Posted: February 7, 2010 at 6:19 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
Dairy farmers are also beef producers and their representation on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board which administers the $1 per head beef checkoff was at the very top level this past year in chairperson Lucinda Williams, a dairy producer from Massachusetts. Despite keeping up a hectic schedule of meetings this past year, Lucinda still managed to find time to make checkoff-themed quilts for the staff and other board members, which she presented during the recent Cattle Industry Conference in San Antonio where she ended her term.
This episode of the Milking Parlor podcast features some comments from Lucinda about how the industry needs to address threats from animal activists, as well as from incoming Beef Board chairman Dan Dierschke about Lucinda’s work on behalf of producers, and from Ted Greidanus, a California rancher who breeds Holstein calves for the beef industry.
To subscribe to the Milking Parlor podcast, click here. Listen to or download this episode in the player below.
Posted: February 5, 2010 at 6:24 pm
By News Editor
A video showing how to properly open milk in a bag has gone viral! Americans – tell us what you think, milk in bags: weird or smart?
In the video, Sheryl Ng lays out a bag of 2%, a jug and a pair of scissors. She runs through the milk drinker’s skillset: the proper triangular cut, the cautious first pour, preventive measures to keep an overfull bag from collapsing. Collectively, the viewing world outside Ontario leaned back in its seat and said, “What the hell is that?”
Apparently not. Ontario, the world has seen your milk drinking habits, and the world now thinks you’re a weirdo. Ng posted her milk-drinking video as a way of illustrating the differences between Canadians and Americans. They drink milk out of jugs. We drink it out of bags. She titled the whimsical instructional, “Milk in bags, eh?”
Bagged milk also hits an impassable imaginary wall at the 49th parallel. Almost uniformly, Americans are jug/carton people. Wisconsinites, people who know something about dairy, buck that trend. Among other forward-thinking nations that have warmed up to the plastic udder — South Africans, Argentines, Hungarians and Chinese. Those latter also bag beer, which means we have some catching up to do. The Soviets used milk bags, though central Europeans rushed to embrace the carton once the Wall came down. For ten shekels, Israelis can buy a Kankomat — a bag-holder that includes its own cutting device.
Posted: February 5, 2010 at 5:28 pm
By News Editor
New Zealand’s Fonterra dairy is in negotiations to lease land in China by mid-year. The land would be used for two New Zealand-style dairy farms in the world’s largest emerging dairy market.
Fonterra China managing director Philip Turner said with the firm’s pilot farm in Hangu, in Hebei province, performing profitably ahead of schedule and producing record levels of milk, the time was right for further investment.
The China dairy market is forecast to show double-digit annual growth over the next 10 years. The domestic dairy industry was developing quickly but the current supply of high-quality fresh milk could not keep up with demand, Mr Turner said from Beijing.
Milk safety in China is of high public concern after deliberate melamine poisoning of milk supplies two years ago caused the deaths of several babies and made thousands of infants ill with kidney problems. The melamine was added to raw milk supplies to processing factories to artificially increase protein levels, thereby drawing a higher price.
Fonterra’s joint processing venture SanLu was involved in the crisis, along with more than 20 other plants. SanLu was bankrupted and Fonterra is no longer involved in processing in China but is expected to announce a new venture soon.
The planned new farms would be of a similar size and carry around 3300 milking cows.
They would be a mix of cows imported from New Zealand and those raised on Fonterra’s pilot farm, Mr Turner said. Tangshan Fonterra Farm is producing its second generation of China-born heifers. Half of the herd has been raised from the original imported friesian herd.
Posted: February 5, 2010 at 5:20 pm
By News Editor
Are you, or do you know, a high school senior who is also an outstanding athlete? They may be the perfect candidate for the 2010 Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Awards, and have the chance to win a $7,500 scholarship for college.
This unique scholarship is sponsored by the National Milk Mustache “got milk?®” Campaign in partnership with USA TODAY. The SAMMY Awards educate teens on the importance of making smart choices- like eating right, staying active and refueling with milk. Twenty-five teens who excel in academics, athletics, community service and leadership will earn a $7,500 scholarship, attend an awards ceremony with celebrity guests at Walk Disney World and appear in their own Milk Mustache ad in USA TODAY.
Applications are due by March 5, 2010. Describe in 250 words or less how you refuel with milk while excelling in academics, athletics, community service and leadership. Finalists will be named in June 2010
The cash cheese market weakened the first week of February, sending shivers to farmers and their bankers. With Super Bowl demand behind us it remains to be seen what happens next. The cash block price closed the first Friday of February at $1.4925 per pound, down 2 1/4-cents on the week, but still 33 1/2-cents above that week a year ago.
The barrels closed at $1.4725, down 3 1/4-cents on the week, and 32 1/2-cents above a year ago. Only one car of block traded hands on the week and two of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price fell 1.4 cents, to $1.4502, while the barrels gained 2.6 cents, averaging $1.5024.
Cash butter started the week losing 2 cents, then gained almost 4 cents, but gave back 2 on Friday to close at $1.3275, down a quarter-cent on the week, but 22 1/2-cents above a year ago. Twenty four cars traded hands on the week. NASS butter averaged $1.4039, up 1.9 cents.
Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed the week at $1.15, down 4 cents, and Extra Grade held all week at $1.24. NASS nonfat dry milk reversed gears, averaging $1.1328, up 4.1 cents, following the previous week’s 19.6-cent loss. Dry whey averaged 38.94 cents, up 0.3 cent.
Posted: February 5, 2010 at 10:41 am
By Cindy Zimmerman
USDA is abandoning the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and changing strategy to a state-based system.
“After concluding our listening tour on the National Animal Identification System in 15 cities across the country, receiving thousands of comments from the public and input from States, Tribal Nations, industry groups, and representatives for small and organic farmers, it is apparent that a new strategy for animal disease traceability is needed,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I’ve decided to revise the prior policy and offer a new approach to animal disease traceability with changes that respond directly to the feedback we heard.”
Under the framework, announced today at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Mid-Year meeting, USDA’s efforts will:
• Only apply to animals moved in interstate commerce;
• Be administered by the States and Tribal Nations to provide more flexibility;
• Encourage the use of lower-cost technology; and
• Be implemented transparently through federal regulations and the full rulemaking process.
Briczinski’s main responsibilities include food processing and security, food safety and public health, human nutrition, labeling, and domestic and international standards of identity. She joins Jamie Jonker, Vice President of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs and Betsy Flores, Director of Regulatory Affairs in the regulatory department.
Originally from Camp Hill, PA, Briczinski earned a BS, MS, and PhD in Food Science from the Pennsylvania State University, where she eventually specialized in dairy foods research. Her thesis research focused on dairy microbiology, specifically the physiology and characterization of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.
Briczinski came to NMPF from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she served on the staff of the Food Science Department and developed and taught courses in the undergraduate curricula for both Food Science and Dietetics majors. She can be reached at bbriczinski@nmpf.org.
Posted: February 4, 2010 at 7:21 pm
By News Editor
The Wisconsin Dairy Business Association announces results from their board of directors elections, held during their Annual Business Conference’s annual meeting.
Re-elected for a third term was corporate member Greg Steele. Newly elected dairy producers include Gordon Speirs and Dr. Gordon A. Jones.
Greg Steele is a Vice President of Agribusiness Capital with AgStar Financial Services. His focus is working with commercial dairy operations that have grown and expanded their business and his responsibilities include providing expertise in the area of finance, business planning, and accounting.
Gordon Speirs owns and operates Shiloh Dairy, LLC established in 2003 in Brillion. Shiloh Dairy has 1,500 milk cows and all 1,450 heifers are raised on-site. In Canada, Speirs chaired the local milk producers organization and also served on the milk products promotion committee, as well as the local Holstein association.
Dr. Gordon A. Jones currently is the managing partner of Central Sands Dairy, a 3,800 milk cow dairy near Nekoosa. Jones also works for Quality Milk Sales as a production consulting specialist and a nutritionist for a consortium of large dairies. He attended Michigan State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science and his D.V.M.
Jerry Meissner of Norm-E-Lane Inc. in Chili, Wis. currently serves as President of the Board of Directors. John Pagel of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, LLC in Kewaunee, Wis. was elected as their new Vice-President. Greg Steele serves as Treasurer and Jen Keuning, an environmental scientist at Conestoga-Rovers and Associates (CRA), serves as Secretary.
Posted: February 4, 2010 at 10:31 am
By Amanda Nolz
I guess I’m not shocked that HSUS has pulled this bait and switch on Ohio voters. While stepping aside to let Ohio farmers pass the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board, our friends at HSUS are now campaigning to make sure that board pushes their agendas forward, which include: abolishing meat, dairy and eggs from the American diet and putting farmers and ranchers out of business. In their newest campaign, Ohioans for Humane Farms, HSUS and Farm Sanctuary are back on the campaign trail, ready to take action in the next election. Check out an excerpt from Kristy Foster in Farm and Dairy.
Producers and state officials had heard it was coming. Now, it’s official: The Humane Society of the United States launched a counterattack on Ohio Jan. 27. Ohioans for Humane Farms, backed by HSUS and Farm Sanctuary, submitted a petition — including signatures from Ohio voters in 48 counties — to Ohio’s Secretary of State in support of placing an anti-cruelty measure on the November ballot.
Regulations requested include: 1. End confinement for veal calves, breeding pigs and chickens in what has been described by the Humane Society of the United States as “tiny cages.” 2. Stop “downer cows” or animals too sick or injured to stand or walk on their own from entering the human food chain. 3. Establish regulations for the euthanasia of sick and injured animals.
The conference, presented by the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association, will feature leading researchers, academia and business professionals in the dairy calf and heifer industry sharing their expertise with producers. Topics range from practical applications such as vaccinations, colostrum management and biosecurity, to broader issues such as managing financial risk and developing strong contracts.
“Our annual conference is the premier event in the dairy calf and heifer replacement industry,” said Eugene Myatt, DCHA second vice president and chairman of the Conference Committee. “We bring together an elite group of individuals and ask them to present material that producers can use on their operations to be more efficient and profitable. On top of that, we have companies from all corners of the industry come and display their products in our trade show.”
In addition to the trade show, which has historically involved more than 60 companies, the 2010 Dairy Calf & Heifer Conference will also feature live animal demonstrations. Licensed veterinarians will educate producers on proper techniques for restraint, physical examination, venipuncture and more. This additional educational portion of the conference allows producers to sharpen their skills and ensure that they are handling and caring for their animals in the most humane way possible.
Posted: February 1, 2010 at 8:22 pm
By News Editor
Elisabeth Hagen, a physician, has been nominated as Undersecretary of Agriculture for Food Safety by President Obama
Hagen, 40, is a physician with four years’ experience in food safety. A spokesman at the USDA said Hagen is declining interview requests as she awaits confirmation by the Senate. Her nomination does not appear to face strong opposition.
The meat industry applauded the selection. “Hagen brings the background, skills and vision to lead USDA’s efforts to make sure that Americans have access to a safe and healthy food supply,” said Patrick J. Boyle, president of the American Meat Institute.
It is difficult to assess Hagen’s positions on policy or the politics of food safety; she hasn’t published any papers, articles or books on the topic. Most of her career has been spent teaching and practicing medicine as an infectious disease specialist. She left medicine in 2006 and went to the USDA, where she was quickly promoted through the ranks of the department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to become the chief medical officer last year.
If confirmed as undersecretary of agriculture for food safety, Hagen will face complex challenges. She would oversee the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service, which is responsible for safe meat, poultry and eggs, which make up 20 percent of the food supply. It employs 7,300 inspectors who perform daily and continuous checks inside 6,200 food processing facilities.
Posted: February 1, 2010 at 8:05 pm
By News Editor
The Breunig family of Mystic Valley Dairy LLC, located in Wisconsin, has donated a top-notch Registered Holstein calf for a March 16 auction to benefit the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation. The Holstein calf, Jenny-Lou Million 2719 will be part of the Benefit Auction during the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin’s (PDPW) Business Conference March 16 & 17 in Madison, Wis. Proceeds from the auction will support educational programs of the Foundation.
Million’s Marsh dam, GP-83 @ 2Y and due to be rescored in February, is among the elite in the breed with a CTPI of 1734. The Brett grandam, VG-86 GMD DOM, has over 47,150M @ 2-11. The third dam is the well-known Patron Toyane, VG-89 GMD DOM, the dam of Toystory and Lou.
The Breunig family’s dairy business is built around a passion for excellent cows, and that passion has helped Mystic Valley earn a BAA rating of 105.2. That ranks 7th in the U.S. for herds over 300 cows.
From a young age, involvement in 4-H, FFA, the Wisconsin Holstein Association and, in more recent years, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW), has helped fuel Mitch’s passion for quality cattle and build their dairy business. Though he’s a young producer himself, Mitch is in the habit of giving back to the industry that has taught him so much. He has coached 4-H dairy judging teams for the past ten years. In 2001, a team he coached won the national championship.
“The educational programs that the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation is able to fund are phenomenal and need to be supported,” Mitch says. “Education has been very rewarding for me and my family.”
The calf donation pays tribute to Mitch’s late father, Louis, who started the family farm in 1961 and nurtured Mitch’s passion for excellent cattle. Mitch and his mother, Jeannette, own the farm in partnership today. Mystic Valley Dairy expanded from a traditional 100-cow Wisconsin farm setup in 1998 to 400 cows and stands at 430 cows today. Their rolling herd average is just shy of 30,000. But their real niche has been developing quality genetics. The farm has been able to sell an average of 60 animals a year to fellow dairy producers.
Dairy specialist Les Yoder with Homestead Nutrition works not only to help improve the nutritional value of dairy feed, but also works on crop and soil nutrition and he spoke about the benefits of good feed nutrition.
“The forage component of the rations is extremely important to how we’re able to balance that program and make that cow very productive while maintaining health and profitability,” said Yoder. The better quality the forage is, the less a farmer has to depend on other things like the purchase of additional feed (corn and soybeans). “Quality forage is extremely, extremely important in a profitable dairy nutrition’s diet,” he said.
Yoder began using Stoller’s Bio-Forge nearly 10 years ago implementing that product for corn silage for dairy rations and began seeing some benefits of improved quality, digestibility and plant health – all of which made a better ration. He also noted that it helped to make a healthier and less expensive diet.
Listen to an interview with Les conducted by reporter Joanna Schroeder who covered the conference for Agwired.
Dairy farmers are also beef producers and their representation on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board which administers the $1 per head beef checkoff was at the very top level this past year in chairperson Lucinda Williams, a dairy producer from Massachusetts. Despite keeping up a hectic schedule of meetings this past year, Lucinda still managed to find time to make checkoff-themed quilts for the staff and other board members, which she presented during the recent Cattle Industry Conference in San Antonio where she ended her term. 
Dairy Markets Week in Review
“After concluding our listening tour on the National Animal Identification System in 15 cities across the country, receiving thousands of comments from the public and input from States, Tribal Nations, industry groups, and representatives for small and organic farmers, it is apparent that a new strategy for animal disease traceability is needed,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “I’ve decided to revise the prior policy and offer a new approach to animal disease traceability with changes that respond directly to the feedback we heard.”
