,400.
Posted: May 29, 2007 at 6:10 pm
By News Editor
The 2007 All-American Dairy Show has announced the judges for the dairy shows that will take place September 14-20, 2007 in Harrisburg, Pa.
Tim Abbott of Fairfield, Vt., will judge the All-American Red & White Show on Wednesday, Sept. 19. Tom Arrowsmith of Peach Bottom, Pa., is slated to judge the Premier National Junior Jersey Show on Monday, Sept. 17. Dale Chupp of Inola, Ok., is returning to judge at the Premier National Junior Ayrshire and Red & White Shows on Monday, Sept. 17 and the All-American Guernsey Show on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
Gerald Coughlin, Jr. of Peterborough, Ontario, Canada makes his first appearance at the Premier National Junior Show to judge the Holstein Show. Larry Kruse of Petersburg, Iowa will judge the All-American Brown Swiss Show on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 18-19. Chris Lahmers of Thornville, Ohio returns to the All-American to judge the Premier Junior Brown Swiss Show on Monday, Sept. 17 and the All-American Ayrshire Show on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 18-19.
Lynn Lee of Smyrna, Tenn., will judge the Premier National Junior Milking Shorthorn Show and Premier National Junior Guernsey Show, both on Monday, Sept 17, and the All-American Jersey Show at Harrisburg on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 19-20. Gus Schwartzbeck of Union Bridge, Md., will judge the All-American Holstein Show on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 19-20. David Trotter of Enon Valley, Pa. will place the classes in the All-American Milking Shorthorn Show on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 19-20.
Posted: May 28, 2007 at 8:10 am
By Chuck Zimmerman
Dairy consultant Dr. Charlie Elrod of Springfield Farm Enterprises in Newfield, New York was a speaker att Alltech’s 23rd International Feed Industry Symposium in Lexington, Kentucky earlier this month.
Canadian ag journalist Harry Siemens interviewed Dr. Elrod of Springfield Farm Enterprises about Alltech products and the importance of considering the effects of feed and water on a cow’s rumen.
Listen to Harry’s interview here: Siemens Report
Posted: May 25, 2007 at 1:16 pm
By Chuck Zimmerman
Dairy Markets Week in Review
40-pound block cheese closed this at $1.8025 per pound, up 9 1/4-cents on the week, 64 cents above a year ago, and the highest it’s been since November 2004. Barrel closed at $1.80, up 11 cents on the week, and 68 cents above a year ago. Fifteen cars of block traded hands and only one of barrel. The NASS-surveyed block average hit $1.6262, up 6.7 cents. Barrel averaged $1.6204, up 6 cents on the week.
Cash butter closed Friday at $1.51, up 1 3/4-cents on the week, and 31 cents above a year ago. Thirteen cars traded hands. NASS butter averaged $1.4272, down 0.1 cent. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $1.6698, up 2.6 cents, and dry whey averaged 75.52 cents per pound, down 0.3 cent on the week.
Cash Grade “A” nonfat dry milk, on a bid, jumped 6 cents, to $2.06 per pound while Extra Grade remained unchanged at $1.80.
Provided courtesy of Dairyline.
Posted: May 24, 2007 at 8:02 pm
By News Editor
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has formally granted the U.S. “controlled-risk” status for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The OIE has three categories of BSE risk — “negligible,” “controlled” and “undetermined” — which are determined on the basis of data and veterinary surveillance by countries where the disease has been detected.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns released the following statement Tuesday regarding OIE’s move:
“I’m pleased to report that the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has formally classified the United States as a controlled risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). This classification onfirms what we have always contended-that U.S. regulatory controls are effective and that U.S fresh beef and beef products from cattle of all ages can be safely traded due to our interlocking safeguards.”
Posted: May 24, 2007 at 7:54 pm
By News Editor
The Wisconsin Dairy Products Association’s 2007 Dairy Symposium will be held July 15-16 at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva, WI. The theme “A View From the Top- Dairy Leaders Discuss the State of the Industry”.
The Dairy Symposium is a complete and comprehensive program focusing on issues impacting all dairy processors. The conference’s new program format has been designed to be concise, hard-hitting and to-the-point. There are two solid days of value involving exceptional program speakers, entertaining social events, a golf outing, and the opportunity to network with leading dairy executives in an upscale, resort setting.
The premiere lineup of guest speakers is as follows:
Future Trends and Demographics in National and International Economies, Steve Johnson, Sysco Foods
Challenges and Opportunities for the U.S. Dairy Industry, Dr. Rusty Bishop, Center for Dairy Research
Executive Roundtable Discussion, Richard Cotta, CEO, California Dairies, Inc.; Jeff Williams, CEO, Glanbia Foods; Mike McCloskey, CEO, Select Milk Producers; George Siemon, CEO, CROPP/ Organic Valley (invited)
Posted: May 23, 2007 at 8:57 pm
By News Editor
If you live in Pennsylvania, New York or Vermont, you are invited to learn more about the upcoming Farm Bill at the Dairy Policy Forum. The event will be held on June 1st in Albany, N.Y. Visit the Center for Dairy Excellence to learn more.
The Northeast Dairy Leadership Development Team and the departments of agriculture from Pennsylvania, New York, and Vermont are hosting the free event.
Representatives from the National Milk Producers Federation, Internationals Dairy Foods Association and Northeast Council of Cooperatives, as well as from Farm Bureau and Farm Credit in Pennsylvania, New York and Vermont, have been invited to participate in the program. Each organization can share its dairy policy recommendations and concerns during panel discussions that will include question-and-answer period.
To make a reservation, contact the Center for Dairy Excellence at 717-346-9905. Reservations can also be faxed to 717-705-2342 or e-mailed to pwitmer@state.pa.us.
Posted: May 23, 2007 at 8:50 pm
By News Editor
Coming to TV in July, a new series with subtle advertising written right into the script. This time, it’s Yoplait yogurt, a General Mills product, that will be featured be orginal series, “She’s Moving In.”
The show features couples who have decided to live together and focuses on the design and core issues they face. The series is sponsored by General Mills and the network has created a customized campaign for the company’s Yoplait yogurt, which will be eaten by the women and the designers featured in episodes of the show.
Yoplait also will be featured in tune-in spots, on-air billboards and online banners and included in WE tv’s monthly newsletter.
“At WE tv we are constantly listening to our demographic to see what appeals to them, and ‘She’s Moving In’ really capitalizes on the interest that female TV viewers have in home-design programming,” said Kim Martin, executive VP/general manager for WE tv.
“Because … ‘She’s Moving In’ is an original series, it affords the network the opportunity to offer advertisers the chance to embed their branding messages within the programming,” said Arlene Manos, president of national network advertising sales for Rainbow Media, WE tv’s parent. “The commitment of General Mills to the network reinforces WE’s value of providing sponsorship packages that make sense for advertisers looking to target their brand to a wide-ranging audience of women.”
Posted: May 22, 2007 at 7:55 pm
By News Editor
The 139th Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association held Saturday, June 30, 2007 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center in Sioux Falls, S.D. will feature R. Douglas Wilson, Shawano, Wis. Early-bird registration for the 2007 annual meetings, hosted by the Iowa Jersey Cattle Club, ends June 1st.
Wilson was named Chief Executive Officer of Cooperative Resources International in March of 2002. Formed in 1993, CRI is the nation’s first agricultural holding cooperative, made up of four subsidiaries: Genex Cooperative, CRI International, AgSource Cooperative Services and Central Livestock Association. CRI and subsidiaries have merged or acquired 23 different companies in 14 years, becoming a diverse organization serving members and customers worldwide. Its consolidated revenues for 2006 exceeded $120 million.
Posted: May 22, 2007 at 7:27 pm
By News Editor
The annual Hay Expo will be held June 20-21, 2007 in northeast Iowa. The Expo offers alfalfa and forage producers the opportunity to get an inside view of new technology and ideas, and visit a host farm for an on-site tour. Admission is free, parking is $5.
The host farm is Top Deck Holsteins, owned by Roger and Judy Decker and sons Jason, Derek and Justin. The Deckers farm 1,750 acres, milk 650 dairy cows, and raise 700 dairy heifers, calves and dry cows. The Deckers manage their 350 acres of alfalfa to maximize milk production.
The Hay Expo will feature a 10-acre exhibit field with displays from the major and shortline hay and forage equipment manufacturers, seed, building and storage facility suppliers, and numerous related product suppliers. Exhibitors plan to showcase balers, disc mower conditioners, tedders, rakes, telehandlers, bale stackers, forage seed and more.
Posted: May 21, 2007 at 8:20 pm
By News Editor
Dairy Australia has created an online lesson series to help students and teachers learn how to incorporate dairy foods into a healthy lifestyle. The website features interactive games and quizes.
The Discover Dairy website is part of Dairy Australia’s new Kids Education program designed to highlight the health benefits of consuming three serves of dairy a day.
Posted: May 21, 2007 at 7:55 pm
By News Editor
Over 60 young ladies competed this weekend to become one of the 12 finalists for the 2007 Princess Kay of the Milky Way title. Congratulations to the following candidates who will compete for the title at the 2007 Minnesota State Fair.
* Amanda Alberg (ALL berg), 21, East Ottertail county, daughter of Allen and Deborah Alberg of Henning;
* Amy Esselman (ESS ul mun), 18, Carver county, daughter of Jeff and Cindy Lenzen of Hamburg;
* Londa Johnson, 18, Houston county, daughter of Richard and Linda Johnson of LaCrescent;
* Caitlin Kasper, 17, Steele county, daughter of Peter and Karen Kasper of Owatonna;
* Megan Mathews, 20, McLeod county, daughter of Kevin and Tammy Mathews of Glencoe;
* Ann Miron (MEER on), 19, Washington county, daughter of Fran and Mary Ann Miron of Hugo;
* Molly Neil (NEEL), 18, Dakota county, daughter of Kathy Neil of Randolph;
* Kelly Riemenschneider (RY men schny der), 18, McLeod county, daughter of Terry and Marian Riemenschneider of Glencoe;
* Megan Roller, 19, East Ottertail county, daughter of Gene and Brenda Roller of Hewitt;
* Heidi Scapanski (skuh PAN skee), 19, Benton county, daughter of John and Cheryl Scapanski of Sauk Rapids;
* Erica Seitzer (SIGHTS ur), 18, Nicollet county, daughter of Jerry and Carol Seitzer of St. Peter; and
* Jill Warren, 19, Meeker county, daughter of John and Carol Warren of Watkins
Posted: May 21, 2007 at 6:09 am
By Chuck Zimmerman
Dairy Markets Week in Review
Block cheese closed the week of May 14th at $1.71 per pound, up 1 1/2-cents on the week, 55 cents above a year ago, and the highest block price since January 2005. Barrel closed at $1.69, up 3 3/4-cents on the week, and 57 1/2-cents above a year ago. Twenty cars of block traded hands on the week and only one of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price hit $1.5597, up 8.8 cents. Barrel averaged $1.5601, up 7.3 cents.
Butter closed Friday at $1.4925 per pound, up a quarter-cent on the week, and 34 cents above a year ago. Nothing was sold all week. NASS butter averaged $1.4306, up 4 cents. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $1.6434, up 8.5 cents. Dry whey averaged 75.81 cents, down 0.9 cent.
Provided courtesy of Dairyline.
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