Posted: December 7, 2010 at 7:00 pm
By News Editor
Are you looking to start grazing your dairy cattle, or to learn how to improve your current grazing herd? Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA) 2011 Grazing Conference will feature a dynamic lineup of producers and industry experts sharing their strategies, tips and tricks for sustaining high-performance, pasture-based dairies.
Featured conference sessions include: Creating a Millionaire Model Grazing Dairy-Larry Tranel, Field Specialist – Dairy, Iowa State University;
Starting a New Grazing Dairy from Scratch-Eric and Julie Neill, Dairy Producers, Freeman, Mo.; Establishing the Right Forages for Grazing Dairies-Steve Wallace, Territory Manager, Barenbrug USA; Getting the Right Herd Genetics to Graze-Phil Wicks, General Manager, Livestock Improvement Corporation USA; Supplemental Feeding Strategically-Tony Rickard, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Missouri.
The conference is scheduled for January 11-12 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown, Louisville, Ky. Registration is open through Friday, December 17. For more information, visit this website.
Source: Dairy Farmers of America
Posted: December 7, 2010 at 6:50 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Crave Brothers Farm, LLC and Larson Family & Larson Acres, both who were honored by the Dairy Business Association (DBA) at their Annual Business Conference held at the Concourse Hotel & Governor’s Club in Madison, Wisconsin last week.
DBA Advocate of the Year Award – Crave Brothers Farm LLC
Charlie, George, Tom and Mark Crave, along with their families, have made their farm in Waterloo, Wisconsin a showplace of Wisconsin dairy efficiency and innovation. Their operation includes roughly 2,000 cows, 1,800 acres, two anaerobic manure digesters and a farmstead cheese factory. They make it a point to attend Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, other legislative and fellow producer’s hearings on the rights to farm, diversify and grow operations within the state. They were also recognized for the excellent job they do day in and day out taking care of their land while constantly sharing the story of modern agriculture production. Whether it’s the 80,000 some attendees at a recent year’s Wisconsin Farm Technology Days that they hosted or the close to 1,000 people who visit the farm every year, Crave’s continue to educate consumers, food editors, cheese buyers and the media about industry production methods and practices. Their philosophy on the farm is that they are proud to produce and promote high quality milk and cheese. They enjoy telling the story of dairy farming that emphasizes cow comfort, quality milk and working in harmony with the land to generate power and produce quality milk and award winning cheese. For these efforts and others, DBA, on behalf of their members recognized them with the Advocate award.
DBA Leadership Award – Larson Acres, Inc.
Ed, Mike and Sandy Larson and their families who farm on 5,000 acres of land and care for 2,900 cows near Evansville, Wisconsin were honored by their peers for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to growing the dairy industry in Wisconsin. The Larsons were recognized for their eight years of perseverance of doing what is not right not only for their operation, but for the entire industry. The Larson’s story began in 2002 when Larson Acres applied for a conditional-use permit for a heifer facility. The application met with considerable local opposition and their ensuing experiences made them “poster children” of sorts for the adoption of Wisconsin’s landmark Livestock Facility Siting Law. In their recognition it was stated that the industry owes a great debt to the Larsons for not standing idly by when the Town made decisions inconsistent with the Siting Law, but rather stood up for itself and the industry in court, we hope when all is said and done, establishing a clear precedent under the law that will benefit every dairy producer trying to expand his or her operation by playing by the rules. Recently, the Larson Family hosted an open house which drew an estimated 3,000 neighbors and friends who had an opportunity to see that a modern dairy is a spectacular site where animals and the land are well cared for. For their leadership and perseverance on upholding the Siting Law they earned this year’s DBA Leadership Award.
Source: The Dairy Business Association
Posted: December 7, 2010 at 3:03 pm
By Joanna
Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we’ve got no place to go,
Fill Out a Survey! Fill Out a Survey! Fill Out a Survey!
The snow doesn’t show signs of stopping,
And I’ve bought some corn for popping,
The lights are turned way down low,
Fill Out a Survey! Fill Out a Survey! Fill Out a Survey!
When I’ve completed the short questionnaire,
How I’ll hate going out in the storm!
So I’ll daydream about my online shopping spree,
Where I’ll buy a sweater to keep me warm.
I’ve clicked “register me to win,”
And, my dear, I may win $250.
All because it was snowing,
And I Filled Out a Survey! Filled Out a Survey! Filled Out a Survey!
I hope my rendition of “Let it Snow” hasn’t offended you too much to fill out our World Dairy Diary survey. If not, those who complete the survey will have a chance to win $250. Happy Holidays and may Santa bring you some extra green this year.
Posted: December 6, 2010 at 9:07 pm
By News Editor
January 15, 2011 is the deadline for nominations for four awards to be presented at the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., June 22-25, 2011.
Master Breeder Award. The Master Breeder Award is bestowed annually upon a living AJCA member, family, partnership, or corporation, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has bred outstanding animals for many years and thereby has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.
Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is bestowed upon as many living AJCA members and/or members’ families, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, have rendered outstanding and unselfish service for many years and thereby have made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.
Award for Meritorious Service. The AJCA-NAJ Award for Meritorious Service is bestowed annually upon a living individual, who, in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of Jersey owners in the United States through research, education, development, marketing, or other significant activities of the allied dairy industry.
Young Jersey Breeder Award. These awards are bestowed annually upon as many living AJCA members and/or members’ families, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, merit recognition. Nominees must be active members of the American Jersey Cattle Association and must be at least 28 years of age but not more than 40 years of age as of January 1 of the recognition year. Selection is based upon expertise in dairy farming and Jersey cattle breeding; participation in AJCA and NAJ programs; and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agricultural organizations.
Any lifetime member of the AJCA can nominate qualified persons for these awards. Nomination forms may be requested by contacting Paula England at 614-322-4469, or email to pengland@usjersey.com. Forms are also available from online.
Source: American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: December 6, 2010 at 8:10 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 13 requests for export assistance from Darigold, Land O’Lakes, and Dairy Farmers of America to sell a total of 894 metric tons (1.971 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The product will be delivered December 2010 through June 2011, with 80% to be delivered by March 2011.
Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program in March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda cheese totaling 31,962 metric tons (70.5 million pounds) to 26 countries on four continents. In addition, sales of butter and anhydrous milkfat totaling 14,968 metric tons (33.0 million pounds) have been made to nine countries on three continents.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term and long-term by helping member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
Source: Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
Posted: December 3, 2010 at 6:05 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Kate Geppert of Columbia, Mo. for being named the 2010 Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Distinguished Alumni Leader Award recipient by the Holstein Foundation. This award annually recognizes YDLI alumni who have made notable contributions and utilized skills gained during their YDLI participation for the betterment of the dairy industry. Geppert was a member of the first YDLI class, and is the tenth recipient of this honor.
“Professionally speaking, YDLI has given me a tremendous network of friends within the dairy industry and agribusiness,” said Geppert. “The quality of speakers and programs in my class was unbelievable. YDLI was a great program for me and I encourage others to participate whenever possible.”
Geppert has been involved in the dairy industry her entire life. Her experiences have given her numerous opportunities to educate the public about the dairy industry. With their farm located close to a local elementary school, as well as the University of Missouri, the Geppert family has had the opportunity to tell dairy’s story to hundreds of people through the years, from young school children to local businessmen and international visitors. Kate is the current dairy superintendent at the Missouri State Fair, a role that has allowed her to communicate extensively with the general public, answering questions and resolving misconceptions about the dairy industry. Additionally, she has had the opportunity to interact with elected officials to help bring dairy issues to their attention.
Kate lends her time freely to numerous dairy and agricultural organizations. She is currently a member of the Holstein Association USA board of directors, and has served on several committees, including the Junior Advisory, Genetic Advancement, National FAIR committees. She has also been a long-time member of the Missouri Holstein Association. Other groups Geppert is involved with include the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors, the University of Missouri Ag Alumni Association, where she has held the office of president, Missouri State Milk board, serving as one of four dairy producers appointed by the Governor, and the Missouri Dairy Association.
Geppert will be recognized during upcoming YDLI Class 7, Phase I program, March 2-5, 2011, in Albuquerque, N.M. The Young Dairy Leaders Institute, a program of the Holstein Foundation, is a nationally recognized three-phase leadership and communication skills development program for young adults (ages 22-45) working in the dairy industry.
Source: Holstein Foundation
Posted: December 2, 2010 at 8:49 pm
By News Editor
Members of the Dairy Business Association (DBA) gathered in Madison this week for their 11th Annual Business Conference for educational and networking opportunities as well as to elect members to their Board of Directors. Two members were re-elected and one is new to the board.
“DBA is so very fortunate to have a large contingency of first-rate dairy producers and industry leaders willing to help shape the future of our beloved industry,” said Laurie Fischer, Executive Director of DBA. “We face many challenges but this newly elected board has the experience and expertise necessary to meet those challenges and grow our $26.5 billion industry.”
Mike North, a corporate member with First Capitol Ag, was re-elected to the board for a second term. Mike began his work in the futures industry in 1995. He has worked with production and processing clients to construct marketing plans and margin management programs and uses his experience to educate businessmen about the tools available for price protection and risk management.
John Pagel was also re-elected to the board for a third term. John is owner of Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy located in Kewaunee County. He has been involved in the dairy industry all of his life and grew up on the dairy he currently operates which he has grown to 4,600 cows.
Newly elected to the board was dairy producer Mike Gerrits. Mike owns Country Aire Farms along with his brother Tom. Country Aire Farms is located in southern Brown County and consists of 2,400 milk cows. He has been a member of the DBA for several years and also participates in numerous seminars and symposiums.
The DBA Board of Directors are: Jerry Meissner, Norm-E-Lane, Inc.; John Pagel, Pagel’s Ponderosa; Jen Keuning, Conestoga Rovers & Associates; Greg Steele, AgStar Financial Services; Dr. Gordie Jones; Central Sands Dairy; Mike North, First Capitol Ag; Gordon Speirs, Shiloh Dairy, LLC; Jim Winn, Cottonwood Dairy and Mike Gerrtis, Country Aire Farms.
Source: The Dairy Business Association
Posted: December 1, 2010 at 7:23 pm
By News Editor
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) joined nine other farm and agriculture organizations yesterday to urge members of Congress to address estate tax reform during the lame-duck session.
Dairy farmer Billy French of Maurertown, Va., who operates French Bros. Dairy, a 125-head dairy and a 200-head cow/calf operation, spoke on behalf of NMPF about his experiences inheriting a multi-generational farm.
French, whose home farm has been in his family since 1872, explained how estate planning has been essential to his family’s partnership, especially in a large family where French is one of nine siblings. “Being able to plan for transfer of assets to the next generation is essential to the success of a business like ours,” French said.
When French’s father died in 2003, his estate was under the current exemption amount, which was important for the continued success of the farm’s operations. However, it has been difficult for French and his wife to start planning for the transfer of the assets to their four children with the uncertainty of estate tax reform right now.
“We realize we need to start planning for transfer to the next generation, but the uncertainty is holding us back,” French said. “I especially don’t like the position we are in in 2010 without the stepped-up basis. Without it, paying the estate tax on the current value of land assembled by generations before us will be very hard to do in this dairy economy.”
“Families like ours in this situation often have to sell land to pay estate taxes,” French continued. “That’s no way to help maintain the family farm that is the backbone of U.S. agriculture.”
Representatives from the American Farm Bureau Federation; the American Soybean Association; the National Association of Wheat Growers; the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; the National Corn Growers Association; the National Cotton Council; the National Farmers Union; the National Pork Producers Council; and the Public Lands Council also presented testimony at the news conference in favor of estate tax reform.
If Congress does not act before December 31, 2010, the current estate tax law (also known as the death tax) will revert to the 2001 rate with an exemption level of $1 million and a 55% tax rate. That rate would negatively affect the ability to pass farms, ranches, and small businesses from one generation to another.
NMPF supports permanently raising the exemption level to no less than $5 million per person, and reducing the top rate to no more than 35%. The exemption should also be indexed to inflation, provide for spousal transfers, and include the stepped-up basis. Dairy farmers may contact their members of Congress throughDairy GREAT to explain why they should vote for estate tax reform.
NMPF and 30 other agriculture organizations also expressed concern for estate tax reform yesterday in a letter to President Obama. The letter asked for the President’s leadership in urging Congress to act on the issue before the end of the year.
Source: The National Milk Producers Federation
Posted: December 1, 2010 at 10:57 am
By Cindy Zimmerman
The Survey Monkey has spoken and the winner is …. drum roll, please….
Jamie Wilson with the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan
Jamie reads Domestic Fuel and says she is most interested in stories related to ethanol. We sincerely appreciate her taking the time to fill out the survey so we can learn more about our audiences on all the various ZimmComm on-line publications.. All the survey entries for November were entered to win $250 and Jamie’s name was picked out of the hat this morning. All those who have already filled out the survey will remain in the running for the next drawing at the end of this month for another 250 bucks.
Some interesting results we have found so far from the first month of our survey:
Domestic Fuel got the most survey responses, which makes sense since it has the most traffic. The majority of respondents were either existing producers (12.5%) or in marketing/sales for biofuels (10%)
On World Dairy Diary, one quarter of respondents said they were actual dairy farmers and over 35 percent said they followed WDD on Twitter.
Over 30% of the respondents for Agwired are in advertising, marketing, communications or public relations. Almost 40% said they read Agwired 4-7 times a week and the same amount follow on Twitter.
One third of the respondents on Precision Pays are crop farmers and all of them grow corn and soybeans.
We have almost enough entries at this point to be statistically significant, which is great, but we intend to keep it going at least through the end of January. The more responses we get, the better we can know who is in our audience to serve you better. Yes, we have to ask for all the personal info like name and address, but we will not share that with anyone else. We just simply want to get a better handle on who you are and what you want to read about.
So, if you have not responded yet, take the survey now by clicking here for this website. Jamie – your check is in the mail and we hope you enjoy the extra holiday cash!
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