Posted: July 31, 2011 at 5:50 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Kevin and Cari Knapp of Larchwood, Iowa for receiving the Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.
The Knapps are the perfect example of what can happen when city meets country. Kevin worked with and owned dairy cattle off and on until he met Cari, who managed a 320-cow dairy herd. Cari received her bachelor’s degree in dairy science from South Dakota State University. When the couple married in 2002, they blended their knowledge and experiences to expand their herd to 50 cows.
“Kevin and Cari have a very strong interest in the genetic development of their herd and have the results to show that it is working,” said Eric Lyon, Lyon Jerseys, Toledo, Iowa, in a letter supporting their nomination. Today’s herd consists of 95 cows in milk with a 2010 AJCA lactation average of 19,202 lbs. milk, 928 lbs. fat, 673 lbs. protein with 2,313 lbs. cheese yield per cow. The couple has set a goal for their REAP herd to be at 20,000 lbs. milk with 5.0% fat and 4.0% protein.
As for the future of Knapp Time Dairy, Kevin and Cari have considered different avenues offered by being a Registered Jersey™ farm, including bottling their own milk under the All-Jersey® label. Kevin and Cari also hope to instill the same love and excitement they have for Jerseys into their five children, as they feel there is no better way to raise a family and teach valuable life lessons than on a Jersey dairy farm.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 28, 2011 at 7:42 pm
By News Editor
Accelerated Genetics has selected Charleston|Orwig to assist in brand development and marketing communications.
“We are experiencing record growth for our cooperative and want to make sure that we are positioned to take advantage of and extend this growth well into the future,” says Joel Groskreutz, Accelerated Genetics President and CEO. “The insight Charleston|Orwig has within the dairy and beef industries coupled with their strategic approach makes them a great fit to help us down this path.”
Charleston|Orwig will work with Accelerated Genetics to reinforce the company’s brand strategy and implement programs to help confirm the company’s position as a leading genetics provider.
Source: Accelerated Genetics
Posted: July 28, 2011 at 7:39 pm
By News Editor
The butter has been shaped and revealed! The 2011 butter display, sponsored by the American Dairy Association Mideast, at the Ohio State Fair pays tribute to the nation’s space program and recognizes the retirement of NASA’s space shuttle program.
The retirement of the space shuttle program marks the end of an era. Throughout most of the history of the space program, Ohio produced more astronauts than any other state. In fact, twenty-four astronauts have called Ohio home, including space pioneers John Glenn and Neil Armstrong, who we previously honored by sculpting in butter. Ohio’s dairy farmers also previously paid a butter tribute to the Wright Brothers, Ohio’s fathers of aviation.
The 2011 butter display is one of the most complex displays ever sculpted at the Ohio State Fair and features the interior of a space shuttle cockpit with intricate details such as flight controls, dials, gauges and display systems. Inside the cockpit, an astronaut floats above the command console while enjoying freeze dried ice cream. These sculptures share the cooler with the traditional life-size butter cow and calf.
Three Cincinnati-based free-lance technical sculptors engaged primarily in the toy industry sculpted this year’s display, which was crafted from approximately 1,550 pounds of butter, donated in part by Dairy Farmers of America. The display was completed in 475 hours, in which approximately 250 of those hours were spent actually sculpting the butter.
Source: American Dairy Association Mideast
Posted: July 28, 2011 at 8:22 am
By Joanna
Thirty-nine schools in Florida have been awarded nearly $100,000 in grant money to support Fuel Up to Play 60. This is a national in-school health and wellness program that encourages children to eat nutrient-rich foods including low-fat and fat-free diary foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In addition, the program promotes at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
The Fuel Up to Play 60 program is joint program between the National Dairy Council, the National Football League and the United States Department of Agriculture. Each school received up to $3,000 to increase awareness of and access to nutrient-rich foods and provide increased 
opportunities for physical activity for students. You can see a list of winning schools here:
“These are standout schools in our Fuel Up to Play 60 program, succeeding with their unique and innovative approaches to get kids excited about eating healthy and being active,” said Jennifer Sills, MPH, RD, LD/N, SNS, director of Dairy Health and Wellness for the Dairy Council of Florida.
Another round of funding will be awarded next year and the deadline for applications is October 1. Visit the Fuel Up to Play 60 website for more information.
Posted: July 27, 2011 at 7:47 am
By Chuck
Not surprisingly you’re worried about government regulations. We asked the question, “Are you worried about how government regulations will hurt your business?” 76% say yes and 24% no. This is a big part of the rhetoric in Washington, DC right now, along with the debt ceiling and budget. All I can say is, “Get off my back Mr. Government Man!”
Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “Do you own an iPad or other type of tablet?” Apps continue to be created to perform helpful agricultural functions. So let us know if you’ve made the investment. Thanks.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: July 26, 2011 at 2:33 pm
By Joanna
Demand for animal feed is on the rise worldwide and dairy cattle is no exception. But where will all the feed come from? One emerging option is algae meal, a product or co-product from algal biofuels production. To study algae meal as feed for dairy cattle, University of Minnesota recently completed a feed-trial of PetroAlgae‘s micro-crop meal to determine how it performed. The trial discovered that it performed as well as alfalfa in dairy cattle diets. The global market for dairy feed from alfalfa alone is estimated at 400 million metric tons by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
The study encompassed a continuous 6-week feeding trial of a statistically significant sample of 36 dairy cows living in barns housed at the University of Minnesota. It measured the algae meal against a 17.5 percent protein alfalfa diet and measured nutrient intake, milk yield and composition. With the positive results, PetroAlgae anticipates its micro-crop meal will be highly competitive in the feed market.
The University of Minnesota study is the first to validate PetroAlgae micro-crop meal in the dairy diet against the industry standard. Several key findings included algae meal having higher dairy efficiency values, higher energy values than alfalfa, and algae meal matched the alfalfa diet in milk, milk yield, body score, and body weight.
“The results of this study show that PetroAlgae micro-crop meal is a desirable ingredient for high producing dairy cattle and that it performed comparably to high-protein alfalfa meal,” said Dr. Noah Litherland, who performed the study at the University of Minnesota. “We are encouraged to see this product perform so well against one of the more universally understood products in dairy nutrition.”
Litherland added, “There is also an intriguing opportunity to alter the lipid composition of the meat and milk for added human health benefit.”
Who knows, in the not to distant future farmer’s may be growing algae for feed and fuel alongside alfalfa and other crops.
Posted: July 26, 2011 at 9:03 am
By News Editor
Congratulations to David L. Brandau, Wilton, Wis., for receiving the AJCA-NAJ Award for Meritorious Service.
This award is given annually to a living individual who, in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the national Jersey organizations, 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.
David grew up on his family’s farm near Wilton, Wis., as a third-generation breeder of Registered Jerseys™. He started at the Jersey organizations in July of 1981 as Equity Specialist with National All-Jersey Inc. and later added responsibilities as AJCA-NAJ Area Representative for the Upper Midwest region.
Brandau’s work focused on educating producers and cooperatives on the benefits of high-component milk and the need for equitable milk pricing to improve cheese yields. A key part of this was to enlist the financial support for this effort through the Equity check-off. “The Jersey breed would not be enjoying the success it is today without people like David on the front line gaining financial support for the program,” said Calvin Covington, former Executive Secretary and CEO of the USJersey organizations.
A major victory occurred when the five Upper Midwest Federal Milk Marketing Orders implemented multiple component pricing. David played a key role in bringing all the major cooperatives and dairy organizations in the area together to discuss equitable milk pricing. An excerpt of the Upper Midwest final decision dated August 2, 1995 is still posted in Brandau’s home office.
David and his wife Cathy reside at their farm in southwest Wisconsin and have two grown sons. He continues to support Jersey business and milk marketing development through his membership in the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association and independent consulting.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 26, 2011 at 9:00 am
By News Editor
Congratulations to Emily Krekelberg, Le Sueur, Minn.; Krysty Kepler, Viola, Wis.; and Angela Niles, Casco, Wis., on their summer dairy sales internships with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Each intern will work alongside territory managers with retailers and will have the opportunity to visit with customers. They will share information about Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. dairy-focused products such as ToDAY®, ToMORROW®, Bovikalc® and Cydectin®.
Emily Krekelberg recently completed her sophomore year at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities, where she studies animal science with an emphasis in dairy production. Emily is involved in Beta of Clovia Sorority, Gopher Dairy Club, Collegiate Agri-Women and Agricultural Education Club. One day, Emily wants to work in the dairy industry as a dairy supplies sales specialist or a ruminant nutritionist. She is the daughter of Dale and Patty Krekelberg.
Krysty Kepler, the daughter of Lonnie and Dana Kepler, is a junior at the University of Wisconsin — Platteville majoring in animal science, with an emphasis in dairy science and a minor in ag business. Krysty is active within the Holstein industry, serving in many leadership positions in the Richland County Junior Holstein Association, Sabin Livewires 4-H Club, Richland Center FFA and UW — Platteville Dairy Club. Following graduation, Krysty plans a career in the dairy industry.
Angela Niles is currently majoring in dairy science at the University of Wisconsin — River Falls and hopes to attend veterinary school in two years. She grew up on her family’s dairy farm, Dairy Dreams, which is home to 2,800 head. In the summer of 2010, she worked on a large research project for the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School on two farms. The project studied calcium levels in cows as well as ketosis. Angela hopes to use knowledge gained during this project to help farmers in the future. Angela is also well-versed in the Spanish language.
Source: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Posted: July 26, 2011 at 8:55 am
By News Editor
A new survey released by Merck Animal Health reveals that the dairy industry has made significant progress since 2007 in the implementation and improvement of dairy-calf respiratory-management practices. The study reveals advances in diagnostic testing, colostrum management and calf nutrition.
The survey represents the management of more than 775,000 dairy calves and heifers across 23 states. The last survey to include dairy-calf care and management was conducted in 2007 by the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS). Of the 174 dairy producers surveyed by Merck Animal Health, 83 raise fewer than 1,000 calves, 70 raise 1,000-9,999 calves and 21 raise more than 10,000 calves each year.
One of the most notable findings of the survey is the increased use of diagnostic testing on calves both before and after weaning. Twenty-two percent of operations surveyed use tissue sample testing on at least one calf that died of respiratory disease each year, and 72 percent have at least one necropsy performed. The 2007 NAHMS study, by comparison, reports that eight percent of herds have had necropsies performed on calves before weaning and 7.1 percent on calves after weaning, for all causes of death, including respiratory disease.
Producers now do a much better job monitoring their calves for failure of passive transfer (FPT) of immunoglobulins than they did four years ago. According to the survey, the number of calf raisers who routinely check for FPT grew to 45 percent from just two percent in 2007.
The survey also shows that producers have responded to the message that calves need to be fed at a higher plane of nutrition and more frequently. Nutrition programs where calves are fed at least 1.5 pounds of milk replacer or five quarts of non-saleable milk or a combination of non-saleable milk and milk replacer are used in two-thirds of small- and medium-sized herds and one-fourth in large herds.
The percentage of producers who pasteurize non-saleable milk fed to calves has grown from 8.4 percent to 72 percent since 2007. Additionally, eight percent of calves are being fed at least three times per day year round, and 14 percent are fed three times per day in the winter.
The study calls attention to the need for standardization of vaccination and treatment protocols. Although 80 percent of producers surveyed have been trained by their veterinarians to identify and treat respiratory disease, less than half have veterinary assistance in designing treatment protocols. Additionally, while 96 percent of producers surveyed vaccinate their calves for respiratory disease, there is no consistency in vaccination protocols.
Almost half of the producers surveyed report respiratory disease in their calves before 30 days of age. Sixty-six percent cull calves prematurely because of respiratory disease. The survey also shows that 9.9 percent of preweaned and weaned calves are treated for respiratory disease. In the NAHMS survey, 12.4 percent of preweaned and 5.9 percent of weaned calves were treated for respiratory disease.
Source: Merck Animal Health
Posted: July 22, 2011 at 5:29 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Donald S. Sherman, of Hilmar, Calif., for receiving the Distinguished Service Award of the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented by the Board of Directors to 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 made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.
Sherman is one of 11 people in breed history to receive the two highest awards—the Distinguished Service Award and the Master Breeder award—presented by the American Jersey Cattle Association and the first to be presented with them in consecutive years.
Donald Sherman grew up on Orestimba Dairy, a highly regarded Registered Jersey™ herd owned by his parents and uncle, and returned to the family farm in 1970 after graduation from Modesto Junior College and a four-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corp. He and his wife, Elsa, set out on their own eight years later and established D&E Jerseys with the purchase of 75 milking cows. That herd currently numbers 575 milking cows. A second dairy, Avi-Lanche Jerseys, was established in 2006 in Dalhart, Texas. This herd of 2,200 cows is owned with son-in-law and daughter, Richard and Jennifer Avila.
Sherman held key leadership positions during much of the period that has been dubbed the “Golden Decade of Jersey Breed Expansion” and helped pave the road for record-breaking performance by the USJersey organizations since 2000. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association in 1996, serving two three-year terms. In 2004, he was elected President of the association, serving three one-year terms.
As a director, Sherman chaired the Breed Improvement Committee and co-chaired the Type Advisory Committee. He also served on the organization’s Investment Advisory Committee, where his business experience and service on a local bank advisory committee made him a particularly effective member.
Sherman is an untiring advocate of Jersey youth programs. Every year, D&E Jerseys can be counted on to consign to and/or buy at the National Heifer Sale, which provides ongoing financial support for the national program. To boost financial resources of general scholarship fund, they donated all proceeds from the sale of D&E Rebel Scholar-ET at the The All American Jersey Sale in 2005. Donnie and Elsa also sponsor the Nanette Sherman-Taylor Memorial Scholarship for California juniors, in memory of their late daughter.
Sherman is a founding member of Jerseyland Sires Inc. and Hilmar Cheese Company, the largest, single-site cheese and whey product manufacturing facility in the world. He is frequently asked to speak about the success of Hilmar Cheese, domestically and abroad. He stresses the importance of Jersey milk for a profitable cheese business and production-bred genetics for a profitable dairy business.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 22, 2011 at 5:24 pm
By News Editor
We would like to share with you an opposing view we received from Donald E. Niles, DVM. See below for his comments exactly as they were sent to WDD.
As a dairy producer, I know how important dairy policy reform is to our future success and financial viability, and I appreciate that Rep. Colin Peterson is working so hard to make that reform happen by offering his draft legislation. But I am very disappointed to see what is clearly a hidden tax in the Dairy Market Stabilization program included in the plan.
The program is designed to limit U.S. milk production by collecting taxes from dairy farmers when farm milk prices are low. According to some estimates, nearly $400 million would have been assessed against dairy farmers had this program been in effect in 2009. According to Rep. Peterson’s bill, half of this new dairy farmer assessment will be retained by the federal government to offset other spending or reduce the deficit. Dairy does not directly benefit from these collected monies. Also, the basic level of margin insurance is limited to 75% of milk production, instead of 90%. Will this be reduced again? Or eliminated with the $14 trillion dollar national debt?
Are dairy producers aware of this diversion of their monies to Uncle Sam’s general fund?
We have been down this road before. Beginning in 1981, dairy farmers had to pay an assessment on all milk marketed from our farms to help reduce the national budget deficit. Under the proposed plan, the assessments will only come when we are already struggling with high costs of production together with low milk cost. Finally, instead of being paid by all dairy farmers, the ones who will be assessed are those dairies growing in size to maintain their family business and better meet the growing world demand for our dairy products.
And, that’s not all. These proposed reforms would change federal order prices regulations which, according to economic analysis, will increase the farm price for bottled milk and decrease the price of farm milk used for cheese. Wisconsin’s milk is used primarily for cheese, so our producers will be paid less while other regions will get more.
Dairy producers can’t let their longstanding desire for policy reform cloud their vision of the proposed plans. Look carefully and see what is actually there versus what you have been sold in the name of reform.
Posted: July 22, 2011 at 5:19 pm
By News Editor
This week, the Board of Directors of Milk Producers Council (MPC) voted to endorse legislation unveiled last week by Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minnesota), which would implement reforms to our national dairy policies and is based on National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) “Foundation for the Future” proposal.
“With this vote, the MPC Board sent a strong message that it’s time for dairy farmers from coast-to-coast to rally behind a common plan,” said MPC President Sybrand Vander Dussen, a dairyman from Corona, California. “We have a rare opportunity to get much-needed fundamental improvements for the producer side of our industry, and Rep. Peterson’s legislation is the only shot we have at getting those positive reforms approved by Congress and implemented.”
The legislative draft released by Peterson, who is the Ranking Democrat on the U.S. House of Representative’s Agriculture Committee, includes the three main pieces outlined in NMPF’s Foundation for the Future: Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP), Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program (DPMPP), and Reform of Federal Milk Marketing Orders.
Prior to endorsing Foundation for the Future, the MPC Board had the opportunity to review Congressman Peterson’s draft of the legislation, which includes some modifications from the original plan outlined by NMPF. These changes were made in an effort to make the legislation more appealing to a Congress that is clearly in a serious cost-cutting mode.
“While we’d probably all prefer to operate in a world where Congressional budget constraints don’t exist, the fact is that they do, and these changes are part of that reality,” said Rob Vandenheuvel, MPC’s General Manager. “At the end of the day, the structure of the legislation remains intact, with a standby, rarely-used Market Stabilization tool that will empower dairy farmers to collectively respond to market imbalances while not impeding our ability to grow the industry long-term, a dramatically improved safety net that treats all dairies the same and fundamental reforms of Federal Orders. This is a package of reforms that the MPC Board is proud to support.”
“This legislation will have things that producers like and things they don’t,” said Vandenheuvel. “In an industry with farmers in every region and of every size, that type of comprehensive package is the only chance we have of unifying our industry. It’s time to show Congress and the processors that buy our milk that dairy farmers are capable of working together to improve the lives of all dairies from coast-to-coast.”
Source: Milk Producers Council
Posted: July 21, 2011 at 7:42 pm
By News Editor
Actor Harrison Ford is the newest got milk? celebrity!
The new add reads: “Action! 9 out of 10 Americans aren’t getting essential nutrients we need. That’s a serious gap. But just one more serving of nutrient-rich milk a day for you and your family can help fill it. So here’s the direction: Pour one more.”
Posted: July 21, 2011 at 6:58 am
By Chuck
The majority of you who responded to our latest ZimmPoll think USDA’s acreage predictions are way off. We asked the question, “How accurate do you believe the USDA acreage predictions are?” 55% said Way Off while 41% said Close and 4% said Spot On. So there you have it. Take ‘em with a grain of salt. Hey, they’re a prediction after all. Does anyone know what the future looks like?
Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “Are you worried about how government regulations will hurt your business?” This is a big topic in Washington, DC right now and applies to all businesses. Please chime in and let the world know what you think. Thanks.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: July 20, 2011 at 5:56 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Christy Hansen, Canby, Ore., for receiving the Young Jersey Breeder Award.
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.
The ability to develop outstanding Registered Jersey™ cattle runs in the family at Cascadia Farm. Christy purchased her first Jersey calf in 1985 at the Washington County (Ore.) Junior Jersey Sale, bidding on the first animal to enter the ring. After attending college and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, Christy went back to Cascadia to join her parents and brother in operating the dairy.
Christy is responsible for the majority of the mating decisions at Cascadia, where she has developed a progressive breeding philosophy that takes into account both high production and type traits for fitness and longevity.
The average appraisal score of the herd is 83% and the December 2010 AJCA lactation average was 15,718 lbs. milk, 643 lbs. fat, and 567 lbs. protein on 143 records. The farm also has five heifers on the Top 500 Heifer list (May 2011), and one cow ranked on the Top 1.5% list for Genomic Jersey Performance Index (GJPI).
For more than a decade now, Christy has served as treasurer for the Oregon Jersey Cattle Club. She played an instrumental role in the planning and operation of the 2010 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Portland, Ore.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 20, 2011 at 5:53 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted six requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and Darigold to sell a total of 738 metric tons (1.627 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in the North Africa, Asia and Central America. The product will be delivered July through November.
In 2011, CWT has assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 23,056 metric tons (50.8 million pounds) to 20 countries on four continents.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps 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) Export Assistance program
Posted: July 20, 2011 at 12:41 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
World Dairy Expo is now accepting entries for the 2011 Dairy Cattle Show.
Cattle exhibitors wishing to compete may enter online or paper entry forms are also available on the website or in the Premium Books which have been mailed to past exhibitors.
According to Dairy Cattle Show Manager, Laura Herschleb, entries will be accepted now through midnight (CDT) on Thursday, September 1. Entry fees have remained the same as years past for those entries made by September 1. New for 2011 the online entry system will accept late entries September 2-6; late fees of $50 per head will apply. After September 6, all late entries must be submitted on paper entry forms at a cost of $100 per animal.
“Around the World of Dairy in 5 Days” is the theme for World Dairy Expo 2011, which will take place Tuesday, October 4, through Saturday, October 8 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. For a show schedule and further information, visit www.worlddairyexpo.com.
Posted: July 20, 2011 at 9:18 am
By Cindy Zimmerman
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is concerned about adequate funding for the popular Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) Dairy plan of insurance.
“Congress makes $20 million a year available for all livestock programs,” says RMA administrator Bill Murphy. “The popularity of the newly-designed dairy program exhausted these funds in March, halfway through the fiscal year.”
Murphy says the agency has historically only spent about $3-4 million a year of that $20 million annual allocation. “What changed this year is that the dairy industry requested two changes. One, to provide a subsidy, which was not in there before. And they also requested that the premium payment to be changed from the beginning of the insurance period to the end, like the rest of our crop insurance programs.”
As a result, the program was so popular for dairy producers this year that they used up all the funds in four months, which was about $15 million or 75% of the total annual allocation for all livestock programs. LGM Dairy provides protection to dairy producers when feed costs rise or milk prices drop. Gross margin is the market value of milk minus feed costs. LGM Dairy uses futures prices for corn, soybean meal, and milk to determine the expected gross margin and the actual gross margin.
Posted: July 19, 2011 at 3:52 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to David and Beth Ertl, Edison, Ohio, receiving the Young Jersey Breeder Award!
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.
David and Beth met at the Ohio State Fair in 2000 and bonded through their love for the Jersey breed. A month after taking their marriage vows in 2004, David accepted a position as manager for a 200-head commercial dairy operation in northern Ohio and after a year, incorporated their Jersey herd into the farm. David’s knowledge of the breed eventually influenced the farm owner to change his breeding and soon they were using only high JPI Registered Jersey™ sires.
In 2009, David and Beth entered into a partnership with the farm’s owner and have increased their Jersey cattle holdings to 295 head, of which 170 are in milk. The 2010 AJCA lactation average on 134 lactations was 20,512 lbs. milk, 1,027 lbs. fat and 745 lbs. protein with a cheese yield of 2,560 lbs.
David and Beth’s herd ranks among the top 25% herds in the U.S. for herd average Jersey Performance Index (JPI). During the past year, six different bulls, representing four different cow families, were sent to A.I.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 19, 2011 at 3:45 pm
By News Editor
National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) has announced that 45 percent of the nation’s milk supply now comes from farmers, cooperatives, and proprietary processors implementing the FARM program.
Voluntary and open to all producers, FARM is a national dairy animal care, third-party verified program designed to demonstrate dairy farmers’ commitment to outstanding animal care and a quality milk supply. Independent dairy producers, proprietary processors, and cooperatives are quickly coming on board.
FARM was created by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), along with support from Dairy Management, Inc. FARM provides thorough animal care education for producers, on-farm evaluations, and objective third-party verification, giving customers and consumers the assurances they deserve.
Developed in partnership with producers, veterinarians, and animal care experts, FARM is a comprehensive program that incorporates the latest innovations in animal care from birth to marketing.
Participating producers are provided comprehensive training materials and undergo an on-farm evaluation conducted by a trained veterinarian, extension educator, co-op field staff member, or other FARM-trained professional. Evaluators then provide a status report and, if necessary, recommendations for improvement.
To protect the integrity and credibility of the program, a certain number of participating dairy farms will be randomly selected for objective third-party verification. Validus, an Iowa-based certified auditing company with more than 10 years of experience verifying on-farm animal care, has been selected to conduct all third-party evaluations and will begin that process this summer.
In addition to Land O’Lakes, participating cooperatives and proprietary producers include Agri-Mark, Inc., Hilmar Cheese Company, Foremost Farms USA, and Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers (MDVA) Cooperative.
Source: National Milk Producers Federation and Dairy Management Inc.
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