Posted: January 31, 2010 at 9:15 am
By News Editor
America’s Dairy Farmers have partnered with ‘Pizza 4 Patriots’ to deliver more than 10,000 pizzas and 7,000 bottles of Honey Milk to some 30,000 servicemen and women stationed in Iraq for the upcoming Super Bowl.
Working with DHL, the world’s leading express delivery and logistics company and The Original Gino’s East of Chicago and Edwardo’s Natural Pizza, more than 10,000 delicious pizzas and 500 footballs from America’s Dairy Farmers, will leave Chicago, Ill. on January 29th, headed for several bases throughout Iraq in time for Super Bowl events.
In addition to the global delivery, Evans will be distributing pizzas from local vendors to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC; Audie Murphy Veterans Memorial Hospital as well as other VA hospitals around the country.
“America’s Dairy Farmers are grateful for the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ and show our support for the brave men and women serving our country around the world,” said Paul Rovey, Arizona dairy farmer and chair of Dairy Management Inc. TM, the organization that works on behalf of America’s dairy families.
“As the specialists in international shipping, DHL Express is pleased to continue our partnership with “Pizzas 4 Patriots” and leverage our global network to transport these care packages that lift the spirits of our servicemen and women,” said Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S.”
“The Original Gino’s East of Chicago and Edwardo’s Natural Pizza is very excited to participate in this event,” says Ivan Himmel, chairman of Bravo Restaurants, Inc. “These brave young men and women have given so much for our country and it is our obligation and privilege to show them that we support them in their efforts world wide.”
The cash market saw block cheese move higher for the third week in a row while butter and nonfat dry milk plunged the final week of January. Cash block cheese closed Friday at $1.5150 per pound, up 3 1/2-cents on the week and 36 1/2-cents above a year ago. Barrel closed at $1.5050, unchanged on the week, and 39 cents above a year ago. Ten carloads of each traded hands on the week. The NASS-surveyed block price averaged $1.4644 across the U.S., down 8.4 cents. Barrel averaged $1.4769, down 0.3 cent.
Butter closed the week at $1.33, 13 3/4-cents below the previous week, but
22 3/4-cents above a year ago. Thirteen cars were sold on the week. NASS butter averaged $1.3854, up 4.6 cents.
Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Friday at $1.19, down 11 cents, and Extra Grade closed at $1.24, down 6 cents. NASS powder averaged $1.0917, down a whopping 19.6 cents, and dry whey averaged 38.66 cents, down 0.3 cent.
Posted: January 28, 2010 at 5:43 pm
By News Editor
And the winner to White Gold’s Milkdonkulous Givewaway is: Santa Susana High School! Watch the winning video below.
Santa Susana High School in Simi Valley won the grand prize of $20,000 in the GOT MILK? “Battle for Milquarious, White Gold Milkdonkulous Giveaway.” The contest was designed to encourage teens to get creative with their video-making skills for a chance to win thousands of dollars for their public high schools’ art programs.
Santa Susana received close to 11,000 online votes. Students from the school submitted a video entry after recreating the last of seven scenes from GOT MILK?’s online rock opera titled “Battle for Milkquarious” The online 20-minute rock opera is intended to reach California teens with the message of the health benefits of drinking milk for strong bones, muscles, hair, teeth and nails. The rock opera chronicles White Gold’s quest to save his hometown of Milkquarious from a potentially deadly milk shortage. The students at Santa Susana acted out the scene using homemade props and creative video editing.
The school that received the second most online votes is Pioneer Technical Center in Madera, which will receive $10,000 for its live action entry. The students acted out the second scene of the rock opera that tells the first meeting of White Gold and his partner in crime, Jug Life, to save Milkquarious.
GOT MILK? Will honor eight other runners -up for their efforts, each with $2,500. The eight runners-up are: El Molino High School, Dublin High School, Santa Teresa High School, Los Angeles County High School, San Dieguito High School, Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts, Los Angeles High School of the Arts and Gardena High School.
Posted: January 27, 2010 at 9:47 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
New technologies make data sampling easier and more efficient. Bill Curran, Pioneer research scientist, discusses some of the technologies that measure silage traits. Curran also talks about how this information benefits producers.
Listen to the podcast here:
Bill Curran on new technologies for data sampling (5:00 min MP3)
To see all archived Pioneer Forage Forum podcasts, click here.
Posted: January 26, 2010 at 3:35 pm
By News Editor
The American Jersey Cattle Association is calling for high school graduates and college students to apply for the annual Fred Stout Experience Awards. Those eligible will be preparing for a career in managing and/or marketing Registered Jersey(tm) cattle.
Two awards are offered for 2010: (1) a two- or three-month summer internship with Jersey Marketing Service, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and (2) an on-farm, structured internship in Jersey herd management.
To apply, submit a one-page résumé listing work experience, skills and relevant qualifications. In a separate cover letter state the option you wish to apply for (JMS, on-farm internship, or both). Discuss your ambitions, goals and career aspirations, including plans for achieving them. Summarize your previous experience with and continued interest in Registered Jersey(tm) cattle. Explain how and why the Fred Stout Experience will be of benefit to you in achieving your goals.
Applicants must also request two letters of support, one from an active breeder of Registered Jersey(tm) (excluding immediate family members), and the other from a teacher, mentor or past employer. These must be mailed directly by the supporters to the AJCA office. Applications and letters of support must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2010 and addressed to Fred Stout Experience, American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362.
The awards honor the memory of Fred J. Stout Jr., Mt. Carmel, Ill., a lifelong Jersey breeder and member of the Jersey Marketing Service staff from 1978 to 1997 who believed that the best learning experiences happen in the everyday world. Previous recipients of the Fred Stout Experience Award are Tara Bohnert, Illinois (2003), Allison Waggoner, South Carolina (2004), Dan Bauer, Wisconsin (2005), Aaron Horst, Pennsylvania (2006), Jacob Pieper, Maryland (2007), Katie Albaugh, Maryland (2008), and Brady Core, Kentucky (2009).
Posted: January 25, 2010 at 8:59 pm
By News Editor
The Department of Justice has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Dean Foods Company challenging its April 2009 acquisition of Foremost Farms USA’s Consumer Products Division. The department said that the merger eliminates substantial competition between the two companies in the sale of milk to schools, grocery stores, convenience stores and other retailers in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, along with state attorneys general from Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, filed a lawsuit today in U.S. District Court in Milwaukee, seeking to require Dean Foods to sell the dairy processing plants it acquired from Foremost Farms.
Dairy processors, such as Dean Foods and Foremost Farms, purchase raw milk from dairy farms and agricultural cooperatives to pasteurize and package the milk. The processors then distribute and sell the milk to school districts, supermarkets, grocery stores and other commercial customers.
“The purpose of the department’s lawsuit is to restore competition so that schools, grocery stores and other retailers in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, will pay lower prices for their milk,” said Christine Varney, Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division.
The department’s lawsuit not only seeks to undo the 2009 deal but also requires Dean Foods to notify the department at least 30 days prior to any future acquisition involving a milk processing operation.
Dean Foods’ acquisition of Foremost Farms’ two dairy processing plants in De Pere and Waukesha, Wis., eliminated an aggressive competitor against Dean Foods, the department said. Dean Foods and Foremost Farms were the first and fourth largest milk processors in northeastern Illinois, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (the UP) and Wisconsin, respectively. Dean Foods now has approximately 57 percent of the market for processed milk in northeastern Illinois, the UP and Wisconsin.
The April 2009 transaction between Dean Foods and Foremost Farms was not required to be reported under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, which requires companies to notify and provide information to the department and the Federal Trade Commission before consummating certain acquisitions. The purchase price of the transaction was less than the minimum reporting threshold.
Posted: January 25, 2010 at 8:51 pm
By News Editor
The Dairy Council of California is encouraging Americans are eating more of the food trend of the decade: yogurt!
Yogurt was named the food trend of the decade by Harry Balzer, Vice President with the market research firm NPD Group.
“It’s very convenient. It’s very individualized …” said Balzer of yogurt in a Jan. 1 interview with National Public Radio. “This is just for you. It’s your own flavor. It has a health halo certainly surrounding it. It really does define what I think America wants from its food supply.”
Plain or flavored, served in a cup, a tube or a tub, yogurt provides calcium, potassium and high-quality protein. Some yogurts are fortified with vitamin D, which promotes calcium absorption and bone health. Yogurt is also a good option for people who have trouble drinking fluid milk. The “live active cultures” in yogurt feed on lactose, milk’s natural sugar, making yogurt an excellent choice if you’re lactose intolerant.
According to consumption research conducted by Dairy Council of California, families with children and adults in their 30s eat the most yogurt, with adults eating less in their older years. There’s plenty room for growth within the yogurt category, according to registered dietitian Andrea Garen.
“Americans have certainly embraced single-serving flavored and frozen yogurts, but plain, unflavored yogurt is still fairly foreign,” said Garen, Project Manager with Dairy Council of California. “Yogurt is a versatile food ingredient used around the world, particularly in Greek and Indian cuisine.”
Garen recommends traditional recipes like Chicken Souvlaki, Cucumber Yogurt Soup, Tandoori Chicken or Raita for introducing plain yogurt in your diet. Its tangy flavor also works well in salad dressings, dips and other recipes. Kids enjoy adding their favorite fruits like strawberries, mangos or bananas to plain yogurt sweetened with honey, maple syrup or vanilla.
Posted: January 22, 2010 at 7:33 pm
By News Editor
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced a call for nominations for the upcoming Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) director elections.
Each year, dairy producers elect a portion of the 25-member WMMB to a three-year term. Board nominees consist of producers who are actively engaged in the production and sale of milk within the district of nomination. Producers interested in representing their district should visit www.wmmb.com/elections to learn more, or contact Noel Favia at (608) 224-5140 or Noel.Favia@wisconsin.gov with questions.
Encouraging nominees to “Shape the Future,” DATCP says becoming a WMMB director allows producers to 1) join in the leadership that promotes Wisconsin dairy, and 2) have a voice in how milk check-off dollars are spent. In 2010, the following districts are up for election (see table). Producers in these areas should soon receive a postcard from DATCP, calling for nominations.
District: 3 Counties: Lincoln, Oneida, Price, Taylor; District:6 Counties: Chippewa, Eau Claire; District: 9 Counties: Menominee, Shawano, Waupaca; District: 12 Counties: Portage, Waushara, Wood; District: 15 Counties: Adams, Juneau, Monroe; District: 18 Counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha; District: 21 Counties: Crawford, Vernon; and District: 24 Counties: Dane, Jefferson.
Posted: January 22, 2010 at 7:20 pm
By News Editor
The American Jersey Cattle Association is offering a free seminar/webinar for Jersey breeders:
Changes that have occurred in the U.S. Jersey population because of breeders’ mating choices and their impact in an updated Jersey Performance Index™ will be discussed at a seminar, March 13 in Columbus, Ohio. The program will be presented by Dr. Ronald E. Pearson, emeritus professor at Virginia Tech and developer of the Jersey Performance Index™ as well as the Functional Trait Index and Jersey Udder Index™.
The seminar, also to be broadcast as a live webinar, will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. The program is being held in conjunction with the winter meetings of the directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and the 2010 planning meetings for The All American Jersey Show & Sale.
Since beginning his career in 1971 as a USDA research geneticist, Pearson has been a prolific scientific author and contributor to the success of the worldwide dairy industry. He has been honored by the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) with the J.L. Lush Award for outstanding contribution in dairy genetics. He also received a National Association of Animal Breeders award for outstanding research and the AJCA-NAJ Meritorious Service Award in 2009 for his research focused on developing selection tools based on their impact on improving herd profitability.
There is no charge to attend the program or the informal social afterwards. For webinar log-in instructions, send email to info@usjersey.com before March 10.
Cash dairy prices were mixed in the Martin Luther King Day holiday shortened week. Block cheese closed Friday at $1.48 per pound, up 6 1/2-cents on the week and 40 1/2-cents above a year ago. Barrel closed at $1.5050, up 4 cents on the week, and 40 1/2-cents above a year ago. Four cars of block traded hands on the week and one of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price lost 9.3 cents, slipping to $1.5483. Barrel averaged $1.4794, up 0.1 cent.
Butter went in the other direction, closing Friday at $1.4675, down 5 3/4-cents on the week, but still 36 1/2-cents above a year ago. Fourteen cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.3391, up 0.9 cent. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $1.2879, down 6.3 cents, and dry Whey averaged 39.02 cents, up 0.2 cent.
USDA projects 2009/10 corn and soybean meal prices at $3.40 to $3.85 a bushel and $265 to $315 per ton, respectively. The moderation in forecast feed prices compared with the last 2 years helps boost the milk/feed price ratio and the profit outlook for U.S. dairy producers in the near future. The U.S. dairy herd continues a moderate contraction that is likely to continue throughout 2010. Herd size is forecast to average just below 9 million head this year, down from 9.2 million in 2009. Lower expected feed prices should help boost production per cow that is expected to increase by a relatively robust 1.9 percent this year. The milk-feed price ratio is not expected to reach 2.5, a range that typically signals a steady state in dairy cow numbers, until the end of 2010. While the worst of the economic contraction is over, many producers are not in a financial position to consider herd expansion at this time. After a year of culling, the lower average age of the dairy herd should also help boost output per cow, since it is younger, more productive cows that will remain. USDA projects 2010 milk production at 188.4 billion pounds, which would represent a further decline from the 2009 lower production.
Cheese prices are expected to strengthen throughout 2010 as economic recovery proceeds and milk supplies tighten. Cheese prices are expected to average $1.570 to $1.650 per pound in 2010, a rise from the $1.2966 per pound average posted for 2009. (…more)
Posted: January 20, 2010 at 7:51 pm
By News Editor
The latest Agriculture Community Engagement (ACE) event is coming to Stevens Point, Wis., on February 25th. ACE events provide a convenient and important venue for constructive engagement among people who seek an environment in which both local communities and agriculture thrive.
“ACE helps local officials connect with and understand dairy producers and their businesses. This collaboration improves communication and understanding for all involved,” says Rick Stadelman, executive director of Wisconsin Towns Association.
The February event, Agriculture’s Changing Face – Meeting Environmental and Community Needs, will feature speakers with backgrounds in business, conservation, economics, research and dairy production. Attendees will learn about water quality, road issues, Wisconsin’s economy, the state of our local communities, and the latest on how we can all do a better job of managing our natural resources while also maintaining Wisconsin’s proud heritage.
This one-day event has been developed for every local elected official—town and county government leaders—dairy producer and persons interested in learning more about issues that impact their communities and livelihoods.
Cost to attend the event is $40 and includes lunch and workshop materials. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. The meeting begins at 9:15 a.m., with the wrap-up session starting at 3:30 p.m.
The purpose of ACE is to educate, inform, and openly communicate on issues that are important to our communities. ACE is a collaborative effort between Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Counties Association and Wisconsin Towns Association.
Posted: January 19, 2010 at 8:20 pm
By News Editor
Today news broke that Kraft Foods will buy British candy maker Cadbury for about $19.6 billion.
Kraft Chief Executive Officer Irene Rosenfeld injected more cash into her bid and dropped the number of new shares in the offer to win over Cadbury Chairman Roger Carr and mollify billionaire investor Warren Buffett, the U.S. food company’s top shareholder.
The deal would create the world’s biggest confectioner, and analysts see little likelihood of a counterbid. It marks the largest European food and beverage deal on record, according to Thomson Reuters data.
“Kraft has acquired a great asset at a great price and should be given credit for this,” said Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Andrew Wood. “We consider that this is a bargain — the lowest multiple of any major M&A deal in the global food space in well over a decade.”
The combined company will just overtake privately owned Mars-Wrigley as the world’s top sweet maker, bringing under one roof Cadbury’s Dairy Milk chocolate and Trident gum and Kraft’s Milka, Toblerone and Terry’s chocolate brands.
Kraft sought Cadbury because of its strong growth in emerging markets, like India and Latin America. Kraft, famed for its Oreo cookies and Philadelphia cream cheese, derives over half its sales from the mature North American market.
Analysts say a counter bid for Cadbury is unlikely. The UK Takeover Panel gave Hershey (HSY.N), the U.S.-based maker of Hershey’s Kisses and Reese’s peanut butter cups, and Italy’s Ferrero, which makes Nutella chocolate spread and Tic-Tac candy, until January 25 to make a firm offer.
Hershey declined comment on the Kraft-Cadbury deal, but a source familiar with the matter said the company was unlikely to compete with Kraft’s raised bid.
With the Kraft-Cadbury deal, Hershey may have missed its best chance to escape the confines of the mature U.S. market, analysts said. Hershey was hamstrung by its unique ownership structure in which it is controlled by a charitable trust.
Posted: January 19, 2010 at 7:51 pm
By News Editor
In conjunction with the National Milk Producers Federation, Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has announced a donation of $100,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in the aid and recovery effort in Haiti.
“This is a time for the U.S. dairy producer community to step up to the plate and help, in a coordinated way, to address an enormous humanitarian crisis close to home,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF, which manages CWT. “Dairy producers have given generously in the past to help with other international and domestic relief efforts. In this tragic situation, a cash donation to the Red Cross is the most effect and expeditious method to help people in Haiti.”
CWT is making a cash contribution to the Red Cross’s specific Haiti relief fund to best assist the people of that nation. Kozak said that CWT’s monetary contribution will be used to provide dairy products and other foods, along with water, fuel, medicine, shelter, or whatever services are most critically needed.
Haiti is one of dozens of countries that has, in the past, been a commercial market for U.S. dairy products sold through CWT’s Export Assistance program. CWT urges cooperatives not participating in CWT, along with individual dairy farmers not involved in the organization, to consider contributing to the Red Cross Haitian relief efforts.
Cooperatives contributing to CWT include the following organizations. More than 500 individual dairy farmers also support CWT with their membership contribution:
Agri-Mark Inc., Arkansas Dairy Cooperative Association, California Dairies Inc., Conesus Milk Producers Cooperative, Continental Dairy Products, Inc., Cooperative Milk Producers Association, Inc., Cortland Bulk Milk Producers Cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America, Dairylea Cooperative Inc., Empire Keystone Cooperative, Farmers Cooperative Creamery, Foremost Farms USA, Jefferson Bulk Milk Cooperative, Just Jersey Cooperative, Inc., Land O’ Lakes, Inc., Lone Star Milk Producers, Lowville Producers Dairy Cooperative Inc., Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Massachusetts Cooperative Milk Producers Federation Inc., Michigan Milk Producers Association, Mount Joy Farmers Cooperative Association, National Farmers Organization, Northwest Dairy Association, Oneida-Madison Milk Producers Cooperative, Preble Cooperative, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, Inc., Schoharie County Cooperative Dairies, Select Milk Producers, Inc., Snake River Dairyman Association Inc., South New Berlin Milk Cooperative, Inc., United Dairy Cooperative Services, Inc., United Dairymen of Arizona, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., Western Tier Milk Producers Cooperative, and Zia Milk Producers.
Posted: January 19, 2010 at 4:48 pm
By Amanda Nolz
Have you seen those cool commercials for the new campaign, Fuel Up to Play 60, where football players are running and playing with school kids? They are aimed to get kids moving and staying fueled for play with a healthy, balanced diet. Wisconsin Ag Connection just released an article about this program. Check it out.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has joined a campaign to fight and defeat childhood obesity in cooperation with the NFL, National Dairy Council, multiple health organizations and several major corporations. The campaign, known as Fuel Up to Play 60, is funded with an initial private sector financial commitment of $250 million over five years by America’s Dairy Farmers. Funding is expected to grow as government, business, communities and families join this effort to improve nutrient-rich food choices and achieve 60 minutes of physical activity each day among children. More than 58,000, or 60 percent, of the nation’s 96,000 private and public schools are currently enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60.
Posted: January 19, 2010 at 1:42 pm
By Amanda Nolz
Be sure to get your applications in for the Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment Program through USDA. The deadline is today to get the applications in, so if you were planning on applying, don’t miss your chance. Here is a bit of information on the program from Julie Sherwood, staff writer
of the Messenger Post.
The application deadline is today for the new Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment Program announced in December by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Dairy producers who have production records at their USDA Farm Service Agency county office because they participated in another FSA dairy program do not need to apply for the program. FSA will use existing production records for February through July 2009 to calculate and issue their payment, according to U. S. Department of Agriculture.
On average, the price dairy producers received for milk marketed in the summer of 2009 was about half what it cost them to produce the milk, according to USDA. About $290 million in emergency aid was approved for dairy farmers nationwide.
White Gold’s Battle for Milkquarious is a 20-minute online rock opera intended to reach California teens with the message of the health benefits of drinking milk for strong bones, muscles, hair, teeth and nails. The rock opera chronicles White Gold’s quest to save his hometown of Milkquarious from a potentially deadly milk shortage. Teenagers 14 to 18 who attend California public high schools were eligible to enter the $50,000 White Gold Milkdonkulous Giveaway from Oct. 5 to Dec. 20, 2009. Students were asked to recreate one of the scenes from the rock opera and submit their video entries online. White Gold and celebrity judges selected nine finalists, with the tenth finalist decided by “people’s choice” through popular vote online.
Online public voting to decide the grand prize winner out of the top 10 will be held from 10 a.m. PST on January 11 to 10 a.m. PST on January 24. The winner will be announced online on Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. PST.
Posted: January 18, 2010 at 9:40 pm
By News Editor
The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation has a new name and a new look beginning in 2010, as it continues to serve as a fundraising mechanism for the dairy community education.
Previously named the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Education Foundation, contributors raised dollars for educational opportunities for dairy producers and others impacted by dairying—and this purpose remains the same. The name change simply communicates the national scope of the Foundation more clearly.
“The Foundation was established by Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW) to allow dairy producers and other dairy professionals to give back to the industry they love,” says PDPW President Doug Knoepke.
Since 2002, PDPW has been a leading funding source of the Foundation, donating dollars and staff time from its operating budget each year.
“PDPW established the Foundation for the benefit of the entire industry, but our name did not clearly communicate our intent,” says Foundation Board Chair Judy Rupnow. “With our new brand in place, we are reaching out beyond Wisconsin for the benefit of all who are impacted by the dairy industry.
The Foundation is led by a five-member board that includes three dairy producers and two allied industry professionals.
Source: The Professional Dairy Producers Foundation
“The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has identified a great opportunity for teaching the public about modern agriculture. Through science and productivity, farmers are feeding the world and bettering the lives of people every day,” said Frank Ross, vice president and regional director for Pioneer, North America. “We are pleased to partner on this initiative and support the cause of increased agricultural literacy.”
The My American Farm virtual education program is anticipated to engage millions of youth, teachers and parents over the next five years through unique educational experiences. The website, www.myamericanfarm.org, is a destination for children to be entertained by playing games while learning math, social studies, language arts and science in the context of agriculture and food production. There are a number of grade school level games on the site that incorporate facts about dairy, corn, soybeans and other agricultural commodities.
All eyes are on the cash dairy markets as three weeks of declines in block cheese came to an end and the butter market started to heat up. The second full week of 2010 saw the block price close at $1.4150 per pound, up a half-cent on the week, and 34 1/2-cents above that week a year ago. Barrel closed Friday at $1.4650, up 3 1/4-cents on the week, 37 1/2-cents above a year ago, and a nickel above the blocks. Nineteen cars of block traded hands on the week and only three of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price dropped 6 cents, to $1.6407. Barrel averaged $1.4783, down 0.9 cent.
Butter closed the week at $1.5250, up 18 cents, and 41 1/4-cents above a year ago. Twenty six cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.3302, down 0.7 cent.
Cash Grade A and Extra Grade nonfat dry milk closed the week at $1.30 per pound, down 7 and 8 1/2 cents respectively. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $1.3507, up 7 cents, and dry whey averaged 38.79 cents, down 0.2 cent.
America’s Dairy Farmers have partnered with ‘Pizza 4 Patriots’ to deliver more than 10,000 pizzas and 7,000 bottles of Honey Milk to some 30,000 servicemen and women stationed in Iraq for the upcoming Super Bowl.
Dairy Markets Week in Review
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“The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has identified a great opportunity for teaching the public about modern agriculture. Through science and productivity, farmers are feeding the world and bettering the lives of people every day,” said Frank Ross, vice president and regional director for Pioneer, North America. “We are pleased to partner on this initiative and support the cause of increased agricultural literacy.”