Posted: December 16, 2008 at 5:51 pm
By Chuck
ANIMART, Inc. has released its annual, uniquely-themed customer appreciation “cowlendar” — “Cows and Kids”. This year, the ANIMART calendar features photos with dairy cattle and adorable kids. These images serve as a reminder of the family connection within the dairy business by displaying colorful photos of customer’s children conducting farm chores from milking cows to feeding animals or showing cattle. And, as a tool for busy producers, each day on the calendar has return and due dates to help with dairy cattle heat detection, management and pregnancy planning. In addition, dairy industry conferences are listed on the calendar keeping producers up-to-date on upcoming 2009 dairy events.
For each of the past eight years, ANIMART has developed a unique theme to feature in their annual calendars and product catalogs. The “Cowtalog” is also available and ready for customers to put to use in making convenient telephone, fax or internet orders for all their animal health needs.
Posted: December 15, 2008 at 7:59 pm
By News Editor
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) announced today that Dana L. Brooks, a veteran government relations professional with experience at both the state and federal levels, has been hired to serve as its new Senior Director of Government Relations.
“We are excited that Dana is joining NMPF. She will bolster NMPF’s presence on Capitol Hill and will make a great addition to our team,” said Jerry Kozak, President & CEO of NMPF. Brooks will report to Jaime Castaneda, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Trade Policy.
“Dana’s bi-partisan experience in Congress, and deep knowledge of agricultural issues, will enhance our capabilities to deal with the numerous challenges facing our cooperatives and dairy producers,” said Castaneda.
Brooks previously worked in Washington as a legislative assistant for two members of Congress: Rep. Marion Berry (D-AR), and later, Rep. JoAnn Emerson (R-MO). After her legislative positions on Capitol Hill, Brooks served as Director of Congressional Relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, DC. Brooks most recently worked on national policy issues at Florida Farm Bureau in Gainesville, FL. Throughout her career, including work on two Farm Bills, she has developed a thorough
understanding of a variety of farm-related legislative issues, Castaneda said.
Brooks will start at NMPF on Jan. 1, 2009
Posted: December 15, 2008 at 7:46 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Arendt’s Holstein Resort, Inc. for being named Minnesota’s 2008 Producers of the Year. The ceremony took place during the Midwest Dairy Expo on December 9th in St. Cloud, Minn.
The award is given out by the Minnesota Milk Producers Association every year to producers who have a proven commitment to managing their dairy for quality, enthusiasm in promoting the dairy industry and are active leaders in their local community.
Mark and Kathi Arendt own and operate Arendt’s Holstein Resort near Mazeppa, Minn. along with their son Nate and his wife Mindi.
Mark started dairying with his brother in December of 1972. After a storm hit the dairy in 1996, Nate returned to help rebuild the dairy and work for his dad. That next year, the dairy was re-named Arendt’s Holstein Resort, Inc. Even though they are listed in the local yellow pages under resorts, this resort caters to well-bred Holsteins.
Nate and Mindi started transitioning into the farm in 2000. Since then they have increased in numbers, raised their herd average and have maintained high quality milk. The success of their dairy is due to their commitment to maximizing cow comfort. In May of 2003, they were certified as a Five-Star Dairy through the Environmental Quality Assurance Program. As dairy farmers, they were already committed to the environment; and receiving this certification has shown this to their neighbors and fellow community members.
Their success is also a result of their positive attitude and respect for their family, community and environment. Despite the demanding work schedule of dairy farmers, Mark and Kathi always made it a priority to spend time with their family. This tradition has carried on to Nate and Mindi as well.
Over the years, they have opened their dairy to international visitors, local students and fellow dairy producers.
Posted: December 15, 2008 at 7:23 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together(CWT) has announced their updated export bids for the past week.
One bid was from California Dairies Inc. of Artesia, Calf., for the export of 400 metric tons
(881,849 pounds) of anhydrous milkfat to Mexico.
One bid was accepted from Humboldt Creamery of Fortuna, Calif., for the export of 300 metric
tons (661,387 lbs.) of whole milk powder to Cameroon – the first time a CWT-assisted export
has gone to that nation.
Finally, two bids were accepted from Darigold of Seattle, Wash., for the export of 25 metric tons
(55,116 lbs.) of butter to Kuwait, and another 25 metric tons of butter to Indonesia.
With these accepted bids, CWT’s total 2008 export obligations are: butter, 25,604 metric tons
(56 million lbs.); cheese, 1,501 metric tons (3.3 million lbs.); whole milk powder, 1,048 metric
tons (2.3 million lbs.); and anhydrous milkfat, 11,393 metric tons (25 million lbs.). The milk
equivalent total of these products is 2.03 billion pounds.
Posted: December 12, 2008 at 8:02 pm
By News Editor
Twenty Jersey youth between the ages of 9 and 20 from 15 states have been recognized by the American Jersey Cattle Association as the owners of the Junior All American winners for 2008.
The awards were announced November 8 during The 56th All American Junior Jersey Show in Freedom Hall, Louisville, Ky.
Nic Sauder of Tremont, Ill., picked up two Junior All American and one Reserve Junior All American recognitions. Joel Bourne, Ansonia, Ohio, was a double Junior All American recipient. Four other youths—Brittany Core of Kentucky, Megan Hill of Vermont, and Kaila Wussow and Cassy Krull, both of Wisconsin—received two awards each.
The winners in each age division are:
Milking Senior Yearling
TJ Classic Sultan Briana, Joel Bourne, Ansonia, Ohio, Junior All American winner
Dream Maker Solomon Bree, Kelsay Schilling, Boggstown, Ind., Reserve Junior All American winner
Junior Two-Year-Old Cow
RRF Homer Esma, Hannah Geyer, Fort Loramie, Ohio, Junior All American winner
BRJ Sultan Kody Bell R-60, R. J. Doran, Newberry, S.C., Reserve Junior All American winner
Senior Two-Year-Old Cow
KCJF Responses Royal, Brittany Core, Salvisa, Ky., Junior All American winner
Pyramid Hallmark Daisy-ET, Nic Sauder, Tremont, Ill.; Reserve Junior All American winner
Junior Three-Year-Old Cow
Fredestel Laser P Nelly Bly, Nic Sauder, Tremont, Ill., Junior All American winner
Ratliff F Prize Kay-ET, Cassy Krull, Lake Mills, Wis., Reserve Junior All American winner
Senior Three-Year-Old Cow
Brook Hollow Jades Glow, Joel Bourne, Ansonia, Ohio, Junior All American winner
KCJF Regency Racene, Brittany Core, Salvisa, Ky., Reserve Junior All American winner
Four-Year-Old Cow
Legion Polly, Nic Sauder, Tremont, Ill., Junior All American winner
Michael Centurion Darla, Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis., Reserve Junior All American winner
Aged Cow
Sniders Future Fenola, Tucker Hardy, Belleville, Penna., Junior All American winner
JJF Nicky of Paramount, Cameron Lutz, Lincolnton, N.C., Reserve Junior All American winner
Junior Heifer Calf
GR Four-Hills Iatola Meg 71, Megan Hill, Bristol, Vt., Junior All American winner
Hillacres Be A Star, Steven Pozzi, Petaluma, Calif., Reserve Junior All American winner
Intermediate Heifer Calf
Hawk Pond Minister Marble, Aimee Gigax, Elkland, Mo., Junior All American winner
Kellogg-Bay Furor Juna-ET, Megan Hill, Bristol, Vt., Reserve Junior All American winner
Senior Heifer Calf
Hillacres Tora Tilly, Jordan Stookey, Milford, Ind., Junior All American winner
Ratliff King Snickers, Amanda Nelson, Garnett, Kans., Reserve Junior All American winner
Summer Junior Yearling
Xanadu Devine Tess, George Colpetzer, Greenville, Penna., Junior All American winner
Cobblestone Deluxe Foundation-ET, Isaiah Ownbey, Perkins, Okla., Reserve Junior All American
Junior Yearling Heifer
Bachelors Master Rose 346, Cody Bachelor, Angola, Ind., Junior All American winner
Ratliff Res Raizel-ET, Cassy Krull, Lake Mills, Wis., Reserve Junior All American winner
Winter Yearling Heifer
Rolling River Minister Pinto, Ashley Schroeder, Castle Rock, Minn., Junior All American winner
Budjon-Vail Ginger Ale-ET, Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis., Reserve Junior All American winner
Posted: December 12, 2008 at 1:50 pm
By Chuck
Dairy Markets Week in Review
The cash dairy markets crashed this week. Block cheese closed at $1.5125 per pound, down 27 3/4-cents on the week, 41 3/4-cents below a year ago when the blocks plunged 26 1/4-cents, and is at the lowest level since April 2007.
Barrel closed Friday at $1.5225, down 22 1/2-cents on the week, and 47 1/2 below a year ago when they lost 16 1/4-cents. The NASS-surveyed block price averaged $1.7469, up 5.4 cents. Barrel averaged $1.8241, up 8.5 cents. Nine cars of block traded hands on the week and five of barrel.
Butter ended Friday at $1.11, down 14 3/4-cents on the week, 22 1/2-cents below a year ago, and the lowest price since April 2003. Only three cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.4197, down 11.8 cents. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged 85.23 cents, down 2 cents, and dry whey averaged 17.33 cents, down 1.3 cents.
Price support purchases for the week amounted to 7.8 million pounds of nonfat dry milk, raising the cumulative total to 93.3 million compared to none a year ago.
Provided courtesy of Dairyline.
Posted: December 10, 2008 at 10:25 pm
By News Editor
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) successfully prevented the US Department of Agriculture today from allowing, through private auction, the sale of nonfat dry milk powder at prices below the level specified in the Farm Bill. USDA, facing legal action brought by NMPF, agreed not to submit any of the product for auction.
NMPF had sought a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) yesterday against the USDA to block the agency from allowing The Seam, a private marketing entity, from auctioning off nonfat dry milk this week at prices that are below the congressionally-mandated minimum level.
The USDA and Seam entered into a court-ordered agreement not to hold any milk powder auctions until NMPF’s full complaint and motion can be heard on January 22, 2009. This decision has the same effect as the TRO originally sought by NMPF.
The Honorable John W. Darrah, U.S. District Judge in Chicago, oversaw the proceedings and sided with NMPF on the issue, requesting USDA to postpone the auction.
At issue was the Dairy Product Price Support Program provision of the newly adopted 2008 Farm Bill, which stated that USDA cannot sell nonfat dry milk stocks at less than 110% of the price at which it purchased the product. Under this rule, USDA is forbidden to sell the milk powder back to the market at less than 88 cents/lb., in order to keep prices from being further driven down. Since the price received by dairy farmers reflects commercial dairy product prices, the auction scheduled by USDA would have resulted in a reduction in dairy producer income.
Posted: December 9, 2008 at 5:48 pm
By News Editor
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) went to court today in Chicago to prevent the U.S. Department of Agriculture from undermining the dairy price support program by selling nonfat dry milk powder at levels that will reduce farmers’ milk checks.
NMPF is seeking a Temporary Restraining Order to stop the USDA from using a private, third-party company to resell milk powder at levels below what the law specifies.
At issue is an arrangement the USDA has with a firm called The Seam, under which Seam, starting this week, will auction off surplus milk powder given to it by the government. Under the arrangement, the Seam is not required to sell the milk powder to commercial clients at the minimum resale price of 88 cents per pound, as specified in the Farm Bill. Because of this, the auction will result in lower nonfat dry milk prices, and because farmers’ prices reflect commercial dairy product prices, it will reduce dairy producer income.
“We strongly believe that USDA’s action will circumvent the newly-adopted 2008 Farm Bill, which says that under the Dairy Price Support Program, the USDA cannot sell nonfat dry milk stocks at less than 110% of the price at which it purchased the product,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. Kozak noted that the DPSP directs the USDA to buy powder at 80 cents/pound, and specifies that the USDA cannot sell it back to the market at less than 88 cents/lb., in order to keep prices from being further driven down.
“The purpose of the price support program is to have the government provide a basic safety net when prices are low, as they are now,” Kozak said. “The USDA is trying an end-run around statutory rules that are designed to keep prices stabilized.” Up to 20 million pounds of nonfat milk powder are scheduled to be auctioned this week, and if those sales are at levels of between 80 and 85 cents/lb., which is the current market price, it could reduce farm-level income by $57 million over the next year, Kozak said.
Kozak said that NMPF asked USDA executives last week to postpone the milk powder auction, but USDA did not respond to that request. As a result, NMPF has filed suit in Chicago today to suspend the auction.
“Congress just passed the Farm Bill a few months ago, and that law clearly states that the Dairy Price Support Program must continue to function as a safety net for farmers’ prices,” Kozak said. “This third-party auction concept is a slap in the face to Congress, and to America’s dairy farmers, at a time when farm prices are dropping,” Kozak said.
Posted: December 8, 2008 at 7:10 pm
By News Editor
The 2009 Holstein Association USA award applications are now available online. These awards recognize notable members, breeders, and friends of the Association. Applications for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership Award are due to the national office by March 31, 2009.
The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein Breeders, ages 21-40. Applicants can nominate themselves or be nominated, and may apply as individuals, a couple, or business partners. The winning applicant will receive travel and lodging expenses for two to the National Holstein Convention, complimentary tickets to the Convention banquet, a $2,000 cash award, and a plaque.
The Elite Breeder Award honors a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership, or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. The applicant must have been a member of Holstein Association USA for at least five years. Applications will be considered for three years.
The Distinguished Leadership Award is given to an individual who has provided outstanding and unselfish leadership that has contributed to the improvement of the Holstein Association and/or dairy industry. This is a unique award, as the recipient does not necessarily have to be a member of Holstein Association USA. Applications for this award will also be considered for three years.
Additionally, a scholarship is available to students interested in agriculture who plan to pursue their Master’s Degree in Business Administration. The Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship awards $3,000 to a qualified individual pursuing their MBA at an accredited university. Applications for this scholarship are due to the Holstein office by April 15, 2009.
Posted: December 8, 2008 at 6:48 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has announced their updated export bids for the past week.
Two of the bids accepted were from Dairy Farmers of America of Kansas City, Mo. One was for 300 metric tons (661,387 pounds) of anhydrous milkfat to South Korea. The second was 20 metric tons (44,092 lbs.) of whole milk powder to Honduras.
Two bids were accepted from Land O’Lakes of Arden Hills, Minn. One was for the export of 216 metric tons (476,199 lbs.) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to South Korea. Another was for 36 metric tons (79,366 lbs.) of butter to China.
And finally, the fifth bid was accepted from Upstate Niagara Cooperative of Buffalo, N.Y., for the export of 19 metric tons (41,888 lbs.) of butter to Syria. This is the first bid CWT has accepted from Upstate Niagara.
With these accepted bids, CWT’s total 2008 export obligations are: butter, 25,554 metric tons (56 million lbs.); cheese, 1,501 metric tons (3.3 million lbs.); whole milk powder, 748 metric tons (1.6 million lbs.); and anhydrous milkfat, 10,993 metric tons (24 million lbs.). The milk equivalent total of these products is 2 billion pounds.
Posted: December 5, 2008 at 10:29 pm
By News Editor
The Dairy Business Association (DBA) announces the results of their board of directors elections, held Thursday, December 4th, in Madison, Wis.
Jerry Meissner was re-elected to DBA’s board of directors for a third term. Meissner owns Norm-E-Lane, Inc., a 2,000-cow operation near Chili, Wis., with his brother David, son Josh, and nephew Jeremy. The farm has been in the Meissner family since 1950. He has been a DBA member for six years and began his term as president of the DBA board of directors in January 2008.
Newly elected to the board was dairy producer Jim Winn. Winn is a part-owner and manager of Cottonwood Dairy in South Wayne, Wis. He began farming in 1976 at the age of 19 and joined forces with his neighbors, Randy and Brian Larson in 1998. The team now milks 1,400 cows.
Also elected to the board was corporate member Jen Keuning, an environmental scientist at Conestoga-Rovers and Associates (CRA). For the past two years, she has worked with numerous dairy farms in Wisconsin on the management and coordination of dairy facility design projects, waste storage facility sizing and designing, nutrient management and the development of comprehensive nutrient management plans (CNMPs). Prior to joining the staff at CRA, Keuning worked as a UW-Extension dairy agent for Kewaunee County.
Posted: December 5, 2008 at 5:53 pm
By Chuck
Dairy Markets Week in Review
The cash dairy markets continue to garner a lot of attention, particularly butter. The 40-pound block cheese price closed the first Friday of December at $1.79 per pound, down 1 1/4-cents on the week, and 40 1/4-cents below that week a year ago. The 500-pound barrel price closed at $1.7475, down 4 1/4-cents on the week, and 41 1/4-cents below a year ago. 11 cars of block traded hands on the week and six of barrel. The lagging NASS U.S. average block price, inched up 2 cents, to $1.6927. Barrel averaged $1.7393, up 4.1 cents.
Cash butter closed Friday at $1.2575 per pound, down a whopping 24 1/4-cents on the week, and 7 1/4-cents below a year ago. Buyers sat on their hands until Friday, when one car traded. NASS butter averaged $1.5379, down 5.2 cents. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged 87.34 cents per pound, up 2.2 cents, and dry whey averaged 18.61 cents, down 0.5 cent.
Price support purchases for the week totaled 12 million pounds of nonfat dry milk and raised the year’s cumulative total to 85.4 million pounds.
Provided courtesy of Dairyline.
Posted: December 4, 2008 at 10:49 pm
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA, Inc. announces their annual Regional Member meetings.
Members are encouraged to attend the meeting in their area to provide input on the Association’s business and programs. Staff members and directors will be in attendance at each meeting to present the latest news of the Association and answer questions from members.
The dates and locations for the meetings are:
- Region 7, December 6, 2008 – Best Western Saddleback Inn, Oklahoma City, Okla., 1-4 p.m.
- Region 1, December 10, 2008 – Doubletree Bradley International Airport Hotel, Windsor Locks, Conn., 1-4 p.m.
- Region 4 January 16, 2009 – Iredell County Center, Statesville, N.C., 1-4 p.m.
- Region 8, January 27, 2009 – Holiday Inn Boise Airport, Boise, Idaho, 1-4 p.m.
- Region 9, January 30, 2009 – John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino, Reno, Nev., 9 a.m.-12 noon
- Region 3, February 13, 2009 – Hampton Inn Marysville, Marysville, Ohio, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Region 5, February 27, 2009 – Olympia Resort, Oconomowoc, Wis., 1-4 p.m.
- Region 6, March 10, 2009 – Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, S.D., 1-4 p.m.
- Region 2, March 13, 2009 – Wingate by Wyndham Hotel, Belcamp, Md., 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Posted: December 4, 2008 at 10:35 pm
By News Editor
The Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge held its sixth annual competition October 30-November 1 in Harrisburg, Pa. Nearly 110 students participated from the following colleges: Alfred State College, Cornell University, Delaware Valley College, Morrisville State College, The Pennsylvania State University, SUNY Cobleskill, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont, Vermont Technical College, University of Guelph from Ontario, Canada, and McGill University from Quebec, Canada.
The Northeast Regional Dairy Challenge is an innovative multi-day event designed by a team of industry and university professionals to promote a vibrant future for the dairy industry. Working in mixed-university teams of four or five students, contestants assessed all aspects of a working dairy farm and presented recommendations for improvement to a panel of judges and participating farm families. The objective of this evaluation process is to create a real-life situation that stresses the importance of teamwork and professionalism.
Team rankings were: Silver – Cargill, Inc., Chris Hansen, Cows Come First, DHI Provo, Diamond V, Genex Cooperative, Holtz-Nelson Dairy Consultants, Northeast Ag and Feed Alliance, Pa. Center for Dairy Excellence, Prince AgriProducts, and Schering-Plough Animal Health; Gold – Agway Foundation, Alltech, Farm Credit System Foundation, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Northeast Dairy Producers’ Association, Northeast Farm Credit Ag Enhancement, and Select Sire Power; and Platinum – AgChoice Farm Credit, Dairy One, and Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association; Don Rogers Platinum – Adisseo and Blue Seal Richer Feeds. Don Rogers Awards are given to the “best of the best,” symbolizing Don’s commitment to the Dairy Challenge and Dairy Industry.
Posted: December 3, 2008 at 8:27 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Karen Lee who has been named as an editor of Progressive Dairy Publishing. Lee, whose roots grow deep in Wisconsin agriculture, will broaden the scope of editorial coverage for all four of the company’s agricultural magazines.
Most recently, Lee served as managing editor of Agri-View, the leading weekly agricultural newspaper in Wisconsin. She held that position for two years, following three-and-a-half years as the publication’s assistant editor and a year as the editorial intern.
Lee, a former 4-H and FFA member, grew up on a family dairy farm in Lake Mills, Wis. Lee’s passion for agriculture led her to the University of Wisconsin – Madison where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism and dairy science. While attending college, she helped as her family moved its dairy’s location 20 miles to Waterloo, Wis., and increased the herd size from 100 to 250 milking cows.
Lee is active in promoting dairy by serving on the Cows on the Concourse committee, planning a popular June Dairy Month event in Madison, Wis. She is also involved with the local and statewide FFA alumni organizations and serves on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association.
Lee joins the company of Progressive Dairy Publishing’s three other editors. She will work from her home in Edgerton, Wis., where she resides with her husband, Ryan.
Posted: December 3, 2008 at 8:02 pm
By News Editor
Saputo, based in Canada, has completed the transaction to acquire Neilson Dairy, the dairy division of Weston Foods also of Canada.
The C$465m (US$372m) acquisition, first announced on 22 October, will enable Saputo to increase its presence in Ontario in the markets for fluid milk and cream, the company said yesterday (1 December).
Weston Foods manufactures, sells and distributes – primarily in Ontario – fluid milk and dairy beverages, cream products and non-dairy creamers, butter, yogurt, juices and drinks under the Neilson brand and other brands.
Neilson Dairy employs around 390 people at its two facilities located in Halton Hills and Ottawa, Ontario, and generates annual sales of around C$600m and annual earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization of around C$50m.
Posted: December 2, 2008 at 8:33 pm
By News Editor
‘Tis the season for ice cream and the folks over at the Turkey Hill Ice Cream Journal have a lot going on! Be sure to check in with their blog this month to keep up-to-date on all their ice cream happenings!
- The finalists in our Ultimate Holiday Recipe Contest will be posted here on December 8-11 and voting will begin to determine the champion!
Our “12 Days of Ice Cream” celebration will return once again to the Ice Cream Journal. That means one new entry and one great prize every day during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Stay tuned!
Special holiday flavors of Turkey Hill Ice Cream are back! Of course, we’re talking about our annual Egg Nog and Peppermint Stick varieties.
Way back in February we asked everyone to send us their best photos of loved ones (human or otherwise) enjoying Turkey Hill ice cream or iced tea. The best photos would be featured in our annual Turkey Hill calendar. The response was overwhelming. After sifting through hundreds of submission, we were finally able to narrow it down to 13 finalists – one for each month and one for the cover. If you’d like to receive the calendar (it’s free!) please call 1-800-MY-DAIRY or email our customer service department using the “Contact Us” feature on the website.
Posted: December 2, 2008 at 8:08 pm
By News Editor
National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) joined a coalition of agricultural groups in opposing a tentative plan to tax livestock in order to mitigate the greenhouse gases they emit. In comments submitted in response to an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR), NMPF pointed out the negative consequences that could occur if EPA proceeds to rulemaking with this ANPR.
NMPF expressed concern that the negative consequences for animal agriculture are potentially large, and could result in a substantial fee being paid by producers if the EPA proceeds with its plan. In fact, NMPF pointed out that the imposition of GHG standards will have the perverse effect of stifling further innovation by dairy producers, hindering work with the research and extension community, and reducing the risk taking involved in the industry’s continual efforts to reduce costs and increase profitability.
NMPF offered statistical examples of how well animal agriculture and the farming sector has reduced or held GHG emissions constant relative to the amount of food produced to satisfy the needs of consumers in the U.S. and worldwide. These include:
• Animal agriculture’s GHG emissions from 1990 to 2005 have remained nearly constant, increasing by only about 3.5% since 1990, while over the same period total U.S. meat production has increased 50%, milk production has increased almost 20%, and egg production has increased about 32%.
• While animal agriculture has been reported by the United Nations as responsible for 18% of GHG emissions worldwide, animal feeding operation systems more similar to U.S.-style operations are reported by the U.N. as accounting for only 5% of GHG emissions worldwide.
• Animal agriculture in the U.S. does even better than its counterpart systems worldwide, as it was directly responsible for about 2.5% of total US emissions in 2007 as reported by the EPA.
• Between 1948 to the present, while the manure generated by U.S. meat-producing animals has been reduced in total by 25%, the production of meat from the animal herd has been increased 700%.
• The U.S. dairy system is today supplying consumers’ needs for dairy products with about one-third of the GHG emissions generated by the system in 1944 per pound of milk produced.
Posted: December 1, 2008 at 9:28 pm
By News Editor
Ten young people have been honored for their accomplishments in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. The association provides cash awards totaling $3,000, with the winner receiving $600.
The contest honors outstanding achievement by junior Jersey breeders in four areas: work with Registered Jerseys™, related dairy activities, relative progress, and future goals. They were selected from 14 outstanding youth nominated by state Jersey associations, based on their cumulative record through December 31, 2007.
The winner, Aaron Michael Horst, is the son of Kevin and Linda Horst of Chambersburg, Pa. A senior at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, he is the owner of 12 Registered Jersey™ cows, eight scored Excellent, with a 2007 AJCA lactation average of 14,769 lbs. milk, 749 lbs. fat, and 541 lbs. protein. Aaron has served internships with Jersey Marketing Service as winner of the Fred Stout Experience Award, and also with ABS Global Inc. His plans are to enter the A.I. industry after graduation.
Tyler Lee Boyd of Parrottsville, Tenn., ranked second in the contest. The son of David and Deborah Boyd, he is a sophomore at Vanderbilt University majoring in biology with an emphasis in genetics. His herd consists of 26 milking cows (three Excellent, 22 Very Good) and 29 replacement heifers. In 2007 the DHIR average on 21 lactations was 14,864 lbs. milk, 667 lbs. fat, and 526 lbs. protein.
Jessica Stiles, Boonsboro, Md., ranked third. She is the daughter of Janet Stiles and the late Tracy Stiles. Her herd consists of 17 milking cows, with average production of 19,681 lbs. milk, 938 lbs. fat, and 711 lbs. protein. Over the years she has won many different awards including high placings in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest.
Ranking fourth through tenth in the contest were:
Katherine Ann Rector of Turlock, Calif., a third-year student at California Polytechnic State University studying dairy science and ag journalism; Neal Frerichs, La Grange, Texas, a student at Texas A&M University working on a Bachelor’s degree in dairy science; Ashley Messing, Bad Axe, Mich., a senior at Michigan State University; Christine Lee Wagner, Moscow, Pa., a May 2008 graduate of Delaware Valley College who has returned to work on the family dairy operation, Tripp Lee Farm; Sara LaFever, Sparta, Tenn., the 2005 National Jersey Queen who graduated from Tennessee Tech University in the spring of 2008 and has returned to management responsibilities at her family’s LaLu Farm; the late Bradley Frerichs, La Grange, Texas, a successful participant in dairy cattle judging contests and leader in his local 4-H club; and Logan J. Horst, Chambersburg, Pa., sophomore at the Pennsylvania State University majoring in agribusiness management.
Posted: December 1, 2008 at 9:06 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has announced their updated export bids for the past week.
All four bids were accepted from Dairy Farmers of America of Kansas City, Mo. One was for
the export of 72 metric tons (158,733 lbs.) of butter to Mexico. Another was for 60 metric tons
(132,277 lbs.) of whole milk powder to Mexico. And two bids were accepted for exports of
anhydrous milkfat: 126 metric tons (277,782 lbs.) to Panama and 108 metric tons (238,099 lbs.)
to Mexico.
CWT will pay an export bonus to the bidders, only when delivery of the product is verified by
the submission of the required documentation. In addition, a previously-accepted bid for 900
metric tons (1.98 million lbs.) of whole milk powder was cancelled.
With these accepted bids, CWT’s total 2008 export obligations are: butter, 25,499 metric tons
(56.2 million lbs.); cheese, 1,285 metric tons (2.8 million lbs.); whole milk powder, 748 metric
tons (1.6 million lbs.); and anhydrous milkfat, 10,711 metric tons (23.6 million lbs.). The milk
equivalent total of these products is 1.96 billion pounds.
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