Posted: January 19, 2012 at 7:18 pm
By Cindy Zimmerman
USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Gerry Bange expects milk production to increase in 2012.
Talking about the latest USDA Dairy Outlook in terms of production and price estimates, Bange says, “U.S. milk production in 2012 is expected to increase about 1.3%. We’re looking now at 198.5 billion pounds.” That’s unchanged from the last forecast, but the 2011 production total was lowered. “It looks like 2011 is going to come in right around 196 billion pounds. That’s down about 100 million pounds from what we previously thought.”
Given the 1.3% increase in production expected for the coming year, Bange says they are expecting lower prices compared to 2011. “We’re now looking at an all milk price for 2012 at $18.70 per hundred weight,” he said. That’s up 20 cents from the previous USDA forecast but down 7% from the $20.14 of 2011.
Posted: January 18, 2012 at 9:45 pm
By News Editor
New Jersey is once again debating the sale of raw milk in the state.
Assembly Bill 743, has been resurrected under the new number A518 and introduced into the new Assembly session. The measure is missing one sponsor, Rep. Charlotte Vandervalk, a 39th District Republican, who retired from the Assembly after 20 years.
Sponsors want to make populous New Jersey the 31st state to allow commercial raw milk sales. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) says 30 states currently allow raw milk sales, although in 13 of those states unpasteurized milk is restricted to on-farm sales.
In the last three years, there have been numerous proposals in state legislative bodies both to ease raw-milk restrictions and to tighten raw-milk regulations. During that time period, NASDA reports five states have increased quality standards for unpasteurized dairy products.
Because of New Jersey’s sheer size, however, there is considerable interest in what steps it may take. It also borders Pennsylvania and New York, where raw milk sales are legal. Not only do New Jersey residents already drive to those neighboring states to pick up raw milk, but there are also some sophisticated delivery routes in place.
In the new Assembly, sponsors are picking up on new “value-added” theme, namely that the Garden State’s remaining 87 dairy farms need a value-added product to survive.
Source: © Food Safety News
Posted: January 18, 2012 at 9:39 pm
By News Editor
The 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention, “The Future…Is Now,” will open at 10 a.m., March 13, and is free to all Nebraska dairy producers, families and guests. Attendee and sponsorship registration forms are available online. The deadline to register is March 2.
An Olympic Gold Medalist, the coronation of the Nebraska Dairy Princess and a seminar on handling high commodity prices are on the agenda for the 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention March 13-14 at Divots Conference Center in Norfolk. The convention also serves as a backdrop for the business meetings of several of the state’s dairy groups.
The meeting opens with a trade show, followed by a presentation titled “Managing Today’s Commodity Prices” by Archer Daniels Midland nutritionist Ron Linquist at 10:30 a.m Midwest Dairy Association will present information on its child health and wellness initiative, Fuel Up to Play 60, at an 11:30 a.m. lunch. A 4:30 p.m. session, “Animal Welfare – the Next Challenge,” will be presented by We Support Agriculture. The trade show continues until 5:30 p.m. on March 13.
The annual meeting of the Nebraska State Dairy Association takes place from 12:30 – 2 p.m. on March 13, and the Nebraska Holstein Association will meet from 2:30 – 4 p.m. that day.
The March 13 events draw to a close with a wine and cheese reception at 5:30 p.m. Olympic bobsledder Curt Tomascevicz headlines the banquet at 6:30 p.m. The new Nebraska Dairy Princess will also be crowned at that time.
Board meetings for the Nebraska Division of Midwest Dairy Association and the Nebraska State Dairy Association will take place on convention’s second day, March 14. The Nebraska Dairy Industry Development Board, Nebraska Dairy Industry Review Board will also meet that day.
Source: Nebraska Dairy Convention
Posted: January 18, 2012 at 8:00 am
By Chuck
In our latest ZimmPoll we asked the question “Do you think there is currently an “Ag Bubble?” It looks like most think so since 66% said Yes and 34% said No. That’s kind of a pessimistic outlook don’t you think? If you think we’re in a bubble please feel free to comment on why. We’d love to hear your thoughts.
Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “How will proposed changes to child labor in agriculture regulations affect farms?” Last fall the Department of Labor proposed changes that many believe could have major impacts on family farms and farm life (proposed rule – pdf). At best it seems like there are some good intentions without careful consideration of the consequences and then there’s always that “how does the Dept. of Labor interpret the rules thing.” A public comment period ended on December 1, 2011.
Here’s some language about the proposed changes from an early news release:
The proposal would strengthen current child labor regulations prohibiting agricultural work with animals and in pesticide handling, timber operations, manure pits and storage bins. It would prohibit farmworkers under age 16 from participating in the cultivation, harvesting and curing of tobacco. And it would prohibit youth in both agricultural and nonagricultural employment from using electronic, including communication, devices while operating power-driven equipment.
The department also is proposing to create a new nonagricultural hazardous occupations order that would prevent children under 18 from being employed in the storing, marketing and transporting of farm product raw materials. Prohibited places of employment would include country grain elevators, grain bins, silos, feed lots, stockyards, livestock exchanges and livestock auctions.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: January 17, 2012 at 9:38 pm
By News Editor
Dairy farmers have the opportunity to participate in a one-day “Core Dairy Track” at the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit. Registration information and a program brochure are available online. The cost to register for the one-day “Core Dairy Track” is $125 for non-producers and $68 for producers and students. Additional scholarship opportunities and discounts for multiple participants from the same farm are also available.
Designed to meet the needs of those dairy producers who can’t get away from the farm for a two-day event, the Core Dairy Track will be held from 9 a.m. – 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, during the first day of the two-day Dairy Summit program being held at the Lancaster Host Resort in Lancaster, Pa.
The summit is hosted annually by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania and the Center for Dairy Excellence, with support from the Penn State Extension Dairy Team and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The Dairy Summit is now in its seventh year, with participation and support for the annual event continuing to grow.
“Producers can come to hear a dairy farm showcase, participate in producer panel discussions, and learn more about the global dairy markets and what it will take to succeed in dairy in the next 5-10 years,” said Dave Hunsberger, chair of this year’s summit.
Dr. Nigel Cook from the University of Wisconsin Madison will discuss the “Dairyland Initiative: A Welfare Friendly Guide to Dairy Housing,” while Dr. William Weiss from the Ohio State University will provide a look at alternative feeds and their effectiveness from both a ration and cost perspective. Four producer panel discussions will be held as part of the breakout sessions, focusing on genomics, reproductive strategies, robotic milking solutions, and succession planning.
Dr. Bruce Jones from the University of Wisconsin will share the “Critical Factors for Success in Dairy Now and in the Next Ten Years,” while Mark Piper from Fonterra, the world’s largest exporter of dairy, will offer his perspective on global markets, dairy policy and the mailbox price. Dr. John Niezen, dairy manager of Greenstone Grazing in Georgia, will provide a showcase of the intensively grazed operation. Also included in the event is an opportunity to visit with vendors at the Dairy Trade Show and learn more about the latest technologies and services for your dairy.
Source: The Center for Dairy Excellence
Posted: January 16, 2012 at 7:50 pm
By News Editor
The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy® — established by dairy producers in 2008 to foster industry-wide innovation and efficiencies — urges dairy producers interested in cutting on-farm energy costs to contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. Funding is available right now to help producers address on-farm energy use and increase efficiency.
“One of the goals of the Innovation Center Sustainability team is to work with state and local organizations to connect dairy producers with the energy and cost-saving opportunities that are immediately available,” said Barbara O’Brien, president of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and senior executive vice president of Dairy Management Inc.™, which manages the dairy checkoff on behalf of the nation’s farmers. “While initiatives vary across the country, all regions offer assistance to offset the cost of farm energy audits as well as incentive and rebate programs to make equipment upgrades and retrofits more affordable.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding is available through NRCS for farm energy audits and equipment upgrades (available to those with qualifying audits). Producers should act now.
The first national application cutoff is Feb. 3. More details can be found through local NRCS field offices. An on-farm energy audit, also known as an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), is a vital decision-making tool. An energy audit can identify improvements that could reduce energy use by 10 to 35 percent — most often in areas such as lighting, milk cooling, ventilation, vacuum pumps and electric water heating.
Saving energy directly translates to cost savings and improved profitability for dairy operations. On average dairy producers spend $40 per cow per year on electricity. Improved energy efficiency can mean $4 to $14 savings per cow. This can translate into thousands of dollars per year.
Producers can learn about financial assistance opportunities in one of three ways: 1) call an energy expert at 800-732-1399; 2) contact a local NRCS field office; or 3) use the Innovation Center’s easy-to-use, SaveEnergy web tool.
Source: Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy®
Posted: January 16, 2012 at 7:46 pm
By News Editor
Nestlé is helping China accelerate the development of its milk industry with the construction of a new dairy farming institute in Shuangcheng in Heilongjiang province.
The institute, with its series of training farms, aims to be the country’s leading dairy training centre, offering teaching courses from national and international experts. Dairy farm owners and workers from Shuangcheng and other Chinese regions will be able to improve their farm management skills and learn how to use the latest agricultural technology.
They will gain practical experience in expanding their farm businesses, improving productivity and sourcing high quality milk sustainably. Local partners will be encouraged to help create an investment fund of 2.5 billion RMB for the project.
Nestlé has agreed to work with the Shuangcheng government to increase levels of training and technical assistance already provided to local farmers. In partnership with the authorities, Nestlé has distributed 1,000 free milking machines to farmers to ensure no farmers in the region have to continue milking by hand.
Source: Nestlé
Posted: January 12, 2012 at 5:08 pm
By News Editor
The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has announced that new records for production by Registered Jersey™ cows were established in 2011.
The official Jersey lactation average increased to 18,633 lbs. milk, 889 lbs. fat, and 676 lbs. protein. On a Cheddar cheese equivalent basis, average yield was 2,294 pounds. All are new category records.
A record 91,028 lactations were processed by the AJCA, an increase of 51.4% in 10 years.
The lactation average is calculated on a standardized 305-day, twice daily, mature equivalent (m.e.) basis.
These records for Jersey production come on the heels of a study published in the January, 2012 issue of Journal of Dairy Science that documents lower production inputs and reduced environmental impacts of Jersey milk production because of higher component levels and small body mass to be maintained.
Source: American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: January 12, 2012 at 5:05 pm
By News Editor
Holstein Association USA reports that 2011 was an exceptional year for registrations.
The company saw 360,149 Holsteins registered in 2011. This exceeds 2010 totals by over 20,000 animals, an increase of six percent, and is the most animals registered on an annual basis since 1995.
“The last time we registered 360,000 animals in a year was 1995, when there were well over 120,000 dairy operations in the United States,” said CEO John M. Meyer. “Today, the number of licensed dairies is less than half of that. We’re very excited that Holstein Association members and dairy producers nationwide continue to realize the added value U.S. Registered Holsteins bring to their operations.”
Source: Holstein Association USA
Posted: January 12, 2012 at 4:59 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Land O’Lakes, Inc., for being named one of America’s Greatest Brands.
The ninth edition of the America’s Greatest Brands book features 45 companies, showcasing their history, achievements and brand impact. In addition to Land O’Lakes, other companies recognized include WalMart, Campbell’s, Oreo, Subway, The Home Depot, FedEx, and The New York Times.
Chris Policinski, President and CEO of Land O’Lakes, is honored to see Land O’Lakes, a national, farmer-owned food and agriculture cooperative, featured in the book.
“Being recognized as one of America’s Greatest Brands reflects Land O’Lakes’ rich history of progress and innovation, as well as consumer and customer confidence in our products, services and values,” Policinski said in a new release.
The brands are chosen by the American Brands Council, a distinguished group of advertising, marketing and communications leaders representing such firms as Fleishman-Hillard, Ogilvy & Mather, DDB Wordwide, and Saatchi & Saatchi.
Lesley Meyer, a Director of America’s Greatest Brands, notes that a brand represents a relationship with consumers.
“A great brand becomes an icon, part of a relationship we reach for, a familiar friend,” Meyer said in a news release. “They are pillars of strength and endurance that – through perseverance and creativity – continue to capture consumers’ confidence.”
Each year the American Brands Council evaluates nominated brands on several criteria, including brand quality, resilience and longevity; customer loyalty; market leadership; and social responsibility.
Source: Dairy Herd Management
Posted: January 11, 2012 at 8:00 am
By Chuck
In our latest ZimmPoll we asked the question, “What do you think of the LightSquared broadband internet proposal?” This controversial issue has pitted GPS services and hardware manufacturers against those who want better broadband internet service in their area and agriculture is only one of the industries that could be impacted. Interestingly, our poll results were mostly against the proposal until one afternoon when almost all of the “positive” results were posted. That suggests that there was a concerted effort to impact the results. So here they are. We had 73% say that the proposal would be Good for ag/rural America and 23% say it would be Bad for ag/rural America. What do you think about that?
Our new ZimmPoll is now live. We’re asking the question, “Do you think there’s currently an “Ag Bubble”?” Let us know what you think.
ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.
Posted: January 10, 2012 at 9:41 pm
By News Editor
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced changes to the department, based on the Blueprint for Stronger Service. These changes are a plan that helps producers continue to drive America’s economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs.
“The USDA, like families and businesses across the country, cannot continue to operate like we did 50 years ago,” said Vilsack. “We must innovate, modernize, and be better stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars. We must build on the record accomplishments of farm communities in 2011 with a stronger, more effective USDA in 2012 and beyond.”
“By undertaking a thorough and thoughtful review of his Department, Secretary Vilsack has saved taxpayers millions in travel and printing costs and is consolidating more than 700 different cell phone contracts into about 10. What’s more, the Department is finding significant savings by consolidating more than 200 offices across the country while ensuring that the vital services they provide are not cut,” said Vice President Biden.
The USDA will close 259 domestic offices, facilities and labs across the country, as well as seven foreign offices. In some cases, offices are no longer staffed or have a very small staff of one or two people; many are within 20 miles of other USDA offices. In other cases, technology improvements, advanced service centers, and broadband service have reduced some need for brick and mortar facilities. (more…)
Posted: January 10, 2012 at 9:03 pm
By News Editor
Don’t delay – applications for the Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA) annual DFA Cares Foundation Scholarship! The deadline to apply is January 13. Winners will be announced at DFA’s 14th Annual Meeting in March.
The program, now in its fifth year, has awarded scholarships totaling nearly $60,000 to outstanding students planning a career in dairy, either as a producer or in numerous related fields, such as veterinary medicine or agricultural communications.
“Investing in the future is critical to the long-term success of the dairy industry,” said David Darr, DFA vice president of sustainability and public affairs, and a member of the DFA Cares board. “The DFA Cares Scholarship Program encourages and rewards students committed to the future of our industry for the hard work they put in throughout the year.”
Any dairy-oriented student enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited college, university or trade school is eligible to apply for the scholarship. The program also is open to high school seniors and post graduates.
Award recipients will be selected based on their commitment and passion to a career in the dairy industry, essay responses, extracurricular activity involvement, academic achievements, prior work experience and financial need. All applicants must include two letters of recommendation and their most recent high school or college transcript.
Source: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA)
Posted: January 9, 2012 at 8:05 pm
By News Editor
Diamond V®, the global leader in fermentation technology, hired Dr. Gavin Staley as a Dairy Technical Service Specialist.
Dr. Staley will provide Dairy Technical Sales, Service and Support for the states of California and Arizona and will support key accounts in the San Joaquin Valley in California.
A 1984 graduate from The University of Pretoria, South Africa, Dr. Staley spent 5 years as Senior Faculty Lecturer in Reproduction during which time he completed his specialist degree in this discipline (MMedVet). He then took his talents to the field where he spent 5 years in the largest private dairy practice in South Africa. In 1998, Dr. Staley and his family moved to the United States where he continued his growth as a large animal practitioner and found the time to earn the advanced status as a certified Diplomate in the American College of Theriogenologists in 2001. Shortly after, he transitioned to industry as a Technical Service Specialist in California with Monsanto and in 2007 joined Pfizer Animal Health as Senior Dairy Production Specialist.
Dr. Staley will reside with his wife and 2 children in Turlock, California.
Source: Diamond V
Posted: January 9, 2012 at 7:54 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Bonnie Mohr of Glencoe, Minn.for being named the Holstein Foundation’s 2011 Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Distinguished Alumni Leader Award honoree.
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. Mohr was a member of YDLI’s inaugural class held in 1994 and 1995.
“An important benefit I took away from YDLI was the resources and networking opportunities,” said Mohr. “I think those are two very important things, contacts and ideas. There are people I met at YDLI that I would have never met otherwise.”
Mohr is a renowned dairy artist who has been involved with the dairy industry her entire life. Today, she, her husband, John, and their five children own and operate Glenmark Genetics, which is also the home of and provides inspiration for Bonnie’s art studio. The Mohr’s Registered Holstein farm provides numerous opportunities to reach consumers, seeing an average of 500 to 1,000 guests annually. She has had the honor of visiting with people from elementary school children to international visitors, and groups ranging from Teachers’ Associations and various community organizations, to the 3,000 dairy enthusiasts who attended a state June Dairy Day event held in 2000 on their farm. Bonnie and her family have been long time members of Holstein Association USA, the Minnesota Holstein Association, and the McLeod County Holstein Association.
Mohr has used her talents as an artist to reach those outside of agriculture, as well as for the benefit of agricultural organizations. She created a painting for the Holstein Foundation, “The Beautiful Cow,” which was sold at the 2010 National Holstein Convention and raised $80,000 for the Holstein Foundation’s Dairy Leaders for Tomorrow Campaign.
“I think any time you’re involved in an industry organization that you love and appreciate, it instills a want or desire to give back,” said Mohr. “Because of this life long journey and benefits I have derived from the dairy industry – I realized I had the opportunity to ‘give back’ through my painting at the 2010 Convention. I believe in the power of each person playing a part to make a worthy contribution in life, because we all have something different to give. Paintings are my way of giving back.”
Source: Holstein Foundation
Posted: January 9, 2012 at 7:48 pm
By News Editor
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 18 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 2,894 metric tons (6.380 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered January through June 2012.
In 2011, CWT assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 92.4 million pounds to 26 countries on four continents. That is the equivalent of 910 million pounds of milk, or the annual production of 43,500 cows.
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 and the farm milk that produces them.
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
Posted: January 9, 2012 at 7:45 pm
By News Editor
World Dairy Expo is pleased to announce the official judges for our 2012 cattle shows. The 2012 World Dairy Expo theme will be “Market Fresh”and it will be held October 2-6 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
The individuals who will be responsible for placing over 2,500 head of the finest dairy cattle in the United States and Canada during the five-day event are:
· International Ayrshire Show: Lynn Harbaugh, Marion, Wis.
· International Milking Shorthorn Show: Steve White, New Castle, Ind.
· Central National Jersey Show: Mark Rueth, Oxford, Wis.
· International Brown Swiss Show: Curtis Day, Burnsville, Minn.
· International Guernsey Show: Adam Liddle, Argyle, N.Y.
· Grand International Red & White Show: Justin Burdette, Mercersburg, Pa.
· International Holstein Show: Michael Heath, Westminster, Md.
Source: World Dairy Expo
Posted: January 5, 2012 at 8:15 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to the new farmer leaders elected as officers of the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA).
Chair – William Siebenborn, Trenton, Mo.
1st Vice Chair – Neil Hoff, Windthorst, Texas
2nd Vice Chair, Chair of ADA – Michael Ferguson, Senatobia, Miss.
2nd Vice Chair, Chair of NDC – Lester Hardesty, Greeley, Colo.
2nd Vice Chair, Member Relations – Paul Broering, St. Henry, Ohio
Secretary – Steve Frischknecht, Manti, Utah
Treasurer – Allen Merrill, Parker, S.D.
The UDIA is a federation of state and regional dairy producer-funded promotion organizations that provide marketing programs that are developed and implemented in coordination with its members. The UDIA is overseen by a board comprised of dairy producers elected by their respective boards of their member organizations.
Source: Dairy Management Inc.
Posted: January 5, 2012 at 7:58 pm
By News Editor
The Pennsylvania Farm Show unveiled it’s 22nd annual butter sculpture today.
The sculpture depicting a young 4-H member showing his prized calf at a county fair pays tribute to the 100th anniversaries of the Pennsylvania 4-H and Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs.
Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program, the sculpture was crafted from butter donated by Land O’Lakes in Carlisle, Pa. Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program are funded by dairy farmers to promote dairy products.
More than 5 million people attend Pennsylvania’s 113 county and local fairs each year and 125,000 youth are enrolled in 4-H, many of whom exhibit their projects at fairs.
The butter sculpture was created by Jim Victor of Conshohocken, Montgomery County. He began crafting the life-size design in mid-December and finished just in time for the Farm Show. He also creates sculptures using chocolate and cheese.
At the close of the eight-day show, the butter will be given to a Juniata County dairy farm. The butter will be put through a digester that will convert it to 65 kilowatt hours of electricity to operate the farm.
“County fairs provide the opportunity to showcase our industry and the young people who are our future leaders,” said Tom Croner, Somerset County dairy producer and chair of the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program. “Dairy producers are proud of what we do and the butter sculpture is a chance to showcase our efforts to provide a safe, healthy product for consumers.”
Source: Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association
Posted: January 5, 2012 at 8:36 am
By Cindy Zimmerman
The beef checkoff has launched a super cool, clever and creative way to educate people about what cows eat. It’s called “Cow Chow” (you have to love that!) and it’s an online game and video series designed to answer common questions about cattle diets.
The 10-question game and corresponding videos encourage consumers to explore what cattle eat from birth to the feedyard. The first-of-their-kind “Cow Chow” videos were filmed almost exclusively by cattle in Kansas, South Dakota, Texas and Florida wearing specially-rigged GoPro cameras to share this important animal care story from the cows’ eye view.
Curious consumers can now see exactly what cattle really eat every day as they compete in an interactive quiz game. Upon completion of the game, users can post results and badge to their Facebook page, and challenge their friends to beat their best score. The Cow Chow game and videos emphasize the attention cattle farmers and ranchers pay to their animals, their land and their communities.
“We know people are interested in what cattle eat,” says Roger Butler, a dairy producer from Lake Okeechobee, Fla. “Cow Chow shows how proper cattle diets help farmers and ranchers raise high-quality, great-tasting and nutritious beef they can feel good about feeding their families.”
The “Cow Chow: Exploring What Cattle Eat” game and videos are hosted on the checkoff’s ExploreBeef.org website where consumers can also learn more about beef safety, environmental stewardship, animal care and beef nutrition. The videos are also available on the Explore Beef YouTube channel.
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