Matters continue to heat up over the new Farm Bill. On Friday, the House passed their version which will now move to the Senate.
Passage of the 741-page bill by a vote of 231 to 191, after partisan battling unusual for farm legislation, was a major achievement for the new Democratic leadership.
With most Republicans opposing the five-year bill over a tax issue, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) hammered out a compromise that held together a shaky majority of Democratic farm-state lawmakers committed to the entrenched farm subsidy system, together with urban liberals and reformers seeking sweeping changes.
The bill, which has a price tag of almost $286 billion, boosts spending on preservation of grasslands and wildlife habitat, and mandates a major study of the Chesapeake Bay watershed as a first step to restoring the bay by reducing agricultural and other wastes.
The measure updates the food stamp program, indexing benefits to inflation, increasing the minimum benefit and raising the standard deduction. Youth obesity is addressed by a program to introduce healthful snacks in schools, and more money is authorized for famine relief abroad.
In an important victory for consumer organizations, imported meat, including hamburger made from multiple animals, will be labeled by its country of origin starting in October 2008.
Pelosi also cited the bill’s emphasis on credits and loan guarantees for new forms of biofuel produced from grasses and biomass. “Future farm bills will never look the same,” she said.
Nonetheless, major hurdles remain before the massive legislation becomes law.
The White House, citing insufficient reforms of the subsidy system, has threatened a veto. Only 19 House Republicans supported the bill’s passage because of the last-minute addition of a tax provision needed to offset the new Democratic-backed spending on food stamps and nutrition.
Rep. Robert W. Goodlatte (Va.), the ranking Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, accused Democrats of “poisoning the well” by adding the tax provision to what had been a bipartisan farm bill. Business lobbies, including the National Association of Manufacturers, warned that the action could discourage foreign investment and cost jobs.
Democrats said the provision merely closes a loophole that allows a limited number of U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies to avoid taxes. Aides said it is aimed at companies headquartered in tax havens such as Bermuda, with which the United States has no tax treaty. Subsidiaries avoid a tax bite by funneling earnings through European countries that have reciprocal tax-reduction arrangements with the United States.
But Democrats acknowledged that the entanglement of business issues in the farm bill could cause problems down the line.
Last week, a coalition of business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Business Roundtable, urged Congress to reject a farm bill that did not make major cuts in agricultural subsidies, so as to expedite a global trade deal benefiting manufacturers.
Developing countries are demanding a reduction in U.S. and European agricultural protections before opening their markets to American manufactured items.
Peterson responded hotly yesterday, saying farm-state lawmakers were in no mood to appease big business. Previous trade deals, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), have been tailored mainly to help manufacturers and have not been good for U.S. agriculture, he said.
In defiance of international trade rules that discourage price supports that lead to overproduction, the bill raises price guarantees for wheat, soybeans and sugar.
Pressures on Congress could increase after a ruling this week by the World Trade Organization in Geneva. A WTO panel held that the U.S. cotton industry has not adequately responded to a 2005 ruling that certain subsidies violate international trade agreements. The panel said Brazil has the right to retaliate.
The centerpiece of the bill is a web of price guarantees and direct payments going mainly to corn, wheat, cotton, rice and soybean growers in a few Midwestern and Southern states. The cost to taxpayers will be about $7.5 billion a year.
Farm organizations pulled out all the stops to defend this system, hiring lobbyists, setting up blogs attacking critics and buttonholing farm-state lawmakers. Among the lobbyists was the former chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Larry Combest (R-Tex.).
The House bill includes a new concession for cane and beet sugar producers, ensuring that they will not have to cut back on their planting when unrestricted Mexican sugar imports start next year under NAFTA. The Department of Agriculture will be required to buy up volumes of sugar comparable to the imports and sell it to ethanol plants for a reduced price, at a 10-year cost to taxpayers of $1.4 billion.
In the last-minute jostling, a provision to make leaf tobacco farmers eligible for funds to promote their product abroad was stripped to avoid a floor battle with anti-tobacco forces. Rep. Bobby R. Etheridge (D-N.C.) had argued that it was a “matter of patent fairness” to tobacco growers.
New officers for the Wisconsin Dairy Products Assn, (WDPA) were elected at the 2007 Dairy Symposium held July 15-16 in Lake Geneva, Wisc.
President: Joe Weis, Foremost Farms USA, Vice-President: Jim Bleick, Graf Creamery, Treasurer: Dennis Donohue, Manitowoc Milk Producers, and Secretary: Deborah Van Dyk, Schreiber Foods.
In addition, three members were newly elected to the Board of Directors for three year terms. They are: Steve Funk, Cargill, Gus Jacoby, T.C. Jacoby, and Allan VerVoort, Ecolab.
Five other members were approved for three-year terms: Dave Robbins, Dean Foods, John Kennedy, Kraft Foods, Jeff Giffin, Masters Gallery, Ron Kremer, Kerry Ingredients, and Tom Miskowski, Century Foods.
Wisconsin Dairy Products Assn is a trade association representing processors of milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, frozen desserts, dried milk, milk products and dry whey products as well as suppliers of goods and services to the dairy industry. WDPA members are responsible for 75% of the milk and dairy products marketed in Wisconsin.
Posted: July 30, 2007 at 6:46 pm
By Chuck Zimmerman
Here’s the latest announcement from Cooperatives Working Together:
CWT announced today that it accepted six export assistance bids last week for the sale of anhydrous milkfat and butter.
One of those bids was from Foremost Farms of Baraboo, WI, for the export of 500 metric tons (1.1 million pounds) of European-style butter to the Netherlands.
The other five bids were from Dairy Farmers of America of Kansas City, MO, and all were for exports of anhydrous milkfat: 500 tons (1.1 million lbs.) to Indonesia; 350 tons (770,000 lbs.) to Belgium; 100 tons (220,000 lbs.) to Spain; and a pair of exports to the Netherlands, in the amounts of 252 tons (554,400 lbs.) and 200 tons (440,000 lbs.).
These accepted bids increase CWT’s total 2007 export obligations for cheese to 5,713 metric tons (12.6 million lbs.), its YTD export obligations for butter to 10,970 metric tons (24.1 million lbs.), and its YTD anhydrous milkfat exports to 4,386 tons (9.6 million lbs.).
The American Jersey Cattle Association has named Norma Duffield Stong Lyon, known worldwide for her butter sculptures of dairy cows, as an Honorary Member. Norma was honored at the Breeders’ Banquet on June 29, 2007, in Sioux Falls, S.D.
A native of Nashville, Tenn., who grew up in Iowa, Norma Stong became known as “Duffy” (a shortening of her middle name) during her college years at Iowa State University. She wanted to become a veterinarian, but the program did not accept women. She majored in animal science instead, graduating in 1951. While attending Iowa State, her work on two snow sculptures during a winter festival resulted in an invitation from resident campus sculptor Christian Peterson to work with him.
And she met her future husband, G. Joe Lyon. They married after graduating from Iowa State in 1951. The couple returned to Lyon Jersey Farm, a family partnership. Today, the operation includes 1,600 acres of farmland and a top producing herd of 320 Registered Jersey™ cows. They have nine children, 23 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Duffy sculpted her first butter cow at the Iowa State Fair in 1960, working in a 40-degree cooler. Her annual displays of a life-size cow and other unique, life-sized figures created the number one attraction at the Iowa State Fair. Most recently, Duffy created “Jersey Jewel,” a life-size bronze cow for the new Iowa State University Dairy Farm. The sculpture was unveiled in a ceremony last December in Kildee Hall.
She has earned many awards including World Dairy Expo Woman of the Year (1990) and the National Dairy Shrine Pioneer (2002), and has appeared on national television shows such as NBC’s “Today Show”, “Late Night with David Letterman” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Her sculptures have been featured in LIFE, Time, Newsweek and People Magazine.
The Midwest Dairy Association is seeking dairy farmers to serve milk to fair-goers at the 2007 Minnesota State Fair. Each year, thousands of consumers stop at the All-You-Can-Drink Milk Stand for a taste of wholesome milk, served by real dairy farmers. Email Alise Jennissen if you are interested.
The effort is part of Midwest Dairy’s checkoff-funded “People Behind the Product” initiative, which showcases dairy farmers commitment to producing wholesome dairy products and dedication to their animals, environment and their communities.
“We want fair-goers who visit the stand to be greeted by the people who produce that product,” said Sherry Newell, industry relations manager for Midwest Dairy Association. “Research tells us people want to know more about where their product comes from, and this arrangement gives dairy farmers an opportunity to demonstrate their pride in what they do by serving their products directly to the people who visit the Milk Stand.”
The organizations are interested in dairy farm families serving milk together, provided all workers are at least 14 years old. Local dairy princesses and ambassadors are also welcome to join the serving team. Servers will wear “People Behind the Product” shirts that identify them as dairy farmers, and buttons that invite questions. Workers also receive free gate admission to the fair.
If you live in the Midwest and are a football fan, you’ll want to get to this event! The Dairy Business Association is hosting the 7th Annual Packer Tailgate Party on Thursday, August 23rd in Green Bay, Wis. for dairy producers and industry professionals. Both DBA members and non-members are welcome. Online registration is available.
The tailgate will be held at the Stadium View Sports Bar parking lot beginning at 3:00 p.m. Following the tailgate, the Packers will be taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars at 7:00 p.m.
This event is an excellent opportunity to network with the best in Wisconsin’s dairy industry. DBA Executive Director Laurie Fischer and DBA President John Vrieze will be on hand during the tailgate party.
The “Ticket and Tailgate Package” includes corner or endzone Packers vs. Jaguars game tickets, all you can eat and drink at the tailgate buffet, and a sideline ticket upgrade is available. Attendees may also choose to attend only the tailgate portion of the evening.
Posted: July 30, 2007 at 10:22 am
By Chuck Zimmerman
With rising corn prices, a clear understanding of total-tract starch digestibility is as important as ever, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Additionally, Bill explains the differences when starch is digested in the rumen of the cow versus in the intestine, and how this balance works. New research and tests are giving producers a better understanding of starch digestibility, and Bill touches on these highlights.
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: July 26, 2007 at 7:05 pm
By Chuck Zimmerman
Value added is a term used in a lot of different places but not one you normally hear associated with milk. But that’s changing. There are some new kinds of milk in the dairy case these days. The Dairy Checkoff is working on this area and we’ve got a Brian Baxter report about it.
Coming soon to a grocery store near you: New milk products that are more healthful, more fun to drink and more convenient for today’s consumers. More on this trend, as Brian Baxter reports:
The recently concluded Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ), officers and directors for the two USJersey organizations were elected. The business meetings were held on two days, June 29 for NAJ and June 30 for AJCA, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, in Sioux Falls, S.D.
David Chamberlain, Wyoming, N.Y., was elected to his first one-year term as President of the American Jersey Cattle Association. Chamberlain previously served as the director from District 3 on the Board of National All-Jersey Inc. As NAJ Finance Chair since 1998, he served on the Joint Operations Committee for the two organizations. Elected as Vice President for a second one-year term was Dennis A. Egelston of Fultonville, N.Y.
Three new Directors were elected to the AJCA Board, succeeding two-term members Paul Schirm, West Salem, Ohio (Fourth District); Clint L. Collins III, Sylacauga, Ala. (Fifth District); and Michael Fremstad, Westby, Wis. (Tenth District).
William P. “Bill” Grammer, Sebring, Ohio, was elected to serve from the Fourth District, Charles Steer, Cottage Grove, Tenn., was elected as Director from the Fifth District and Chris Sorenson, Pine River, Wis. was elected as Director from the Tenth District. Re-elected to a second term on the AJCA Board of Directors from the Eleventh District was Paula Wolf, Beaver, Ore.
James Ahlem, Hilmar, Calif., was re-elected as the President of National All-Jersey Inc. He is the owner and operator of James Ahlem Dairy, a 2,000 milking cow herd. Ahlem is also an owner of Hilmar Cheese Company, the twenty-fifth largest dairy processor in the U.S. according to Dairy Field. James S. Huffard III, Crockett, Va., was elected Vice President of National All-Jersey Inc.
Norman Martin, Tillamook, Ore., was re-elected to the NAJ Board from District 1. John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass., was appointed to fill the unexpired term of David Chamberlain as Director from District 3. Appointed director from District 6 was Nico de Boer, Chandler, Texas.
Congratulations are in order for Karrisa Brobst, Medina, N.D. who was crowned North Dakota Dairy Princess on July 25. Karrisa is the 20-year-old daughter of Becky Brobst and is attending North Dakota State University, studying animal production business.
As North Dakota Dairy Princess, Brobst will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for North Dakota’s dairy industry representing more than 300 dairy farmers. During her year-long reign, the North Dakota Dairy Princess will take part in numerous public appearances, promotional events, and media interviews.
Three county dairy princesses competed for the title. Ashley Kohler, Benedict, and Kortney Johnson, Stanton, were named runners-up. Kohler’s parents are Gary and Julie Kohler. Johnson’s parents are Ole and Jessica Johnson. All three candidates received scholarships from the North Dakota Milk Producers and the North Dakota Friends of the Dairymen.
North Dakota Dairy Princess candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills, personality and enthusiasm for dairy promotion. The Midwest Dairy Association-North Dakota Division sponsors the North Dakota Dairy Princess program. The contest is in its sixty-first year.
Since 1986, an animal rights activist group called Farm Sanctuary has rescued various farm animals who were abandoned or from slaughter. Currently, with over a $5.7 million dollar budget and more than a thousand animals living in two locations, the group, like other animal rights groups, is taking a softer tactic to try and reach consumers and effect animal farming practices.
As Farm Sanctuary has grown, so too has its influence. Soon, due in part to the organization’s work, veal calves and pregnant pigs in Arizona won’t be kept in cages so tight they can’t turn around. Eggs from cage-free hens have become so popular that there is a national shortage. A law in Chicago bans the sale of foie gras. And earlier this month, the New Jersey Supreme Court agreed to hear a case concerning common farming practices that a coalition led by Farm Sanctuary says are inhumane.
All of these developments reflect the maturation and sophistication of Mr. Baur and others in a network of animal activists who have more control over America’s dinner table than ever before.
But in recent years they have adopted more subtle tactics, like holding stock in major food corporations, organizing nimble political campaigns and lobbying lawmakers.
While some groups, like the Animal Welfare Institute, work with ranchers to codify the best methods of raising animals for meat and eggs, most, like Farm Sanctuary and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, ultimately want people to stop using even wool and honey because they believe the products exploit living creatures.
But all of these believers have learned that with less stridency comes more respect and influence in food politics. So they no longer concentrate their energy on burning effigies of Colonel Sanders and stealing chickens. They don’t demonize meat — with the exception of foie gras and veal — or the people who produce it. Instead, they use softer rhetoric, focusing on a campaign even committed carnivores can get behind: better conditions for farm animals.
Certainly, concerns over health and food safety, and a growing interest in where food comes from among consumers and chefs, has made animal welfare an easier sell. Technology has helped savvy activists deliver their message, too — specifically mass e-mail, easily concealed cameras and the ability to quickly distribute images online, like footage of slaughterhouses and the 2004 spoof “The Meatrix.” They have also learned to harness the power of celebrity in a tabloid culture, courting as spokespeople anyone famous who might have recently put down steak tartare in favor of vegetable carpaccio.
The image makeover has been so successful that a 2006 survey of 5,000 people ages 13 to 24 showed that PETA was the nonprofit organization most would like to volunteer for, according to the market research firm Label Networks. The American Red Cross was second.
Like PETA, the Humane Society has purchased enough stock in corporations like Tyson, Wal-Mart, McDonald’s and Smithfield’s to have the legal clout to introduce resolutions. Like Mr. Baur, Mr. Pacelle understands that not everyone is going to stop eating animals, so he focuses on what he calls the three R’s: refinement of farming techniques, reducing meat consumption and replacement of animal products. That way, he hopes, the Humane Society tent is big enough to include both ardent meat eaters and hard-core vegans.
Posted: July 24, 2007 at 8:05 pm
By Chuck Zimmerman
Brian Baxter was busy at last week in Denver between the Dairy and Beef Checkoff meetings taking place. Here’s one of the reports he put together for the U. S. Dairy Export Council.
Japan is one of the strongest economies in the world, but its population is aging. Those market realities are providing opportunity for U.S. dairy producers to grow their exports, as Brian Baxter reports.
The 3-A-Day of Dairy website has been completely revamped, offering a new web experience for consumers - especially busy moms. Be sure to check it out!
The Great Lake Cheese plant in N.Y. will build a new 142,000 square foot plant to replace its existing facility. The new plant will house state-of-the-art cheese making and whey processing equipment.
The expansion will give the plant a capacity of 2.5 million pounds of milk per day, compared to the current 1.2 million. That means an expanded local market for area dairy producers.
An excellent opportunity to work for the U.S. Jersey Association is now available! The company seeks an Area Representative & Type Traits Appraiser.
The successful candidate will provide accurate cow-side evaluation for the AJCA linear type traits appraisal program, plus direct on-farm service to Jersey herd owners. This is a full-time position involving extensive travel. Benefits include health and life insurance, and 401k plan. Persons with degrees or equivalent experience in dairy or animal science or agriculture are encouraged to apply. Background knowledge and experience in dairy cattle management and purebred activities is required. Submit letter of application and résumé to Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362. Applications may also be submitted by fax at 614.861.8040 or by email with “Southwest Appraiser-Area Rep Application” in the Subject Line of the message.
Posted: July 21, 2007 at 10:05 am
By Chuck Zimmerman
Dairy Markets Week in Review
The cash cheese market apparently viewed this Wednesday’s milk production report as bearish. Blocks closed Friday at $1.8450 per pound, down 11 1/2-cents on the week, but still 68 1/2-cents above that week a year ago. Barrel closed at $1.83, down a dime on the week, but 71 1/2-cents above a year ago. Seven cars of block traded hands on the week and 12 of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price slipped 2.5 cents, to $1.9957. Barrel averaged $1.98, down 3.7 cents.
Butter closed Friday at $1.52, up 3 cents on the week, and 36 3/4-cents above a year ago. Ten cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.4489, down 2.1 cents. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $2.0389, up 0.7 cent. Dry whey averaged 73.45 cents, down 1.8 cents.
Provided courtesy of Dairyline.
D’oh! Ben & Jerry’s is bringing a special ice cream to the citzens of Springfield, Vermont for one day only to celebrate the premiere of “The Simpsons.” If any of our readers get a chance to try it, please let us know how it tastes!
The town won a recent contest among communities sharing a name with the fictitious home base of “The Simpsons,” and will host a daylong celebration and several premiere showings of the new film on Saturday.
Ben & Jerry’s Homer homage is called “Duff & D’oh-Nuts,” and according to a news release from the ice-cream maker is an “extremely limited, one-time and one-day-only flavor” that’s “a combination of chocolate and cream stout ice creams with glazed chocolate donuts.” Duff is the brand of beer featured in “The Simpsons” television series, and doughnuts are Homer’s culinary raison d’etre.
In another nod to Homer, Ben & Jerry’s will for one day rename its Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor “Chocolate Chip Cookie D’oh!” in reference to Homer’s famous exclamation.
After 19 years on leading the World Dairy Expo, general manager Tom McKittrick has announced his resignation effect August 31. The Expo’s board of directors is expected to set up a search committee to find a replacement for McKittrick
The general manager of World Dairy Expo in Madison is leaving his post just one month before this year’s show. Tom McKittrick has submitted his resignation to WDE President Roger Ripley and the show’s board. His last day will be August 31.
McKittrick has managed the internationally renowned World Dairy Expo for 19 years as it became the nation’s premier dairy show. In a given year, the event will attract nearly 70,000 visitors from around the globe, along with 2,000 dairy animals and 700 commercial exhibitors.
According to The Capital Times, McKittrick will join the pastoral staff of a large non-denominational church in Cincinnati, OH, where he will work with individuals and small groups.
Two counties in Wisconsin have recognized the importance of young people in the dairy industry and have taken steps to ensure they have a successful start. The Marathon and Lincoln County Agribusiness Incubator Project last month hatched its first successful transition farm, and already the project is becoming a model for other counties.
Understanding the importance of agriculture to north central Wisconsin and the difficulties young farmers face when breaking into the industry, a number of veteran dairymen are stepping up to show the ropes to the next generation.
The University of Wisconsin-Extension, which facilitates the four-year-old program, helped design a lease agreement and mentoring situation for young farmer Enos Martin and veteran Lyle Guralski.
Guralski owned a farm in Athens and another about four miles away in Edgar. Martin had worked for him for about two years when he entered an agreement to purchase 90 of Guralski’s 240 cows so he could build up equity to purchase the Edgar farm within three years. Things went so well, however, he was able to buy the farm in June, a year ahead of schedule.
Guralski said he served as a reference to help Martin secure a loan, a process made easier by the fact the farm already was up and running. At age 52, Guralski hopes to retire within two or three years, and he’d like to transfer his farm in a similar manner when that time comes.
Dirk Bruley and his wife, Wendy, opened their first Chedd’s Gourmet Grilled Cheese restaurant in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood in the spring of 2003. Now, with two locations and four years of experience, the Wisconsin-themed grilled- cheese joint, with its 35 cheeses, 12 breads and various meats and vegetables, is looking to go national.
Bruley, a Wisconsin native, and business partner Jamie Jalazo are finalizing the approval that would allow Chedd’s to franchise in all 50 states. By franchising, the group hopes to join a long list of homegrown success stories. The International Franchise Association, which assists and advocates for franchisers and franchisees, has 50 Colorado- based members spanning various sectors.
The look and feel of Chedd’s Denver location is a motley assortment of inherited tables and plastic lawn chairs, as well as a lot of Wisconsin memorabilia, including plastic blocks of cheese, more than 100 wall-mounted ‘Sconsin license plates and a Cheesecyclopedia. But Bruley and Jalazo have designed logos, menus and uniforms - black-and-cheddar- orange shirts with checker-pattern collars. They also have a prototype of the diner table with a cheddar-orange surface that will be the standard in Chedd’s stores.
Here’s the latest announcement from 
With rising corn prices, a clear understanding of total-tract starch digestibility is as important as ever, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Additionally, Bill explains the differences when starch is digested in the rumen of the cow versus in the intestine, and how this balance works. New research and tests are giving producers a better understanding of starch digestibility, and Bill touches on these highlights. 
Dairy Markets Week in Review