California
Dairy Industry Headline News
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1315 K Street, Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 527-6453.
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Monday, May 21, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
PETA
fails to place billboard in Kings County - - People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals’ attempt to get a pro-vegetarianism billboard up in
Kings County has failed, the group said this week. Instead, they are running
a TV commercial on Fresno-based Channel 47, the CBS affiliate. PETA had
wanted to put up a billboard close to the Baker Commodities rendering plant
off Hanford-Armona Road. The goal was to capitalize on the international
attention the plant received last month when a cow carcass tested positive
for mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The
group said that Lamar Outdoor, which owns billboard space near the Baker
plant, rejected the advertisement, which would have shown a cow standing in
a muddy corral with the words “Real milk comes from real sick cows.”
<more> May 19, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Valley
farmers taking measures to curb metal theft - - California farmers are
laying down spike strips and forming agricultural watch groups as ways to
battle metal theft, several growers testified Friday during an informational
state Senate hearing in Fresno. Sens. Tom Berryhill, R-Modesto, and Anthony
Canella, R-Ceres, held the meeting as part of the Senate Committee on
Agriculture. The senators wanted to hear from farmers, law enforcement
officials and the recycling industry about the chronic problem of metal
theft in agriculture. Canella said at least five bills have been introduced
that deal with cracking down on metal theft.
<more> May 19, 2012 Fresno Bee
Farm
Bill fight could affect Central Valley growers - - Eat your broccoli.
After all, you might be helping to pay for it. Challenging a broccoli market
dominated by California, researchers boosted by federal funds are on a
multiyear mission to encourage new East Coast production. They've had some
success. They've also helped show how farm bills are changing. "The project
would absolutely not have happened" without the federal help, noted Cornell
University associate professor Thomas Bjorkman, citing new academic and
industry cooperation as well as the funding. "The audacious expectations of
the [research] program also inspired us to think this big." Farm bill
dollars -- and disagreements -- traditionally focus on subsidies for crops
such as wheat, cotton, corn and rice. That still is the case this year, as
Congress approaches a Sept. 30 deadline for rewriting the 2008 farm bill.
Tens of billions of dollars are on the line.
<more> May 19, 2012 Fresno Bee
Raw
milk, and raw emotion, go to court - - Melinda Olson has given her
12-year-old son raw milk for years. When he walked away virtually unscathed
from a serious bike accident last year, she credited his healthy diet of raw
milk dairy products. Matthew Caldwell fed his 2-year-old son, Owen, raw milk
in the spring of 2010. The boy was hospitalized for 13 days, victim of an E.
coli 0157:H7 outbreak traced to raw milk producer Mike Hartmann. The two
parents' stories are bookends to a debate that is on high boil in Minnesota.
One farmer accused of breaking state law barring the off-farm sale of raw
milk, Alvin Schlangen, is slated for trial in July. Hartmann was hit with
the same criminal milk charge last month, and also faces a civil suit from
Caldwell.
<more> May 21, 2012 Minneapolis Star Tribune
Meat
industry braces for 'meat glue' attack - - The cattle and meat
industries are expecting another "pink slime" type attack, one which has
been brewing for a few weeks now and could explode right before Memorial Day
weekend. Dubbed "meat glue" by many media sources and bloggers,
transglutaminase are enzymes used in the food service industry to bind meat
and other food products together. For example, they can be used to attach
bacon around a filet mignon or to help bind two large beef tenderloins
together. Transglutaminase occur naturally in humans, animals and plants and
have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug
Administration for use in a variety of products. According to the American
Meat Institute, the same ABC reporter who pushed the pink slime issue into a
national controversy is working on a story about transglutaminase.
<more> May 21, 2012 Capital Press
Centrist GOP candidates may offer chance to end California gridlock - -
For years, running for office as a Republican in California boiled down to
one core pledge, bound by a candidate's signature and enforced with a
vengeance: no new taxes. Not anymore. The state's new political landscape,
scrambled by freshly drawn voting districts and new election rules, has
given rise to a handful of GOP hopefuls proudly bucking the anti-tax
orthodoxy. Their candidacies have the potential to end years of partisan
gridlock here.
<more> May 19, 2012 Los Angeles Time
Farm jobs help shrink Fresno County jobless rate - - A seasonal surge in farm jobs, along with more modest gains in other industries, combined to drive Fresno County's unemployment rate down by more than 1 1/2 percentage points between March and April. The county's jobless rate was 15.8% last month, according to information released Friday by the state Employment Development Department. That was down from the March figure of 17.4%, and also lower than the 16.8% in April 2011. <more> May 18, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Corn
Takes Off as China Buys - - U.S. corn futures jumped 9.4% last week,
lifted by concerns about tight current supplies and a rally in wheat prices.
The sharp rise came after corn futures had fallen 11% in the month through
May 11, dragged down by forecasts for a large U.S. harvest this fall.
Analysts still expect the influx of new supplies later this year to weigh on
prices, but the continued strong spot-market demand for on-hand corn helped
boost prices, highlighting concerns about the immediate availability of the
grain.
<more> May 20, 2012 Wall Street Journal
CWT
assists with 5.2 million lbs. of cheese, butter export sales - -
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 24 requests for export
assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Maryland & Virginia Milk
Producers Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell 3.58 million
lbs. of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 1.64 million lbs. of butter to
customers in Asia, Africa, Central America and the Middle East. The product
will be delivered May through November 2012. So far in 2012, CWT has
assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of 53.8 million lbs. of
cheese and 44.4 million lbs. of butter/anhydrous milk fat to 27 countries on
four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports
is 1.465 billion lbs., or the same as the annual milk production of 69,800
cows. May 21, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
China can't get enough dairy heifers - - Agribusiness company Elders says it can't get enough dairy heifers from Australia to supply China's growing demand this year. For the second consecutive year, a record shipment of 100,000 cattle will sail from dairies in Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay. They're going to modern intensive dairies in China, where dairy consumption is expected to double in less than ten years. <more> May 21, 2012 Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia
Environmental
News
Legal
threat, foes force MID to hold off on SF water sale vote - - Facing the
threat of legal action by the city of Modesto and strong opposition from
others, the Modesto Irrigation District has canceled Tuesday's planned vote
on a water sale to San Francisco. The district announced Friday that the
sale would be delayed while contract talks with San Francisco resume. MID
spokeswoman Melissa Williams said she could not say exactly what details are
being reconsidered. Critics have said the draft contract had no protections
during drought for farmers or the city, which provides treated MID water to
homes and businesses.
<more> May 18, 2012 Modesto Bee
Date
change for Sacramento forum on managing farm nitrogen - - The Sacramento
meeting to discuss management of agricultural nitrogen has been changed to
June 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Farm Bureau Federation in
Sacramento. The change was made to accommodate participants who also wish to
attend the June 12 CV Salts meeting in Fresno. Growers, dairy operators,
agency representatives, agricultural commissioners, policymakers and other
community members will gather for half-day forums in June to discuss
management of agricultural nitrogen. The forums will be held in Sacramento
on June 11 and in Tulare on June 18. The two community forums to explore
solutions to nitrate in groundwater and the role of policy are being hosted
by the UC California Institute for Water Resources and the CDFA Fertilizer
Research and Education Program. Both events are free and open to the public.
To register or for more information about the events, please visit
http://ucanr.edu/sites/managingagriculturalnitrogen.
May
21, 2012 University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural
Resources news
Costa Calls for Action on Real Water Solutions - - Rep. Jim Costa called on Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to take action in order to bring greater water security to the San Joaquin Valley. In a letter, Costa stated that the status quo was not sustainable and expressed concerns that delays on decisions has created a cycle of planning with no end in sight. <more> May 17, 2012 Rep. Costa press release
Clovis
East teacher legendary in meat judging world - - In the world of meat
judging -- and yes, there is such a thing -- a Clovis East High School
agriculture teacher is approaching legendary status. Over his 30-year
career, Ken Dias has guided students to 18 state and 11 national Future
Farmers of America meat-judging titles -- more than any other high school
meat-judging coach in recent years. "What Ken has done has been a phenomenal
achievement," said Randy Harp, superintendent of the FFA's national Meat
Technology Career Development event. "He has to be one of the winningest
coaches in the last 15 to 20 years." Dias' current four-member team won the
state competition this year, earning the right to compete at the national
Meats Evaluation & Technology contest in Illinois this October.
<more> May 19, 2012 Fresno Bee
Storm
damage totals more than $14 million to Tulare County ag - - A severe,
mid-April storm did more than $14 million in damage to Tulare County crops,
and the damage to one fruit variety was so extensive that the county's
agricultural commissioner will seek federal disaster relief for affected
farmers. The crop damage here resulted from heavy hail that pummeled the
Traver and New London areas on April 11. Nectarine groves suffered the worst
damage, with 4,000 acres of the fruit knocked off trees battered so badly by
hail that it couldn't be sold. A rough estimate of nectarine losses totaled
$7.5 million, said Gavin Iacono, a deputy agricultural commissioner for
Tulare County.
<more> May 20, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes" whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
Dairy Meetings
U.S. Open tickets offered as prize at June 4 WUD Golf Tourney - -
Many people dream of the
chance to stand alongside
other
spectators to watch the world’s greatest golfers compete for the most
coveted of national titles - the U.S. Open Championship. For one lucky
raffle participant at the Western United Dairymen Golf Tournament, this
dream will become a reality. The winning raffle prize includes two U.S. Open
grounds tickets at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. The four-person
scramble will shotgun at noon at Diablo Grande in Patterson on June 4th.
The event benefits WUD’s Federal PAC, which supports congressional
candidates who share Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and
philosophy. The cost is $150 per player and includes green fees, golf cart,
practice balls, lunch, tee prizes, refreshments and dinner. A registration
form can be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com. For more information, contact Heidi
Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625.
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
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Friday, May 18, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
BSE quarantines
lifted at 2 California dairies - - Quarantines were lifted on two
Central California dairies associated with a case of mad cow disease after
investigators found no link between the illness and food the diseased bovine
might have consumed, federal officials said Friday. Tests performed by the
World Organization for Animal Health also confirmed what U.S. labs had
found: The cow had a random mutation of the illness that was unlikely to
affect other cows in the herd.
<more> May 18, 2012 Capital Press
Quarantine Lifted on
Organic Pastures Raw Milk and Dairy Products - - Raw milk products
produced by Organic Pastures of Fresno County have been released from a
statewide quarantine that began May 10. CDFA imposed the quarantine in
response to the detection of campylobacter bacteria, and notification from
the California Department of Public Health of reported campylobacter
food-borne illnesses in persons consuming Organic Pastures raw milk. CDPH
also isolated Campylobacter jejuni from six samples of the dairy’s raw
cream, one sample of raw butter and four samples of cow manure from the
milking herd. The facility was required to meet all sanitation requirements
and comply with food safety regulations under state law before the
quarantine could be lifted. During the quarantine, the facility was
prohibited from producing raw milk products for the retail market.
<more> May 18, 2012 CDFA news release
A
recent visit to the Chino milk shed was a sad sight - - by Hoard's
Dairyman - - What once was is no more, and what remains doesn't have
much left. A visit to the Chino, Calif., dairy area this week found only
fragments of what was once the vibrant pulse of Western dairying. And what
few pieces remain are quickly fading away. At one time the most highly
concentrated milk shed in the country, the Chino Valley in southern
California was the dairy equivalent of what the Silicon Valley is to
computers. From the 1960s into the 1990s, milk producers there pioneered
attitudes and inventing methods that the rest of commercial dairying around
the entire world emulated. But little of it is left. Housing booms in the
1990s and 2000s first cracked and then carved up the Dairy Preserve where
Riverside and San Bernardino Counties meet. What was once wall-to-wall
dairies is now basically a few here and a few there. Those that didn’t
become subdivisions before the housing bubble burst look oddly and eerily
out of place.
<more> May 18, 2012 Hoard’s Dairyman
Chad Condit has
chance at upset in 10th District race, experts say - - Campaign signs
are scarce and some candidates barely have been seen in public, but there's
potential for a political upset in the 10th Congressional District. "Chad
Condit has a real chance to squeak into second place," said Nathan Monroe, a
political science professor at the University of California at Merced. A
second-place finish in the June 5 primary would be good enough to get Condit
into the November election.
<more> May 18, 2012 Modesto Bee
Valadao competing
for open seat against Fresno Democrats - - A Hanford dairy farmer with a
burgeoning political career. An immigrant city councilman who would be the
first Hmong elected to Congress. A lifelong Democrat with business ties who
says he’s a man of the people. Three men, three candidates, and only the top
two will move on after the June 5 primary to compete in November for the
right to represent the 21st Congressional District, covering all of Kings
County and parts of Fresno, Tulare and Kern counties. Kings County has 24
percent of the district’s registered voters. Hanford dairy operator and
first-term Assemblyman David Valadao, R-Hanford, has a big funding
advantage, raising $577,000 by the end of March, the last reporting period.
Coming in second with $145,000 is Blong Xiong, the Fresno city councilman
running a historic campaign as a Hmong immigrant.
<more> May 17, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Latinos will soon to
California’s largest ethnic group, Census says - - Latinos will become
California's largest ethnic group very soon, a new Census Bureau report
indicates. The bureau issued its first post-2010 census estimates of
population growth, birth rates, age cohorts, and racial and ethnic
characteristics. It pegs California's Latino population (it uses the term
"Hispanic") at 14.4 million, 38.2 percent of the state's 37.7 million
residents, while the non-Hispanic white population is just under 15 million
or 39.7 percent, dropping below the 40 percent mark for the first time.
<more> May 17, 2012 Capitol Alert
Calif. beef
producers to vote on doubling checkoff fee - - The California Department
of Food and Agriculture will conduct producer referendum next month on a
proposal to increase the beef check-off assessment from $1 to $2 per head
sold in the state. If passed, the increased assessment will begin Jan. 1.
The California Beef Council said proceeds from the increase will stay in
California to be spent by California beef producers for research, education
and promotion of their product. CDFA will send out ballots to certified beef
producers. Producers will either receive a certification form in the mail,
which must be filled out and returned, or certify online by visiting
http://cdfa.ca.gov/mkt/bee f . For
more information, contact the California Beef Council at (916) 925-BEEF
(2333) or e-mail janel@calbeef.org .
May 18, 2012 Capital Press
Firms to Invest in Food Production for World’s Poor - - The Obama administration has drafted some of the world’s largest food and finance companies to invest more than $3 billion in projects aimed at helping the world’s poorest farmers grow enough food to not only feed themselves and their families but to earn a livelihood as well. President Obama and the leaders of four African countries will introduce the group of 45 companies, the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, on Friday at a symposium on food security and agriculture that will begin the summit meeting of the Group of 8 industrialized nations this weekend at Camp David in Maryland. <more> May 17, 2012 The New York Times
Pricing/Commodity News
California Class 4b whey factor proposals
analyzed - - In preparation for a May 31-June 1 hearing on petitions to
revise the whey factor in California’s Class 4b milk pricing formula, the
California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) hosted a public workshop,
May 15, to review economic analysis of the proposals. According to that
analysis, posted on the CDFA’s “hearing matrix” website, a proposal from
Western United Dairymen (WUD) and a coalition of other dairy producer groups
would have raised the Class 4b price paid to California dairy farmers by
about 79¢/cwt. over the five-year period, 2007-2012. The annual average
range of the impact would have been a low of -2¢/cwt. in 2009, to a high of
$1.58/cwt. this year.
<more> May 18, 2012 Dairy Business
Cow numbers continue to grow - - April milk
production in the 23 major dairy states totaled 15.98 billion lbs., up 3.3%
from April 2011. Milk cow numbers in those states was estimated at 8.53
million head, 94,000 head more than April 2011, and 4,000 head more than
March 2012. Production per cow averaged 1,875 lbs. for April 2012, 40 lbs.
more than April 2011.
<more> May 18, 2012 Dairy Business
High hay and shipping costs drive shift in export
business - - Hay exporters have been shifting business from the Pacific
Northwest to the Pacific Southwest in the last couple years because of high
hay and shipping costs, a major hay exporter says. More containers and
freight capacity from the ports of Seattle and Tacoma would help but the
"quickest and healthiest solution" is lower hay prices, said Nick Gombos,
supply chain manager of ACX Pacific Northwest Inc. in Wilmington, Calif. Hay
producers have been getting top dollar, more than $200 per ton, for a couple
of years. But too much of a good thing can be bad, Gombos said. Producers
know high prices are not sustainable, he said.
<more> May 18, 2012 Capital Press
Environmental
News
Jerry
Brown to unveil $14-billion water project - - For months, Jerry Brown
has been talking about plans for an ambitious state water project, updating
the plan first passed by his father, former Gov. Pat Brown. For the first
time Friday, Brown put a number on the new proposal -- $14 billion. The
governor mentioned the price tag during a Friday morning interview with CBS'
Charlie Rose. Brown defended the ambitious new water proposal and his
$68-billion plan to build a high-speed train system in California, despite
the state's $15.7-billion deficit. "You've got to build to accommodate the
growth," Brown said. "California is not stopping. We're not some tired
country in Europe." Brown spokesman Gil Duran did not provide any additional
details about when the water plan would be made public.
<more> May 18, 2012 LA Times
Johan Six and Renata
Brillinger: Work with state farmers, not against them - - When it comes
to farming, other states are known for excelling in one specialty crop.
Idaho grows potatoes, Wisconsin makes cheese, Florida grows oranges and so
on. But California grows pretty much everything. As America's top
agricultural producer, we produce everything from avocados to apples, from
pistachios to pomegranates, from wine grapes to milk cows. The San Joaquin
Valley is an essential part of this productivity. But because farming is
subject to the whims of weather and water, it is rather vulnerable to
climate change. However, farming is not only vulnerable to climate change,
but it also contributes to it by being responsible for about 6% of
California's greenhouse gas emissions.
<more> May 18, 2012 Fresno Bee
Meeting to address
water project impact - - Restricting the pumping of State Water Project
water to protect native fish continues to be a hot button issue for farmers
and developers. Those objecting to the process will get another chance to
express their opinion when the Bureau of Reclamation holds a fifth scoping
meeting May 22 for input to be included in an Environmental Impact Statement
for long-term operation of the Central Valley and State water projects. The
meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the Los Banos Community Center, 645 7th St.,
Los Banos. The Kings County Farm Bureau is encouraging its members to attend
the meeting and tell government officials that California’s water system is
broken. The bureau also asks its members to remind the federal government of
the “regulatory drought” of 2009 “that affected your farm, your family and
your way of life.”
<more> May 17, 2012 The Business Journal
Millions paid to Chinese milk scandal victims - - As of the end of 2011,
more than 12 million yuan (S$2.3 million) in compensation has been paid to
children poisoned by milk contaminated with melamine, insurance company
China Life announced on its website on Monday. Six infants were killed and
about 300,000 others were sickened after drinking tainted milk in 2008,
according to data released by the Ministry of Health. Former dairy giant
Sanlu Group, based in North China's Hebei province, and 21 other dairy
companies were found to have contaminated their products with melamine, a
chemical that could cause kidney problems.
<more> May 18, 2012 China Daily
Fight
pain with Greek yogurt - - The next time you find yourself muttering,
“Oooh my aching back” take a look in your refrigerator, not your medicine
cabinet, for pain relief. According to a Caring.com article, probiotics in
Greek yogurt makes it a powerful agent in fighting chronic pain. Integrative
nutritionist Beth Reardon, director of nutrition at Duke Integrative
Medicine, points that the thick yogurt packs a powerful punch in arming
bodies in the fight against pain. In addition to probiotics, Greek yogurt
contains twice the protein of regular yogurt and is an excellent source of
vitamin D.
<more> May 17, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
New
Zealand - Farmers fear for payments - - Farmers are worried they could
miss payments worth $30m after NZ Dairies went into receivership yesterday.
The Russian-owned dairy company, which has produced milk powder from a
factory in Studholme near Waimate since 2007 has been under a cloud
following the collapse of its parent company, Nutritek, into bankruptcy
earlier this year. Farmers who supply the factory said the company had never
missed a payment, but those spoken to this morning were concerned that the
timing of the receivership could be linked to a major payment due on the
20th of each month.
<more> May 18, 2012 Business Day, New Zealand
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes" whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
Thursday, May 17, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Brown's revised budget cuts $2.5 million from CDFA - - The revised
budget proposal that Gov. Jerry Brown submitted this week would cut an
additional $2.5 million from the state Department of Food and Agriculture
and make changes in timber harvest plans. The proposal also envisions a tax
on lumber that would support regulatory activities. The reduction to CDFA
would be in addition to the $31 million in general fund dollars already
slashed from the coffers of the agency responsible for agricultural plant
and animal health, pest prevention and food safety programs. Previous cuts
primarily affect programs relating to border control stations, pest
prevention and food safety, the governor's office explained in its budget
statement. The CDFA would still receive about $62.5 million from the general
fund in fiscal 2012-2013.
<more> May 17, 2012 Capital Press
HSUS
ads deceive 90% of donors - - A new survey of 1,000 self-identified
donors to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reveals that 90
percent were unaware that the organization gives just 1 percent of its
budget to local pet shelters, according to HSUS watchdog group
HumaneWatch.org. The fact came as a surprise to many, with 74 percent
reporting that their primary reasons for donating to the animal rights group
was the belief that their money would go to help pet shelters or reduce the
number of animals euthanized every year. “The Humane Society of the United
States intentionally uses manipulative ads to raise money on the backs of
abandoned and abused dogs and cats, yet it gives just one penny of each
dollar it raises to local pet shelters,” said J. Justin Wilson, senior
research analyst for nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF.)
<more> May 16, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Milk
Mustache campaign in Spanish - - Hispanic celebrities are teaming up to
lend their milk mustaches and personal stories to a new, online National
Hispanic Milk Mustache campaign. Actresses Salma Hayek and Sofia Vergara;
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, and TV personalities Lili
Estefan and Bárbara Bermudo are among the famous faces featured in the
campaign, sharing their tips, memories and anecdotes to promote milk. The
series features 35 short Spanish-language videos covering a broad-range of
topics, including raising bilingual children, childhood memories, tips for
raising a healthy family, definitions of success, and what being part of the
National Hispanic Milk Mustache campaign means.
<more> May 16, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Census
shows whites lose US majority among babies - - For the first time,
racial and ethnic minorities make up more than half the children born in the
U.S., capping decades of heady immigration growth that is now slowing. New
2011 census estimates highlight a historic shift underway in the nation's
racial makeup. They mark a transformation in a country once dominated by
whites and bitterly divided over slavery and civil rights, even as it
wrestles now over the question of restricting immigration. "This is an
important landmark," said Roderick Harrison, a former chief of racial
statistics at the Census Bureau who is now a sociologist at Howard
University. "This generation is growing up much more accustomed to diversity
than its elders."
<more> May 16, 2012 Associated Press
High-speed rail heads for possible derailment - - California’s
beleaguered high-speed rail system, which is supposed to start construction
in the Central Valley later this year, could be headed for permanent
derailment. Opponents of the system have gotten the okay to collect
signatures to put an initiative on the ballot that would slam the door on
paying for it. The proponents for this measure, Republicans Doug LaMalfa and
George Radanovich, must collect signatures of 504,760 registered voters –
the number equal to 5 percent of the total votes cast for governor in the
2010 gubernatorial election – in order to qualify it for the ballot.
<more> May 16, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Beef check-off referendum registration underway - - The CDFA will be conducting a referendum giving California cattle producers the opportunity to increase the CA beef check-off assessment from $1 to $2 for each head of cattle sold in the state. If passed, the entire proceeds from the increase in the check-off assessment would stay in California to be spent by California beef producers for research, education and promotion of their product. CDFA will send out ballots to certified beef producers. Producers will either receive a certification form in the mail which must be filled out and returned, or certify online by visiting http://cdfa.ca.gov/mkt/beef and completing all sections of the online form. For more information, please contact the CA Beef Council at 916- 925-BEEF (2333) or e-mail janel@calbeef.org . May 16, 2012 Beef Council Notice
Pricing/Commodity News
California: Milk cost of production rose 15.3% in 2011 - - California
dairy producers’ average costs to produce 100 lbs. of milk rose 15.3% in
2011 compared to a year earlier, according to the California Department of
Food & Agriculture Dairy Marketing Branch annual Cost of Production report.
Statewide, the total cost of milk production on a hundredweight basis
increased from $13.70/cwt. in 2010 to $15.79/cwt. in 2011. On a per-cow
basis, monthly costs increased 17.8%, averaging $293.10/cow/month in 2011,
compared to $248.00/cow/month in 2010. The increased cost was largely due to
higher feed prices for hay, grain commodities and by-products, which
increased in every quarter compared to the corresponding quarter a year
earlier. The statewide average feed cost for 2011 averaged $10.10/cwt. of
milk produced, up from $8.74/cwt. (up $2.26/cwt., or 28.8%) compared to
2010. Feed cost in 2011 represented 63.9% of the total cost to produce a
hundredweight of milk, compared to 57.3% in 2010.
<more> May 17, 2012 DairyProfit Update
Milk
Continues Robust Expansion while Prices Soften - - Current year milk and
dairy product prices maintain a downward glide as milk production continues
to expand, despite lower producer returns in the face of high feed prices,
USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) says in its May 16 Livestock, Dairy
and Poultry Outlook . Next year’s milk production increase is expected to be
slight as the cow herd contracts and demand becomes somewhat stronger,
lifting prices.
<more> May 17, 2012 Dairy Today
Aussie Milk Farmers Told to Brace for 10-15% Drop in Milk Prices Due to Global Supply Glut - - There is too much milk supply available globally that Dairy Australia warned Aussie farmers to expect a 10 per cent to 15 per cent drop in milk prices in 2013. The market and research organization for the country's dairy industry urged dairy farmers with expanded herds to take advantage of recent high prices until the situation remains favorable to milk producers. Dairy Australia explained the glut of supply to the end of the drought in Australia which led to higher milk production. "We've got too much milk to deal with at the moment, so certainly in the U.S., where feed costs are still quite high, their margins are under particular pressure," ABC quoted Joanne Bills of Dairy Australia. <more> May 17, 2012 International Business Times, Australia
Environmental
News
South
Coast ammonia emissions data draws skepticism - - Research and
related publicity suggesting both automobiles and dairy cows contribute
heavily to southern California’s ammonia air emissions has drawn skepticism
from dairy researchers and industry leaders, including Western United
Dairymen CERO Michael Marsh and UC Davis air quality specialist Dr. Frank
Mitloehner. The study, “Ammonia sources in the California South Coast Air
Basin and their impact on ammonium nitrate formation,” was published as a
Geophysical Research Letter, a geosciences journal by the American
Geophyisical Union (AGU). The airborne measurements were used to estimate
automobile NH3 emissions (62 metric tons/day, plus or minus 24 metric
tons/day), and dairy facility NH3 emissions (33 to 176 metric tons/day, plus
or minus 16-88 metric tons/day). The Los Angeles Times reported on the
study, framing it as clear proof that cows contribute heavily to air
pollution in Southern California.
<more> DairyProfit
Update
Congressmen demand that Bay Delta Conservation Plan be fair and equitable - - The Bay Delta Conservation Plan, which could shape the course of California’s history through the rest of the century and beyond, must be fair and equitable, say a group of California members of Congress. The state has delayed releasing the controversial plan. On May 4, the Natural Resources Agency announced that environmental review documents for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan will not be ready for release by the end of June as originally planned. Calling the most recent BDCP delay the “last, best opportunity to stand up to… unreasonable demands,” Reps. Jerry McNerney, George Miller, Mike Thompson, Doris Matsui, and John Garamendi, are demanding specific steps be taken for the plan to move forward in a fair and transparent manner. <more> May 16, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
April
hail caused $79 million in farm damage - - The damage from a devastating
hail storm in April has reached $79.3 million in the central San Joaquin
Valley. The April 11 storm pummeled area farms with quarter-sized hail,
heavily damaging several crops in Kings, Madera, Tulare and Fresno counties.
Among the crops damaged were nectarines, peaches, plums, cherries,
pistachios, raisin grapes, lettuce and almonds. In Kings County -- one of
the region's hardest hit -- agricultural officials have requested a disaster
declaration from the state and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
<more> May 16, 2012 The Fresno Bee
Ag
Department study concludes healthy diet is less expensive than junk food
- - Is it really more expensive to eat healthy? An Agriculture Department
study released Wednesday found that most fruits, vegetables and other
healthy foods cost less than foods high in fat, sugar and salt. That
counters a common perception among some consumers that it’s cheaper to eat
junk food than a nutritionally balanced meal. The government says it all
depends on how you measure the price. If you compare the price per calorie —
as some previous researchers have done — then higher-calorie pastries and
processed snacks might seem like a bargain compared with fruits and
vegetables.
<more> May 16, 2012 Associated Press
Animal
groups sue egg processor that left 50,000 hens - - Three animal welfare
sanctuaries are suing a Central California egg processor for abandoning more
than 50,000 hens in their cages to starve. The groups -- Animal Place, Farm
Sanctuary and Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary -- rescued 4,500 of the birds
that were found starving and dehydrated at A&L Poultry in February. The rest
either died or were euthanized. The suit filed Thursday in Stanislaus County
Superior Court demands that owners Andy Keung Cheung and Lien Diep pay for
their food and veterinary care.
<more> May 17, 2012 Capital Press
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes" whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
NMPF
Urges Senate to Act on Farm Bill as Soon as Possible - - The National
Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is working with a bipartisan group of
senators, as well as with other farm and agriculture organizations, to urge
the Senate’s leaders to bring the pending 2012 Farm Bill legislation to a
vote this spring. In a letter sent Tuesday to Senate Majority Leader Harry
Reid, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, 44 Senators urged that the farm
bill be brought to a vote as soon as possible. If Senate action is delayed,
it greatly diminishes the chance that the House of Representatives will make
time to act on the Farm Bill yet in 2012 – meaning that important changes in
dairy policy will not come to fruition this year.
<more> May 15, 2012 NMPF press release
GOP
committee rejects donating to Valadao - - The Kern County Republican
Central Committee on Monday voted down a suggestion to give $10,000 to David
Valadao's campaign for a congressional seat. The donation would've
represented a sizable chunk of the roughly $150,000 the organization has on
hand, according to discussion at the Kern County GOP's meeting Monday night.
Central Committee member Bill Lind, who made the proposal, said Valadao's
bid represents a "special circumstance" as a chance to pick up a valuable
seat. "Anything we can do to bolster his ability to target funds here in
Kern County in a very heavily union-controlled congressional district -- we
should do it," Lind said. But members said donating the money to Valadao's
campaign would set an unhelpful precedent and that donors give money to the
party with the understanding that it will be used for voter registration
efforts, not individual candidates.
<more> May 15, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Group
asks FDA to set nutrition rating standards - - To make it easier for
customers to determine a product's nutritional value, many grocery stores
and supermarkets across the U.S. have implemented nutritional scoring
systems. But one of the largest such systems got a failing grade last week,
after a consumer advocacy group—the National Consumers League—filed a formal
complaint with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration saying the agency needs
to step in and set industry-wide standards. The group singled out the NuVal
Nutritional Scoring System, which scores foods on a scale of 1-100 and is
used in 1,600 stores nationwide, including in California. The National
Consumers League pointed out that NuVal assigns higher nutritional ratings
to Doritos Tortilla Chips and Ghirardelli Carmel Turtle Chocolate Brownie
Mix than to canned peaches or mandarin oranges.
<more>
May 16, 2012 Ag Alert
Sec.
Karen Ross: California Agriculture License Plate to make offical debut in
2013 - - We did it! Congratulations to the agricultural community, FFA
and everyone who made this opportunity to create a California agriculture
license plate a reality! We have collected 8,355 plate orders – meeting
DMV’s threshold of 7,500 applications to establish a California Special
Interest License Plate. The California Agriculture License Plate will
support future generations of farmers and ranchers through agricultural
education, career awareness, career training and youth leadership programs.
Proceeds generated through plate renewal fees will be awarded to
agricultural education groups to support youth education and enrichment. It
is anticipated that the first funding for educational programs will become
available in July 2013.
<more> May 16, 2012 CDFA blog
Beef check-off
referendum registration urged - - The CDFA will be conducting a
referendum giving California cattle producers the opportunity to increase
the CA beef check-off assessment from $1 to $2 for each head of cattle sold
in the state. If passed, the entire proceeds from the increase in
the check-off assessment would stay in California to be spent by California
beef producers for research, education and promotion of their product. CDFA
will send out ballots to certified beef producers. Producers will either
receive a certification form in the mail which must be filled out and
returned, or certify online by visiting
http://cdfa.ca.gov/mkt/beef
and completing all sections of the online form. For more information, please
contact the CA Beef Council at 916- 925-BEEF (2333)or e-mail
janel@calbeef.org . May 16, 2012
Beef Council Notice
California bullet train chief seeks environmental exemptions - - The chief of the state bullet train authority said Tuesday that he hopes to obtain some type of relief from environmental laws that would eliminate a risk that the 130-mile initial construction project could be stopped by an injunction, a potentially growing prospect as agriculture interests in the Central Valley gear up for a legal fight. At a state Senate hearing, Chairman Dan Richard also said the agency plans to spend the entire $6 billion of initial construction money within a 2017 deadline set by the federal government. <more> May 16, 2012 The Los Angeles Times
Pricing/Commodity News
Land
O'Lakes reduces milk supply through incentives and buyouts - - Land O’
Lakes has offered buyouts to some of its California member dairies in an
effort to address a “significant increase” in Golden State milk production.
“Land O'Lakes offered its members a number of options that were intended to
address the situation,” Jeanne Forbis, the co-op’s director of corporate
communications, said in an email. Those options included an incentive to
producers to reduce the amount of milk they supply to the coop's California
dairy food facility, or a payment to end their membership and supply
contracts. “These actions were successful in enabling Land O'Lakes to better
manage its California facility,” Forbis said. Forbis said only that
“several” producers accepted the buyout offer. Barcellos, president of
Western United Dairymen’s Association and a Land O’Lakes member and
delegate, said Land O’Lakes management came up with three options producers
could choose.
<more> May 16, 2012 Capital Press
USDA
May dairy outlook - - Current year milk and dairy product prices
continue a downward glide as milk production continues to expand, despite
lower producer returns in the face of high feed prices, according to USDA’s
latest dairy outlook report, released May 16. The report largely mirrors
last week’s World Ag Supply & Demand Estimates report. Next year’s milk
production increase is expected to be slight, as the cow herd contracts and
demand becomes somewhat stronger, lifting prices. Production for 2012 was
raised this month to 201.9 billion pounds. The initial forecast for 2013 is
for production to reach 202.6 billion lbs., based on higher output per cow.
<more> May 16, 2012 Dairy Business
Cheaper feed not enough for dairy profitability - - The monthly
Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook from USDA says with the big corn crop
being planted this year and expectations feed prices will go down, the
benchmark 16% dairy ration should be cheaper later this year and while that
is good news for dairy producers dealing with declining milk prices, the
milk-to-feed ratio will not be conducive for expansion until late in 2013.
<more> May 16, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy prices slip further at NZ Fonterra auction - - International milk prices fell to their lowest level in two-and-a-half years in the latest global auction, New Zealand's Fonterra Cooperative Group, the world's biggest dairy exporter, said on Wednesday. <more> May 16, 2012 Reuters
Environmental
News
Tulare
County seeks further study of nitrate issue - - Tulare County
Supervisors Tuesday agreed to send a letter of concern to the State Water
Resources Control Board that is considering steps to address the nitrate in
drinking water issue. County officials are concerned the state will take
action, possibly a surcharge on ag chemicals, without a full study of what
is causing the nitrate problem. Nitrate has shown up in domestic drinking
water wells in many areas of the San Joaquin Valley, including East
Porterville and the west side of the county. For years the finger has been
pointed at agriculture for causing nitrates.
<more> May 16, 2012 Porterville Recorder
Nitrogen management focus of farmland forums - - Growers, dairy
operators, agency representatives, agricultural commissioners, policymakers
and other community members will gather for half-day forums in June to
discuss management of agricultural nitrogen. The forums will be held in
Sacramento on June 12 and in Tulare on June 18. The California Department of
Food and Agriculture and University of California Agriculture and Natural
Resources will be hosting the two community forums to explore solutions to
nitrate in groundwater and the role of policy.
<more> May 16, 2012 Western Farm Press
EPA
finds Bay Area waters far more polluted than once thought - - A powerful
state agency is poised to start taking action on recent findings that
California's rivers, streams and lakes are far more choked with poisons,
trash and other pollution threats than previously known. What the guardians
of the state's all-important water supplies will do will have a direct
effect on the 25 million Californians who drink from these waters every day
and the millions more who eat from the bounty of California's farm fields.
"This is a huge, huge deal," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA regional director
for most of the western United States.
<more> May 16, 2012 KTVU.com
Landmark water deal comes under scrutiny - - An alliance of Imperial Valley residents and former San Diego City Attorney Mike Aguirre on Tuesday released a report that criticized the Imperial Irrigation District and raised questions about the landmark 2003 sale of water to the San Diego County Water Authority. The 35-page analysis said the irrigation district is governed under a system in which “private interests mostly outside of Imperial Valley benefit at the expense of the people of the Imperial Valley.” <more> May 15, 2012 San Diego Union-Tribune
Why Milk
Processors Want to Spy on Your Breakfast Twitter Chatter
- - You might think breakfast is an odd time to be spied on. But that’s
actually just when representatives of milk processors around the nation are
tuning into your social media chatter. From behind a row of computer
monitors in a Chicago office, social media detectives track milk-related
breakfast posts from 8 a.m. to noon every weekday. They keep tabs on
sentiment, engage milk drinkers, broadcast testimonials from celebrities
like Maggie Gyllenhaal (see photo), and offer recipes and health tips. Their
purpose? To humanize and promote the national “Got Milk?” campaign.
<more>
May 16, 2012 Mashable.com
Soda
Makers Scramble to Fill Void as Sales Drop - - In much the same way
their ancestors on the prairie had to check their guns at the door of the
saloon, the 320 students in the Faulkton Area School District in tiny
Faulkton, S.D., will be required to dispose of all carbonated soda
containers before stepping into school buildings. “We’re not trying to be
the pop police or anything, but we felt like we were sending a mixed message
by having a healthy lunch program and yet letting everyone walk around with
sodas with a bunch of sugar in them,” said Joel Price, superintendent of the
district. Although schools have been removing sodas and other sugary drinks
from vending machines for the last few years, the Faulkton district is one
of the first in the country to institute a ban, according to the Alliance
for a Healthier Generation, which works to reduce childhood obesity.
<more> May 15, 2012 The New York Times
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes" whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Sacramento TV station airs report on milk testing procedures - - A KOVR,
Channel 13 (CBS-Sacramento) investigative report on milk testing
procedures aired Monday night. The investigative report looked into whether
antibiotics are making it into milk.
Click here for a link to the video report and related information. The
story focused on how much additional testing beyond mandatory requirements
is being done on a voluntary basis, what testing should or could be mandated
in the future and what those costs could be for producers and what support
dairy producers express for such additional testing. Western United Dairymen
President Tom Barcellos issued a statement reaffirming California
California's dairy families are committed to providing consumers fresh,
nutritious milk and dairy products. “Consumers can be confident that the
dairy families who produce California milk are proud of our record on food
safety,” said Barcellos. “Dairy products are among the most tested and
regulated foods in this country. Strict quality control and regulatory
oversight start at the farm, and continue to the manufacturing plant with
thorough testing and product safety measures for the very best product for
your family." May 14, 2012
Forty-four senators call for farm bill floor debate - - Sens. Mike
Johanns (R-Neb.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), and Maria
Cantwell (D-Wash.) today sent a letter, along with 40 of their colleagues,
to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Republican Leader Mitch
McConnell (R-Ky.) calling for a timely and open debate on the Senate farm
bill. “With our constant focus on job creation, we write to urge you to
schedule floor consideration of the‘Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of
2012’ as soon as possible,” the Senators wrote. “The bill takes steps to
reduce the deficit and decrease government spending by $23 billion. It
passed the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry on April
26 with a bipartisan vote of 16 to 5. This sets an example of how Senators
can come together in a bipartisan way to craft meaningful, yet fiscally
responsible, policy. We believe there is strong support in the full Senate
to consider the bill in a fair and open manner that allows Senators the
opportunity to offer amendments.”
<more> May 15, 2012 Agri-Pulse
Immigration permit auction touted as reform that would aid economy - -
America's decades-old immigration system should be replaced with an auction
of work permits, says a UC Davis economist who is attracting attention on
Capitol Hill. His market-based reform, which is being unveiled Tuesday,
would have U.S. companies compete in a quarterly electronic auction to buy
permits to hire foreign workers. In essence, U.S. firms' willingness to pay
for work-based visas would become more important than family connections and
fixed quotas in determining who gets to move to the United States.
<more> May 15, 2012 Contra Costa Times
Farm
groups call for House, Senate support of biotechnology - - With the
United States Department of Agriculture celebrating its 150th anniversary
today, major farm and trade organizations called on leaders of the U.S.
Senate and U.S. House of Representatives to support the important role of
biotechnology.
<more> May 15, 2012 Agri-Pulse
Sec. Karen Ross - Still the People’s Agency 150 Years Later – Happy Birthday, USDA! - - For producers and consumers of food, this is a sesquicentennial like no other. Two weeks ago, we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Morrill Act, the single piece of legislation that laid the foundation for the modern agricultural marvel we enjoy today. And now, it's the 150th birthday of the USDA – as Abraham Lincoln called it, “the people’s agency.” The USDA is another piece of Lincoln’s extraordinary legacy, and lasting in the way it still touches millions of Americans every day. <more> May 15, 2012 CDFA blog
Pricing/Commodity News
Global
dairy surpluses pushing prices downward - - Surplus supplies of milk are
leading to price softening in the U.S. and international dairy markets, and
rising product inventories are expected to keep downward pressure on those
markets. International prices are down 20 to 30 percent from their peak in
spring 2011, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council. While demand for
dairy products has remained solid, near-perfect weather and attractive farm
gate prices have raised milk production more than 3 percent in the five
leading dairy-exporting countries.
<more> May 15, 2012 Capital Press
U.S.
Farmers Are Not the Only Ones with Low Prices - - Dairy prices certainly
do not look good. Cheese and butter prices gave the impression a number of
times that a bottom was being established. However, these were false
impressions. Slower disappearance and continued heavy production keep supply
greater than demand. Emotions are running high as profitability is virtually
non-existent. Yet, milk production continues to outpace last year. According
to estimates by the USDA, this should continue for the rest of the year.
USDA’s latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand report released last week
indicates increased milk production and lower prices. The recent estimate
shows 2012 milk production at 201.9 billion pounds, up 800 million pounds
for the April estimate. If realized, this would be an increase of 5.7
billion pounds over the previous year, the largest year-over-year increase
since 2005.
<more> May 14, 2012 Dairy Today
Gould:
MILC projection update - - Lower futures prices for feedstuffs could
reduce Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) payments, according to latest
estimates from Brian Gould, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of
Agriculture and Applied Economics professor. USDA has already announced MILC
payments ($/cwt.) of 38.9¢ for February and 82.6¢ for March. Using May 14
settlement futures prices for MILC-related contracts, Gould revised
estimates for MILC payments for the remainder of 2012 and early 2013. He
currently expects MILC payments to peak this spring and summer, topping
$1.00/cwt. in April and July. By month, estimated MILC payments are: April –
$1.18; May – 75¢; June – 91¢; July – 1.03; Aug. – 81¢; Sept. 38¢; and Oct. –
11¢. Estimates are always subject to change. To see a new summary
spreadsheet, go to the UW-Madison “Understanding Dairy Markets” website:
http://future.aae.wisc.edu/collection/software/current_MILC_est.xls.
May 15, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
CWT accepts 28 export assistance bids - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 28 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Foremost Farms, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 2.617 million pounds of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 1.461 million pounds of butter and anhydrous milk fat (AMF) to customers in Asia, Central America, North Africa and the Middle East. The product will be delivered May through July 2012. In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 50.3 million pounds and butter and AMF totaling 42.8 million pounds to 27 countries on four continents. <more> May 15, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental
News
Managing nitrogen on farmland focus of forums - - Growers, dairy
operators, agency representatives, agricultural commissioners, policymakers
and other community members are expected for half-day forums in June to
discuss management of agricultural nitrogen. The forums will be held in
Sacramento on June 12 and in Tulare on June 18. The California Department of
Food and Agriculture and University of California Agriculture and Natural
Resources will be hosting the two community forums to explore solutions to
nitrate in groundwater and the role of policy.
<more> May 15, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Don
Curlee - UC nitrate study surprises few - - The big surprise in the
recently released comprehensive study about nitrates invading the
underground water supplies is that its conclusions haven’t surfaced earlier.
Released by the University of California, the study merely confirmed what
experienced agricultural researchers have known all along: nitrates from
fertilizer applied to crops and from manure accumulated in dairy operations
tends to penetrate the soil to depths that affect underground water
supplies. The same agricultural researchers will tell you the situation does
not call for panic.
<more> May 13, 2012 The Porterville Recorder
State
officials release draft of Delta Plan - - State officials Monday
released a far-ranging "road map" for the Delta of the future, a complex web
of strategies intended to save the estuary's ecosystem, secure its role as a
source of water for much of the state and protect some of its unique
attributes. Local officials have watched with concern the development of the
draft Delta Plan for two years. Not only might the plan eventually include a
peripheral canal or tunnel to divert water past rather than through the
Delta, it also adds a new layer of bureaucracy that city of Stockton
officials have warned could thwart the city's authority to plan its own
orderly growth.
<more> May 15, 2012 Stockton Record
Critic
blasts newest plan to ‘save’ the Delta - - The final “draft” plan to
solve California’s water supply problems is being criticized as incomplete
and being a thin veil for the Brown Administration’s real plan to build a
massive canal around the Delta or an equally large tunnel beneath it. The
canal or tunnel would siphon off much of the Sacramento River before it
enters the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and ship the fresh water to the
state and federal irrigation systems’ pumps near Tracy.
<more> May 14, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
United
Kingdom - Drink your milk: waste is equal to gas emissions from 20,000 cars
- - Waste milk creates a carbon footprint equivalent to thousands of car
exhausts, according to a study that highlights the environmental costs of
inefficient farming and the aggressive marketing of supermarket food.
Scientists have calculated that the 360,000 tonnes of waste milk that is
poured down British drains each year creates greenhouse gases equivalent to
100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is about the same as that emitted in
a year by 20,000 cars.
<more> May 14, 2012 London Independent, United Kingdom
Say
'yes' to Domino’s Pizza by paying it forward - - Last month, Domino's
Pizza shareholders stood against the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
by voting against a resolution requiring pork suppliers to stop housing
gestating sows in stalls. Despite pressure from the HSUS, Domino’s opted to
consult animal behaviorists and husbandry experts to determine the best care
for the animals. Now, a group of farmers is urging agriculture supporters to
join an industry-wide pizza party this coming weekend to "pay it forward" by
purchasing a pizza from Domino’s and leaving a note of appreciation with the
manager.
<more> May 14, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Del
Monte to close Kingsburg peach plant - - San Francisco-based Del Monte
Foods is closing its Kingsburg plant after this season as it consolidates
its peach processing operations into one plant in Modesto. The plant's
closure will result in the loss of 70 full-time and 1,100 seasonal jobs.
<more> May 14, 2012 Fresno Bee
Growing with agriculture: Atwater High School reaps investment - - In a
classroom in Atwater High School several students have stayed after class to
drink milk and eat cheese -- but not because they're hungry. These students
are practicing judging milk products, as they will be competing with teams
from around the country at the national FFA convention. And they're just
part of the agriculture education success story at Atwater High School. The
number of Atwater High students taking at least one agriculture class has
roughly tripled over the past five years to more than 870 -- about half the
students on campus.
<more> May 15, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes" whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
Monday, May 14, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Sacramento TV station to air report on milk testing procedures - - A KOVR, Channel 13 (CBS-Sacramento) investigative report on milk testing procedures is airing tonight at 10 p.m. The station has been heavily teasing the segment as “What’s in your milk” – an investigative report about whether antibiotics are making it into milk. CBS is focusing on how much additional testing beyond mandatory requirements is being done on a voluntary basis, what testing should or could be mandated in the future and what those costs could be for producers and what support dairy producers express for such additional testing. Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos issued a statement reaffirming California California's dairy families are committed to providing consumers fresh, nutritious milk and dairy products. “Consumers can be confident that the dairy families who produce California milk are proud of our record on food safety,” said Barcellos. “Dairy products are among the most tested and regulated foods in this country. Strict quality control and regulatory oversight start at the farm, and continue to the manufacturing plant with thorough testing and product safety measures for the very best product for your family." May 14, 2012
California immigration plan to legalize workers faces hurdles - - In the
past two years, Arizona and five other red states made national waves and
raised constitutional questions by passing laws designed to crack down on
illegal immigration. Now, lawmakers in the biggest blue state are poised to
focus the immigration spotlight in another direction. A bill quietly moving
through California's Legislature would grant state work permits to tens of
thousands of illegal immigrants who are already harvesting fields, cleaning
offices and preparing fast-food. Frustrated that comprehensive immigration
reform is a non-starter in Congress, proponents say the bill would allow
California to solve a problem worsened by federal inaction.
<more> May 11, 2012 Contra Costa Times
Employing illegal aliens? Odds are you won’t get caught - - The odds
would seem to be in favor of employing illegal aliens because you can get
away with it, based on numbers in a new report to Congress. In federal
fiscal year 2010 there were around 8 million illegal aliens working in the
United States. Despite stepped up enforcement, just 196 people holding some
form of managerial title were arrested for employing undocumented workers,
says the Congressional Research Service report. The number was “in line with
ICE’s stated focus in the worksite enforcement area on criminally
investigating and prosecuting employers who knowingly employ unauthorized
workers,” the report says.
<more> May 13, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Quarantined Kerman dairy looks to reopen - - The owner of a Kerman-area
organic dairy whose operation was quarantined because of concerns over
bacterial contamination said he hopes his business will be back to normal
late next week. Mark McAfee, who owns Organic Pastures Dairy, said Friday
that he is confident his business will resume May 17 or 18 after test
results are complete. State officials on Thursday ordered a recall of the
dairy's raw milk, raw skim milk, raw cream and raw butter when at least 10
people around the state -- including at least one from Fresno County --
became ill with campylobacter after consuming the dairy's milk.
<more> May 12, 2012 Fresno Bee
The
growing dispute over the Dairy Security Act - - There is growing
pressure on Congress to pass the 2012 Farm Bill this year since it is one of
the few pieces of legislation which enjoys bipartisan support and bipartisan
opposition as well. The dairy industry is sharply divided over the Dairy
Security Act contained in the bill passed by the Senate Agriculture
Committee. The DSA will most likely be introduced in the House Ag Committee
by ranking member Collin Peterson.
<more> May 14, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Anderson-Wise is New Dairy Council of California CEO - - Tammy
Anderson-Wise has been named chief executive officer of Dairy Council of
California by the organization’s producer-distributor board of directors.
Anderson-Wise was formerly director of program services for Dairy Council of
CA, managing its school programs. She has been with the organization 15
years. She replaces Peggy Biltz, who is retiring after spending 27 years
with Dairy Council of CA, 22 as chief executive officer.
<more> May 14, 2012 Dairy Today
Americans Want Additional Nutrition Data on Food Labels - -More
Americans want additional information on nutrition labels than two years ago
while confidence in the safety of U.S. food is unchanged, according to a
survey released today by an industry-backed research group. Twenty-four
percent of respondents said they would prefer more information on labels,
including data on nutrition, ingredients and potential allergens and their
side effects. That’s up from 18 percent in the International Food
Information Council’s previous survey of consumer perceptions of food
technology in 2010. Sixty-nine percent were very or somewhat confident in
U.S. food safety, the same as two years ago.
<more> May 10, 2012 Bloomberg News
Low turnout at HSR info meeting - - Fewer than 10 people attended an informational meeting held Thursday in Hanford by high-speed rail officials, and the audience was once again dominated by critics raising multiple objections. Rail officials responded with a lengthy defense of the $68 billion plan to run bullet trains from the Bay Area to Los Angeles by 2027. Farmer Ross Browning suggested the plan is out of compliance with Proposition 1A, the 2008 ballot measure that authorized $9.9 billion in state bonds to fund the project. <more> May 11, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
87% of U.S. corn,
46% of soybeans planted - - USDA reports U.S. corn and soybean planting
is continuing along at a faster than average pace. As of Sunday, 87% of corn
is planted, compared to 71% last week, 56% last year and the five year
average of 66%. 56% of corn has emerged, compared to 32% a week ago, 16% a
year ago and 28% on average. For soybeans, 46% of the crop is planted,
compared to 24% last week, 17% last year and 24% on average, with 16%
emerged, compared to 7% a week ago, 3% a year ago and 5% on average. 72% of
the winter wheat crop has headed, compared to 50% last year at this time and
46% on average, with 60% of the crop in good to excellent shape, down 3% on
the week but up 28% on the year. 94% of spring wheat is planted, compared to
33% a year ago and 64% on average, with 68% emerged, compared to 10% last
year and 32% on average.
May 14, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Tuesday pre-hearing workshop in Sacramento - - A
pre-hearing public workshop will be held in Sacramento Tuesday, May 15 on the
petition filed by Western United Dairymen that seeks modification of the
whey value portion of the Class 4b formula. The hearing on May 30 and June 1
in Sacramento will consider WUD’s petition and another petition filed by a
group supporting the same changes requested by WUD. The workshop will be
held on Tuesday, May 15 in the Department Auditorium, 1220 N Street,
Sacramento beginning at 9 a.m. In its petition letter, WUD
acknowledged that CDFA modified the Formula after the June 30, 2011 hearing,
but CEO Michael Marsh noted, “We believe the modification does not provide a
fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value as part of
the Formula. Our members are concerned about and are suffering significant
financial losses as a result of the large discrepancy between the whey value
contribution in the Formula and Federal Orders’ Class III.” WUD says that
since the new formula was implemented in September 1, 2011, “It is already
abundantly clear that it does not track the federal orders whey value in a
reasonable and sound manner. In fact, since the new sliding scale was
implemented, the California whey value averaged $1.93/cwt lower than in
federal orders.” WUD says the adjustments it is seeking “would result in a
Class 4b whey value that more closely tracks the market direction of the
Class III whey value, thus bringing California and national pricing into the
reasonable and sound relationship required under the Code.” WUD proposes
modifying the current sliding scale in the Class 4b formula to allow the
whey factor to more closely reflect the whey value generated by the current
Class III formula. May 4, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Environmental
News
Rural
towns devise unique plan to solve water problems - - For a good part of
its rich history, residents of unincorporated Allensworth, the first African
American colony west of the Mississippi, have gone without a reliable supply
of safe drinking water. This is still the case today, where the Tulare
County community’s wells – which provide water to the neighboring Colonel
Allensworth State Historical Park that commemorates the area’s legacy –
exceed federal levels for arsenic. Arsenic is naturally occurring in the
area, and consumption of the semi-metal can cause nausea and skin
discoloration. It has also been associated with various cancers.
<more> May 14, 2012 California Watch
Congress plots local projects despite ban on earmarks - - The loaded
word "Natomas" appears nowhere in the latest flood-control bill authored by
Sacramento Democratic Rep. Doris Matsui. So, too, with Sites Reservoir. The
proposed Sacramento Valley project's name cannot be found in an energy and
water package pushed by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Make no mistake:
The respective bills aim money at the two California projects. But in a
Congress that officially shuns earmarks, lawmakers may need a little
circumlocution to get their way.
<more> May 13, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
District projects to improve ag water efficiency - - Farmers within five
water districts in central and southern California will see improved
efficiency in their water delivery as a result of projects being undertaken
by two federal agencies. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Natural
Resources Conservation Service are doing $5.3 million worth of district-wide
and on-farm projects to save water and improve water management. The
projects will be done in the Henry Miller Reclamation District 2131 in the
Dos Palos area, the Firebaugh Canal Water District, the Tulare Irrigation
District, the Rancho California Water District in the Temecula area, and the
Central California Irrigation District in the Los Banos area.
<more> May 14, 2012 Capital Press
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
UC
police arrest 9 as they clear Occupy the Farm - - Police arrested nine
people early Monday as they cleared out the small group of protesters who
had set up an urban farming camp on UC Berkeley agricultural research land
in Albany. University police officers in riot helmets gave the protesters
1o minutes to leave the Gill Tract before they marched across the fields
near Marin and San Pablo avenues at about 6:15 a.m. The few protesters who
had not obeyed the police order scurried off the property and onto San
Pablo, which officers had closed to traffic. The street was later reopened.
Two protesters were arrested on suspicion of trespassing after they
disobeyed police orders to leave the property, said Lt. Eric Tejada, a
police spokesman.
<more> May 14, 2012 SF Chronicle
New
Zealand - Record-high dairy prices boost cow population - - New
Zealand's cow population is rapidly increasing as record high milk prices
lure a growing number of farmers to convert dry stock farms into dairy
operations. The number of cows has doubled to six million in the last 30
years in the same time the national sheep population has halved to 35
million. Farming experts say the trend is the result of farmers eager to
take advantage of record high dairy prices.
<more> May 14, 2012 TVNZ, New Zealand
Farmers' markets excited about new opportunity - - Farmers' market
associations and operators say a $4 million USDA initiative to make it
possible for those venues to accept payment through the Supplemental
Nutritional Assistance Program will be good for business. The funding,
announced on May 9, will be used by states to provide wireless equipment so
farmers' markets can redeem SNAP benefits through the Electronic Benefit
Transfer (EBT) system. Only about 1,500 of the 7,100 farmers' markets
nationwide have that ability.
<more> May 14, 2012 Capital Press
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes" whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - - The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-
in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been mailed and
can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Friday, May 11, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
FARM takes new track in animal rights activism - - Along with their cabernet and Camembert, visitors at the Second Saturday art walk in Sacramento this weekend will get a taste of a new kind of animal rights activism. The images they will watch on video are graphic enough, organizers hope, that people will turn away and stop eating meat. Members of the nonprofit Farm Animal Rights Movement, based in Maryland, are sponsoring the unusual national campaign. In it, they offer people $1 to watch a short video that shows gruesome scenes of slaughter and abuse of chickens, pigs and cows at unidentified farming operations. Organizers boast that it is the largest and "most audacious" effort yet designed to discourage people from consuming animal products. <more> May 11, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Farm Bureaus to sue state agency over high-speed rail - - Two local Farm Bureau boards in the San Joaquin Valley have voted to sue a state agency over plans to build a high-speed rail system across swaths of prime farmland. Farm Bureau board members in Madera and Merced counties contend the California High Speed Rail Authority's environmental review didn't adequately consider the project's impacts on agricultural production in the valley. The Rail Authority last week certified final environmental reports for the Merced-to-Fresno section of the rail line, paving the way to begin construction as soon as later this year. The section of line would "significantly and unavoidably ruin" as many as 1,500 acres of prime agricultural land. <more> May 11, 2012 Capital Press
Three GOP challengers call Costa vulnerable - - Two years ago, Democratic Rep. Jim Costa escaped with a razor-thin win in his bid for a fourth term in Congress. This time around, the three Republicans seeking to oust him say he's just as vulnerable, but Costa appears determined not to let history repeat itself. On the surface, at least, the odds seem to favor Costa, who is running in a new district that includes almost half of Fresno, parts of Fresno and Madera counties and all of Merced County. Almost a quarter of Costa's old 20th Congressional District is in the new 16th Congressional District -- and it's a heavily Democratic part. <more> May 10, 2012 Fresno Bee
Gill, Valadao named GOP ‘Young Guns’ - - Three California Republicans running in targeted congressional races have been named "Young Guns" by the National Republican Congressional Committee. Ricky Gill, state Sen. Tony Strickland, and Assemblyman David Valadao were among the 12 candidates to reach the top status of the candidate recruitment and training program. Gill is running against Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney in the Central Valley's 9th Congressional District, Strickland is vying for the open 26th Congressional District in Ventura County, and Valadao is seeking the open 21st Congressional District, also in the Central Valley. <more> May 10, 2012 Capitol Alert
U.S. prods California lawmakers to take quick action on bullet train - - Concerned about possible delays in state funding of high-speed rail, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told California leaders Thursday that the Legislature needs to send a signal that it is committed to the project by including money for it in the state budget to be approved next month. LaHood traveled to Sacramento for meetings with Gov. Jerry Brown, legislative leaders and some lawmakers who are questioning whether to continue funding for the $68-billion project, for which the federal government has pledged $3.3 billion in matching funds. "What I have said to them is, 'We need a strong signal that you are committed to the money for the match, sooner rather than later. We can’t wait until the end of summer,'" LaHood recounted at a news conference following his meeting with state Senate leaders. <more> May 10, 2012 Los Angeles Times
California BSE case proves food safety system works - Merritt Melancon, University of Georgia - - While the California dairy cow that tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease, made national headlines, University of Georgia livestock and food safety experts say the real story is how well the nation’s food safety system worked. <more> May 11, 2012 Western Farm Press
House Approves $310
Billion in Cuts, but Passage in the Senate Is Very Unlikely - - The
House approved sweeping legislation on Thursday to cut $310 billion from the
deficit over the next decade — much of it from programs for the poor — and
shift some of that savings to the Pentagon to stave off automatic military
spending cuts scheduled for next year. The legislation has no chance of
passing the Senate or of becoming law. The White House issued a stern veto
threat, saying the bill would “fail the test of fairness and shared
responsibility.” But the legislation’s prescriptions and priorities could
define the 2012 Congressional elections — and are likely to affect the race
for the White House. <more>
May 10, 2012 The New York Times
Pricing/Commodity News
May 15 pre-hearing workshop in Sacramento - - A pre-hearing public workshop will be held in Sacramento Tuesday, May 15 on the petition filed by Western United Dairymen that seeks modification of the whey value portion of the Class 4b formula. The hearing on May 30 and June 1 in Sacramento will consider WUD’s petition and another petition filed by a group supporting the same changes requested by WUD. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 15 in the Department Auditorium, 1220 N Street, Sacramento beginning at 9 a.m. In its petition letter, WUD acknowledged that CDFA modified the Formula after the June 30, 2011 hearing, but CEO Michael Marsh noted, “We believe the modification does not provide a fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value as part of the Formula. Our members are concerned about and are suffering significant financial losses as a result of the large discrepancy between the whey value contribution in the Formula and Federal Orders’ Class III.” WUD says that since the new formula was implemented in September 1, 2011, “It is already abundantly clear that it does not track the federal orders whey value in a reasonable and sound manner. In fact, since the new sliding scale was implemented, the California whey value averaged $1.93/cwt lower than in federal orders.” WUD says the adjustments it is seeking “would result in a Class 4b whey value that more closely tracks the market direction of the Class III whey value, thus bringing California and national pricing into the reasonable and sound relationship required under the Code.” WUD proposes modifying the current sliding scale in the Class 4b formula to allow the whey factor to more closely reflect the whey value generated by the current Class III formula. May 4, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Environmental
News
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the activities of
this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was formed in 2010
to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater monitoring
requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested parties must own
property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy (or both), or be
designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to qualify. Interested
parties should submit a brief bio and contact information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
Macedo Bros. Dairy: A family operation - Working together -- around high school and college schedules -- is the rule at Macedo Bros. Dairy. "We're very hands-on. It's the way we were raised and no two days are ever the same," explains Jacob Macedo, youngest son and recent state FFA proficiency award winner in dairy production. Explaining his dairy work to a panel of FFA judges was not difficult, Jacob said, because he has grown up helping his father on the dairy. They milk 1,400 Holsteins three times daily in the heart of Tulare County dairy country. <more> May 11, 2012 Capital Press
National Ag Science
Center fundraiser in Modesto June 14 - - The National Ag Science
Center is partnering with Four Seasons Farms for a multi-course fundraising
dinner featuring local, farm-fresh ingredients on Thursday, June 14, in
Modesto. The meal will feature food prepared by the chefs of Greens Market.
Local wines will be provided and attendees will have the opportunity to talk
with featured farmers and vintners. The National Ag Science Center, based in
Modesto, has plans for a 65,000 square-foot facility that will feature an
introductory theater, retail store and deli, and a 10,000 square foot
meeting hall in addition to the 18,000 square-foot National Ag Science
Center exhibit space. More information and dinner registration is available
online at
www.agsciencecenter.org or call (209) 521-2902.
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes" whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - -
The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom
Barcellos. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United
Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been
mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
CDFA Announces Recall of Raw Milk Products at Organic Pastures of Fresno County - - Raw milk, raw skim milk (non-fat), raw cream and raw butter produced by Organic Pastures Dairy of Fresno County is the subject of a statewide recall and quarantine order announced by California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Whiteford. The quarantine order came following the confirmed detection of campylobacter bacteria in raw cream. Consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any Organic Pastures products of these types remaining in their refrigerators, and retailers are to pull those products immediately from their shelves. From January through April 30, 2012, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that at least 10 people with campylobacter infection were identified throughout California and reported consuming Organic Pastures raw milk prior to illness onset. <more> May 10, 2012 CDFA press release
New faces at powerful State Water Resources Control Board - - The powerful State Water Resources Control Board is getting some fresh faces. Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday announced his appointments of Felicia Marcus and Steven Moore to the board that oversees both water allocation and water quality protection in California. Ms. Marcus, 56, of Emeryville, has been western director at the Natural Resources Defense Council since 2008 and was executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Trust for Public Land from 2001 to 2008. Mr. Moore, 45, of Sausalito, has been a civil and sanitary engineer at Nute Engineering since 2006 and has been a member of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board since 2008. He served in multiple positions at the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board from 1999 to 2006 and 1992 to 1996, including resources control engineer. <more> May 10, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
HSR chair says he’ll fight to save Amtrak - - Local officials raised concerns Tuesday with California High-Speed Rail Authority Board members about the impact of the project on Amtrak and agriculture. It was the fourth such meeting, part of a process intended to create more cooperation. County supervisors and officials remain opposed to the $68 billion project, saying it threatens residents that rely on Amtrak and is inconsistent with policies protecting agriculture. The Authority is considering two routes that swing around Hanford and impact Corcoran, cutting through farms and dairies away from the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe corridor. <more> May 9, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
May 15 pre-hearing workshop in Sacramento - - A pre-hearing public workshop will be held in Sacramento Tuesday, May 15 on the petition filed by Western United Dairymen that seeks modification of the whey value portion of the Class 4b formula. The hearing on May 30 and June 1 in Sacramento will consider WUD’s petition and another petition filed by a group supporting the same changes requested by WUD. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 15 in the Department Auditorium, 1220 N Street, Sacramento beginning at 9 a.m. In its petition letter, WUD acknowledged that CDFA modified the Formula after the June 30, 2011 hearing, but CEO Michael Marsh noted, “We believe the modification does not provide a fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value as part of the Formula. Our members are concerned about and are suffering significant financial losses as a result of the large discrepancy between the whey value contribution in the Formula and Federal Orders’ Class III.” WUD says that since the new formula was implemented in September 1, 2011, “It is already abundantly clear that it does not track the federal orders whey value in a reasonable and sound manner. In fact, since the new sliding scale was implemented, the California whey value averaged $1.93/cwt lower than in federal orders.” WUD says the adjustments it is seeking “would result in a Class 4b whey value that more closely tracks the market direction of the Class III whey value, thus bringing California and national pricing into the reasonable and sound relationship required under the Code.” WUD proposes modifying the current sliding scale in the Class 4b formula to allow the whey factor to more closely reflect the whey value generated by the current Class III formula. May 4, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Environmental
News
Modesto council may take action against MID water deal - - As the debate continues over the Modesto Irrigation District's proposed water sale to San Francisco, some of Modesto's elected officials have voiced concerns and do not deny that the city is contemplating legal action. Councilmen Dave Geer and Dave Cogdill Jr. said Wednesday they are against the proposed deal that could transfer more than 25,000 acre-feet of water per year to San Francisco. When asked for their opinions Wednesday, Councilmen Dave Lopez and Joe Muratore said "no comment," citing a closed-door discussion Tuesday before the council's regular meeting. Council members often are advised not to discuss potential lawsuits in public. <more> May 9, 2012 Modesto Bee
Congressman trying to ban more salmon from San Joaquin River - - Even though the House of Representatives has approved a plan by Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, to stop paying for reintroduction of salmon into the San Joaquin River, it’s unlikely that the move will get a nibble if it were to find Senate approval. Mr. Denham’s proposal was attached as an amendment to H.R. 5326, the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2013, which the White House opposes. The Central Valley congressman wants to forbid the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) from using any funds to reintroduce salmon into the San Joaquin River in the Central Valley because, he says, it currently does not have a complete system to provide a sufficient habitat for the reintroduction of salmon. <more> May 10, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
First Real Partner for California’s Cap & Trade Program - - Quebec has emerged as California’s first full-blown partner in the carbon trading program that ramps up later this year. That means that, pending final approval next month, when the two governments issue their first round of greenhouse gas pollution permits in November, industrial buyers will be able to use them both interchangeably. Mary Nichols, who chairs the California Air Resources Board and heads implementation of the program says the move, “provides more options to California businesses and lays the groundwork for other partners to join with us.” <more> May 9, 2012 KQED Climate Watch
Robots measure flow of Sacramento River - - A fleet of 100 robots floated down the Sacramento River on Wednesday to demonstrate their ability to measure the pace of the river's flow and to navigate the delta's water. The foot-long devices, 40 of them fitted with propellers, are designed to serve as unique water-borne sensors to detect pollutants in a river, measure changes in salinity, monitor fish life and signal downstream in emergencies to warn of levee breaks, oil spills or other hazards, said the fleet's developers. <more> May 10, 2012 San Francisco Gate
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - - The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two “at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy (or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact information to dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
National Ag Science Center fundraiser in Modesto June 14 - - The National Ag Science Center is partnering with Four Seasons Farms for a multi-course fundraising dinner featuring local, farm-fresh ingredients on Thursday, June 14, in Modesto. The meal will feature food prepared by the chefs of Greens Market. Local wines will be provided and attendees will have the opportunity to talk with featured farmers and vintners. The National Ag Science Center, based in Modesto, has plans for a 65,000 square-foot facility that will feature an introductory theater, retail store and deli, and a 10,000 square foot meeting hall in addition to the 18,000 square-foot National Ag Science Center exhibit space. More information and dinner registration is available online at agrisciencecenter.org or call (209) 521-2902.
UC, CSU enrollment rates fall statewide - - The share of California high school graduates enrolling in the state's public colleges and universities has declined significantly over the past five years on a statewide basis – but not as sharply in the Central Valley. In fact, three counties have seen an increase, according to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California. The report examines the impact of declining state support on enrollment at the University of California (UC), the California State University (CSU), and community college system. Enrollment rates at UC and CSU have fallen by one-fifth, from about 22 percent of all California high school graduates in 2007 to less than 18 percent in 2010, the report says. <more> May 10, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
New Zealand - Fonterra execs come out swinging on competitors' tactics - - Fonterra Cooperative Group executives have rubbished a Deloitte report for local dairy industry competitors that claims it charges up to 50 cents a kilogram too much to supply them milk, accusing them of trying to bog down the cooperative in investigations. Three Fonterra senior executives and a farmer-shareholder representative on the Fonterra board told the primary industries select committee its local industry competitors were constantly running public and pursuing those which gained media traction. <more> May 10, 2012 Auckland New Zealand Herald, New Zealand
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes" whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - -
The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been mailed and
can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Tulare
and Kings dairies closing because of milk overflow - - Tulare's big
co-op, Land O'Lakes, has shuttered 17 of Tulare and Kings counties' dairies
in a buyout program to reduce its milk supply by at least 6 percent. The
move was made necessary by continued bulging milk volume delivered to
Tulare's LOL plant for processing. In a March 16 letter to suppliers, Pete
Garbani, LOL director of milk supply western region, said LOL had no place
to put it all. "We have received or sold over 17 million pounds per day in
early March and volumes are still growing. As such, we continue to seek
alternative markets for your milk. Our efforts thus far have resulted in
deep discounts to clear the market and as production continues to grow,
these alternatives will become increasingly less attractive."
<more> May 9, 2012 Visalia Times Delta
California standards milk available soon in Mexico - - The California
Milk Advisory Board reports that ESL California-standards milk carrying the
Real California Milk seal will soon be available at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club
stores throughout Mexico. The milk, which carries an 85-day shelf life, will
be available in Whole, Reduced Fat, Low-Fat and Fat-Free varieties at over
206 stores. The initial order of three truckloads of California milk is a
good sign of the potential this high-value product has in a thriving market
for California dairy. “Dairy is an essential part of Mexican cuisine and
culture,” said Stan Andre, CEO of the CMAB. “With a population of over 113
million people, Mexico is a significant market for our California dairy
products.” May 9, 2012 CMAB news
USDA
is spending millions to give farmers markets technology to accept food
stamps, serve more - - The federal government is spending $4 million to
help hook up farmers and low-income customers. Currently, fewer than a
quarter of the nation’s roughly 7,100 farmers markets are set up to use the
Electronic Benefit Transfer system, or food stamps. But Kathleen Merrigan,
deputy secretary of agriculture, said she hopes these grants will bring
another 4,000 of those outlets on line with the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program. “SNAP participation at farmers’ markets helps provide
fresh fruit and vegetables to families and expands the customer base for
local farmers — a win-win for agriculture and local communities,” she said
in a statement.
<more> May 9, 2012 Associated Press
Farmers report early signs of labor shortages - - As crops around the
state are being planted, pruned, fertilized and watered in anticipation of a
bountiful harvest, there's a dark cloud forming overhead. The concern on
farmers' minds is whether there will be enough agricultural workers to get
everything harvested. Reports of labor shortages are springing up around the
state. The farther north of the California-Mexico border one looks, the
greater the concern that the number of agricultural workers needed for
harvest work may fall short.
<more>
May 9, 2012 Ag Alert
Cattle prices double as Southwest ranchers begin to rebuild herds after devastating drought - - A cow runs circles in a small pen, her baby close by her side. Ranchers, their brows wrinkled, scribble in a glossy catalog while high on a podium the auctioneer slams his gavel, taking bids as the price of the pair rises rapidly. The high-profile auction at the Neches River Ranch gave cattlemen a good indication of how long it might take to rebuild after Texas’ devastating drought and what it might cost them. A quality cow that sold last year for no more than $1,800 now fetches about $3,000. The average price for a bull is up $500. And a cow with a 300-pound to 400-pound calf by her side is selling for about $2,800, sometimes more than $3,000 — almost double the $1,700 they commanded two years ago. <more> May 9, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Swelling milk production worldwide causing 'softer' prices - - Global
dairy prices are off 20 to 30 percent from their spring 2011 peaks, as
swelling milk production worldwide has turned supply deficits into
surpluses. As a result, rising inventories are expected to keep downward
pressure on international dairy markets in the second half of 2012,
according to presenters at the U.S. Dairy Export Council’s (USDEC) spring
Board of Directors and Membership Meeting last week. The meeting attracted a
record turnout – a reflection of the broad understanding of the need to
operate more effectively in international markets.
<more> May 9, 2012 U.S. Dairy Export Council
Dean
fluid milk sales up - - Dean Foods Company announced strong first
quarter results driven by solid growth across all operating segments, and
supported by tight expense control. For the first quarter, Fresh Dairy
Direct fluid milk volumes increased 0.4% on a year-over-year basis. This
compares to the balance of the industry that experienced a volume decline of
approximately 2.9% on a year-over-year basis, based on USDA data and company
estimates. Excluding the estimated impact of the September 2011 divestiture
of the Waukesha facility, Fresh Dairy Direct fluid milk volumes increased
1.8% in the first quarter of 2012. The first quarter 2012 average Class I
Mover, a measure of the company’s raw milk costs, was $17.38/cwt., an
increase of 6% over the first quarter of 2011, but a decrease of 8% from the
fourth quarter of 2011. Sales of Value-Added Dairy, which includes Horizon
Organic® branded milk and other products, increased mid-single digits as
mild winter weather resulted in higher organic raw milk supply than
initially forecasted and price increases to offset higher milk costs were
put into the marketplace. May 9, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
May 15 pre-hearing workshop in Sacramento - - A
pre-hearing public workshop will be held in Sacramento May 15 on the
petition filed by Western United Dairymen that seeks modification of the
whey value portion of the Class 4b formula. The hearing on May 30 and June 1
in Sacramento will consider WUD’s petition and another petition filed by a
group supporting the same changes requested by WUD. The workshop will be
held on Tuesday, May 15 in the Department Auditorium, 1220 N Street,
Sacramento beginning at 9 a.m. In its petition letter, WUD
acknowledged that CDFA modified the Formula after the June 30, 2011 hearing,
but CEO Michael Marsh noted, “We believe the modification does not provide a
fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value as part of
the Formula. Our members are concerned about and are suffering significant
financial losses as a result of the large discrepancy between the whey value
contribution in the Formula and Federal Orders’ Class III.” WUD says that
since the new formula was implemented in September 1, 2011, “It is already
abundantly clear that it does not track the federal orders whey value in a
reasonable and sound manner. In fact, since the new sliding scale was
implemented, the California whey value averaged $1.93/cwt lower than in
federal orders.” WUD says the adjustments it is seeking “would result in a
Class 4b whey value that more closely tracks the market direction of the
Class III whey value, thus bringing California and national pricing into the
reasonable and sound relationship required under the Code.” WUD proposes
modifying the current sliding scale in the Class 4b formula to allow the
whey factor to more closely reflect the whey value generated by the current
Class III formula. May 4, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Environmental
News
Harsh
words, lawsuit threats greet MID plan to sell water to SF - - Critics
let the rhetorical barbs fly Tuesday about the Modesto Irrigation District's
proposed water sale to San Francisco. And later Tuesday one member of the
Modesto City Council raised the possibility of legal action. "What you're
doing is an act of tyranny," Modesto resident Linda Hodges told the district
board, which could vote on the first small sale May 22. She and other
opponents said they do not believe assurances the sales would leave the MID
with an adequate supply from the Tuolumne River during drought.
<more> May 8, 2012 Modesto Bee
MID
raises farmers' water rates 10 percent - - Farmers on Tuesday got a
nearly 10 percent increase in the cost of water from the Modesto Irrigation
District. Its board voted 5-0 to boost the basic charge from $27 to $29.50
per acre for 2012 water deliveries. This charge will buy 3 acre-feet of
Tuolumne River water per acre, down somewhat from last year because of the
dry winter. Farmers can get an additional half acre-foot for $7.375 per
acre. Water in excess of this will be sold for $30 per acre-foot on a
case-by-case basis.
<more> May 8, 2012 Modesto Bee
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
Yogurt
key to sexier, slimmer mice - - Those looking to improve their love life
may find an unlikely ally in the dairy aisle – yogurt. Massachusetts
Institute of Technology researchers Eric Alm and Susan Erdman were
interested in discovering why yogurt helps fight age-related weight gain. By
studying the link between probiotics in yogurt and obesity in mice, the duo
also found that it not only made the mice slimmer; it also made them sexier.
<more> May 9, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Farmer
Adoption of Mobile Technology on the Rise - - While adoption started off
slow, farmers continue to increase their use of mobile technology. A recent
survey conducted by AgWeb.com and Commodity Update found that while only
around half of farmers surveyed currently use a smartphone or tablet,
several plan to adopt the technology in the coming year. The study surveyed
more than 800 farmers and found that 47% currently use a smartphone. Around
70% of smartphone users are 1000+ acre farmers and half of them have owned
their smartphone for more than two years.
<more> May 9, 2012 Ag Web
Cage-free trend has costs, benefits for producers - - Livestock and
poultry producers say recent decisions by companies such as Burger King and
Safeway to only buy from suppliers that are cage-free won't in themselves
have a big impact on their industries. But if the trend continues, the
result will likely be higher production costs and higher prices for the very
consumers who are driving the issue, they say. Many consumers have agreed
with activist groups which have pushed companies to abandon the narrow
crates in which sows are kept during their four-month pregnancies and to let
egg-laying hens out of the battery cages in which many are kept. But how far
this trend will go remains to be seen, producers say.
<more> May 9, 2012 Capital Press
51
Million Californians in 38 years - - If you think the state is crowded
with its current population of somewhere north of 37,312,510 – wait 38
years. In 2050, if the state’s newest projects bear out, there will be
51,013,984 Californians. And while Los Angeles County will still be the most
populous with 11,567,914 laid back residents, there are only so many people
that can be crammed into that county where the current population is over
9,825,496. Much of the state’s growth will be inland, including the Central
Valley. As of the 2010 Census, the Valley had only one county with more than
one million residents: Sacramento.
<more> May 8, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
2012 California almond forecast is 2 billion pounds - - The initial subjective forecast for 2012 California almond production is 2 billion pounds, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service Field Office in Sacramento, Calif. This is 1.5 percent below last year’s record production of 2.03 billion pounds. The forecast yield is 2,560 pounds/acre, down 4 percent from last year’s record of 2,670 pounds/acre. The 2012 forecasted bearing acreage is 780,000. <more> May 7, 2012 Western Farm Press
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - - The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been mailed and
can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Dairy Meetings
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Senate
Dairy Bill Less Onerous – or Not - - By Jim Dickrell, Editor, Dairy
Today - - New analysis suggests that the dairy market
stabilization program, aka supply management, is not triggered nearly as
often with the new provisions. Modifications to the Dairy Security Act (DSA)
included in the Senate Farm Bill may prove less onerous and odorous to
opponents of supply management in the dairy industry. Or not. New analysis
suggests that the dairy market stabilization program, aka supply management,
is not triggered nearly as often with the new provisions. That’s confirmed
by both the Universities of Missouri and Wisconsin. Recall that the
Wisconsin analysis of the original provisions of Foundation for the Future,
the framework for DSA, suggested the supply management program would have
been triggered up to 45% of the time. Missouri analysis suggested supply
management might be triggered up to 20% of the time.
<more> May 8, 2012 Dairy Today
Vilsack faces farm bill challenge - - Tom
Vilsack, Iowa’s former governor turned national agricultural chief, has
managed to do something that’s nearly impossible for someone in his
position: get almost everyone in the farm sector to like him. But those warm
feelings could soon be put to the test, as rural America closely watches
maneuvering to enact a new half-trillion-dollar farm bill. Vilsack, the
61-year-old cheerleader for rural America, has been largely spared the
intense criticism that often hounds the country’s agriculture secretary.
Those in agriculture attribute the high regard he’s enjoying to his ability
to balance the diverse interests of various farm groups across the country.
<more> May 8, 2012 Des Moines Register
Seasonal farm-worker visa program frustrates growers
- - As the summer growing season approaches, farmers across the county
are experiencing widespread frustration over the federal H-2A visa program
for seasonal agriculture workers. In Idaho, farmers such as Jim Little of
Emmett say they need immigrant workers from Latin America but that the
government is making it too hard for them to follow the rules and employ
workers legally instead of hiring border jumpers. “It seems like they take
great joy in piling on minutia and things we have to do,” said Little, a
grain and hay farmer whose family has used foreign labor.
<more> May 7, 2012 Washington McClatchy Newspapers
SD-based beef company closing 3 plants in Iowa,
Kan., Texas, blaming ‘pink slime’ controversy - - Beef Products Inc.
will close processing plants in three states this month because of the
controversy surrounding its meat product that critics have dubbed “pink
slime,” a company official said Monday. About 650 jobs will be lost when the
plants close on May 25 in Amarillo, Texas; Garden City, Kansas; and Waterloo
Iowa, company spokesman Rich Jochum said. A plant in South Sioux City, Neb.,
will remain open but run at reduced capacity.
<more> May 7, 2012 Associated Press
Kings Supervisors to meet with rail officials - - Kings County supervisors will hold another special meeting Tuesday in Hanford with California High-Speed Rail Authority officials, the latest in a series designed to resolve differences over local project impacts. The proposed $68 billion rail line to eventually connect the Bay Area and Southern California is scheduled to slice through Kings County either east or west of Hanford. Both proposed routes take wide swings through farmland, dairies, businesses and — in some cases — homes. <more> May 7, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
May 15 pre-hearing workshop in Sacramento - - A
pre-hearing public workshop will be held in Sacramento May 15 on the
petition filed by Western United Dairymen that seeks modification of the
whey value portion of the Class 4b formula. The hearing on May 30 and June 1
in Sacramento will consider WUD’s petition and another petition filed by a
group supporting the same changes requested by WUD. The workshop will be
held on Tuesday, May 15 in the Department Auditorium, 1220 N Street,
Sacramento beginning at 9 a.m. In its petition letter, WUD
acknowledged that CDFA modified the Formula after the June 30, 2011 hearing,
but CEO Michael Marsh noted, “We believe the modification does not provide a
fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value as part of
the Formula. Our members are concerned about and are suffering significant
financial losses as a result of the large discrepancy between the whey value
contribution in the Formula and Federal Orders’ Class III.” WUD says that
since the new formula was implemented in September 1, 2011, “It is already
abundantly clear that it does not track the federal orders whey value in a
reasonable and sound manner. In fact, since the new sliding scale was
implemented, the California whey value averaged $1.93/cwt lower than in
federal orders.” WUD says the adjustments it is seeking “would result in a
Class 4b whey value that more closely tracks the market direction of the
Class III whey value, thus bringing California and national pricing into the
reasonable and sound relationship required under the Code.” WUD proposes
modifying the current sliding scale in the Class 4b formula to allow the
whey factor to more closely reflect the whey value generated by the current
Class III formula. May 4, 2012 WUD Friday Update
World
milk production expected to grow - - 2012 world milk production is
forecast to grow by 2.7%, to 750 million tonnes, according to the United
Nations Food & Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Food Outlook report. Asia is
expected to account for most of the increase, led by India, with increased
output also anticipated in China, Pakistan and Turkey. In North America,
milk production in the United States is forecast to rise to 90.6 million
tonnes, reflecting dairy herd expansion. Production in Canada is expected to
remain stable at 8.3 million tonnes, within the limits set by the milk quota
system. In Europe, the EU is forecast to raise production by 1% to 156.5
million tonnes in 2012, as improved milk yields more than compensate for
reduced cow numbers. May 8, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Australia - Fonterra lifts milk price - - Fonterra Australia is the latest milk processor to increase its farmgate price. This is despite a cheaper global online dairy auction last week. Fonterra announced a step-up of 8c/kg of butterfat and 20c/kg protein yesterday. It said it would lift its farmgate price to more than $5.30 a kilogram for milk solids. "Customer demand has remained strong enough to deliver this increase despite the recent softening of commodity prices and the continued high Australian dollar," Fonterra Australia milk supply general manager Heather Stacy said. <more> May 8, 2012 Southbank Weekly Times, Australia
Environmental
News
Study finds that cows contribute as much to Los
Angeles smog as auto emissions do - - While people typically blame
Southern California’s smog on automobiles, a new study suggests that cows
might be just as responsible, if not more so. A large fraction of the
region’s smog, especially the smallest particles, is ammonium nitrate. Those
particles form when ammonia, which is generated by cars with certain types
of catalytic converters and by bacteria that consume cattle waste, reacts
with nitrogen oxides that are produced in large quantities in automobile
emissions. Data gathered in and around the Los Angeles basin in May 2010
suggest that the region’s 9.9 million autos generate about 62 metric tons of
ammonia each day. However, ammonia emissions from dairy farms in the eastern
portion of the basin — home to about 298,000 cattle — range between 33 and
176 metric tons per day, researchers report in Geophysical Research Letters.
Ammonia emissions from the dairy farms are concentrated, boosting
atmospheric levels of the gas to more than 100 times background levels, so
efforts to curb the farms’ emissions (perhaps by feeding the animals
different diets) might reduce smog more than those targeting cars.
<more> May 7, 2012 Reuters
Modesto Irrigation District meeting packed with emotion - - A boisterous
crowd of more than 120 people turned out this morning to let Modesto
Irrigation District directors know just what they think of a proposed water
sale to the city of San Francisco. The MID and San Francisco released a
draft contract last week that envisions the city buying 2,240 acre-feet per
year, about 1.2 percent of MID's average farm deliveries. San Francisco
would pay $700 per acre-foot, with annual increases of 3 percent. San
Francisco's starting price would be about 100 times what farmers pay. The
MID ultimately could sell 27,500 acre-feet, about 15 percent of its annual
farm deliveries, at prices to be determined. The district plans to free up
the water with conservation projects along its canal system.
<more> May 8, 2012 The Modesto Bee
New
study blames dairy farms for much of LA’s smog - - Dairy cows may be a
bigger contributor to smog in the Los Angeles area than many people thought,
according to a new study. The study, conducted by scientists from the
University of Colorado and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration and published in Geophysical Research Letters, found that
dairy farms and motor vehicles are about equally responsible for a sizeable
fraction of the smog over LA, says an article in Ars Technica. A large
portion of the smog is ammonium nitrate, consisting of small particles from
the interaction of ammonia and nitrogen oxide gas. Both cows and automobiles
are responsible for ammonia, but it’s the automobiles that produce nitrogen
oxide.
<more> May 7, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
State plans reductions in use of some pesticides in
Valley - - Some widely used pesticides would see their use curtailed in
the San Joaquin Valley because they contribute to air pollution, the
Department of Pesticide Regulation says. A public hearing is scheduled June
6 in Tulare County with June 7 as the deadline for comments on the proposal
that would affect Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and
Tulare counties and the western part of Kern County. The proposed action
would require nonfumigant use prohibitions on certain crops in the San
Joaquin Valley when using products with agricultural uses containing
abamectin, chlorpyrifos, gibberellins, or oxyfluorfen from May through
October if the volatile organic compound (VOC) emission limit is triggered.
<more> May 8, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
State spars with EPA on air quality standards -
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is not protecting public health
and has violated federal law by failing to review air quality standards,
according to a lawsuit filed by the American Lung Association, the state air
board and a consortium of states. A brief filed late last week by the EPA in
federal court in Washington, D.C., states that it does not plan to complete
the mandatory review until Aug. 15, 2013 – about 22 months after the legal
deadline. The EPA "does not dispute that it has missed the statutory
deadline," the agency wrote in court documents. But, it said, the delay is
"due in part to the abundance of new scientific evidence concerning the
potential health and welfare effects of PM (particulate matter) pollution"
and the complexity of the issues involved.
<more> May 8, 2012 California Watch
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
Oreos,
potato chips get revamped for foreign tongues - - Russians prefer their
Lay’s chips dipped in caviar and crab flavors. The Chinese like their Oreos
stuffed with mango and orange cream. And in Spain, Kellogg’s All-Bran cereal
is served in hot coffee instead of cold milk. Americans might get squeamish
at the thought of their favorite snacks being changed. But food makers have
long tinkered with their products to appeal to tastes in other parts of the
world. They’re doing it more as people in countries such as China and India
are gaining more of an appetite for American “on-the-go” foods as they work
longer hours and have less time to cook. But it’s mostly because snack
makers want to sell their foods around the world.
<more> May 7, 2012 Washington Post
India
- Dairy farmers protest in Delhi over milk adulteration, unfair pricing
- - Dairy farmers from across northern India gathered in New Delhi on
Tuesday to protest against the issue of milk adulteration and unfair pricing
by private companies. The protesters holding placards shouted
anti-government slogans outside the residence of Minister of State in the
Prime Minister's Office (PMO) V. Narayanasamy.
<more> May 8, 2012 Asian News International, India
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
2012 California almond forecast is 2 billion pounds - - The initial subjective forecast for 2012 California almond production is 2 billion pounds, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service Field Office in Sacramento, Calif. This is 1.5 percent below last year’s record production of 2.03 billion pounds. The forecast yield is 2,560 pounds/acre, down 4 percent from last year’s record of 2,670 pounds/acre. The 2012 forecasted bearing acreage is 780,000. <more> May 7, 2012 Western Farm Press
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - - The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been mailed and
can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Dairy Meetings
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Monday, May 7, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Senate
Ag Committee posts farm bill summary - - Senate Agriculture Committee
chair Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.) has posted a 16-page summary of the
committee's draft of the Agriculture Reform, Food & Jobs Act of 2012 online.
The farm bill summary includes brief descriptions of the provisions in each
title. The bill contains major policy reforms to commodity and conservation
programs, reforms the nation's dairy policy along the lines sought by
producers and cooperatives and has savings pegged at $23 billion over its
five-year life. The summary is online at
www.ag.senate.gov/download/?id=bc6e8dd7-987d-483b-802c-8af476320155 . May
7, 2012 Feedstuffs
Green
group marshals top K Street lobbyists to do battle on farm bill - - An
ardent critic of federal agriculture subsidies has enlisted one of K
Street’s premier firms to do battle on this year’s farm bill. The
Environmental Working Group Action Fund — the 501(c)4 affiliate of the
Environmental Working Group (EWG) — has signed up Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti
to lobby on the legislation. The hire is a departure for the green group,
which hadn’t hired an outside lobby firm in more than eight years, according
to lobbying disclosure records. The support of an established K Street shop
could lend heft to what has traditionally been an uphill slog to reform
federal farm spending. Scott Faber, EWG's vice president of government
affairs, said Mehlman Vogel Castagnetti is "a terrific firm."
<more> May 5, 2012 The Hill
GOP hopes to
take back Valley seat with David Valadao
- - The Valley's west-side
congressional district has been represented by Democrats for two decades,
but newly redrawn boundary lines and the lack of an incumbent have
Republicans feeling confident they can recapture the seat. The GOP also
likes its candidate. David Valadao is a Hanford dairy farmer who lives in
the heart of the 21st Congressional District and already represents a good
chunk of it as a first-term Assembly member. But the Democrats have
withstood several concerted Republican efforts to win the seat, including
two years ago when Rep. Jim Costa -- who is seeking reelection in a newly
created neighboring congressional district -- barely eked out a victory over
Hanford farmer Andy Vidak.
<more> May 7, 2012 Fresno Bee
Dairy-baiting billboards popping up in the Valley - - New advertising
has Valley farmers thinking twice. The dairy-baiting billboards are popping
up at multiple locations throughout the Valley.
<more> May 1, 2012 KFSN TV
California's Illegal Immigrant Shortage - - Conventional wisdom has long
held that legions of Mexicans flood the U.S. every year, stealing American
jobs and dodging taxes. That was the line of thinking that spawned stricter
immigration laws in a handful of states over the last two years. Then, on
April 23, just before U.S. Supreme Court arguments over one such law in
Arizona, the Pew Hispanic Center released a study with a surprising finding:
From 2005 to 2010, the think tank reported, the net flow of people between
Mexico and the U.S. was zero. J.P. LaBrucherie, vice president of
LaBrucherie Produce in El Centro, Calif., says a labor shortage has “been a
steady problem over the last 10 years,” limiting his peak-season hiring to
300 workers, rather than the 400 he needs. “You struggle,” says LaBrucherie.
“You get behind on some of the work and sometimes you can’t harvest as much
as you want.”
<more> May 3, 2012 Bloomberg Business Week
High
Speed Rail environmental OK angers local residents - - Local residents
who have fought California’s bullet train plans reacted with anger and
dismay over the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board’s decision
Thursday approving the environmental impact report for the Merced-to-Fresno
segment. “The news that we have all dreaded has been realized,” wrote Aaron
Fukuda, co-founder of Citizens for California High Speed Rail
Accountability, on the local opposition group’s Facebook page. “This will
forever mark the names of the Authority [board members] as certifying one of
the worst EIR/EIS documents created in history. If you live in Fresno and to
the north, please begin your fight!”
<more> May 5, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
S.D. dairy farmers tug over production, caps - - After U.S. dairy farmers collectively lost about $10 billion in income in 2009, safeguarding the industry from another precipitous drop became a priority in the new farm bill. Milk prices in South Dakota fell as low as $10 a hundredweight in 2009 from a high of about $20 per hwt, according to Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones. They since have rebounded to $16 per hwt. But the specter of market volatility continues to hang over the industry. <more> May 6, 2012 Argus Leader
Pricing/Commodity News
May 15 pre-hearing workshop in Sacramento - - A
pre-hearing public workshop will be held in Sacramento May 15 on the
petition filed by Western United Dairymen that seeks modification of the
whey value portion of the Class 4b formula. The hearing on May 30 and June 1
in Sacramento will consider WUD’s petition and another petition filed by a
group supporting the same changes requested by WUD. The workshop will be
held on Tuesday, May 15 in the Department Auditorium, 1220 N Street,
Sacramento beginning at 9 a.m. In its petition letter, WUD
acknowledged that CDFA modified the Formula after the June 30, 2011 hearing,
but CEO Michael Marsh noted, “We believe the modification does not provide a
fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value as part of
the Formula. Our members are concerned about and are suffering significant
financial losses as a result of the large discrepancy between the whey value
contribution in the Formula and Federal Orders’ Class III.” WUD says that
since the new formula was implemented in September 1, 2011, “It is already
abundantly clear that it does not track the federal orders whey value in a
reasonable and sound manner. In fact, since the new sliding scale was
implemented, the California whey value averaged $1.93/cwt lower than in
federal orders.” WUD says the adjustments it is seeking “would result in a
Class 4b whey value that more closely tracks the market direction of the
Class III whey value, thus bringing California and national pricing into the
reasonable and sound relationship required under the Code.” WUD proposes
modifying the current sliding scale in the Class 4b formula to allow the
whey factor to more closely reflect the whey value generated by the current
Class III formula. May 4, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Dairy hedging
class offered May 22 in Visalia - - A
workshop on dairy hedging sponsored by FCStone, LLC will be held May 22 in
Visalia. The workshop is intended for dairy producers looking to limit their
exposure to the current volatility of the dairy and grain markets.
Registration fee is $200 and registration is available online at
www.intlfcstone.com/seminars
May 4, 2012 FCStone Notice
Cattle
Futures Rebounding From Mad Cow, 'Pink Slime' - - U.S. cattle futures
are starting to rebound from a spate of bad news in the beef industry,
including a case of mad-cow disease and controversy over an additive derided
as "pink slime." Live-cattle futures have climbed 3% since late last month,
when rumors of the discovery of mad-cow disease in the U.S. jolted markets a
few hours before government officials confirmed the case. Futures have risen
from the April 24 low of $1.1157 a pound thanks to an uptick in demand for
beef from U.S. consumers, strong export sales and tight domestic cattle
supplies.
<more> May 6, 2012 Wall Street Journal
CWT
assists with 1.3 million lbs. of cheese and butter export sales - -
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 10 requests for export
assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Maryland & Virginia Milk
Producers Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell 749,572 lbs. of
cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 518,086 lbs. of butter to customers in
North Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The product will be delivered May
through July 2012. So far in 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in
making export sales of 47.6 million lbs. of cheese and 41.3 million lbs. of
butter to 26 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk
equivalent of these exports is 1.340 billion lbs., or the same as the annual
milk production of 63,800 cows. May 7, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Horizon Organic extends $2 market adjustment premium through September - - Horizon Organic extended a short-term market adjustment premium (MAP) for its more than 600 family farmers, who continue to experience high input costs. The $2/cwt. MAP, set to expire at the end of June, will now run through Sept. 30, 2012. The extension also includes an additional MAP that was implemented last fall. Both temporary MAPs were based on market conditions, including increased consumer demand for organic milk and feed costs, which remain high compared to historical levels. “While organic milk supply shortages have moderated since earlier this year, we continue to monitor the marketplace and want to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the organic dairy industry and our more than 600 family farmers,” said Ronald D. Schnur, vice president of Horizon dairy supply and operations. “We believe the temporary MAP extension will further help our farmers, who continue to face high costs on their organic dairy farms.” Visit www.horizondairy.com for more. May 7, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Environmental
News
State
delays release of Delta restoration plan - - State officials today
announced that an ambitious and controversial plan to restore the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta will be delayed. A draft of the Bay Delta
Conservation Plan, and its accompanying environmental studies, was expected
to be released by the end of June. But on Friday, state Natural Resources
Secretary John Laird announced in a letter posted on the plan's website that
this schedule will not be met.
<more> May 4, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Water's Rising
Value: MID weighs lucrative deals against ag concerns
- - San Francisco has put a price — an astoundingly high price — on water
that flows cheaply through Modesto Irrigation District canals. The city
would pay $700 per acre-foot to start in a proposed sale that will be
discussed Tuesday morning by the MID board. A vote on the deal could come at
the May 22 meeting. This small sale, and the prospect of a much larger
amount sold in the future, has stoked plenty of debate since the district
revealed the plans in the fall. Critics say the MID is putting itself at
risk, despite assurances that the deals would involve mostly "new" water
created by conservation projects on canals.
<more> May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee
Mike
Chrisman - Snowpack shows vulnerability of water supply - - Last year,
in late March, Gov. Jerry Brown declared an end to California's three-year
drought. The mountain snowpack was at 165 percent of normal, and major
reservoirs in the state and federal water systems all had more water in them
than usual. This year, it's a different story. Sierra snow depths are well
below average, with water content in the Sierra snowpack measured at only 40
percent of normal. This contrast is a sobering illustration of the state's
unpredictable water supply and should be a wake-up call to action. If we are
to ensure that there is enough water to meet the state's ever-increasing
needs, we must first address the challenges facing the Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta.
<more> May 5, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Tulare
County water manager to lead statewide coalition - - General Manager Dan
Vink of the Lower Tule River Irrigation District in Tulare County was
elected president of the California Farm Water Coalition at the group's
April board meeting. Vink has served on the coalition's board of directors
since 2005. He replaces farmer Peter Nelson of Thermal.
<more> May 4, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
Occupy
protesters urged to leave UC Berkeley farmland - - Occupy activists who
took over farmland owned by the University of California, Berkeley on Monday
planned to respond to campus demands to vacate the property. A group called
Occupy the Farm broke into the five-acre plot in Albany on April 22, set up
an encampment and began planting broccoli, lettuce and other crops. The
protesters want the Gill Tract, about three miles from the main Berkeley
campus, preserved as an urban farm to serve the community and educate
children. The land is the remainder of a larger piece of farmland the
university acquired in the 1920s.
<more> May 7, 2012 Associated Press
Rubes
cartoonist in Modesto May 22 - - Cartoonist Leigh Rubin, creator of the
syndicated cartoon “Rubes whose wacky and wonderful
cartoons
provide a twisted look at the world, will be in Modesto on Tuesday May 22 at
a special appearance hosted by the Modesto Bee. Rubin is familiar to many
WUD members for his memorably funny presentation at WUD’s 2011 convention.
Rubes, Leigh's syndicated cartoon, began in 1984, and the first paperback
collection of Rubes was published in late 1988. The “sit-down” comedian, as
he refers to himself, will talk about the creative process, answer
questions, sign copies of his books and offer door prizes. Rubin says he
tries to inspire people to break their normal routine of looking at things
and think outside of the box, even though he himself has to draw inside a
box. The program is free but reservations are requested at 209-578-2327
because space is limited at the Bee, located at 1325 H Street in downtown
Modesto. May 7, 2012 Modesto Bee Notice
2012 California almond forecast is 2 billion pounds - - The initial subjective forecast for 2012 California almond production is 2 billion pounds, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service Field Office in Sacramento, Calif. This is 1.5 percent below last year’s record production of 2.03 billion pounds. The forecast yield is 2,560 pounds/acre, down 4 percent from last year’s record of 2,670 pounds/acre. The 2012 forecasted bearing acreage is 780,000. <more> May 7, 2012 Western Farm Press
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - - The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been mailed and
can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Dairy Meetings
Friday, May 4, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Sonoma County dairy farm hits the auction block
- - The dairy legacy that Marvin Nunes spent a lifetime building went on the
auction block Wednesday, with bidders watching from around the U.S. and
Canada. Nunes' herd of nearly 600 registered Holsteins, renowned for their
pedigrees and milk production, were sold off at his Ocean View Farms
northwest of Santa Rosa on Mark West Station Road. Those who wanted to see
the cows firsthand watched from a large white pavilion, while online bidders
could stay home and click to offer up to $15,0000 for one of the prized
animals. Despite the high bids and national interest, the auction was for
many a sign of the ongoing difficulties in California's dairy industry.
<more> May 3, 2012 The Press Democrat
Animal agriculture advocates address public image
challenges - - Transparency and outreach are essential for animal
agriculture to close the “communication gap” that exists between the
industry and the general public, according to several speakers at the Animal
Agriculture Alliance’s 11th annual Stakeholder Summit this week. Nearly two
hundred animal agriculture representatives attended the summit in Arlington,
Va., where Indiana Pork Executive Director Mike Platt described his
organization’s approach to the communication problem.
<more> May 4, 2012 Agri-Pulse
Why
BSE went so much better than pink slime - - When a new case of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was reported by the media last week, the
headlines weren’t too bad. “They may even be accused of being fair and
accurate,” quipped Janie Gabbett, executive editor of Meatingplace, who
addressed the Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit on Wednesday.
Meatingplace is a publication for the meat-processing industry. Gabbett
contrasted BSE coverage with the more sensational reports accompanying the
pink slime controversy a month earlier. She offered these explanations:
Journalists who have been around since 2003, when the first case of BSE
occurred in the U.S., were already educated on BSE. * The U.S. Department of
Agriculture came out with an explanation faster on BSE than pink slime. In
fact, Gabbett said, it took USDA 10 days to comment on pink slime or lean
finely textured beef (LFTB).* BSE was seen as something that happened to an
industry, whereas LFTB was seen as something that occurred because of the
industry. *With BSE, there was no appearance of “hiding something” from the
public, she said.
<more> May 4, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
High-speed rail sets Valley route, gets $1
billion offer - - The California High-Speed Rail Authority took a key
step toward developing its proposed passenger-train system Thursday,
certifying environmental reports and formally approving the first portion of
the line between Merced and Fresno. Skeptics remain even as the authority
pushes forward on building as soon as this year. But Thursday, a new booster
stepped forward -- Madera real-estate developer Ed McIntyre, who said that
he and partners are ready to spend $1 billion developing a maintenance yard
and more if the authority puts it on their property in Madera.
<more> May 4, 2012 Fresno Bee
California moves to help convert farms to organic
- - A proposal to create a new fund to financially assist farmers with the
first year of certification costs they must pay to transition from
conventional farming practices to certified organic farming practices has
been approved by the state Assembly 47-18. AB 1625, authored by Assemblyman
Michael Allen, D-Sacramento, now moves to the state Senate for further
consideration. “Farmers who wish to transition from conventional farming to
certified organic farming face a number of challenges. For starters, they
are not allowed to use conventional fertilizers or pesticides on the
transitioning farmland for three years,” says Mr. Allen, who is a member of
the Assembly Select Committee on Sustainable & Organic Agriculture.
<more> May 4, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
California Legislator Voting Record - - For
the first time, you can look up the voting record of every state legislator
in California. Wondering how often your legislator broke party ranks,
abstained or switched sides? Enter the last and first name of the lawmaker
you're researching to see how he or she voted, or enter a bill number to see
how every legislator voted on it.
<more>
May 4, 2012 Sacramento Bee
Idaho - Milk prices aren't keeping up with cost of production - - Idaho dairymen continue to see their profit margins erode, and some say it could get worse. "It's too much, with the milk price and what we're paying for feed. We're losing another $1.50 to $2" per hundredweight of milk, said Tony Vander Hulst, co-owner of West Point Farms in Wendell, Idaho. "It could be the end of some producers," he said. Depending on a cow's milk production and age, dairymen are feeding 55 pounds to 65 pounds of feed a day, at a cost of more than $7 a day per cow. The breakeven price is running about $17.50 per hundredweight, but Magic Valley dairymen are only getting about $15 for Class III milk headed for the cheese vat, he said. <more> May 4, 2012 Capital Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy hedging
class offered May 22 in Visalia - - A
workshop on dairy hedging sponsored by FCStone, LLC will be held May 22 in
Visalia. The workshop is intended for dairy producers looking to limit their
exposure to the current volatility of the dairy and grain markets.
Registration fee is $200 and registration is available online at
www.intlfcstone.com/seminars
May 4, 2012 FCStone Notice
Lee Mielke: Production of dairy products exceeds consumer demand - - Milk production showed signs of leveling off at or near the seasonal peak in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Arizona had marginally lower production, caused by recent heat. California production was uneven; Florida was steady with the rest of the nation showing various degrees of increased milk production. Coops in the Pacific Northwest are warning dairy producers of possible penalties, like those imposed in California, for excess milk above their established bases. Processors across the nation are operating plants on extended schedules. The added volumes of finished dairy products are creating more supplies that are not readily clearing the market. <more> May 4, 2012 Capital Press
Environmental
News
Valley
water agencies look at farming contamination - - California failed to
protect the San Joaquin Valley from fertilizer, dairy and septic
contamination now threatening drinking water from thousands of wells, says
the leader of the responsible state agency. But Pamela Creedon, executive
officer of the Central Valley Regional Water Control Board, says her agency
is working on ways to make up for the past. "We have more than 50% of our
resources focused in groundwater programs, and we're expanding our efforts,"
said Creedon. Creedon spoke in Clovis on Thursday after a University of
California at Davis researcher described his study on the Valley's vast
water contamination from nitrates, which he linked mostly to farm
fertilizing and dairy practices in the past.
<more> May 4, 2012 Fresno Bee
Fishing fleet sues feds — says Delta water
exports hurt salmon - - California commercial fishermen are suing the
federal government over a decades old practice of rolling over “interim
water” contracts — mostly with Central Valley farmers – that the fishermen
say violates the law. The Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s
Associations (PCFFA) and the Crab Boat Owners Association (CBOA) filed suit
in U.S. District Court in San Francisco challenging the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation’s practice of promising what the suit contends are excessive
amounts of water to contractors regardless of the water year or impacts on
valuable fish stocks or the environment.
<more> May 3, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
State delays releasing Bay-Delta draft - -
The California Natural Resources Agency says it will be unable to meet a
previously announced timetable to release public review drafts and the
environmental impact report/statement for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.
The papers had been expected to be released at the end of June.
<more> May 4, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Interior and USDA Announce $5.3 million to Fund
Ag Water Use Efficiencies Projects - - Agriculture Deputy Secretary
Kathleen Merrigan and Deputy Secretary of the Interior David Hayes today
announced that collaboration between the agencies is again providing funds
to improve the efficiency of agricultural water use throughout the State of
California. Agencies of the Department of the Interior (Bureau of
Reclamation) and Agriculture (Natural Resources Conservation Service), are
working together to leverage funds for water delivery agencies and
agricultural producers for a second consecutive year, and will provide $5.3
million in funding to five water districts and associated growers to save
water and improve water management.
<more> May 4, 2012 USDA news release
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
United Kingdom - Dairy UK to issue tough code for
unpasturized milk - - The dairy industry’s biggest lobbying body, Dairy
UK is to issue a tough code of practice for unpasteurised milk processors
ahead of a major review of ‘green top’ sales.
<more> May 4, 2012 Crawley Food Manufacture, United Kingdom
TOYSTORY Bull Produces 2 Millionth Unit of Semen
- - TOYSTORY, a Genex Cooperative, Inc. bull recognized by dairy
producers around the globe, has reached a level of semen production never
before seen in the cattle artificial insemination (A.I.) industry. Today,
TOYSTORY has produced his 2 millionth unit of semen.
<more> May 4, 2012 Dairy Today
California’s almond crop forecast at 2 billion
pounds - - The federal government Thursday projected the California
almond crop at 2 billion pounds, down slightly from last year's record
harvest. The orchards are developing well thanks to favorable weather for
the pollinating bees and other factors, the National Agricultural Statistics
Service said. "We had a good pollination period," said agency statistician
Doug Flohr, who made the announcement at the downtown Modesto headquarters
of the Almond Board of California. "It was sunny and warm."
<more> May 4, 2012 Modesto Bee
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - - The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been mailed and
can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Dairy Meetings
Thursday, May 3, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
USDA
quarantines 2 farms in mad cow investigation - - Two farms have been
quarantined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the agency continues to
investigate last month's discovery of mad cow disease at a California dairy
farm. Authorities also have launched an investigation at a calf ranch where
the initial infected cow was raised 10 years ago, according to a statement
released late Wednesday by the USDA. The farm where the cow was initially
discovered has been under quarantine since the discovery, agriculture
officials said. Wednesday's announcement of a second quarantine involves a
farm closely associated with the dairy where the sick cow was discovered
last month, the USDA said. The agency is still trying to determine if any
at-risk cattle are present at either of the two farms.
<more> May 3, 2012 CNN
USDA:
Offspring of mad cow did not have disease - - Investigators looking into
California's first case of mad cow disease say they have tracked down at
least one of her offspring in another state. Since there is no live test for
the disease also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, it was
euthanized and brain samples were sent to the national laboratory. The test
was negative, officials said Wednesday. The USDA announced April 24 that the
nation's fourth case of mad cow disease was discovered in the 10-year-old
cow. It had been euthanized at a Tulare County dairy a week earlier and sent
to the Baker Commodities rendering plant near the Central California town of
Hanford, where random testing happened to be taking place that day. That
dairy and another associated with it are under quarantine, which is standard
procedure. The USDA has declined to name the dairies or the state where the
offspring was found.
<more> May 3, 2012 AP
LA
Times editorial: Don't panic, but discovery of the disease in a dairy cow
shows the need for stricter standards - - Mad cow disease has the power
to terrify, but at this point, U.S. consumers have far more to fear from
other sources of food poisoning. There have been no human deaths from eating
mad-cow-tainted beef in this country. Meanwhile, other food-borne illnesses
kill 3,000 Americans a year; close to 400 die from salmonella alone,
according to a 2011 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. That
said, there's still reason for concern about this country's efforts to
prevent mad cow — formally known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy —
despite federal officials' rosy statements after a California dairy cow was
discovered to have the disease.
<more> May 3, 2012 LA Times
Signatures in for genetically engineered food labels
measure - - Supporters of a proposal to require labeling for genetically
engineered foods sold on California shelves took a step toward qualifying
for the ballot by submitting nearly a million signatures today. Initiative
proponents announced today that they submitted 971,126 signatures to county
election officials across the state. Roughly 504,000 valid voter signatures
are needed to qualify for the November ballot. "We're very confident that
we'll be on the ballot in November," spokeswoman Stacy Malkan said. Under
the measure, raw foods and products made primarily from genetically
engineered ingredients and some processed foods could not be advertised or
labeled as "natural." It includes some exceptions, including for organic
products, foods sold in restaurants and animal products supplemented with
genetically engineered ingredients.
<more> May 2, 2012 Capitol Alert
California dairies seek extra help - -
California producers want dairy programs included in various farm bill
proposals to reflect their higher costs and other market conditions unique
to the Golden State. A bill the Senate Ag Committee passed last week would
end the Dairy Product Price Support and the Milk Income Loss Contract
programs and replace them with margin insurance for producers and a
supply-management program. Insurance to protect margins between milk prices
and feed costs appeals to Western United Dairymen's Association, but the
organization would like to see the feed calculation changed, CEO Michael
Marsh said.
<more> May 3, 2012 Capital Press
Farm cooperatives reap near-record income - - In
case there is any doubt that the agriculture economy is doing well, a new
report from the USDA shows that the nation's 100 largest agriculture
cooperatives reported near-record revenue of $118 billion in 2010 -- an
increase of 4% percent over 2009. And net income for the 100 top agriculture
co-ops was also up more than 10% in 2010, reaching $2.39 billion, up from
$2.16 billion in 2009. "Farmer and rancher-owned cooperatives are a mainstay
in the American economy, not only helping members market and process their
crops, milk and livestock and creating jobs, but also helping producers keep
more of the earnings derived from their products at home, in rural counties
and communities," said Dallas Tonsager, USDA Rural Development under
secretary.
<more> May 2, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
High-speed rail board approves Merced-Fresno environmental impact report - - The California High-Speed Rail Authority this morning approved two resolutions certifying the environmental impact report for its proposed Merced-Fresno section, and formally approving the project. The approval clears the way for the authority to begin negotiations with property owners to buy right of way, to discuss compensation for losses to businesses, farms and residents affected by the route, and to award construction contracts for work in the section. <more> May 3, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Despite recent news, there's long-term strength in beef prices - - Long-term prospects for beef prices are good, with recovery expected for the rest of the year, according to a Rabobank report released this week. The report was completed before the mad cow case in Hanford last week, found in a lone carcass that came from a Tulare County dairy. Rabobank predicted that beef prices will recover in the second half of 2012 because of restricted supplies and seasonal considerations. In the long run, the supply of beef lags behind the demand in growing markets overseas, the report said. Reaction from Hanford’s dairy industry was positive. <more> May 2, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Environmental
News
Modesto, Modesto Irrigation District fight for $27
million in repair work - - The Modesto Irrigation District says it will
cost $27 million to fix shoddy work on the water treatment plant expansion,
and it's going after two construction industry giants to pay for it. Modesto
water customers are counting on the MID and the city to prevail with the
lawsuits in federal court, or the cost of repairs could fall on them. City
ratepayers saw their water bills jump as much as 70 percent in 2005, two
years before construction started on the plant expansion at Modesto
Reservoir. The MID agreed to expand the plant to supply more water to
Modesto.
<more> May 3, 2012 Modesto Bee
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
Kids on cattle farms may have fewer allergies -
- Kids who grow up on farms and have contact with cows and cow milk are less
likely to have allergies and asthma than kids raised nearby but not on a
farm, according to a new study from Europe. Researchers had previously
noticed that kids raised on European farms have lower rates of asthma and
allergies than other children. But the new findings help identify, at least
in part, what specifically may protect some farm-raised youngsters against
developing asthma or allergies.
<more> May 2, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
UC looks beyond California to make ends meet - - Pinched by state budget cuts, the University of California system has set its sights on a lesser tapped resource: well-off students from beyond the Golden State. The system accepted nearly twice as many non-California freshmen for this fall as it did two years ago, opening its doors to students willing to pay a premium to attend the state's top universities. <more> May 3, 2012 Sacramento Bee
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - - The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been mailed and
can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
USDA unveils rules to speed tracking of tainted
meat - - The updated rules by the U.S. Department of Agriculture allow
inspectors to begin looking for meat contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 as
soon as early testing shows a potential problem. The policy is designed to
speed up the USDA's ability to track down contaminated hamburger and ground
beef — and contain them. Under the new policy, the USDA will act quicker
after the first signs of a potentially deadly spread. The agency previously
did not begin investigating possible contaminated meat until several tests
were completed, often taking days. The policy change "buys us 24 to 48 hours
in terms of finding the sources," says USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety
Elisabeth Hagen.
<more> May 2, 2012 USA Today
Ag Secretary
Karen Ross to speak Thursday at CSU Stanislaus - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will be
a guest speaker at CSU Stanislaus Thursday May 3. Secretary Ross is
appearing as part of the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Speaker Series.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Faculty Development Center, Room
118. The lecture is free of charge.
The lecture is
free and open to the public and is sponsored by Yosemite Farm Credit. Free
parking is available in Parking Lot 8 (map:
www.csustan.edu/Directories/Maps_n_Plans/Campus_Plans/index.html).
April 13, 2012 CSU Notice
Wash. farm fined $1M for using illegal immigrants
- - A Washington state organic herb farm must pay $1 million for firing,
then rehiring illegal immigrants following a federal audit. A federal judge
on Tuesday leveled the fine recommended by prosecutors against Duvall-based
HerbCo International Inc. Three company officials, including Chief Executive
Officer Ted Andrews, also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges under a deal
with the U.S. attorney's office.
<more> May 1, 2012 Associated Press
USDA predator killing program outdated, illegal,
waste of money; Group sues in NV - - The Great Depression-era program
the Department of Agriculture uses to kill coyotes, mountain lions and other
predators that threaten livestock is outdated, illegal and a waste of
federal money, conservationists say in a new lawsuit. Wildlife Services, an
agency under USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS,
has refused for nearly two decades to conduct the environmental reviews
necessary to justify the mass killings with traps, snares, poisons and
aerial gunning, according to lawyers for WildEarth Guardians based in Sante
Fe, N.M. They are asking in a lawsuit filed Monday that a federal judge in
Nevada shut down the agency that spent $127 million in 2010 to exterminate
more than 5 million animals.
<more> May 2, 2012 Associated Press
California Farm Water Coalition taps new
president - - General Manager Dan Vink of the Lower Tule River
Irrigation District in Tulare County has been elected president of the
California Farm Water Coalition. Mr. Vink has served on the group's board of
directors since 2005. He replaces farmer Peter Nelson of Thermal.
<more> May 1, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Modesto JC finds new president in Coalinga - - Modesto Junior College has chosen an administrator from West Hills College in Coalinga to be its new president. Jill Stearns was selected from four female finalists by the Yosemite Community College District board Tuesday. She will earn $180,180 a year on a three-year contract, with a $600 monthly car allowance. "She just really impressed me and everyone throughout all the steps of the process," said Mike Riley, YCCD board chairman. "I came away from all the presentations with that she is really smart and has a great strength to her. She is straightforward in dealing with people. I have a really strong hope and confidence that she'll provide stability for MJC." <more> May 1, 2012 Modesto Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
April Class III base price unchanged from March
- - The April base milk prices released by the National Ag Statistics
Service on Wednesday show the Class III price unchanged from March at $15.72
per hundredweight. Class II declined 39 cents to $16.20 and Class IV is
55-cents lower at $14.80. Component prices per pound: butterfat $1.5645:
protein $2.6568: nonfat solids $1.0728: other solids $0.4048. U.S. milk
producers are expected to get $16.90 per hundredweight for milk produced in
April, that would be 30 cents lower than the price for March milk.
<more> May 2, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
March MILC Payment $82.6¢/cwt - - USDA has announced the March Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) payment at 82.6¢/cwt, based on milk and feed prices for March. That follows a payment of 39¢/cwt on February milk production, the first time MILC payments were made since April 2010. The payments are made to dairy producers who have signed up for the program. Eligible annual production is 2,985,000 lb. of milk. <more> May 2, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
Nitrate workshop Thursday in Parlier - - A
public workshop will be hosted Thursday May 3 in Parlier to provide an opportunity to
hear about the landmark Nitrate in Groundwater study in the Tulare Lake
Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results. Western United
Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel discussion. The
workshop will run from 2-4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag Center, 9240 S.
Riverbend Avenue in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration required. The panel will reflect on the problem of
groundwater nitrate, safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this
report might contribute to constructive policy discussions in defining the
issues and promising directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in
Sacramento will receive official public comment on the study and SBX2 1.
Information about the UC Davis Study can be found at
http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/. Information on the SBX2 1
Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies can be found at
www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml.
Information on 2012 Governor’s Environmental and
Economic Leadership Awards Program - - The Governor's Environmental and
Economic Leadership Program is California’s highest environmental honor. The
program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have
demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable, voluntary
contributions in conserving California’s precious resources, protecting and
enhancing our environment, building public-private partnerships and
strengthening the State’s economy.
<more> May 2, 2012 CDFA blog
Lacking in snowpack - - Despite storms that
hit California in March and April, the snowpack in the state's mountain
ranges remains extremely low. Surveys of the snow conducted in recent days
in the Sierra and Cascade mountains show the snowpack at 60 percent below
the average levels for this time of year, the California Department of Water
Resources reports. The news is worse for the southern Sierra — which
includes Tulare County -†where the snowpack is about 80 percent below
average for the first of May, said David Rizzardo, chief of the department's
Snow Survey Section.
<more> May 2, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Water supplies adequate despite thin snowpack
- - Sierra snow depths are well below normal for this time of year, but
reservoirs that remain full from last year's massive snowpack are expected
to provide adequate water supplies for California's farms and cities. The
state Department of Water Resources conducted its fifth and final manual
snow survey of the season Tuesday. Water content in the Sierra snowpack was
measured at 40 percent of normal. It was 190 percent of normal this time
last year. The department expects to deliver 60 percent of the water
requested by users of the State Water Project, which supplies 25 million
Californians and more than 1 million acres of agricultural land. The winter
snowpack is crucial because it provides about a third of California's water
supply as it melts throughout spring and summer.
<more> May 1, 2012 Associated Press
Delta advocacy group says restoring levees should
be state’s top priority - - Upgrading the levees in the Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta is needed as an essential flood protection for all the assets
in the Delta -- with or without a peripheral canal, says the advocacy group
Restore the Delta. "We should spend the $1 to $2 billion to bring levees up
to a robust standard to protect the $20 billion in Delta infrastructure and
to secure the water export supply," says Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla,
executive director of Restore the Delta. The group made its call for
stronger levees as part of the Delta Levees Standards Conference.
<more> May 2, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
New York’s Largest On-Farm Biogas Power Project
Generates Renewable Energy for Nearly 1,000 Homes - - U.S. Sen. Charles
Schumer (D-N.Y.) joined state and local officials today at the grand opening
of New York state’s largest on-farm, “co-digestion” biogas power project,
marking an important boost to the state’s renewable energy production and
sustainability efforts. The facility is located at Synergy Dairy, a
2,000-head dairy farm in Covington, Wyoming County, southwest of Rochester,
N.Y.
<more> May 1, 2012 Dairy Today
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
The Perfect Milk Machine: How Big Data
Transformed the Dairy Industry - - Dairy scientists are the Gregor
Mendels of the genomics age, developing new methods for understanding the
link between genes and living things, all while quadrupling the average
cow's milk production since your parents were born. While there are more
than 8 million Holstein dairy cows in the United States, there is exactly
one bull that has been scientifically calculated to be the very best in the
land. He goes by the name of Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie. Already,
Badger-Bluff Fanny Freddie has 346 daughters who are on the books and
thousands more that will be added to his progeny count when they start
producing milk. This is quite a career for a young animal: He was only born
in 2004. In January of 2009, before he had a single daughter producing milk,
the United States Department of Agriculture took a look at his lineage and
more than 50,000 markers on his genome and declared him the best bull in the
land. And, three years and 346 milk- and data-providing daughters later, it
turns out that they were right.
<more> May 1, 2012 The Atlantic
Egypt’s foot-and-mouth outbreak reaches Gaza,
endangers entire Middle East - - A U.N. agency says Egypt’s outbreak of
foot-and-mouth disease has reached neighboring Gaza Strip and could soon
spread across the Middle East. The Rome-based Food and Agriculture
Organization said Wednesday the disease was detected in Gaza’s southern
border town of Rafah on April 19.
<more> May 2, 2012 Associated Press
Cracking the Code: Making Vegan Cheese Taste Cheesier - - Cheese is a staple of many diets and, let's face it, it makes us happy. But sometimes we worry about the fat and calories it contains. Add this little guilt trip, plus a rise in veganism over the past few years and an increase in reported allergies to milk and soy, and now you've got a ripening market for cheese alternatives. But making such a product is easier said than done, says food scientist Kantha Shelke. Shelke, who is the founder of Corvus Blue, a consumer packaged goods consulting company, says cheese is a natural, complex wonder: "It melts, spreads and becomes creamy," Shelke tells The Salt. "To try to duplicate that is to say we're duplicating nature." <more> April 30, 2012 NPR
Yogurt maker Chobani wins SBA entrepreneur honor
- - Upstate New York-based Greek yogurt maker Chobani Inc. has been named
the national winner of a federal entrepreneurship award. The U.S. Small
Business Administration says Tuesday the company is being honored for its
fast growth in sales and employment across the country and overseas. Chobani
used an SBA loan to buy a closed Kraft Foods plant, starting with five
employees. It now has 1,200 and plans to open the largest yogurt plant in
the nation later this year in Twin Falls, Idaho. The company is based in the
Chenango County town of New Berlin, 50 miles south of Syracuse. May 2,
2012 Capital Press
Golf Tourney prize: CASH for Hole-in-One - -
The 10th annual Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament will offer
some fantastic prizes. $5,000 cash will be awarded to the golfer who makes a
hole-in-one
at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and
buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat
screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration flyers have been mailed and
can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Reaction to BSE case in California remains muted - - Unlike the first
U.S. discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in 2003 that triggered
numerous trade bans of American beef, last week's announcement of the
nation's fourth BSE case—and the first one found in California—resulted in
relatively minor market setbacks. "It appears at this time there's very
minimal impact on the beef industry for the short term," said Kevin Kester,
a Monterey County rancher and president of the California Cattlemen's
Association. "It appears our international trading partners understand that
U.S. beef is safe, and so there's no indication of market interruptions of
our U.S. beef products across the globe." The nation's top four export
markets for beef—Canada, Mexico, Japan and South Korea, which account for 65
percent of total U.S. beef exports—all said they intended to continue
importing American beef. Only one country—Indonesia, a relatively small
market—suspended U.S. beef shipments.
<more>
May 2, 2012 Ag Alert
Dairymen give Senate Ag Committee bill mixed reviews - - Reaction by
groups representing dairymen has been mixed to dairy margin insurance and a
supply management program contained in the Senate Ag Committee's farm bill.
The voluntary margin insurance program ensures producers margins between the
milk price and feed costs when the national margin falls below $4 per
hundredweight for two consecutive months. The program is fully subsidized by
the federal government and covers 80 percent of historic production, but
producers can purchase additional coverage. Under the supply-management
program, processors would pay producers for only 96 percent to 98 percent of
their milk. Processors would send payment for the remainder to USDA to be
used for dairy product purchases for food assistance.
<more> May 1, 2012 Capital Press
NMPF:
Dairy reform carries little effect on milk production, exports - - A new
analysis of the dairy policy changes being considered by the House and
Senate Agriculture Committees finds that the reforms will have a minimal
effect on milk production and dairy product exports, the National Milk
Producers Federation (NMPF) has said. The new analysis was prepared by Scott
Brown of the University of Missouri and the Food and Agriculture Policy
Research Institute (FAPRI), and was commissioned by the House Agriculture
Committee, which is holding an April 26 hearing on dairy policy. Brown’s
report analyzes the Dairy Security Act that the Senate Agriculture committee
is also including in the farm bill draft it will consider this week. The
program features a voluntary margin insurance program to protect against low
milk prices or high feed costs, with a basic level of coverage available to
all producers for free, and a supplemental, expanded level of coverage
available for farmers to purchase.
<more> May 1, 2012 Western Farm Press
Farm subsidy reform could backfire - - A Senate proposal to end direct federal payments to farmers and replace it with a new subsidy program gambles that crop prices will remain at historically high levels, a tactic that could backfire and double its cost, some experts say. The proposed “shallow loss” program would pay farmers when decreasing yields or declining crop prices result in a farmer’s revenue falling below historic averages. The program would save about $2 billion annually compared with the current $5 billion direct payment system — but only if crop prices remain near their current levels. If prices dip, the saving could disappear and the cost could exceed the direct payment price tag, experts say. <more> April 30, 2012 The Washington Times
Pricing/Commodity News
California April Class 4a, 4b prices lower - - California’s April Class
4b milk price is $13.43/cwt., down 24¢ from March and 91¢ less than April
2011. Through the first four months of 2012, the Class 4b average is
$13.69/cwt., $1.44 less than the same period a year ago. The April 4a
butter-powder milk price is $14.72/cwt., down 61¢ from March, the eighth
consecutive month of decline, and $4.73 less than April a year ago. Through
the first four months of 2012, the Class 4a average is $15.44/cwt., down
$2.78 from the same period a year ago. Federal order Class II, III & IV
prices will be announced May 2. May 1, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
April’s milk-feed ratio matches the worst of 2009 - - The preliminary milk-feed ratio of 1.45, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday, ties the ratio set in June 2009, which was the lowest point in a bad year. The milk-feed ratio is a rough approximation of dairy profitability using current feed costs and milk prices. High feed costs and dropping milk prices have been responsible for the dismal performance of the milk-feed ratio in recent months. <more> April 30, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Environmental
News
House
bill to block runoff rules passes - - A bill that would prevent the
federal government from regulating water runoff from private lands was
approved by the House Appropriations Committee last week. The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) and the Corps of Engineers have been working on
official guidance of the Clean Water Act that could essentially include
regulation of runoff from agricultural fields into farm ditches. The House
Appropriations bill includes language that would prohibit the EPA and
the Corps from using funds to implement that guidance. The Senate has
introduced a similar bill. The bipartisan House bill was introduced by
Republican representatives Frank Lucas of Oklahoma, John Mica of Florida and
Bob Gibbs of Ohio – and – Democrats Nick Rahall of West Virginia and Collin
Peterson of Minnesota.
<more> May 1, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Modesto Irrigation District releases draft contract for sale of water to SF
- - The Modesto Irrigation District on Monday evening released final
details of a proposed water sale to San Francisco. The district also
announced that its board will discuss the controversial plan May 8 and could
vote on it May 22. As soon as July 1, San Francisco could be taking the
water into its system, upstream on the Tuolumne River from the MID's
diversion.
<more> April 30, 2012 Modesto Bee
Friant
water projections bumped to 50% - - The southern Sierra got just enough
rain and snow in early April to boost farm water deliveries to 50%, says the
federal agency that owns Friant Dam. That's an increase of 5% from the
announcement two weeks ago by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. For those who
don't closely follow this stuff, it means the miserably dry winter wasn't
quite as bad as it could have been, thanks to storms in March and April. A
couple of months ago, the bureau was projecting only 35% deliveries. The 50%
projection means about half of the Class I deliveries will be made. That
amounts to 400,000 acre-feet. There won't be any deliveries made for the
Class II. A check of the state government's web site reveals the southern
Sierra snowpack is less than a quarter of the size it usually is in late
April. April 30, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Last
chance to sign up for monitoring coalition prior to sharp increase in
membership fees - - As most dairy operators already know, water quality
regulations adopted in May 2007 require all Central Valley dairies to
install monitoring wells to demonstrate that management practices designed
to protect groundwater are working properly. These regulations also require
that samples from the wells are regularly tested at a certified laboratory
to determine water quality. While this regulation was intended to protect
our water resources – a goal dairy and all farming families strongly support
– it comes with significant costs. To ease this burden while still meeting
the requirements of regulations, dairy farmers organized and launched a
not-for-profit coalition known as the Central Valley Dairy Representative
Monitoring Program (CVDRMP). The application fees for CVDRMP membership will
become $6,500 as of July 1. While it appears nearly all Central Valley
dairies have joined the CVDRMP at this time, any Central Valley dairy that
has not joined CVDRMP and wants to should act immediately to avoid having to
pay this substantial increase. Anyone interested in signing up for the
program or learning more can do so by visiting
www.dairycares.com/CVDRMP
or calling (916) 441-3318.
<more> April 30, 2012Dairy CARES newsletter
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
UK doctors criticize McDonalds’ Olympic sponsorship, say ads could worsen obesity epidemic - - McDonald’s is a sponsor for the London Olympics — and a British doctors’ group says that’s sending the wrong message in a country with ballooning obesity. Big Macs, fries and milkshakes will be part of McDonald’s exclusively branded menu at the Olympics and the fast-food giant will soon be opening its largest franchise in the world, a two-story cathedral-like restaurant that seats 1,500 customers, at London’s Olympic Park. McDonald’s will be the only restauranteur allowed to sell brand-name food at the games and there will also be a separate McDonald’s within the athletes’ village — in addition to three others at the Olympic Park. <more> May 1, 2012 Associated Press
Flat screen TV
tops WUD golf tourney raffle prizes
- - A flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos is
one of the top
raffle
prizes to be awarded at the 10th annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament
Monday, June 4, at Diablo Grande Golf Course. All proceeds from the popular
event will benefit Western United Dairymen's federal political action
committee. The four-person scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun
start. The day culminates with a dinner at which awards and prizes will be
presented. The grand prize for the raffle is a flat screen television! The
cost is $150 per player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls,
lunch, tee prizes, refreshments and dinner.
Registration forms have been mailed. So
check your mailbox or download a form at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
April 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Ag Secretary
Karen Ross to speak May 3 at CSU Stanislaus - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will be
a guest speaker at CSU Stanislaus Thursday May 3. Secretary Ross is
appearing as part of the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Speaker Series.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Faculty Development Center, Room
118. The lecture is free of charge.
The lecture is
free and open to the public and is sponsored by Yosemite Farm Credit. Free
parking is available in Parking Lot 8 (map:
www.csustan.edu/Directories/Maps_n_Plans/Campus_Plans/index.html).
April 13, 2012 CSU Notice
Nitrate workshop May 3 in Parlier - - A
public workshop will be hosted May 3 in Parlier to provide an opportunity to
hear about the landmark Nitrate in Groundwater study in the Tulare Lake
Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results. Western United
Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel discussion. The
workshop will run from 2-4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag Center, 9240 S.
Riverbend Avenue in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration required. The panel will reflect on the problem of
groundwater nitrate, safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this
report might contribute to constructive policy discussions in defining the
issues and promising directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in
Sacramento will receive official public comment on the study and SBX2 1.
Information about the UC Davis Study can be found at
http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/. Information on the SBX2 1
Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies can be found at
www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml.
Monday, April 30, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Production controls for milk divide nation's dairy farmers - - Dairy
farmer Dave Buck feeds his calves at 6:30 in the morning and 6:30 in the
evening. He wants them to grow healthy on his land in Goodhue, Minn., so
they produce as much milk as possible. Now, Buck and thousands of other
Minnesota dairy farmers and dairy food processors may have to choose between
getting the most milk from cows or participating in a voluntary government
system that ties insurance protection to accepting occasional production
limits. "A quota system is basically what it is," Buck said. "It isn't as
good for Minnesota if we want to grow our industry." The goal of the
proposed program is to protect farmers against losses and to eliminate big
price swings, like the ones that drove a significant number of dairy farmers
out of business in 2009. Whether that's a good idea has fractured
agriculture communities across the country, including Minnesota, the
nation's seventh-largest dairy state.
<more> April 30, 2012 Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Dairymen, Producers Remain at Odds Over Supply Control - - Whether a
provision included in the U.S. Senate’s draft farm policy tastes like sweet
cream or curdled milk depends largely on whether you’re producing milk or
processing it. The Senate Ag Committee approved its version of the 2012 Farm
Bill Thursday on an 11-6 vote. As expected, the bill moves agriculture away
from a system of direct payments while increasing a focus on risk
management. But the bill also includes the Dairy Security Act, which milk
producers largely support and dairy processors oppose.
<more> April 29, 2012 Twin Falls Times-News
Mad
cow strain found in Tulare County mysterious - - Federal officials have
been quick to reassure the public that there is no health threat from the
mad cow disease discovered in the carcass of a Tulare County dairy cow. But
there is a lot they don't know about the type of infection in that carcass
-- including how the cow got the disease, how long it was ill, and the risk
to the public if that strain gets into the food supply.
<more> April 29, 2012 Fresno Bee
Mad
cow discovery reignites debate: Are U.S. food-safety laws too lax? - -
America's beef industry and federal agriculture officials spent much of the
past week reassuring the public that the nation's meat supply is safe, after
the announcement that a California dairy cow tested positive for mad cow
disease. But even as investigators from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
continue to comb through the herd and the records at a Tulare County farm
where the animal came from, the fourth case of mad cow disease detected in
the U.S. since 2003 is sparking new debate about whether food-safety laws
are adequate to protect public health. Consumer groups argue that many of
America's key meat safety standards are weaker than rules in Europe, Japan
and other countries -- and that attempts to strengthen them have been
blocked by the meat and ranching industries.
<more> April 28, 2012 Contra Costa Times
Cattle
ID plan revived amid Valley mad cow case - - The discovery of mad cow
disease in a Tulare County dairy cow has renewed the call for creating a
mandatory livestock identification program to trace the path of a cow from
birth to death. Federal investigators have spent the past several days in
the central San Joaquin Valley trying to piece together the puzzle of where
this 10-year-old cow was born and whether it had offspring or traveled
anywhere else before it ended up on a Tulare County dairy. Those are all
critical details that, some say, are lacking because the United States does
not have a national tracking system for livestock. Such a system is in the
works, but it could be months before it is enacted.
<more> April 27, 2012 Fresno Bee
Fallout from mad cow scare hopefully short-lived - - Mad cow disease is
a guaranteed Page 1 above-the-fold story. However, newspaper headline type
was noticeably smaller the second day after the discovery of Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in a dead dairy cow at a central California
rendering plant. There are 1.8 million dairy cows in California and finding
one positive for BSE is like finding a needle in haystack. As a consumer I
am thrilled the needle was found. It proves the nation’s animal health
monitoring system works.
<more> April 27, 2012 Farm Press blog
Conway
Political money machine - - In her first two elections, Assemblywoman
Connie Conway raised and spent respectable six-figure amounts. Her 2008
campaign cost her about $500,000. Her opponent in the primary was Rebecca
Maze, the wife of Bill Maze, the well-known incumbent not seeking
re-election. Two years ago, she spent about $320,000 against an opponent who
wasn't so well-known. This time it's different. While Conway, a Tulare
native, is seeking her third term against another unknown, she's also the
Assembly Republican leader, and her campaign fund has ballooned to more than
$1.14 million as of the end of March.
<more> April 27, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Genetically modified crops' results raise concern - - Some farm groups
have joined environmentalists in an attempt to slow down approvals of
genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, as a newly engineered corn,
resistant to another potent herbicide, stands on the brink of approval.
<more> April 30, 2012 San Francisco Gate
Push
for tough state immigration measures could spread if Supreme Court upholds
Arizona law - - Emboldened by signals that the U.S. Supreme Court may
uphold parts of Arizona’s immigration law, legislators and activists across
the country say they are gearing up to push for similar get-tough measures
in their states. “We’re getting our national network ready to run with the
ball, and saturate state legislatures with versions of the law,” said
William Gheen, president of Americans for Legal Immigration. “We believe we
can pass it in most states.”
<more> April 28, 2012 Associated Press
New pre-hire disclosure template issued - - By Anthony P. Raimondo - - Labor Code Section 2810.5 became effective January 1, 2012. Under this new statute, all employees must receive a written statement of specified information at the time they are hired, and must sign an acknowledgement that the information was received. The Labor Commissioner has prepared a template that is available in English and Spanish, and the template was updated in April 2012. All dairy employers should comply with this requirement for anyone hired on or after January 1, 2012. The template can be found by clicking here. April 30, 2012
Pricing/Commodity News
CFTC wants some
answers on BSE announcement -
- The Commodity Futures
Trading Commission is asking USDA for some information regarding last week’s
announcement that a BSE-positive cow had been found in California. Rumors of
the discovery started circulating some two hours prior to the actual
announcement. During that time, cattle futures declined the 3-cent daily
limit. The rumors started circulating around noon Eastern Daylight Time on
Tuesday, USDA sent an email to reporters at 1:45 announcing a news briefing
would be held at 2:15 for an unspecified announcement. At the start of the
briefing, USDA announced the news was embargoed until 3 p.m.; obviously that
was ignored. Dow Jones Newservice says the ag department originally wanted
to hold-off on the announcement until 5 p.m. but it was moved up as the
story started to get out. Live cattle prices recovered on electronic trading
after the news was released and it was confirmed the animal had not entered
the food chain. April 30, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Profitability tightens for dairy producers - - The Preliminary Index of
Prices Received by Farmers in April shows The April all-milk price is down
30 cents from March at $16.90 per hundredweight. $2.70 below April of last
year. The highest preliminary milk price for April is $20.40 for Florida
producers while the lowest is $15.00 in California. Corn prices in April
were down 21 cents to $6.14, soybeans up 80 cents to $13.80 and alfalfa hay
up $7.00 a ton to average $207. That puts the milk-to-feed price ratio is
1.45, the lowest since June 2009. The average price for milk cows in the
U.S. in April was $1,440 per head, down $20 from the end of January but up
$20 from a year ago.
<more> April 30, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
CWT
assists with 2.4 million lbs. of cheese and butter export sales - -
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 13 requests for export
assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Foremost Farms, Maryland
& Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell
866,417 lbs. of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 1.570 million lbs. of
butter to customers in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. The
product will be delivered May through July 2012. So far in 2012, CWT has
assisted member cooperatives in making export sales totaling 46.9 million
lbs. of cheese and 40.8 million lbs. of butter to 26 countries on four
continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is
1.322 billion pounds, or the same as the annual milk production of 62,950
cows. April 30, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Gould: March MILC payment is 82.62¢ - - With USDA announcing final March prices affecting the feed adjuster, the March 2012 Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program payment will be 82.62¢/cwt., according to Brian Gould, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics professor. To see a new summary spreadsheet, go to the UW-Madison “Understanding Dairy Markets” website: http://future.aae.wisc.edu/collection/software/current_MILC_est.xls. April 30, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Environmental
News
Last chance to sign up for monitoring coalition prior to sharp increase in membership fees - - As most dairy operators already know, water quality regulations adopted in May 2007 require all Central Valley dairies to install monitoring wells to demonstrate that management practices designed to protect groundwater are working properly. These regulations also require that samples from the wells are regularly tested at a certified laboratory to determine water quality. While this regulation was intended to protect our water resources – a goal dairy and all farming families strongly support – it comes with significant costs. To ease this burden while still meeting the requirements of regulations, dairy farmers organized and launched a not-for-profit coalition known as the Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP). The application fees for CVDRMP membership will become $6,500 as of July 1. While it appears nearly all Central Valley dairies have joined the CVDRMP at this time, any Central Valley dairy that has not joined CVDRMP and wants to should act immediately to avoid having to pay this substantial increase. Anyone interested in signing up for the program or learning more can do so by visiting www.dairycares.com/CVDRMP or calling (916) 441-3318. <more> April 30, 2012Dairy CARES newsletter
Bill
seeks to halt EPA efforts to expand CWA regulation - - Legislation
designed to halt the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army
Corps of Engineers attempts to expand federal power under the Clean Water
Act (CWA) was introduced on April 27. H.R. 4965 would require a formal
rulemaking for any attempt to change the definition of “waters of the United
States” and increase the federal government’s power under the CWA. This
legislation is almost identical to a Senate bill, the Preserve the Waters of
the United States Act, introduced in late March 2012. The document
triggering the legislation was draft CWA jurisdictional guidance, proposed
by EPA and the Corps in April 2011 and expected to be finalized soon. In
February, EPA and the Corps sent a final guidance document, titled “Guidance
on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act” to the Office of
Management and Budget for regulatory review. Critics say the guidance
essentially attempts to give EPA and the Corps jurisdiction over all types
of waters, including occasionally wet areas and land use decisions not
previously subject to federal regulation. April 28, 2012 Dairy Profit
Update
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
Abused
lawyers in parody of HSUS ad - - It tugs at your heart, the ad with
sad-looking dogs and cats asking “What did I do wrong?” and “Will I die
today?” The dogs and cats can't fight back against animal abuse, but people
can. "For just $19 a month, you can join the Humane Society of the United
States in our fight to eliminate animal abuse everywhere,” the ad encourages
viewers. Yet, investigations into HSUS spending show that the organization
spends very little of its money on local pet shelters for dogs and cats.
According to this ad from Humane Watch, only one penny of every dollar
donated to HSUS goes toward local pet shelters.
<more> April 30, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Kings County hail damage to crops estimated at $20.4M - - The first crop loss estimate from freakishly powerful hail storms a few weeks ago is $20.4 million, possibly marking the worst damage ever recorded in Kings County, according to Tim Niswander, Kings County agricultural commissioner. “We’ve had hail damage before, but not quite like this,” Niswander said. “Some have referred to this as a 100-year storm event." Niswander’s office reported nine crops affected between April 11 and April 13, mostly in a miles-long swath stretching northeast from Hanford to Kingsburg and beyond. <more> April 28, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Flat screen TV
tops WUD golf tourney raffle prizes
- - A flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos is
one of the top
raffle
prizes to be awarded at the 10th annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament
Monday, June 4, at Diablo Grande Golf Course. All proceeds from the popular
event will benefit Western United Dairymen's federal political action
committee. The four-person scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun
start. The day culminates with a dinner at which awards and prizes will be
presented. The grand prize for the raffle is a flat screen television! The
cost is $150 per player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls,
lunch, tee prizes, refreshments and dinner.
Registration forms have been mailed. So
check your mailbox or download a form at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
April 23, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Producers, processors quarrel over milk price 'stabilization' - - A
“market stabilization” plan designed to tame milk price volatility and
reduce dairy program costs has become the most contentious feature of dairy
reforms in a new farm bill. Members of a House Agriculture subcommittee
showed divisions at a hearing Thursday afternoon that mirrored the different
opposing views of dairy cooperatives and milk processors over the bill.
First introduced by Rep. Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., the bill would create
a voluntary margin insurance program that protects farmers from low milk
prices or high feed costs. Farmers who sign up for margin insurance would be
subject to a “market stabilization” mechanism designed to discourage
excessive production. It also would repeal the existing dairy product price
support system, the Milk Income Loss Contract program and the Dairy Export
Incentive Program. Similar language is in the bill approved Thursday by the
Senate Agriculture Committee.
<more> April 27, 2012 Agripulse
Vilsack defends testing regime in light of BSE
case - - The federal system for detecting diseases in cows worked well
this week, but a new animal tracing program set to be unveiled soon will
make the system even better. That was the message from U.S. Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack Thursday in response to a reporter's question as to
whether the government should ramp up its inspections of animals. The USDA
tests about 40,000 cows a year for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, which
is fatal to cows and can cause a fatal human brain disease in people who eat
tainted beef. Some have called the USDA's testing inadequate in light of
this week's report that BSE, or mad cow disease, was found in a central
California dairy cow. Vilsack said the 40,000 inspections done annually are
based on an international standard.
<more> April 27, 2012 Capital Press
Holstein with mad cow disease was lame, lying
down - - The California dairy cow found to have mad cow disease was very
old for a milk producer and had been euthanized after it became lame and
started lying down, federal officials revealed in their latest update on the
discovery. The 10-year-old dairy cow, only the fourth ever discovered in the
United States, was found as part of an Agriculture Department program that
tests about 40,000 cows a year for the fatal brain disease. It was unable to
stand before it was killed and sent to a rendering plant's Hanford, Calif.
transfer station. It was one of dozens that underwent random testing at the
transfer site, and the positive results have set off a federal investigation
into the source of the disease.
<more> April 27, 2012 Associated Press
WUD
member Don DeBernardi
talks about BSE -- Western
United Dairymen member and Petaluma dairyman Don DeBernardi discusses
the BSE incident in this interview with KTVU in the Bay Area.
Click
here to view the video. April 27, 2012 KTVU-TV News
Frequently
Asked Questions about BSE - -
The USDA has a website that
addresses frequently asked questions about Bovine Spongiform
Encephalopathy (BSE).
Click here to visit the website. The most up-to-date information on BSE
can be found at the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
website.
PETA plans protest over mad cow find - - It
didn't take long for the folks at People for the Ethnical Treatment of
Animals to jump in on the recent discovery of mad cow disease in a Tulare
County dairy cow. PETA is taking issue with the treatment of animals on
California dairies, saying the conditions are a health hazard to cows and
humans. Naturally, the state's dairy industry vehemently disputes that,
saying their cows are well-cared for. Still, PETA is planning to post a
billboard near the Hanford plant where the diseased cow's carcass is being
held. The billboard depicts a cow half-sunk in manure-laden mud next to the
words "Real Milk' Comes From Real Sick Cows. Go Vegan."
<more> April 26, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
U.S. Defends Safety of Nation's Beef - - U.S.
officials offered new reassurances that the nation's beef-production system
was safe after Indonesia on Thursday suspended imports of American beef
following the first reported case of mad-cow disease in the U.S. in six
years. Tuesday's announcement of the discovery of mad-cow disease in a
California dairy cow—the fourth reported U.S. case ever—ignited fresh debate
over the U.S. government's testing regime for the disease, formally known as
bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Officials say the system is targeted and
effective, and that the diseased cow was never a danger to the food supply,
but some consumer advocates say testing is inadequate.
<more> April 26, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
CDFA to host forum on California High Speed Rail
on May 1 in Sacramento - - The California State Board of Food and
Agriculture is scheduled to address high-speed rail and the agricultural
sector at its upcoming meeting on May 1, 2012. The meeting will be held from
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220
'N' Street - Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. The board meeting will
allow the opportunity for the agricultural community to provide public
comments, listen to presentations by various stakeholders, and understand
the opportunities and challenges high-speed rail has within the Central
Valley. Scheduled speakers include: Tom Richards, Vice Chairperson,
California High-Speed Rail Authority; Supervisor Doug Verboon, Kings County
Board of Supervisors; Ted Harris, California Strategies LLC; Peter Weber,
California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley; and Edward Thompson, Jr.,
American Farmland Trust.
<more> April 27, 2012 CDFA press release
Utah
governor signs 'ag-gag' legislation - - Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has
signed a bill into law that makes undercover videos in the state illegal.
Specifically, it prohibits filming or photographing farm animals or farm
animal operations "under false pretenses" a misdemeanor punishable by six
months to one year in jail. The bill seeks to address animal activists
taking employment at livestock and poultry operations specifically to record
secret videos of animal handling that are later used to "expose" a farm
and/or industry for animal abuse. The bill was opposed by animal activist
organizations that maintained that their videos are whistleblower tools that
serve to alert authorities and the public to animal abuse and to protect
farm animals. Activists referred to the Utah bill and similar measures in
other states as "ag-gag" proposals.
<more> April 26, 2012 Feedstuffs
Child farm labor rule withdrawal draws praise
- - The U.S. Department of Labor is drawing praise for its withdrawal of a
proposed rule dealing with children who work in the agricultural sector.
Representative Denny Rehberg, a frequent critic of the proposed rules,
thanked Labor Secretary Solis and the Obama Administration on Friday for
withdrawing the proposed rule. During a conference call hosted by the
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Montana Republican pointed out
that all parents are concerned with an accident free workplace. “We do
everything we possibly can to have a safe work environment,” said Rehberg,
during the call, “but frankly, life isn’t risk free and so it’s incumbent
upon us to do the best job we possibly can to have a safe work environment.”
<more> April 27, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Child labor groups upset Obama administration
backing off plan to limit child labor on farms - - Child labor groups
say they are stunned and disappointed that the Obama administration is
backing off a plan that would have prevented children from working on the
most dangerous farm jobs. Reid Maki, coordinator of the Child Labor
Coalition, said the Labor Department’s sudden decision late Thursday to
withdraw the proposed rules means more children will die in farm accidents
that could have been prevented. “There was tremendous heat, and I don’t
think it helped that it was an election year,” he said. “A lot of
conservatives made a lot of political hay out of this issue.”
<more> April 27, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy markets mostly lower for the week - -
Cash cheese barrels and blocks both increased slightly on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange on Friday. Barrels up 1.5 cents to $1.435, blocks up .75
cent at $1.535. Butter held steady at $1.36 while both Extra Grade and Grade
A nonfat dry milk declined another penny. For the week, cash cheese barrels
down 2.5 cents, blocks up .75 cents, butter lost 5.25 cents and nonfat dry
milk down 2 cents. Class III futures for the next six months lost an average
38 cents per hundredweight. Milk production is heavy across the country,
dairy plants are running extended schedules, and cooperatives in the Pacific
Northwest are warning producers they may need to put penalties in place
similar to what California is doing.
<more> April 27, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
What falling milk prices say about an economic
slowdown - - The decline of milk prices this year has been a welcome
development for consumers pressured by $4 a gallon gas, but could be a bad
sign for the economy. Falling milk prices-particularly over the past decade
- have been a warning signal for a slowdown, while rising prices have
accompanied upturns in the economy, according to research from Nicholas
Colas, chief market strategist at ConvergEx in New York. "That`s good news
for this high-profile consumer good and its effect on inflationary
expectations," Colas said. "At the same time, milk prices have been cyclical
since the Great Depression. The pullback in 2012 could therefore be a useful
early warning sign about a slowing US, and global, recovery."
<more> April 27, 2012 CNBC
California Dairy Leader Urges Farm Bill Committee to Address Feed Costs - - “Input costs remain the most significant barrier to profitability that can be addressed in a farm bill,” Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos testified April 26 in a hearing before the House Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. The current farm bill expires Sept. 30, and Congress is in the midst of a contentious effort to write a new farm bill. “Fuel and energy costs continue to escalate, along with regulatory costs that impede our road to recovery as well,” Barcellos told the committee members. The Dairy Security Act (DSA) is the focus of legislators in the House and Senate as they look to rewrite the dairy title. Barcellos, a California dairy producer, said he was “pleased to have it as the base of discussions going forward for the next generation safety net.” <more> April 27, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
Vacancy on Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program board - -
The Central Valley dairy representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is
seeking interested dairy owner/operators to serve on CVDRMP’s board of
directors. The board currently has a vacancy through 2012 in one of two
“at-large” board director positions. The 12-member board includes ten
directors who serve in defined geographical districts and two at-large
positions. CVDRMP directors are tasked with administering the
activities of this not-for-profit coalition of dairy producers, which was
formed in 2010 to provide a lower-cost alternative to meet groundwater
monitoring requirements for dairies in the Central Valley. Interested
parties must own property on which a dairy is operated or operate a dairy
(or both), or be designated by a qualifying dairy owner or operator to
qualify. Interested parties should submit a brief bio and contact
information to
dairycares@aol.com or fax the information to (916) 441-4132, attention
J.P. Cativiela. April 26, 2012 Dairy CARES Notice
Deal-cutting time comes for California water
- - The House and Senate now are on another collision course over California
water, with the serious deal-making about to begin. A $33.3 billion energy
and water funding bill approved Thursday by the powerful Senate
Appropriations Committee sets out one bargaining position, a relatively
modest one. The bill shepherded by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein promotes
water transfers, encourages planning to boost Central Valley irrigation
water deliveries and speeds review of certain water storage proposals -- in
particular, Sites Reservoir in western Colusa County. “Overall, I believe we
have developed a well-balanced and responsible bill,” Feinstein said
Thursday. A far more aggressive House bill passed earlier this year sets out
a competing position. The House bill would curtail an ambitious San Joaquin
River restoration plan, lengthen irrigation contracts and override certain
state and federal environmental provisions.
<more> April 26, 2012 Fresno Bee
Monday, April 30 water
quality deadline for North Coast dairy producers - - Dairy producers
operating under the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board should
be aware of the April 30 deadline to enroll in the Water Board's new Dairy
Program. All dairies in the Region are required to enroll. Any producer who
has not filled out their Notice of Intent (NOI) or would like assistance
doing so should contact Field Representative Melissa Lema at (707)-779-2214
or wud.mlema@yahoo.com. Any
producer with questions regarding the dairy program can also contact
Melissa, or WUD Environmental Services Director, Paul Martin at
(707)-478-0604. April 18, 2012 WUD Notice
Domino’s Pizza says “no” to HSUS - - This
week, Domino’s Pizza shareholders voted to reject a resolution offered by
the Humane Society of the United States to require its pork suppliers to
stop housing gestating sows in stalls. Perhaps equally as surprising is the
overwhelming margin of the vote-- 80 percent of shareholders voting against
the HSUS-proposed resolution, 4 percent voted in favor, 16 percent
abstained. The vote came at the pizza chain’s 2012 shareholders’ meeting.
The Domino’s decision runs counter to actions taken just this week by Burger
King, as well as previous pledges by McDonald’s and Wendy’s, among other
foodservice entities to only purchase pork products from producers who don’t
use gestation-sow stalls.
<more> April 26, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Population growth in Valley sees big decline - - Population growth in the San Joaquin Valley has slowed considerably, and the region is now expected to have almost one-third fewer people in 2050 than was predicted just five years ago, according to a new study done for area planning agencies. The findings are likely to affect everything from affordable housing and transportation planning to the control of greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades, as lower population growth rates reduce demand for new homes and highways. <more> April 26, 2012 Fresno Bee
Flat screen TV
tops WUD golf tourney raffle prizes
- - A flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos is
one of the top
raffle
prizes to be awarded at the 10th annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament
Monday, June 4, at Diablo Grande Golf Course. All proceeds from the popular
event will benefit Western United Dairymen's federal political action
committee. The four-person scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun
start. The day culminates with a dinner at which awards and prizes will be
presented. The grand prize for the raffle is a flat screen television! The
cost is $150 per player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls,
lunch, tee prizes, refreshments and dinner.
Registration forms have been mailed. So
check your mailbox or download a form at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
April 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Ag Secretary
Karen Ross to speak May 3 at CSU Stanislaus - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will be
a guest speaker at CSU Stanislaus Thursday May 3. Secretary Ross is
appearing as part of the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Speaker Series.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Faculty Development Center, Room
118. The lecture is free of charge.
The lecture is
free and open to the public and is sponsored by Yosemite Farm Credit. Free
parking is available in Parking Lot 8 (map:
www.csustan.edu/Directories/Maps_n_Plans/Campus_Plans/index.html).
April 13, 2012 CSU Notice
Nitrate workshop May 3 in Parlier - - A
public workshop will be hosted May 3 in Parlier to provide an opportunity to
hear about the landmark Nitrate in Groundwater study in the Tulare Lake
Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results. Western United
Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel discussion. The
workshop will run from 2-4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag Center, 9240 S.
Riverbend Avenue in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration required. The panel will reflect on the problem of
groundwater nitrate, safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this
report might contribute to constructive policy discussions in defining the
issues and promising directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in
Sacramento will receive official public comment on the study and SBX2 1.
Information about the UC Davis Study can be found at
http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/. Information on the SBX2 1
Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies can be found at
www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
WUD President Barcellos to testify at Thursday
Farm Bill hearing - - Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos is
scheduled to testify Thursday, April 26 in Washington, DC, when the House
holds a hearing on the Dairy Title of the next Farm Bill. The hearing before
the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry is set for 2 p.m. on
Capitol Hill. The 2008 Farm Bill is set to expire Sept. 30, 2012. The 2008
Farm Bill totaled $284 billion over five years. Under competing budget
proposals, the Senate version offers $23 billion in reductions over the next
10 years, while the House version proposed $33 billion over the next ten
years. More information on the hearing, including witness testimony and live
video coverage can be found
by clicking here. April 20, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Cardoza, Costa
to Host Farm Bill Forum Saturday in Fresno - -
Congressmen Dennis Cardoza
(D-Merced) and Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced they will be hosting a Farm
Bill Forum on Saturday, April 28 in Fresno. Both Congressmen serve on the
House Agriculture Committee, which is charged with drafting the Farm Bill
every five years. Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will
participate in the dairy panel. The forum begins at 10 a.m. at Fresno City
Hall and runs until noon. April 24, 2012 Cardoza and Costa Press
Release
Food stamp debate could muddy farm bill - -
Ag groups say big cuts in USDA food programs passed by the House Ag
Committee are unlikely to become law, but could make negotiations on the
next farm bill more difficult. Republicans on the committee pressed for $33
billion in cuts from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program over the
next 10 years. The committee's passage of the cuts earlier this month has
harmed the typically bipartisan process of writing a farm bill, sources say.
"What it really did was make the environment more difficult to pass a farm
bill," said Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union executive director. "A
debate about something that's not going to be so muddied the waters."
<more> April 25, 2012 Capital Press
Discovery of mad cow in Calif. was stroke of luck
- - A non-descript building in the heart of California's dairy country
has become the focus of intense scrutiny now that mad cow disease has been
discovered in a dead dairy cow. The finding, announced Tuesday, is the first
new case of the disease in the U.S. since 2006 - and the fact that the
discovery was made at all was a stroke of luck. Tests are performed on only
a small portion of dead animals brought to the transfer facility near
Hanford. The cow had died at one of the region's hundreds of dairies, but
hadn't exhibited outward symptoms of the disease: unsteadiness,
incoordination, a drastic change in behavior or low milk production,
officials said. But when the animal arrived at the facility with a truckload
of other dead cows on April 18, its 30-month-plus age and fresh corpse made
her eligible for USDA testing.
<more> April 25, 2012 Associated Press
Of food supply risks, mad cow's not high on list
- - If the mad cow found in California has you wondering about food
safety, well, there are plenty of problems that pose serious risks to the
food supply. But mad cow disease shouldn't be high on the worry list. Just
in the past few months, Americans have been sickened by contaminated
sprouts, raw milk and sushi. Thirty people died last year from
bacteria-tainted cantaloupe. And when it comes to hamburger, a dangerous
strain of E. coli that can lurk in ground beef sickens thousands of people
every year. "What we know is that 3,000 Americans die every year from
preventable food-borne illnesses that are not linked" to mad cow disease,
said Sarah Klein of the consumer advocacy group Center for Science in the
Public Interest. "Things like E. coli, salmonella -- that's where we should
be focusing our attention, outrage and policy."
<more> April 25, 2012 Associated Press
What you need to know about the latest case of
BSE - - A dairy cow infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
has been detected in California, according to a U.S. Department of
Agriculture announcement on Tuesday. The cow was found in a rendering
facility in central California. According to the San Jose Mercury News, the
cow tested positive at a transfer facility in Hanford, 15 miles west of
Visalia in Kings County, operated by Baker Commodities. Although details
about the age and origins of the animal are being withheld pending further
investigation, the National Milk Producers Federation offered the following
points on the issue.
<more> April 24, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Defining “atypical BSE” - - The latest case
of BSE in that California dairy cow this week was “atypical BSE”. Dr. Ron
DeHaven with the American Veterinary Medical Association says the molecular
weight of the prions of atypical BSE is different and it appears the disease
occurs spontaneously without any source such as contaminated feed. One
important note is that this means there was no breakdown in the
ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban or the other safeguards which have been put in
place in the U.S.
<more> April 25, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
WUD
member Ray Souza talks about BSE -- Western United Dairymen member Ray
Souza, Turlock, was interviewed by KCRA-TV News, Sacramento, as part of
their story on the discovery of BSE in a dairy cow in Central California.
Click here to watch the video. April 25, 2012 KCRA-TV
Number of US illegal immigrants from Mexico drops
- - The number of Mexican immigrants living illegally in the U.S. has
dropped significantly for the first time in decades, a dramatic shift as
many illegal workers, already in the U.S. and seeing few job opportunities,
return to Mexico. An analysis of census data from the U.S. and Mexican
governments details the movement to and from Mexico, a nation accounting for
nearly 60 percent of the illegal immigrants in the U.S. It comes amid
renewed debate over U.S. immigration policy as the Supreme Court hears
arguments this week on Arizona's tough immigration law.
<more> April 23, 2012 Associated Press
Many
questions as Supreme Court hears Arizona immigration case - - Supreme
Court justices sounded sympathetic Wednesday to Arizona’s controversial
efforts to crack down on illegal immigrants, while raising some questions
about the potential consequences for individuals and for national policy. In
an election-year case that inspired chanting demonstrators outside and
maneuvering politicians across Capitol Hill, multiple justices hinted or
declared outright that Arizona can enforce its own border-control measures.
Overall, the tenor of the unusually long argument tilted in favor of the
state. “What does sovereignty mean if it does not include the ability to
defend your borders?” Justice Antonin Scalia asked rhetorically, further
citing the state’s desire to control “people who have no right to be there.”
While Scalia seemed the most persistent supporter of Arizona’s efforts, his
views were at least shadowed by the questions posed by Chief Justice John
Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel Alito.
<more> April 25, 2012 McClatchy newspapers
High-speed rail avoids derailing in Legislature – for now - - California’s embattled high-speed passenger train system, construction on which is supposed to start this year in the Central Valley, has avoided being derailed by one of its most vocal opponents in the Legislature. AB 1455, a bill authored by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, to halt state debt funding for California’s high-speed rail project, has failed to get out of committee. <more> April 24, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Pricing/Commodity News
Markets tremble on news of BSE in California cow
- - Mad cow may not be a joking matter, but the impact to the market is
madness, or at least has been historically. You have likely heard by now of
the report that a cow was found in California with mad cow disease. Markets
sell off on the news of mad cow and then tend to rebound after nothing
happens. The official USDA press release says this looks to be a very
isolated case, and a very rare form of the disease. It appears that the
initial market reaction on beef prices was overdone as the market came off
of a limit lower move. Dairy futures have sold off slightly this afternoon
as the news entered the market but we don’t expect to see a continued
significant reaction in terms of pricing on dairy futures.
<more> April 25, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
BSE Discovery Not Expected to Impact Dairy Exports - - USDA’s April 24 announcement that a California cow had been detected with atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) shouldn't have any impact on U.S. dairy exports, Alan Levitt of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) said today. "Milk and dairy products do not contain or transmit BSE," noted Alan Levitt, USDEC’s vice president of communications. "USDA and OIE [World Animal Health] recognize that milk is safe. "While previous BSE findings resulted in massive beef trade bans (notably Japan and Korea), there were virtually no trade restrictions for dairy during the three previous incidents of BSE in the U.S.," Levitt added. <more> April 25, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
Bakersfield area near top of bad air rankings --
again - - In a conference call detailing the American Lung Association's
latest air quality report card, one city's name came up again and again:
Bakersfield. Bakersfield-Delano ranked worst in the nation for short-term
particle pollution as well as annual particle pollution. The region ranked
third worst for ozone pollution, behind the Los Angeles and Visalia areas.
That's actually a slight improvement from last year, when Bakersfield held
the No. 2 spot for ozone. Not surprisingly, the association awarded Kern
County an "F" for ozone and particle air quality. Overall, California cities
crowded the top polluters list.
<more> April 24, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
Capitol awash in Delta canal bills - - It's a
big day for the Delta at the state Capitol as legislators debate three bills
intended either to add accountability to state water plans or to prematurely
torpedo them - depending on which side you believe. The bills by Delta-area
lawmakers all target the proposed peripheral canal or tunnel, which would
divert water around the estuary on its way to cities and farms up and down
the state. The most prominent of today's bills would require a full
cost-benefit analysis before a canal or tunnel could be built.
<more> April 24, 2012 Stockton Record
Bill to determine water plan's true cost clears
- - A Central Valley Republican wants to mandate that officials determine
the total cost before constructing a canal or tunnel to move water around
the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The bill, AB2421, by Bill Berryhill,
R-Ceres (Stanislaus County), cleared an Assembly committee Tuesday with
bipartisan support. In addition to requiring a total cost determination, the
bill would also require that officials explain who would pay for the
project.
<more> April 25, 2012 San Francisco Chronicle
Fees and Anger Rise in California Water War -
- There are accusations of conspiracies, illegal secret meetings and
double-dealing. Embarrassing documents and e-mails have been posted on an
official Web site emblazoned with the words “Fact vs. Fiction.” Animosities
have grown so deep that the players have resorted to exchanging lengthy,
caustic letters, packed with charges of lying and distortion. And it is all
about water. Water is a perennial source of conflict and anxiety throughout
the arid West, but it has a particular resonance here in the deserts of
Southern California.
<more> April 23, 2012 The New York Times
Farm groups seek changes to coast water program
- - Based on violations of state environmental and water laws, the State
Water Resources Control Board should set aside new agricultural water
regulations for the Central Coast region, according to petitions filed by a
coalition of farm organizations. Stressing that they support efforts to
enhance water quality in the region, the organizations said the plan adopted
last month by the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
contains "unlawful requirements" that will "gravely impact" farmers and
agricultural businesses in the region, while failing to improve water
quality. Separate, complementary petitions were filed last week with the
state water board: one from the California Farm Bureau Federation and seven
county Farm Bureaus in the Central Coast region, the other from a coalition
composed of Western Growers, the Grower-Shipper Association of Central
California and the Grower-Shipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis
Obispo Counties.
<more> April 25, 2012 Ag Alert
April 30 water
quality deadline for North Coast dairy producers - - Dairy producers
operating under the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board should
be aware of the April 30 deadline to enroll in the Water Board's new Dairy
Program. All dairies in the Region are required to enroll. Any producer who
has not filled out their Notice of Intent (NOI) or would like assistance
doing so should contact Field Representative Melissa Lema at (707)-779-2214
or wud.mlema@yahoo.com. Any
producer with questions regarding the dairy program can also contact
Melissa, or WUD Environmental Services Director, Paul Martin at
(707)-478-0604. April 18, 2012 WUD Notice
Canadian cow confirmed as all-time dairy queen
- - It’s official. Guinness World Records has confirmed that a Canadian
cow has broken the record for lifetime milk production. On April 9, Dairy
Herd Network told you that the cow had laid claim to the record, but it
still wasn't official at that time. Gillette Emperor Smurf has produced
478,163 pounds of milk over 15 years. "That’s the equivalent of more than
one million glasses of milk,” notes her owner, Eric Patenaude, of Embrun,
Ontario, Canada. The previous record was set in 2006 by a Michigan cow,
Tacoma Mark My-Word, which was credited with 471,900 pounds of milk.
April 24, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Are local green salads safer than packaged green salads? - - Are salad greens from your local farmer's market actually safer than packaged lettuce from thousands of miles away? And should the same safety rules apply to both? The answers aren't obvious, even to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which is struggling to draft safety regulations that will apply to most vegetable growers. One thing is obvious, though. Right now, when it comes to food safety, big and small vegetable farmers are living in different worlds. And if they all are forced to live by the same rules — if the FDA asks everyone to behave like big-time California-style growers, for instance — it will be a shock to many smaller farmers in other parts of the country. <more> April 23, 2012 NPR
Flat screen TV
tops WUD golf tourney raffle prizes
- - A flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos is
one of the top
raffle
prizes to be awarded at the 10th annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament
Monday, June 4, at Diablo Grande Golf Course. All proceeds from the popular
event will benefit Western United Dairymen's federal political action
committee. The four-person scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun
start. The day culminates with a dinner at which awards and prizes will be
presented. The grand prize for the raffle is a flat screen television! The
cost is $150 per player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls,
lunch, tee prizes, refreshments and dinner.
Registration forms have been mailed. So
check your mailbox or download a form at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
April 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Ag Secretary
Karen Ross to speak May 3 at CSU Stanislaus - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will be
a guest speaker at CSU Stanislaus Thursday May 3. Secretary Ross is
appearing as part of the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Speaker Series.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Faculty Development Center, Room
118. The lecture is free of charge.
The lecture is
free and open to the public and is sponsored by Yosemite Farm Credit. Free
parking is available in Parking Lot 8 (map:
www.csustan.edu/Directories/Maps_n_Plans/Campus_Plans/index.html).
April 13, 2012 CSU Notice
Nitrate workshop May 3 in Parlier - - A
public workshop will be hosted May 3 in Parlier to provide an opportunity to
hear about the landmark Nitrate in Groundwater study in the Tulare Lake
Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results. Western United
Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel discussion. The
workshop will run from 2-4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag Center, 9240 S.
Riverbend Avenue in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration required. The panel will reflect on the problem of
groundwater nitrate, safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this
report might contribute to constructive policy discussions in defining the
issues and promising directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in
Sacramento will receive official public comment on the study and SBX2 1.
Information about the UC Davis Study can be found at
http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/. Information on the SBX2 1
Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies can be found at
www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Animal
with mad cow disease tested in Hanford - - The carcass of a dairy cow
with mad cow disease is being held at a processing facility near Hanford,
company officials confirmed this afternoon. The cow was taken from an
undisclosed dairy in central California to the Baker Commodities transfer
station east of Hanford. Earlier today, federal agriculture officials
confirmed the mad cow disease case. They said the cow was not scheduled for
slaughter for human consumption and did not pose a risk to the food supply
or human health. Milk does not transmit the disease. It is the fourth
confirmed case nationwide of the disease, also known as bovine spongiform
encephalopathy, or BSE. The carcass will be destroyed, officials said.
<more> April 24, 2012 Fresno Bee
USDA
statement on Detection of BSE in dairy cow in central California - -
USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford today released the following
statement on the detection of BSE in the United States: "As part of our
targeted surveillance system, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA)
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the
nation's fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a dairy
cow from central California. The carcass of the animal is being held under
State authority at a rendering facility in California and will be destroyed.
It was never presented for slaughter for human consumption, so at no time
presented a risk to the food supply or human health. Additionally, milk does
not transmit BSE. "Samples from the animal in question were tested at USDA's
National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Confirmatory
results using immunohistochemistry and western blot tests confirmed the
animal was positive for atypical BSE, a very rare form of the disease not
generally associated with an animal consuming infected feed.
<more> April 24, 2012 USDA Press Release
Video
interview with USDA Chief Veterinary Officer - - Dr. John Clifford
answers a series of questions about the discovery of BSE in a dairy
cow from central California.
Click here to view
April 24, 2012
CDFA
Secretary Ross statement on BSE case - - – CDFA Secretary Karen Ross
issued this statement following the USDA’s announcement of the detection of
atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a California dairy cow:
“The detection of BSE shows that the surveillance program in place in
California and around the country is working. Milk and beef remain safe to
consume. The disease is not transmitted through milk. Because of the
strength of the food protection system, the cow did not enter the food or
feed supply. There are numerous safeguards in place to prevent BSE from
entering the food chain. “The atypical BSE designation is important because
this is a very rare form of BSE not generally associated with an animal
consuming infected feed. CDFA veterinarians are working with the USDA to
investigate this case and to identify whether additional cows are at risk.
Feed restrictions in place in California and around the country for the last
15 years minimize that risk to the greatest degree possible. We will provide
additional information about this case as it becomes available.”
April 24, 2012 CDFA Press Release
USDA
reiterates safety of beef as it announces BSE cow in California - - In a
press call this afternoon, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the
discovery of an animal infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
in California. USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford said in a
statement that the dairy cow was found as part of USDA’s targeted
surveillance system. The carcass of the animal is being held under state
authority at a rendering facility in California and will be destroyed. It
was never presented for slaughter for human consumption, so at no time
presented a risk to the food supply or human health. Additionally, milk does
not transmit BSE, said Clifford.
<more> April 24, 2012 Feedstuffs
BSE
resource center online- - For information on BSE, go online to
www.BSEInfo.org an information resource
on bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, commonly referred to as “mad cow
disease”) and several other rare neurological disorders known as
Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE). BSEInfo.org is funded by
The Beef Checkoff Program and managed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef
Association (NCBA). April 24, 2012
Cardoza, Costa
to Host Farm Bill Forum Saturday in Fresno - -
Congressmen Dennis Cardoza
(D-Merced) and Jim Costa (D-Fresno) announced they will be hosting a Farm
Bill Forum on Saturday, April 28 in Fresno. Both Congressmen serve on the
House Agriculture Committee, which is charged with drafting the Farm Bill
every five years. Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will
participate in the dairy panel. The forum begins at 10 a.m. at Fresno City
Hall and runs until noon. April 24, 2012 Cardoza and Costa Press
Release
Congressional Dairy Debate Begins in Earnest - - By Jim Dickrell,
Dairy Today - - The dairy policy rhetoric ratchets up this week amid
tightening margins and rapidly expanding production. We’re in for a long,
hot, nasty summer. After nearly two years of discussion and argument on
future dairy policy among dairy farmers and processors, the real debate that
matters begins in Congress this week. The Senate will begin mark-up of its
version tomorrow, and the Dairy Security Act (DSA) of 2012 as we all know
(and love or hate) it, will likely be tweaked. That’s almost a certainty on
the House side, where Speaker John Boehner has been quoted as saying DSA is
dead on arrival if it contains supply management provisions. The House of
Representatives’ Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry
will hold hearings on dairy policy Thursday.
<more> April 24, 2012 Dairy Today
Senate
urged to cut milk supply limits from Farm Bill - - Dairy industry
leaders today called for the Senate Agriculture Committee to remove a new
dairy program that is designed to control milk prices from the draft 2012
Farm Bill and instead focus on providing proven safety-net programs, such as
revenue insurance, typically used for other commodities. Miriam Erickson
Brown, president and CEO of Anderson Erickson Dairy; Jon Davis, president
and CEO of Davisco Foods International, Inc.; and David Ahlem, vice
president of dairy procurement and policy for Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.,
held a press briefing before heading to Capitol Hill for scheduled meetings
with committee members. The dairy leaders join the International Dairy Foods
Association in opposing the milk supply management program, called Dairy
Market Stabilization, included in Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow’s (D-MI) mark
of the 2012 Farm Bill, released on Friday. They believe this program, first
introduced in H.R. 3062, the Dairy Security Act, by Rep. Collin Peterson
(D-MN), will raise consumer prices, hurt exports, cost thousands of new jobs
and stifle investments in new facilities.
<more> April 24, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
NMPF: FAPRI
analysis indicates effectiveness of dairy policy proposal - -
A new analysis of the dairy
policy changes being considered by the House and Senate Agriculture
Committees finds that the reforms will have a minimal effect on milk
production and dairy product exports, the National Milk Producers Federation
(NMPF) said today. At the same time, two other national farm groups, the
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and the National Council of Farmer
Cooperatives (NCFC), have endorsed the changes in dairy policy that NMPF is
pushing for on Capitol Hill. The groups sent a letter today to the Senate in
support of the dairy reforms. The new analysis was prepared by Dr. Scott
Brown of the University of Missouri and the Food and Agriculture Policy
Research Institute (FAPRI), and was commissioned by the House Agriculture
Committee, which is holding a hearing this Thursday on dairy policy.
<more> April 24, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
High-speed rail: Route decision disappoints affected farmers -- Expressing disappointment, landowners in at least one county say they're considering their options in response to the final, preferred route for the Merced-to-Fresno section of the proposed California high-speed rail system. The California High-Speed Rail Authority released final environmental documents last week that lock in that preferred route, part of a proposed 800-mile system connecting Los Angeles to San Francisco. Madera County Farm Bureau Executive Director Anja Raudabaugh said she was disappointed by the authority's final version of the documents, known as the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement. <more> April 24, 2012 Ag Alert
Environmental
News
U.S.
Senate panel approves water bill - - The Interior Department would
prepare new plans to boost water deliveries and storage in California’s
Central Valley, potentially under streamlined environmental reviews, under a
funding bill approved by a key Senate panel Tuesday. A six-month study, to
be updated annually, would examine myriad ways to increase the amount of
water that farmers in the region between Chico and Bakersfield get from the
federal Central Valley Project. Separately, the Senate bill calls for
expeditious completion of feasibility and environmental studies for
potential new reservoirs. The provisions, along with others targeting
California, are included in a $33.3 billion energy and water spending bill
that may carry special significance this year. With lawmakers from both
parties voicing concern about California’s water needs, the annual
appropriations measure could become the likeliest train going down the
track.
<more> April 24, 2012 Fresno Bee
April 30 water
quality deadline for North Coast dairy producers - - Dairy producers
operating under the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board should
be aware of the April 30 deadline to enroll in the Water Board's new Dairy
Program. All dairies in the Region are required to enroll. Any producer who
has not filled out their Notice of Intent (NOI) or would like assistance
doing so should contact Field Representative Melissa Lema at (707)-779-2214
or wud.mlema@yahoo.com. Any
producer with questions regarding the dairy program can also contact
Melissa, or WUD Environmental Services Director, Paul Martin at
(707)-478-0604. April 18, 2012 WUD Notice
Nitrate workshop May 3 in Parlier - - A
public workshop will be hosted May 3 in Parlier to provide an opportunity to
hear about the landmark Nitrate in Groundwater study in the Tulare Lake
Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results. Western United
Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel discussion. The
workshop will run from 2-4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag Center, 9240 S.
Riverbend Avenue in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration required. The panel will reflect on the problem of
groundwater nitrate, safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this
report might contribute to constructive policy discussions in defining the
issues and promising directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in
Sacramento will receive official public comment on the study and SBX2 1.
Information about the UC Davis Study can be found at
http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/. Information on the SBX2 1
Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies can be found at
www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml.
Genomes of two champion bulls sequenced - - With more than 60,000 descendants in six generations, Pawnee Farm Arlinda Chief and his son Walkway Chief Mark cast a long genetic shadow. New research on the genomes of the two bulls show how portions of their DNA that control important traits such as disease resistance or milk production have spread throughout the contemporary Holstein breed, the world’s highest-producing dairy animal. The research, published online April 23 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, may provide for faster and less costly methods to breed genetically elite cattle. "The technique we developed, called ‘haplotracking,’ allows researchers to identify chromosome segments that are under selection in a certain population and match them with genes controlling specific traits," said Harris Lewin, senior author of the paper, who led the research project while at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Lewin is now vice chancellor for research at the University of California, Davis. <more> April 24, 2012 UC Davis Press Release
Flat screen TV
tops WUD golf tourney raffle prizes
- - A flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos is
one of the top
raffle
prizes to be awarded at the 10th annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament
Monday, June 4, at Diablo Grande Golf Course. All proceeds from the popular
event will benefit Western United Dairymen's federal political action
committee. The four-person scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun
start. The day culminates with a dinner at which awards and prizes will be
presented. The grand prize for the raffle is a flat screen television! The
cost is $150 per player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls,
lunch, tee prizes, refreshments and dinner.
Registration forms have been mailed. So
check your mailbox or download a form at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
April 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Ag Secretary
Karen Ross to speak May 3 at CSU Stanislaus - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will be
a guest speaker at CSU Stanislaus Thursday May 3. Secretary Ross is
appearing as part of the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Speaker Series.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Faculty Development Center, Room
118. The lecture is free of charge.
The lecture is
free and open to the public and is sponsored by Yosemite Farm Credit. Free
parking is available in Parking Lot 8 (map:
www.csustan.edu/Directories/Maps_n_Plans/Campus_Plans/index.html).
April 13, 2012 CSU Notice
Monday, April 23, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
WUD President Barcellos to testify at Thursday
Farm Bill hearing - - Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos is
scheduled to testify Thursday, April 26 in Washington, DC, when the House
holds a hearing on the Dairy Title of the next Farm Bill. The hearing before
the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry is set for 2 p.m. on
Capitol Hill. The 2008 Farm Bill is set to expire Sept. 30, 2012. The 2008
Farm Bill totaled $284 billion over five years. Under competing budget
proposals, the Senate version offers $23 billion in reductions over the next
10 years, while the House version proposed $33 billion over the next ten
years. April 20, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Bill Addressing Attacks on Farms Moves Forward
- - Assemblyman David Valadao’s (R-Hanford) measure, AB 2177, to tighten
criminal penalties for those committing certain types of violence at
livestock facilities was unanimously approved out of the Assembly Committee
on Public Safety on Tuesday. Specifically, AB 2177 adds livestock
facilities to the list of places where it is a felony to ignite a
destructive device or commit arson with the intent to terrorize. A prison
term of up to seven years could result from engaging in such action, and the
felony charge could be combined with other charges to include penalties of
up to 10 years or life in prison, according to the California Cattlemen’s
Association, a key advocate for the bill.
<more> April 23, 2012 Ag Council
NMPF Welcomes Inclusion of Dairy Policy Reforms
in Senate Ag Committee Farm Bill Draft - - The draft farm bill language
released this afternoon by the Senate Agriculture Committee includes the key
components of the Foundation for the Future dairy policy reform developed by
National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) nearly two years ago. The dairy
legislation begins at Section 1401 (page 68) in Title 1 - Subtitle D and
goes through Section 1481 (page 111). In preparation for an Agriculture
Committee markup next week, Committee Chairwoman Sen. Debbie Stabenow
(D-MI), along with Ranking Member Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), released the
provisions Friday of the entire farm bill, including the dairy legislative
language.
<more> April 20, 2012 NMPF press release
Senate action kicks off uphill battle to pass
farm and food bill this year - - The Senate has begun laying the
groundwork for a half-trillion-dollar farm and food bill that would end
unconditional subsidies to farmers, but House Republicans’ resolve to cut
its biggest component — food stamps — by $13 billion a year dims its
prospects of passing Congress. The current five-year farm bill expires at
the end of September, and the Senate Agriculture Committee on Friday
released a draft of its plan to redesign safety nets that help farmers
weather bad times while achieving some $23 billion in deficit reduction. The
full committee is to vote next week on the plan, which consolidates
conservation programs and takes several steps, such as stopping lottery
winners from getting assistance, to make the food stamp program more
accountable. Of that $23 billion in savings projected over next 10 years, $4
billion comes from food stamps.
<more> April 20, 2012 Associated Press
Senate Ag Bill Offers Breaks for Smaller Dairy
Herds - - The Senate Agriculture Committee’s 900-page Farm Bill proposal
contains low-priced margin insurance for the first 4 million lb. of annual
milk production. These lower rates are available to all herds regardless of
herd size. For those producers who opt to participate in the Margin
Protection Program, the first $4 of margin is covered by the government
(after farms pay a small administrative fee to participate). Supplemental
insurance for higher margins can then be purchased annually.
<more> April 23, 2012 Ag Web
Showdown on Arizona immigration law goes to
Supreme Court - - The Supreme Court and the Obama administration are set
for another politically charged clash Wednesday as the justices take up
Arizona's tough crackdown on illegal immigrants. It will be a rematch of the
attorneys who argued the healthcare case a month ago, and another chapter in
the partisan philosophical struggle over states' rights and the role of the
federal government. And once again, President Obama's lawyers are likely to
face skeptical questions from the high court. Last year, the court's five
more-conservative justices rebuffed the administration and upheld an earlier
Arizona immigration law that targeted employers who hired illegal workers.
<more> April 21, 2012 The Los Angeles Times
Final high-speed rail report for Merced-Fresno issued - - A 32-chapter report intended to be the final word on the effects of high-speed trains between Merced and Fresno was released Friday by the California High-Speed Rail Authority. It is unlikely, though, to change the minds of farmers and others who are worried about how high-speed rail may alter their farms, businesses, homes or communities. "They're looking at the potential for 30 road closures in my district," said Madera County Supervisor David Rogers, who represents the Chowchilla area. "It's going to be an emergency-access nightmare, and it's going to be very difficult for a farmer to navigate his operation when he has to go six miles out of his way to get from one side of his farm to the other." <more> April 20, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Climate Change to Affect Corn Prices, Study Says
- - Researchers have found that climate change is likely to have far
greater influence on the volatility of corn prices over the next three
decades than factors that recently have been blamed for price swings — like
oil prices, trade policies and government biofuel mandates. The new study,
published on Sunday in the journal Nature Climate Change, suggests that
unless farmers develop more heat-tolerant corn varieties or gradually move
corn production from the United States into Canada, frequent heat waves will
cause sharp price spikes.
<more> April 22, 2012 The New York Times
CWT assists with 3.4 million lbs. of cheese and butter export sales; to add AMF - -Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 11 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Foremost Farms and Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative to sell 2.615 million lbs. of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 752,000 lbs. of butter to customers in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. The product will be delivered May through July 2012. So far in 2012, CWT assisted member cooperatives in making cheese export sales totaling 46.0 million lbs. and butter export sales totaling 39.2 million lbs. to 26 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.280 billion lbs., or equivalent to the annual milk production of 60,900 cows. CWT also announced that, beginning the week of May 7, it will begin accepting requests for export assistance for anhydrous milk fat (AMF). April 23, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Environmental
News
While birds nesting, halt to harvest sought -
- The federal government seeks farmers willing to hold off on the harvest
while a certain bird nests in their fields. The Natural Resources
Conservation Service aims to protect the tricolored blackbird, which has
lost most of its natural habitat in the Central Valley. The bird has adapted
by nesting in dairy feed crops that mature in spring, but harvesting can
wipe out the nests before the newborns have fledged.
<more> April 21, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Hawks delay work on Highway 198 - - Work on
the State Route 198 Hanford Expressway project could be delayed because
several pairs of red-tailed hawks and Swainson’s hawks are nesting along the
span of the roadway, state officials said. Caltrans officials are scrambling
to ensure that newly built hawk nests sighted at construction sites are
adequately protected. They said the federally protected birds of prey are
nesting in some of the trees lining the eastbound lanes that are being
paved. Construction on the 10-mile expressway connecting Hanford and Visalia
was well on its way to completion this summer, but Caltrans spokeswoman Tami
Conrado said the project has been put on hold because of the new
development.
<more> April 21, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
April 30 water
quality deadline for North Coast dairy producers - - Dairy producers
operating under the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board should
be aware of the April 30 deadline to enroll in the Water Board's new Dairy
Program. All dairies in the Region are required to enroll. Any producer who
has not filled out their Notice of Intent (NOI) or would like assistance
doing so should contact Field Representative Melissa Lema at (707)-779-2214
or wud.mlema@yahoo.com. Any
producer with questions regarding the dairy program can also contact
Melissa, or WUD Environmental Services Director, Paul Martin at
(707)-478-0604. April 18, 2012 WUD Notice
Nitrate workshop May 3 in Parlier - - A
public workshop will be hosted May 3 in Parlier to provide an opportunity to
hear about the landmark Nitrate in Groundwater study in the Tulare Lake
Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results. Western United
Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel discussion. The
workshop will run from 2-4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag Center, 9240 S.
Riverbend Avenue in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration required. The panel will reflect on the problem of
groundwater nitrate, safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this
report might contribute to constructive policy discussions in defining the
issues and promising directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in
Sacramento will receive official public comment on the study and SBX2 1.
Information about the UC Davis Study can be found at
http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/. Information on the SBX2 1
Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies can be found at
www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml.
‘Pink slime’ outrage goes viral in stunning
display of social media’s power - - For the better part of two decades,
before it was dubbed “pink slime,” this beef byproduct was nothing more than
a mild-mannered staple in fast food burgers, tacos in school lunches and
ground beef stocked in supermarket freezers. Federal regulators never
sounded safety concerns about it. No one directly linked it to foodborne
illnesses or outbreaks. In fact, many food safety activists praised it as a
technological marvel in the dangerous world of raw meat. That’s why federal
officials and the family-owned company that makes this product were
slack-jawed when a public backlash erupted last month against what the
industry calls “lean finely textured beef.”
<more> April 20, 2012 The Washington Post
Dairy lowers stroke risk - - Got milk? If you’re interested in preventing a stroke, low-fat dairy products may help. According to a Swedish study, eating low-fat dairy products, including cheeses, yogurts and milk, may be beneficial in lowering the risk of middle-aged and older adults having a stroke. Web MD reported that the study, published in the journal Stroke, tracked the diets of 75,000 men and women over the course of a decade. Researchers found that study participants who consumed the most low-fat dairy foods and beverages were 12 percent less likely to have a stroke than those who consumed the least. <more> April 21, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Flat screen TV
tops WUD golf tourney raffle prizes
- - A flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Tom Barcellos is
one of the top
raffle
prizes to be awarded at the 10th annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament
Monday, June 4, at Diablo Grande Golf Course. All proceeds from the popular
event will benefit Western United Dairymen's federal political action
committee. The four-person scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun
start. The day culminates with a dinner at which awards and prizes will be
presented. The grand prize for the raffle is a flat screen television! The
cost is $150 per player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls,
lunch, tee prizes, refreshments and dinner.
Registration forms have been mailed. So
check your mailbox or download a form at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
April 23, 2012
China Grows Its Dairy Farms With a Global Cattle
Drive - - In one of the largest transoceanic cattle drives in history,
as many as 100,000 heifers from Uruguay, Australia and New Zealand will
board multistory cattle-carrying ships this year—bound for China. The global
roundup is a key part of China's effort to satisfy growing domestic demand
for milk and remake its dairies after a deadly tainted-milk scandal in 2008
devastated production and caused distrustful consumers to turn to imported
milk.
<more> April 23, 2012 The Wall Street Journal - China
Chinese firm wins approval to buy dairy farms in
New Zealand - - A Chinese investment company won approval for a second
time Friday to buy 16 dairy farms in New Zealand after a court challenge
forced the country's government to review its original decision in favor of
the purchase. Shanghai Pengxin was given the green light to buy the farms
for around $163 million (U.S) after officials imposed strict conditions
relating to investment in the land and protection of sensitive sites. New
Zealand is the only Western nation to have a free-trade agreement with
China, its second-biggest export customer behind Australia.
<more> April 20, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Dairy producers continue search for royalty -
- The local dairy industry is now accepting applications from young women
wishing to compete for the District 7 Dairy Princess crown. The application
deadline is today. The winner will represent the dairy industry in District
7 as a spokeswoman and will also represent the California dairy industry in
appearances at schools, fairs, industry meetings, service clubs, parades and
interviews with the media. The newly selected princess will also participate
in a week of training that includes industry tours, presentation and
etiquette training. Contestants must be unmarried and at least a senior in
high school up to age 21 by the time of the contest. In addition,
contestants must have lived on a dairy farm, be the daughter or ward of an
owner or employee of a dairy or dairy-related firm or industry, or have been
a member of 4-H or FFA programs that participate in dairy-related projects.
<more> April 23, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Valley growers giving up on raisins as profits
dry up - - Fresno County bills itself as the raisin capital of the
world, but its grip on the title is slipping. Farmers who built the industry
are yanking out raisin-grape vineyards in favor of higher-value crops,
despite getting record-high prices last year for the fruit. A big reason
driving the change: It's not an easy crop to harvest. While grapes remain
Fresno County's top crop, valued at $820 million in 2010, the number of
acres devoted to raisins has been steadily declining over the past 12 years.
Last year, 209,000 acres were devoted to making raisins, down from 280,000
in 2000, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
<more> April 20, 2012 Fresno Bee
4,000 FFA students attend Fresno State conference - - Wearing skirts and navy blue corduroy jackets, Erin Davis and Danielle Hyatt weren't exactly dressed Sunday for driving tractors, but they weren't about to miss a chance to drive one at Fresno State. The dress code for the Future Farmers of America students -- skirts for girls and slacks for boys -- didn't prevent Hyatt, 17, or Davis, 18, both of Modesto, from shifting gears. "I wasn't thinking we would drive a tractor, but I knew I would regret it if I didn't do it," said Davis, who never had driven one before. Davis and Hyatt were among 4,000 high school students from across California who are meeting in Fresno for the 84th California State FFA Leadership Conference. <more> April 22, 2012 Fresno Bee
Friday, April 20, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Agriculture-themed license plate to hit the roads - - A new, special-interest license plate honoring California food, flower and fiber production has been given the green light. The state Department of Food and Agriculture says backers of the new “ag plates” have submitted enough pledges to proceed with creating the plates. Sales of the “ag plates” will help fund agricultural education and leadership programs. The process to get the license plate approved has taken almost a decade. Thank you to everyone who signed up to make this effort a great success! For more information about the Ag License Plate please contact Amy Madison, California FFA Foundation, (209) 744-1969 or amadison@californiaffa.org. April 20, 2012 California Farm Bureau Federation
NMPF Joins Other Dairy Groups in Asking Senate to Include Dairy Security Act in Farm Bill - - The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) joined 28 other dairy and farm organizations in signing a letter sent yesterday to the Senate Agriculture Committee, urging inclusion of the Dairy Security Act in the upcoming new Farm Bill. The Senate Ag panel is expected to begin drafting a Farm Bill next week. The letter asserts that dairy farmers have "suffered financially because of extreme margin volatility – dramatic swings in the difference between milk prices and feed costs. The two programs that make up our federal dairy safety net – the Dairy Product Price Support Program and Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program – focus directly on milk prices. What U.S. dairy families need is a policy package focused on the margins between milk prices and feed costs." <more> April 20, 2012 Dairy Today
Mayors: High-speed rail for a more sustainable state - - We are all strong supporters of building the California High-Speed Rail system, and our state has arrived at a critical juncture. In the weeks ahead, state legislators will be asked to release $2.7 billion in previously approved state bond funds to begin construction of the first section of high-speed rail in the United States. Our long-term economic and environmental future requires an alternative to simply adding more highways and airport runways. We need a sustainable, modern way of moving people up and down the state that doesn't rely on gasoline and concrete. The high-speed rail project will begin in the Central Valley with construction of a 300-mile initial operating section that will form the backbone of the system and provide high-speed rail service in a decade. This early start will be paired with cost-saving early investments in the electrification of Caltrain and Metrolink, the northern and southern bookends of the system. High-speed rail will connect our cities like never before and provide early, tangible benefits to commuter rail in the urban cores of the state. <more> April 20, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
John Wildermuth: Anti-rail forces are no friends of the Central Valley - - Why does the Legislative Analyst’s Office hate the Central Valley? If you read Mac Taylor’s latest screed against the proposed high-speed rail system, you’d think that the only way its construction would make sense is if it connected the Bay Area and Los Angeles without touching down in any those inconveniently rustic spots between the two megaplexes. You know, kind of like the airlines do now. Granted, his newest report, which could be titled “Why High-Speed Rail Is Still a Terrible Idea,” lacks some of the snarky nastiness at the thought of a “train to nowhere” connecting Bakersfield, Fresno and other Central Valley cities he featured in his report last May. But that’s only because changes in the business plan now call for putting early money into the “bookends” of the system: San Francisco and Los Angeles. <more> April 19, 2012 Fox and Hounds
Spit take: Region's milk is focus of tasting contest at Merced fairgrounds - - Lined up around long tables, poised over orange buckets, judges sipped and swirled milk from small numbered bottles. Cheeks full, these tasters paused before spitting and repeating the process. The annual Milk Producers' Quality Control Contest was held Thursday at the Merced County Fairgrounds. Judges scored hundreds of raw milk samples from regional dairy farmers based on what Joe Petersen called the "overall wholesomeness of the milk." <more> April 20, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Dairy Sustainability Report, Carbon Footprint resources available - - In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy® has released the 2011 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Report. The report provides an update on progress toward the industry’s sustainability goals and serves as a comprehensive resource for the industry, its partners and consumers. It discusses how the Innovation Center’s Sustainability Commitment has engaged more than 830 stakeholders who invested approximately 6,700 working days (valued at more than $6.2 million) to support dairy sustainability efforts. <more> April 20, 2012 Dairy Business
Crop insurance? It may be cheaper to give it away - - A proposed rewrite of the $5 billion federal crop insurance program would allow farmers to collect benefits without actually having real losses – just the appearance of a loss, says a new report, written by Bruce Babcock, professor of economics at Iowa State University, for the Environmental Working Group. "Agriculture’s leaders and their Congressional allies can no longer claim credibly that there is any public purpose to giving farmers $5 billion a year at a time when crop prices and income levels are so high. But instead of simply abolishing the program and either reducing the federal budget deficit or shifting the funds to programs that truly serve public needs, such as agricultural research or reducing farming’s environmental damage, Congress seems poised to use a large portion of the money to create a new crop insurance program to support commodity growers,” Mr. Babcock writes. <more> April 19, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
IDFA prepares for Senate Farm Bill markup - - As the U.S. Senate prepares to mark up a 2012 Farm Bill on Wednesday, April 25, dairy processing industry leaders will be in Washington, D.C. to urge members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to oppose the Dairy Security Act (H.R. 3062) as the dairy title in the Farm Bill. They will participate in a press briefing, urging alternative policy that provides an insurance-based safety net for dairy farmers. Participants will include: Jerry Slominski, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) senior vice president, legislative and economic affairs; and IDFA member companies – David Ahlem, vice president of dairy procurement and policy, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.; Miriam Erickson Brown, president and CEO, Anderson Erickson Dairy; and Jon Davis, president and CEO, Davisco Foods International. The briefing is set for April 24, 10 a.m., in the Lisagor Room, National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. April 20, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Pricing/Commodity News
March cow culling second-highest monthly total since January 1997
- - High cull cow prices and declining milk prices are having an impact.
USDA estimated 278,000 culled dairy cows were slaughtered under federal
inspection in March 2012, up 16,900 from February 2012 and 9,900 more than
March 2011. Through the first three months of 2012, cull cow slaughter
totaled 803,000, up 22,200 from the same period in 2011. The March 2012
total is the second-highest monthly total since January 1997, surpassed only
by the 281,000 culled dairy cows slaughtered under federal inspection in
January 2009. Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) conducted three herd
retirement programs in 2009. The March 2012 total surpassed the 276,000 head
slaughtered under federal inspection in October 2003, the year the first CWT
herd retirement program was conducted. <more>
April 20, 2012 Dairy Business
Environmental
News
Environmentalists, farmers take water quality fight to state: Debate centers on agricultural wastewater regulation - - A long-running battle over agricultural pollution of Central Coast water has moved to Sacramento. The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board spent more than three years working on rules governing the discharge of agricultural wastewater before approving a plan in March. But now both sides in the debate are appealing to the State Water Resources Control Board to make changes. Several environmental groups are asking the state board to tighten rules for nitrate discharge. Growers want more sweeping changes, saying the new rules are arbitrary, of unproven effectiveness and too costly. <more> April 19, 2012 Santa Cruz Sentinel
Report finds fewer unhealthy air days in California - - California air pollution reached unhealthy levels less often in 2011 than a decade ago, according to a report released this week by a state association of regional air district officers. Compared with 2000, there were about 74 percent fewer days of “unhealthy air” statewide last year, data from the report showed. Air quality can range from “good” to “very unhealthy,” and it is calculated based on local monitoring of four air pollutants regulated by the federal Clean Air Act. The report found that ozone pollution has decreased statewide between 1980 and 2011; there have been smaller and more limited reductions in particulate matter emissions during the same time frame. <more> April 20, 2012 California Watch
April 30 water
quality deadline for North Coast dairy producers - - Dairy producers
operating under the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board should
be aware of the April 30 deadline to enroll in the Water Board's new Dairy
Program. All dairies in the Region are required to enroll. Any producer who
has not filled out their Notice of Intent (NOI) or would like assistance
doing so should contact Field Representative Melissa Lema at (707)-779-2214
or wud.mlema@yahoo.com. Any
producer with questions regarding the dairy program can also contact
Melissa, or WUD Environmental Services Director, Paul Martin at
(707)-478-0604. April 18, 2012 WUD Notice
Starbucks de-bugs its menu offerings - - Bugs: 1. Starbucks: 0. That's the latest score, as Starbucks has made an unusually rapid reversal in how it colors its Strawberry Frappuccinos -- and some of its other foods and drinks. Just weeks after the world's largest coffee chain took serious PR heat from vegan groups and public relations gurus for switching to commonly-used cochineal beetles to color its Strawberry Frappuccinos, the company's U.S. president, Cliff Burrows, now says that bugs are coming out and tomato-based extract is coming in. <more> April 19, 2012 USA Today
New Zealand again approves contested sale of 16 dairy farms to Chinese investors - - New Zealand’s government has for the second time approved the contentious sale of 16 dairy farms to Chinese investors, despite objections from critics who say the country’s prosperity could be jeopardized by such transactions. The sale of farmland, the first to Chinese investors, has sparked vigorous debate in a country that is reliant on agriculture for much of its export earnings but which is also forging closer trade and tourism ties with China. The sale was initially approved by the government in January but was contested in court by a consortium of local farmers and businessmen who hoped to buy the land themselves. <more> April 19, 2012 Associated Press
Got milk? Dairy in Kenya scarce after drought - - Got milk? Pass the butter? Not in Kenya, where both of those staples are increasingly scarce because a drought-induced dairy shortage is wreaking havoc on the milk, butter and yogurt shelves. Grocery store owners, restaurant managers and customers are annoyed and frustrated that an item as basic is butter is almost impossible to find in what is frequently billed as East Africa's largest economy. Farmers are producing only 30 percent of the country's needs, causing milk prices to shoot up in recent weeks by nearly a third. <more> April 20, 2012 Associated Press
Thursday, April 19, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Democrats say they are committed to high-speed rail - - A day after a highly critical report on a $68.4 billion high-speed rail proposal, Democrats who control the California Legislature said they remained committed to the project and the chairman of the authority that would oversee construction said it's still a risk worth taking. On Wednesday, lawmakers began evaluating the latest proposal from the California High-Speed Rail Authority in Senate and Assembly hearings. They are considering Gov. Jerry Brown's request to sell about $2.6 billion in voter-approved bonds to begin construction. The Legislative Analyst's Office on Tuesday urged lawmakers to reject the plan because it relies on highly speculative financing. <more> April 18, 2012 Associated Press
Kings Farm Bureau backs Valadao, McQuiston - - The Kings County Farm Bureau announced its candidate endorsements Wednesday, choosing Republican Assemblyman David Valadao in the 21st Congressional District race and Republican Jon McQuiston in the 32nd Assembly District race. The open primary is June 5. The top two candidates will move on to compete in a November runoff. Valadao, a dairy farmer, is up against Democrats John Hernandez, CEO of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Blong Xiong, a Fresno city councilman. Hernandez and Xiong didn’t submit the questionnaire the farm bureau asked candidates to fill out to be evaluated for an endorsement, said Tyler Bennett, chairman of the agricultural organization’s political action committee. Valadao would have been hard to beat anyway, Bennett said. <more> April 19, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
E. Coli outbreaks spark raw milk warning - - Oregon public health officials have confirmed that raw milk from a Wilsonville, Ore., dairy was responsible for an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 18 people and left four children hospitalized. The outbreak is the second in the Northwest in 18 months linked to a raw dairy product and comes one month after a Centers for Disease Control report showed that 60 percent of disease outbreaks caused by dairy products between 1993 and 2006 were caused by nonpasteurized products. The preponderance of outbreaks from raw dairy products grows in significance when considering only about 1 percent of U.S. households consume raw dairy products, the CDC report found. <more> April 19, 2012 Capital Press
Dairy coalition urges Dairy Security Act passage - - A coalition of 27 dairy farmer organizations sent a letter to Senate Ag Committee leaders, expressing their support for including the “Dairy Security Act” in the 2012 Farm Bill. Dairy farmer organizations signing the letter included: Alabama Dairy Producers, Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI), Agri-Mark, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Dairy Farmers Working Together, Dairy Producers of New Mexico, Dairy Producers of Utah, Dairylea Cooperative Inc., Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Holstein Association USA, Inc., Idaho Dairyman’s Association, Land O’Lakes, Maryland Dairy Industry Association, Michigan Milk Producers, Midwest Dairy Coalition, Milk Producers Council, Missouri Dairy Association, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Farmers Organization, National Milk Producers Federation, Northwest Dairy Association / Darigold, Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, South Carolina Dairy Association, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, United Dairymen of Arizona, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. and the Washington State Dairy Federation. April 19, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Costco Lobbies Growers For Farm Workers - - One of the nation’s nation’s retailers, Costco Wholesale says they will be auditing farmers operations for more than food safety in the future adding how they treat their workers. The ag publication The Packer reports a spokesperson, Frank Padilla at a recent meeting with growers was quoted as follows. “We audit folks and take a really close look,” he said, referring to housing, healthcare, rotating assignments and other issues. “The things that can be done for workers by improving their quality of life is where we’re going to give a little more love.” “Costco is starting to do hand-in-hand audits that are driven from food safety (but) they’re going into social audits,” produce manager Padilla said. April 17, 2012 Sierra 2 The Sea Newsletter
Pricing/Commodity News
USDA: Corn crop plantings ahead of normal rate - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday said that 17 percent of the U.S. corn crop has been planted as of Sunday, well ahead of the normal 5 percent pace by this date. In Iowa, which along with other upper Midwest states traditionally plants later, 5 percent of the crop was planted by Sunday compared o a normal rate of 3 percent. The USDA said the weekend rains improved Iowa’s soil moisture situation, noting “topsoil moisture levels improved to 6 percent very short, 21 percent short, 66 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.” <more> April 17, 2012 Des Moines Register
March Milk Production Up 4.2% - - USDA reported this afternoon that U.S. milk production was up 4.2% over a year ago, and up 5.2% in the first quarter of 2012 over the same January through March period of last year. Cow numbers continue to build. The average number of dairy cows in the first quarter was 9.25 million, up 86,000 head over the first quarter of 2011. March cow numbers totaled 9.266 million head, up 86,000 cows (0.9%) over a year ago. The strongest surge in milk production continues to come from the West. Utah was up 7.8%; Colorado, +7.1%, Arizona, +6.6%, California, 6.2%; Texas, +5.7% and New Mexico, +5.3%. In sheer volume, California was up 221 million lb. in March. <more> April 19, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
EPA proposes air pollution limit for Valley pesticides - - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved a cap on ozone-making gases coming from farm pesticides, but it's not going to make air-quality activists happy. Jared Blumenfeld, EPA administrator for this region, told me the cap is 18.1 tons per day of volatile organic compounds or VOCs in the San Joaquin Valley. VOCs? Think of fumes coming from the chemicals. Environmentalists have fought this 18.1-ton proposal since the state began using it a few years ago. The Valley's farms are only putting out 16.8 tons right now. So, activists are asking how this makes the air any cleaner. <more> April 16, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Hundreds of millions spent to protect Delta levees. Is it enough? - - No expert considers California completely safe from the failure of century-old levees that protect a statewide water system, highways, a major railroad line and energy transmission routes, not to mention an aqueduct that serves the East Bay's largest water district. Gilbert Cosio, an engineer who has worked on Delta levees for decades, is among those who contend the threat is more or less manageable and that much of the pessimism is based on outdated information. "We've been waiting around for levee money for 50 years," Cosio said. "We never had the luxury to build them as big as they needed to be. Now we do." <more> April 19, 2012 Contra Costa Times
April 30 water quality deadline for North Coast dairy producers - - Dairy producers operating under the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board should be aware of the April 30 deadline to enroll in the Water Board's new Dairy Program. All dairies in the Region are required to enroll. Any producer who has not filled out their Notice of Intent (NOI) or would like assistance doing so should contact Field Representative Melissa Lema at (707)-779-2214 or wud.mlema@yahoo.com. Any producer with questions regarding the dairy program can also contact Melissa, or WUD Environmental Services Director, Paul Martin at (707)-478-0604. April 18, 2012 WUD Notice
Friday deadline for
dairy nutrient management projects - - Applications are due Friday
April 20 for dairy producers interested in applying for funding under the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) for targeted dairy nutrient
management projects. Interested producers should contact their local NRCS
office. Western United Dairymen and Sustainable Conservation were successful
in jointly requesting funding for a targeted area that includes the eastern
portion of the San Joaquin River watershed in Stanislaus and Merced
Counties. It is bordered by the northern Stanislaus County line in the
north, the Sierra Nevada foothills in the east, the southern Merced County
border in the south and the San Joaquin River in the west. This area covers
the Modesto, Turlock and Merced groundwater basins, which are characterized
by shallow ground and coarse textured soils, which put groundwater at risk.
The project’s objective is to accelerate the rate of adoption of existing
technologies and practices among dairy producers in the area. The
potentially fundable practices include general EQIP projects such as flow
meters, pipelines to distribute liquid manure on more cropland, tailwater
return systems, solid manure separation systems, waste storage facilities
and slurry manure injection. April 6, 2012
WUD Friday Update
Change in labeling of corn syrup opposed - - A coalition of groups sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration Tuesday opposing a proposal by manufacturers to call high-fructose corn syrup "corn sugar" instead. The coalition says consumers are against the name change by 100-to-1. The ubiquitous sweetener has a bad rap in some circles, and the groups say the new name is just a ploy to confuse consumers who want to avoid it. <more> April 17, 2012 USA Today
Abuse video roils egg industry - - An undercover video alleging abusive conditions at a Pennsylvania egg farm has widened a split within the industry over legislation supported by the Humane Society of the United States. The video, released by HSUS on April 12, alleges abuse at Kreider Farms of Manheim, Pa., and sparked a furious backlash from some egg producers, who see it as part of a legislative push to get a bill mandating cage sizes through Congress. "Because it is failing to persuade a majority of Congress to pass its anti-farming agenda, including an inch-by-inch mandate of hen housing sizes that will significantly raise consumer costs, HSUS has now resorted to dirty, underhanded tactics to intimidate and coerce family egg farmers nationwide," Egg Farmers of America, an industry group, said in a statement. <more> April 19, 2012 Capital Press
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Water
issues, struggling dairies cloud California agriculture - - California
agriculture is the most diversified in the world with roughly 400 different
commercial crops. However, there are two elements that intrinsically tie
together just about every segment of the state’s No. 1 industry. The obvious
is water. The other is not so apparent — the dairy industry. Dairymen use a
wide array of commodities to feed and care for their animals. Dairy cows are
fed everything from alfalfa to almond hulls, to rice hulls, cottonseed,
byproducts from ethanol production, silages of all sorts, cull vegetables
and the list goes on. They use grain straw for bedding and have even been
known to use harvested cotton stalks for the same thing. Dairymen try to
supply themselves with much of what they consume; however, they are
significant buyers of many of the state’s biggest commodities.
<more> April 18, 2012 Western Farm Press
Pressure to revamp farm legislation is growing - - U.S. lawmakers
downplayed Tuesday the possibility of extending the current farm bill after
it expires this fall, providing further evidence that House Republicans
focused on cutting government spending will play a major role in steering
the legislation. The U.S. farm law, which covers direct payments,
conservation programs, food stamps and more, expires Sept. 30. The
legislation is on track for its biggest overhaul in decades. Efforts to
craft a new bill come as lawmakers are under pressure to rein in spending as
a result of a soaring budget deficit. If a new farm bill is not put in place
by October, Congress could choose to extend the existing one, or let a 1949
law go into effect that would curb plantings and boost subsidy payments.
<more> April 17, 2012 Des Moines Register
House
passes 4% cut to food stamp program - - The House Agriculture Committee
voted to cut $33 billion from the nation's food stamp program Wednesday,
which amounts to 4% of current annual expenditures. The vote followed a
heated debate on how to meet cuts that were forced on the committee by the
House Budget Committee under this year's "budget reconciliation" process.
Although it was acknowledged that the food stamp cuts would not be enacted
by the Senate, the debate on spending was a preview of the tough choices the
committee will face on the next farm bill. House Agriculture Committee
chairman Frank Lucas (R., Okla.) explained that the House budget passed
earlier this year included reconciliation instructions to six committees,
meaning they would have to recommend cuts from their programs.
<more> April 18, 2012 Feedstuffs
Watermaster, other ag-related bills advancing in California Legislature
- - A bill that could provide relief for water rights holders suffering the
sticker-shock of sharply escalating watermaster fees is advancing in the
state Senate. The legislation by Sen. Ted Gaines, R-Fair Oaks, seeks to
reverse a prohibition for the state Department of Water Resources to fund
the watermaster program. It has passed the Natural Resources Committee and
is now in the Appropriations Committee. Although the bill, Senate Bill 1247,
would not guarantee funding, its passage would enable farm groups and other
advocates to try to secure some money over the next few years so that
landowners could form their own special districts, said Margo Parks, the
California Cattlemen's Association's associate director of government
relations.
<more> April 18, 2012 Capital Press
Pasteurization proponents prevail in raw-milk debate - - For anyone
missing the spirited Republican primary debates, I have an alternative: the
raw milk debate. Sponsored by the Harvard Food Law Society, this recent
dialogue brought raw milk advocates Sally Fallon Morrell of the Weston Price
Foundation and author David Gumpert to the podium. Supporting pasteurization
and presenting the dangers of raw milk were attorney Fred Pritzker, who
represents people taken seriously ill with food-borne infection, and Heidi
Kassenborg of Minnesota Dairy and Food. Pasteurization, which is the process
of heating milk to kill bacteria such as salmonella, listeria and E.coli,
became routine in the U.S. in the 1930s. Previously, 25 percent of
food-borne illness was from milk. A recent study by the Centers for Disease
Control found that the rate of illnesses caused by raw milk and the products
made from it was 150 times greater than illness linked to pasteurized milk.
<more> April 17, 2012 The Miami Herald
Raw
milk problems give dairy farmers a 'bad name,' says one - - A veteran
dairy farmer from central Missouri has heard about an E. coli outbreak in
his area that has sickened 13 people and now wonders aloud if raw milk is
harming the reputation of other dairy farmers who go the conventional
marketing route and have their milk pasterurized. "We've been opposed to
this raw milk thing for a long time because it gives dairy farmers a bad
name," David Braun, owner of a 120-cow, 400-acre farm in Cole County, Mo.,
told KRCG13 News. The 77-year-old noted that his farm follows strict
sanitation guidelines.
<more> April 18, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Farm
group seeks U.S. halt on "dangerous" crop chemicals - -A coalition of
more than 2,000 U.S. farmers and food companies said Wednesday it is taking
legal action to force government regulators to analyze potential problems
with proposed biotech crops and the weed-killing chemicals to be sprayed
over them. Dow AgroSciences, a unit of Dow Chemical, and Monsanto Co.are
among several global chemical and seed companies racing to roll out
combinations of genetically altered crops and new herbicides designed to
work with the crops as a way to counter rapidly spreading
herbicide-resistant weeds that are choking millions of acres of U.S.
farmland.
<more> April 18, 2012 Reuters
USDA announces farm to school grants - - Fourth-grader Hailey Pierce ran ahead of her friends in line for breakfast at Skyway Elementary to see if strawberries were on the fruit tray. They were, and she darted back in line happily to wait her turn. Even more food options will be available in school meals if the USDA has its way. The agency announced it will invest $5 million per year in farm to school programs, beginning in October. The Farm to School Grant Program is part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and authorizes USDA to help schools buy food directly from producers. <more> April 18, 2012 Capital Press
Pricing/Commodity News
High
U.S. Milk Production Leads to Falling Dairy Prices - - U.S. dairy cow
numbers and yield per cow continue to rise above expectations, despite poor
producer returns, further reducing prices for cheese, butter, and nonfat dry
milk, USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) said in its April 16 Livestock,
Dairy, and Poultry Outlook. Whey prices, which had been rising, are
beginning to soften. As a result, milk prices are forecast lower. February
cow numbers were higher than anticipated in light of mediocre producer
returns and relatively high cow slaughter during the last two quarters,
reported ERS. Still, a reduction in herd size is expected late this year,
but the decline is projected to be less than expected last month.
<more> April 18, 2012 Dairy Today
May
Class I base: $15.85/cwt. - - The May federal order Class I base milk
price is $15.85/cwt., up 19¢ from April 2012, but $3.90 less than April
2011. Through the first five months of 2012, the Class I average is
$16.73/cwt., down from $17.70/cwt. for the same period of 2011. Dr. Brian
Gould, University of Wisconsin-Madison dairy economist, projects a May Milk
Income Loss Contract (MILC) payment of 77.86¢/cwt. April 18, 2012 Dairy
Profit Update
April
U.S. dairy outlook - - USDA’s monthly Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook
report (released April 18) echoes last week’s World Ag Supply & Demand
Estimates (WASDE) report, raising both 2012 milk production and marketing
estimates to more than 200 billion lbs., again pressuring 2012 milk and
dairy product price projections lower. Average U.S. cow numbers are
estimated at 9.215 million head for 2012, up 21,000 from 2011. Due to a
slightly more adverse feed outlook for producers, combined with higher cull
cow prices and lower milk prices over the course of the year, is likely to
lead to lower cow numbers by year-end. However, the decline is projected to
be less than expected last month.
<more> April 18, 2012 Dairy Business
New Zealand - Fonterra defends milk additive - - New Zealand milk giant Fonterra has defended adding permeate to standardize protein levels in its blue-topped milk. Adding permeate to milk has hit the headlines in Australia, with the largest milk producer there allegedly using it to cut costs in a milk price war. Permeate is a byproduct of the ultrafiltration of milk and the production of whey protein concentrate, among other dairy products. It is high in lactose and relatively low in protein. Fonterra said it was extracted from the milk during the ultrafiltration process when fresh milk arrived at the factory. It was not a waste product, being lactose and fluid, and was added to the milk later in production and used to create other products, a spokesman said. <more> April 18, 2012 Business Day, New Zealand
Environmental
News
April 30 water
quality deadline for North Coast dairy producers - -
Dairy producers operating under the
North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board should be aware of the April 30
deadline to enroll in the Water Board's new Dairy Program. All dairies in the
Region are required to enroll. Any producer who has not filled out their Notice
of Intent (NOI) or would like assistance doing so should contact Field
Representative Melissa Lema at (707)-779-2214 or
wud.mlema@yahoo.com. Any producer
with questions regarding the dairy program can also contact Melissa, or WUD Environmental
Services Director, Paul Martin at (707)-478-0604. April 18, 2012 WUD Notice
Merced Irrigation District OKs out-of-district water sales - - In a year when growers are finding water resources scarce, a handful of local farmers received a bit of long-awaited good news. On Tuesday, the Merced Irrigation District board unanimously approved a water sale to a dozen sphere-of-influence growers -- farmers who can hook up to district water canals but are not part of the MID. Will Hunter abstained from the vote based on a possible conflict of interest. Over recent years, these out-of-district growers have formed a group to negotiate water transfers in dry years. <more> April 18, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Stories Of Interest
Dairy
contest set Thursday at Merced Fair - - The Merced County Fair's Milk
Producer's Quality Control Contest for Grade "A" Dairies will be held at the
Merced County Fairgrounds on Thursday. Fair staff will tabulate the judges'
flavor and bacteria scores for hundreds of samples from Merced, Stanislaus,
San Joaquin, Madera and Sacramento counties. The judging results — for the
highest-scoring milk producers and the creameries they sell milk to — will
be announced before the fair, and awards will be presented to the winners at
the awards ceremony during the fair June 13-17. About 40 judges
representing creameries, labs, county environmental health departments,
college and university animal science departments and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture score the milk using a flavor score sheet to assess samples.
About 40 percent of California's milk comes from the counties that
participate in the fair's contest. The competition was established to
improve the quality of dairy products in the counties involved. April 18,
2012 Modesto Bee
Got
chocolate milk? NBA star featured in milk campaign - - Carmelo Anthony,
forward for the New York Knicks, is no stranger to working hard to prepare
for winning the game. Now, Anthony will be spreading the word about his
beverage of choice as he refuels his body after an intense workout. The
beverage he turns to isn’t a sports drink or water. Instead, it’s chocolate
milk.
<more> April 17, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Studies Question the Pairing of Food Deserts and Obesity - - It has become an article of faith among some policy makers and advocates, including Michelle Obama,that poor urban neighborhoods are food deserts, bereft of fresh fruits and vegetables. But two new studies have found something unexpected. Such neighborhoods not only have more fast food restaurants and convenience stores than more affluent ones, but more grocery stores, supermarkets and full-service restaurants, too. And there is no relationship between the type of food being sold in a neighborhood and obesity among its children and adolescents. <more> April 17, 2012 New York Times
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy
farmers try to balance milk supply, demand - - California's mild winter
weather this year has been a boon for milk production, but that has not
necessarily been a blessing for the state's dairy farmers. With huge
supplies of milk on the market, producers have seen milk prices fall for
four consecutive months as they continue to struggle with high feed costs.
Lack of adequate plant capacity to process the flood of milk has led at
least one dairy cooperative in the state, Land O' Lakes, to implement a
program this month for dairies in the central San Joaquin Valley to cut
production. Michael Marsh, CEO of Western United Dairymen, noted that not
only are the state's cows producing more milk but cow numbers have also
increased, adding to the oversupply problem. Dairy farmers are also taking
advantage of current strong beef prices by culling their least productive
animals and bringing in replacements, and that typically results in higher
milk production.
<more>
April 18, 2012 Ag Alert
California Dairies, Inc. Cautions Members of Supply Management Program
Penalties - - In response to current market conditions, California
Dairies, Inc. (CDI), the nation’s second largest dairy processing
cooperative, recently cautioned its member-owners that penalties for
overproduction of milk may be incurred according to the terms of CDI’s
internal supply management program. In effect since 2008, CDI’s internal
supply management program was designed to place limitations on the amount of
milk that each member would be allowed to ship to the cooperative. Penalties
may apply to those members who ship more milk than the baseline amount they
were assigned. Since May 2009, CDI has not penalized any member for over
production.
<more> April 17, 2012 Dairy Today
U.S.
Dairies Advance toward Record Milk Production - Robin Schmahl, Dairy
Today - - In some of my other articles, I have written about the
ever-increasing milk supply, and it remains at the forefront of dairy news.
Production during the winter outpaced the previous year by a significant
margin due to mild weather. This raised the idea that spring flush may not
materialize due to already high milk production. However, spring flush is as
strong as ever, with no slowing of milk flow. So much so that penalties are
being imposed in the West while some other areas are indicating a loss of
volume premium.
<more> April 16, 2012 Dairy Today
Fonterra Announces Plan to Invest in Dairy Plant in Indonesia - - Fonterra, the world’s largest dairy exporter, has announced plans to invest in a blending and packing plant in Indonesia to help support the growing demand for high quality dairy nutrition in Indonesia. The investment will support the local expansion of Fonterra’s consumer brands Anlene, Anmum and Anchor Boneeto throughout Indonesia, the New Zealand-based cooperative said. Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings made the announcement as part of the New Zealand Prime Minister-led Business Mission in Indonesia this week, following on from Fonterra's global strategy refresh. <more> April 16, 2012 Dairy Today
State/Federal
News and Politics
D.C.
Watch: 2012 Farm Bill on Congress’ agenda - - Congress will reconvene
this week and one of the first things on the agenda for the Senate
Agriculture Committee will be the new farm bill. The current farm bill
expires at the end of September, but even the optimistic members of Congress
say that chances are just 50-50 that a new farm bill will be passed by then.
If there is no new farm bill in place, Congress will need to pass at least a
short term extension of the 2008 bill. But that won’t be easy with
significant funding cuts likely for fiscal 2012 and beyond. At this point it
is nearly impossible to say what policies will be in place as producers
plant their winter crops this fall.
<more> April 16, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Renewed focus on the estate tax - - Farm groups are making another push
for permanent and meaningful estate tax relief. The current estate tax
provisions, which include a five million dollar per person exemption and a
top tax rate of 35 percent, will expire at the end of this year. If Congress
doesn’t act, the exemption drops to one million and the top tax rate above
the exclusion amount jumps to 55 percent. Legislation that would reform the
estate tax has been introduced in both houses of Congress.
<more> April 17, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
16th
CD Republicans vie for fundraising edge in bid to face Costa - - It's
not surprising that incumbent Rep. Jim Costa is far and away leading the
pack in fundraising for the 16th Congressional District race. But what of
the three Republicans who are vying to oust the four-term Fresno Democrat?
The latest federal campaign finance reports show that Fresno attorney Brian
Whelan is the clear fundraising front-runner, with more than $68,000 raised
the first quarter of this year and $116,185 total raised, not including
loans. A distant second Burrel dairyman/business owner Johnny Tacherra, who
has raised a total of $28,510, most of that the first quarter of this year.
The third candidate -- Modesto-area farmer/businessman Mark Garcia -- has
raised a little more than $13,000.
<more> April 16, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Valadao ahead in first-quarter, overall fundraising - - First quarter of
the year fundraising in the 21st Congressional District race was
neck-and-neck, according to new campaign finance reports, though Republican
David Valadao had by far more cash in the bank at the end. Valadao, the
state Assemblyman from Hanford, raised $162,835 between Jan. 1 and March 31,
the Federal Election Commission filings show. He had $494,924 in the bank at
the end of the period.
<more> April 16, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Missouri bill criminalizes undercover videos at farms - - The Missouri
House endorsed legislation Tuesday that would make it a crime for undercover
activists to produce videos portraying poor conditions at livestock farms or
other agricultural facilities. The legislation given first-round approval
would create the crime of "agriculture production facility interference." It
would apply to anyone who makes or distributes photos, videos or audio
recordings of the activities at an agricultural facility without the consent
of the owner. The bill also would make it a crime for people to gain
employment or access at agricultural facilities under false pretenses.
<more> April 17, 2012 Associated Press
E. coli raises awareness of raw milk risks - - The head of the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services says six of the 13 confirmed cases of E. coli (0157:H7) illness in central Missouri are directly linked to the consumption of raw milk. Department Director Margaret Donnelly, “Seven of the individuals have no connection to the farm but six individuals consumed raw milk from one farm.” That farm is in Howard County, Missouri. The 13 illnesses are confirmed in Boone, Cooper and Howard counties. Direct sales of raw milk from farmers to customers are legal in Missouri. Donnelly says the health department’s position is that people should NOT consume raw milk. <more> April 17, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental
News
State
Water Project allocation increased to 60 percent - - The State Water Project
is expected to deliver 60 percent of the water requested this year – up from an
earlier estimate of 50 percent, the state Department of Water Resources says.
Originally, DWR projected in November that it would be able to supply 60 percent
of the slightly more than 4 million acre-feet of SWP water requested, but a dry
December, January and February dropped that figure to 50 percent. This increase
is due to an unusually wet March and higher-than-average reservoir storage
carried over from last winter.
<more> April 16, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Hailstorms hammer San Joaquin Valley crops - - A series of freak April
storms hammered the San Joaquin Valley last week, damaging vulnerable crops
with a one-two-three punch of hail, lightning and tornados that caused
millions of dollars of crop losses. It will be several weeks before an
accurate tabulation of losses can be made, but for some growers it amounted
to 100 percent of this year's production. A number of crops suffered damage
from the unrelenting power of hailstones measuring 1.5 inches in diameter or
larger.
<more> April 18, 2012 Ag Alert
EPA
publishes 2010 U.S. greenhouse gas inventory - - The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) released the 17th annual U.S. greenhouse gas GHG
inventory. The final report shows overall emissions in 2010 increased by
3.2% from the previous year. The trend is attributed to an increase in
energy consumption across all economic sectors, due to increasing energy
demand associated with an expanding economy, and increased demand for
electricity for air conditioning due to warmer summer weather during 2010.
<more> April 17, 2012 Dairy Business
Stories Of Interest
Why
Does Swiss Cheese Have Holes? - - Contrary to what you may have been
told when you were a kid, the holes in Swiss cheese are not made by mice
nibbling away at a big wheel of Swiss. As sweet (or gross) as that image may
be, the reason for holes in Swiss cheese (known as "eyes" in the cheese
world) is a bit more scientific and a little less "cute." Swiss cheese,
properly known as Emmentaler, gets its hole-y appearance and distinctive
flavor thanks to the bacteria that turns milk into cheese. All cheeses
contain bacteria (they're responsible for producing lactic acid) which help
them develop into a final edible product, yet not all those bacteria are the
same.
<more> April 17, 2012 The Huffington Post
This
video makes you want to stand up, agriculturists! - - “Agriculturists --
it’s time for us to stand up," encourages Jasmine Dillon, a graduate student
in animal breeding at Texas A&M University in a YouTube video. She goes on
to refute the notion -- stirred up recently in the popular press -- that
agriculture, animal science and horticulture are useless degrees. "...if
that were true, then could you tell me please how it is possible for you to
roll out of your silk sheets, brush your teeth with toothpaste made from
cotton seed, eat your corn pops breakfast cereal and drink your 2 percent
milk,” Dillion says.
<more> April 16, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Sounding the sugar alarms - - Worried about trans-fat or salt? That's a
little old-school. If you want to stay current on dietary villains, you'll
want to start thinking about sugar. Lots and lots of sugar — as in 77 grams,
or nearly 20 teaspoons. That's how much added sugar the average American
consumes every day, according to a 2011 scientific report, and that's not
even factoring in the sugars naturally found in fruits, vegetables and milk.
And yes, we're talking typical people on typical days, not just 10-year-olds
gorging on cotton candy and funnel cake at the carnival.
<more> April 14, 2012 Los Angeles Times
The Challenge of Going Vegan - - From Bill Clinton to Ellen DeGeneres, celebrities are singing the benefits of a vegan diet. Books that advocate plant-based eating are best sellers. But is eliminating meat and dairy as simple as it sounds? As countless aspiring vegans are discovering, the switch from omnivore to herbivore is fraught with physical, social and economic challenges — at least, for those who don’t have a personal chef. The struggle to give up favorite foods like cheese and butter can be made all the harder by harsh words and eye-rolling from unsympathetic friends and family members. Substitutes like almond milk and rice milk can shock the taste buds, and vegan specialty and convenience foods can cost two to three times what their meat and dairy equivalents do. <more> April 16, 2012 The New York Times
Monday, April 16, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Court upholds
Milk Regulatory Equity Act - - An ambivalent appeals court has upheld a
law - - the Milk Regulatory Equity Act - - backed by the California dairy
industry and authored by Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., that forcibly folded a
large Arizona dairy into a web of government regulations. In a ruling
awaited by industry leaders, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected
claims by influential dairyman Hein Hettinga that the 2006 law violated the
Constitution by targeting him in particular. The law did not specifically
name Hettinga’s company, Sarah Farms, though its provisions governing milk
marketing were drawn narrowly enough to have the same effect. “The (law)
would apply to any producer-handler that meets its statutory requirements,
not only the Hettingas,” the appellate court reasoned, adding that “a
statute with open-ended applicability…does not single out a particular
person or group for punishment.” The Constitution prohibits what are called
“bills of attainder,” which single out individuals for legislative
punishment without a trial. In 2010, for instance, a judge cited this
prohibition in striking down a new Republican-authored law that stripped
federal funding from the advocacy group ACORN; that decision was later
reversed. “We’re just pleased the court did the right thing,” Nunes’s chief
of staff, Johnny Amaral, said Monday.
<more> April 16, 2012 McClatchy Newspapers
Vilsack outlines leaner farm bill - - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack
Monday outlined a leaner 2012 version of what he calls a “Food, farm and
jobs bill” that he expects to pass the Senate by early summer and defended
his department’s closing of some Farm Service Agency offices, which are part
of tighter budgets already imposed on the USDA. Vilsack acknowledged that
it’s popular for farmers in coffee shops to voice the need for smaller
government. “It’s a tough time, there are consequences to these decisions,”
Vilsack told members of North American Agricultural Journalists who are
meeting in Washington, DC. Closing some offices will not hurt services to
farmers as much as another alternative, laying off more USDA staff, he said.
<more> April 16, 2012 Agriculture.com
Obama
would push major immigration plan in second term - - President Obama
says he will push for major immigration legislation if he is re-elected.
Obama told Univision he would like to do immigration this year, but
Republican opposition is too intense. "I can promise that I will try to do
it in the first year of my second term," Obama said. "I want to try this
year," he added. "The challenge we've got on immigration reform is very
simple. I've got a majority of Democrats who are prepared to vote for it,
and I've got no Republicans who are prepared to vote for it."
<more> April 15, 2012 Detroit Free Press
McCarthy endorses David Valadao for Congress - - House Majority Whip
Kevin McCarthy on Friday formally endorsed David Valadao in his run for a
neighboring congressional district. Valadao is the only Republican running
to represent the new 21st Congressional District, which locally includes
much of northwestern Kern County plus Arvin, Lamont and parts of east
Bakersfield. Two Fresno Democrats are also seeking the post, John Hernandez
and Blong Xiong. "We need leaders like David Valadao in Congress to fight
for the Central Valley," McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, said in a statement. "As a
dairy farmer and small business owner, he's seen first-hand the challenges
that our local small business owners face every day. He will continue to
lead the charge to remove the barriers that hold our economy back so that
our local small businesses can grow and prosper." April 13, 2012 The
Bakersfield Californian
CDFA
hosts new program to introduce farmers, ranchers, and food processors to
international trade - - The California Department of Food and
Agriculture, in cooperation with the Western United States Agricultural
Trade Association and the California Centers for International Trade
Development, will be hosting three seminars across the state to promote
export services and encourage companies to participate in the international
marketplace. These seminars will focus on local, state and federal programs
that are designed to assist small businesses in exporting products abroad.
Export growth is led primarily by small businesses, according to the U.S.
Small Business Administration, and CDFA is wanting more farmers, ranchers
and food processors to participate. Seminars will be held in San Diego (May
22), Fresno (May 23) and Napa (May 24). The seminars are free and companies
interested in exporting are encouraged to attend.
<more> April 16, 2012 CDFA blog
Ag
safety focus of Valley training - - The deaths of two brothers at a Kern
County recycling center in October has prompted state regulators and
industry officials to launch an outreach campaign aimed at preventing
similar fatalities. The brothers, 16-year-old Armando Ramirez and
22-year-old Eladio Ramirez, died from inhaling hydrogen sulfide gas while
trying to clear debris from an obstructed 10-foot shaft in the facility's
storm drain system in Lamont. The company, Community Recycling and Resource
Recovery, was fined $166,890 by Cal/OSHA in March over the deaths that
officials say were completely preventable. Amy Wolfe, president of AgSafe,
an injury prevention organization based in Modesto, said agriculture
companies, including processors and packing houses, need to pay special
attention to their operations. "Ag is already an industry that is inherently
risky and we need to evaluate those potential risks and hazards," Wolfe
said.
<more> April 13, 2012 Fresno Bee
Four
children reported sickened by raw milk - - Another outbreak has been
linked to the consumption of raw milk - - this time, affecting four children
in Oregon. According to The Associated Press, three of the children were
hospitalized, two of them with kidney failure. Other people reported having
diarrhea and symptoms typical of E.coli. The children reportedly drank raw
milk from the same Oregon farm. This comes on the heels of E. coli outbreaks
in Pennsylvania and Missouri earlier this year.
<more> April 15, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Pricing/Commodity News
Good
news for dairy: Pizza sales rising - - Pizza consumption continues to
rise. More than four in 10 (41%) of consumers polled say they’re now eating
pizza once a week, compared to 26% just two years ago. Pizza consumption has
increased over the past two years as leading players revamp menus to include
more innovative specialty pizzas, gourmet ingredients and items beyond pizza
that help operators drive traffic. As increased consumer confidence leads
some to trade up within the pizza category, others still feeling the pinch
are attracted to the special offers and coupons that chains are rolling out
as well as generally less expensive, yet high quality, take-and-bake and
frozen pizza offerings.
<more> April 16, 2012 Dairy Business
CWT
assists with 2.9 million lbs. of butter and cheese exports - -
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 16 requests for export
assistance from Bongards Creameries, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold,
Foremost Farms, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Upstate Niagara
Cooperative and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell 1.817 million lbs. of
cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 1.074 million lbs. of butter to
customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The
product will be delivered April through September 2012. So far in 2012, CWT
has assisted member cooperatives in making cheese export sales totaling 43.4
million lbs. and butter export sales totaling 38.5 million lbs. to 25
countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of
these exports is 1.239 billion lbs., or the annual milk production of about
59,000 cows. April 16, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
New report tracks profitability of the ethanol industry - - The boom in ethanol production is a well-known and much-discussed phenomenon. Less understood is the profitability of all the ethanol plants built during the last decade. It is important to track the profitability of ethanol plants not only to assess investment performance in the industry but to also analyze short-term implications for the production of ethanol and use of corn as a feedstock. <more> April 16, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Environmental
News
Calif.
water projections increased after rains - - Thanks to increased rain and an
improved snowpack, water agencies that supply California residents and farmers
will be getting a little more water than they were expecting. The Bureau of
Reclamation, which runs the federal Central Valley Project, announced Friday
that agricultural water contractors on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley
should expect to receive 40 percent of the water they had requested. That's
still less than what they wanted, but it's up 10 percent from earlier estimates.
Municipal and industrial water contractors south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin
river delta would receive 75 percent of the water they requested. Officials say
the increased amounts are based on a recent increase in the amount of rain. Two
storms in the San Joaquin Valley dropped a record amount of rain this week, and
more storms are expected.
<more> April 13, 2012 Associated Press
Storms
boost water deliveries for Valley's west side - - A series of storms in
the last month has nearly doubled the meager Sierra snowpack, prompting
federal leaders Friday to boost farm water delivery projections from 30% to
40% for the San Joaquin Valley's west side. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
also announced increases for Northern California farmers, who will get 100%
of their allotments, and east Valley farmers, who will get 45%. But the head
of Westlands Water District said the increase for the Valley's west side
would have been much bigger without environmental restrictions in Northern
California.
<more> April 13, 2012 Fresno Bee
Hail
damages crops - - Fast-moving thunderstorms dumped hail on many parts of
Kings County Wednesday, damaging vulnerable tree fruit and leaving farmers
bracing for more today. “It just killed guys in some areas,” said John
Diepersloot, who has hundreds of acres of peaches, plums and nectarines in
the Laton area. “It just hammered them.” Diepersloot said his orchards
received some damage, but escaped the worst. “I was actually blessed. I
didn’t get hit too bad,” Diepersloot said. Like many growers, he was firing
hail cannons during the storm— devices that shoot loud sonic booms into the
air to break up hail before it can fall and pockmark the soft fruit.
<more> April 13, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Federal agency sued over salamander - - The Center for Biological
Diversity this week filed a lawsuit to force the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service to come up with a plan for the recovery of the California tiger
salamander. If successful, the lawsuit would force the creation of a plan
similar to one that's been in effect since 2002 for the California
red-legged frog. Such plans commit federal officials to work to protect and
improve existing habitat for the plant or animal involved, and in some cases
such as the red-legged frog, to seek to re-introduce the species to areas
where it formerly lived. Populations of the California tiger salamander
living in eastern San Joaquin County and the adjacent foothills are listed
under federal law as threatened with extinction.
<more> April 14, 2012 The Record
Gov.
Brown Appoints Mark Cowin Director of Water Resources - - Governor
Edmund G. Brown Jr. today appointed Mark Cowin as director of the Department
of Water Resources (DWR). "With over three decades of experience at the
Department of Water Resources, Mark Cowin has the track record to lead this
truly vital part of our infrastructure," said California Natural Resources
Secretary John Laird. "Tens of millions of Californians rely on water from
DWR and the State Water Project for use in their homes, on their farms, and
other businesses -- Cowin understands the importance of keeping the system
running at peak efficiency."
<more> April 13, 2012 Department of Water Resources news release
Stories Of Interest
20th
California Antique Farm Equipment Show April 20-22, Tulare - - The 20th
Annual California Antique Farm Equipment Show will showcase the agriculture
industry's heritage at the International Agri-Center in Tulare on April
20-22. This year's show will feature hundreds of antique farm equipment
exhibits and entertainment the whole family will enjoy. Although the show's
main attraction is antique equipment, the event offers something for the
whole family. Children can play in the kid's area with a pedal tractor pull
contest, bounce house and arts and crafts. Shoppers won't want to miss
shopping at trendy boutiques featuring clothing, home goods, jewelry and
more at Antiques & Boutiques in the Farm Credit Dairy Center all three days
of the show.
<more> April 16, 2012 Western Farm Press
Cheese
a ‘forbidden' food you should be eating: Today Show - - Cheese and dairy
products are on a roll in the national media. The latest example came on
Thursday morning when NBC-TV’s Today Show cited cheese as one of five foods
people should keep in their diets. The other foods included chocolate,
pasta, potatoes and steak. These are foods that many people avoid because of
various misconceptions that have arisen over time. Dietitian and Self
magazine blogger Sarah-Jane Bedwell said cheese is one of the foods that she
has to have every day.
<more> April 14, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Farmers hope drive to label genetically altered food boosts sale of organic
fruits, vegetables - - Robert Burns, an organic farmer in eastern
Connecticut, is candid in describing his business interest in state
legislation requiring that genetically modified food be labeled. “If you’re
an organic producer now, you should get ready for an increase in sales,”
said the grower of lettuce, mung beans, red winter wheat berries and other
vegetables. Consumer demand for labeling is rising and producers will have
little choice but to comply, he said. Many backers of similar legislation in
more than a dozen states say their intent is to give consumers more
information about what they’re eating.
<more> April 15, 2012 Associated Press
Dark Meat Getting a Leg Up on Boring Boneless Breast - - Poultry companies that spent decades breeding top-heavy birds to satisfy America's craving for chicken breasts are hunting for solutions as consumers cluck for more dark meat. Demand for legs and thigh cuts is climbing as diners tire of white meat and TV cooking shows tout dark meat's richer flavor and softer texture. Sales also are benefiting from growing exports to foreign markets that favor chicken on the bone, and from rising immigrant populations in the U.S.. Stronger demand is lifting prices for the formerly cut-rate meats and helping pull the poultry business out of a slump that led to hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and threw some small producers into bankruptcy. Last year, overall chicken prices fell to a two-year low on supply glut. They rebounded to a new high earlier this month. <more> April 15, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
Friday, April 13, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
California
Supreme Court issues long-awaited meal period decision - -
Editor’s note: Western United
Dairymen’s labor counsel Anthony Raimondo has provided this critical
analysis of the important California Supreme Court decision on employers
providing meal and rest periods to employees.
- - By Anthony P. Raimondo
- - On April 12, 2012, the California Supreme Court issued the highly
anticipated decision in Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court, a case
that provides badly needed clarification with respect to employers’
obligation to provide meal and rest periods. Unfortunately, especially for
agricultural employers, the decision leaves some critical issues unresolved
that will create confusion regarding management of meal and rest breaks on
farms and ranches. Brinker involved restaurant workers who often took a meal
break an hour or two into their shift, and then worked a six to seven hour
period before finishing the shift. Such patterns are common in the
restaurant industry, where workers arrive, do some preparatory work, take a
meal break, and then work a busy meal shift. The California Supreme Court
considered several critical issues, and provided answers to questions that
have plagued employers for years. What is the impact on agriculture?
<more> April 13, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Agency wants 4.1%
increase in Cal workers compensation premiums - - The Workers
Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau Thursday proposed a 4.1 percent overall
increase in employer-paid premiums for insurance to cover work-related
injuries and illnesses, thus adding another element to the Capitol's looming
battle over the multi-billion-dollar program. The "pure premium rate"
proposal would raise average costs from $2.41 per $100 of payroll to $2.51,
and is markedly smaller than increases proposed by the private agency in
years past. It's contained in a letter to Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones,
who will hold hearings on the issue before making his own recommendation.
Insurers, however, are free to set their own rates.
<more> April 13, 2012 Sacramento Bee
California workers' comp overhaul effort is stirring - - The two biggest
players in California's workers' compensation system — labor unions and
large employers — are quietly crafting the biggest overhaul of the mandatory
insurance program in a decade. The goal: provide more care to injured
workers without raising premiums for businesses. The negotiations are
focused on squeezing waste from California's $15-billion system, which,
while huge, often delays or denies compensation and medical care that could
get injured workers back on the job.
<more> April 13, 2012 LA Times
Peterson updates dairy leaders on Dairy Security
Act - - What is in fashion for dairy policy reform in the 2012 Farm
Bill? Supply correction and self-help are in, and price supports and Milk
Income Loss Contract (MILC) payments are out. During the Minnesota-Wisconsin
Dairy Policy Conference, Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), ranking member of the
U.S. House Agriculture Committee, made a special appearance to update dairy
leaders on the progress of the 2012 Farm Bill and the Dairy Security Act (DSA)
(H.R. 3062). "We've got a bill now that is not perfect, but it is a better
dairy program than what we currently have," Peterson told dairy leaders
gathered in Eau Claire last week for the two-day event hosted by the
Cooperative Network, UW-Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension
Service.
<more> April 12, 2012 Midwest Producer
FDA analyzes antibiotic residues in distillers
grains - - Did you know antibiotics are used in commercial fuel ethanol
production facilities to control bacterial contamination? The FDA’s Center
for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) recently reported on a study of antibiotic
residues in ethanol co-products, primary distiller’s grains, which are used
as animal feed ingredients. The Division of Animal Feeds within CVM issued a
field assignment during fiscal year 2010 to survey distiller’s products for
antimicrobial residues. Samples were collected for informational purposes in
order to learn more about the antibiotics used during the production of
distillers products and to determine the antibiotic levels in these
distillers products.
<more> April 13, 2012 Dairy Business
Lee Mielke: FDA guidelines to limit antibiotic
use in livestock - - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration this week
issued guidelines designed to limit the use of some antimicrobial medicines
in animal agriculture, while increasing veterinarian oversight requirements
for their use. DPW editor Dave Natzke talked about the key issues in
Friday's DairyLine. Natzke stated that, in some cases, antimicrobial drugs
have been administered or mixed in feeds or water to ward off infections and
diseases in meat- and milk-producing animals, protecting the safety of the
nation's food supply, while enhancing livestock growth and feed efficiency.
But, under this new FDA policy, Natzke said that all antimicrobial medicines
approved for use in animal agriculture will be used only for therapeutic
purposes, such as disease treatment, control and prevention, and only under
the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
<more> April 13, 2012 Capital Press
Virginia beef cattle headed to Canada in new export deal paving way for first direct shipments - - Beef cattle from Virginia are headed to Canada under a new export deal. Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the first direct shipments of cattle from the state to Canada on Thursday while traveling on a trade and marketing mission in Quebec. McDonnell’s office says the export business opens the door for Virginia producers to sell directly to beef cattle operators in eastern Canada without having to ship to middlemen in other states first. Five shipments are part of the new export deal. Officials say at current market prices, the value of each shipment of cattle is in excess of $75,000. <more> April 12, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy exports top $400 million for 12th straight
month - - The value of February 2012 U.S. dairy exports topped $400
million for the 12th consecutive month. At $437 million, February exports
were up 3% from January 2012 and up 11% from February 2011. At $245 million,
February 2012 imports were down 4% from January 2012, but up about 15% from
February 2011. Year-to-date fiscal year (FY) 2012 (October 2011-February
2012) exports were estimated at $2.142 billion, up 27% from the same period
a year earlier. FY ’12 imports were estimated at $1.331 billion, up 13%. The
FY ’12 dairy trade surplus stands at $811 million. February 2012 cheese
imports were estimated at $75 million, down 3% from January 2011 and 9% less
than February 2011. Y-T-D FY ’12 cheese imports are estimated at $476
million, up 2% from the same period in FY ’11. April 13, 2012 Dairy
Profit Update
U.S. dairy cattle exports remain strong - -
February U.S. female dairy cattle exports topped 6,000 head for the fourth
time in five months, with Russia again the leading destination for most of
them, according to USDA’s Foreign Ag Service. February 2012 exports totaled
6,440 head, bringing the year-to-date (Y-T-D) total to 10,947 head, compared
to 8,162 head for the same period in record-setting 2011. Russia imported
4,438 U.S. dairy replacement females in February, bringing its Y-T-D total
to 7,038 head, or about 65% of all U.S. exports so far this year. Last
year’s leading U.S. female dairy cattle export market, Turkey, imported
1,226 head in February, for a two-month total of 1,954. Other substantial
markets were Canada, 400 head; and the United Arab Emirates, 346. April
13, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
February alfalfa hay exports a record - -
February U.S. alfalfa hay exports topped 150,000 metric tons for the fifth
time in six months, according to USDA’s Foreign Ag Service. February alfalfa
hay exports totaled 167,933 metric tons, quite possibly the largest volume
on record, and bringing the 2012 two-month total to 310,473 metric tons.
Japan was again the leading monthly U.S. alfalfa hay market, importing
53,187 metric tons in February, for a two-month total of 99,471 metric tons,
about 32% of the U.S. Y-T-D total. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) imported
45,977 metric tons of U.S. alfalfa hay in February, bringing its 2012 total
to 87,007 metric tons, or about 28% of all U.S. exports so far this year.
China, South Korea and Taiwan rounded out the top five markets, both for the
month and year-to-date. April 13, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Report Says a Crop Subsidy Cap Could Save Billions - - The federal government could save about $1 billion a year by reducing the subsidies it pays to large farmers to cover much of the cost of their crop insurance, according to a report by Congressional auditors due to be released on Thursday. The report raised the prospect of the government’s capping the amount that farmers receive at $40,000 a year, much as the government caps payments in other farm programs. Any move to limit the subsidy, however, is likely to be opposed by rural lawmakers, who say the program provides a safety net for agriculture. The report, by the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, was requested by Senator Tom Coburn, Republican of Oklahoma, as part of his efforts to cut government spending. <more> April 11, 2012 New York Times
Environmental
News
New grant
program targets small-business heavy-duty truck operators - - A
new San Joaquin Valley Air District grant program opens up grants for smaller
heavy-duty truck businesses that may have not qualified for previous funding
assistance. Applications will be taken beginning April 16. "This program
addresses a significant number of trucking operations in the Valley that,
because of their size, were unable to be funded through other programs. We are
very pleased to offer this community much-needed assistance," said Samir Sheikh,
the Air District's grants program director. Eligible vehicles must be model year
2002 or older for replacement and 2000-2006 for retrofits, and meet additional
criteria including current and historical California registration, and minimum
mileage thresholds for the past two years.
<more> April 13, 2012 Valley Air District Press Release
Valley farmers weather effects of punishing storm
- - San Joaquin Valley growers and agriculture officials on Thursday said damage
from a punishing storm that dropped half-inch sized hail on the region was more
severe than expected -- and financial losses could reach into the millions.
Parts of the Valley's tree fruit orchards got pelted Wednesday by hail that
shredded leaves, knocked fruit off trees and slashed developing fruit. Among the
hardest hit were farmers in the Traver area near Highway 99 south of Kingsburg,
where hail blanketed the ground after nearly a 20-minute downpour.
<more> April 12, 2012 Fresno Bee
The California Delta: One man’s passion could
produce a national park - - If you live in California or in America’s
southwestern states, you know that a contentious political and environmental
battle over water has become a fact of life. In California’s Central Valley,
the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers meet and form the Sacramento-San
Joaquin River Delta, a source of freshwater to some of the state’s most
challenged urban and rural areas. "Composed of 57 leveed island tracts and
700 miles of sloughs and winding channels, the Delta is a unique blend of
small town communities, busy ship ports, farmlands, industries, highways,
historical sites, and marinas," notes the California Department of Water
Resources website.
<more> April 13, 2012 Examiner.com
Stories Of Interest
Rare two-headed calf born in Idaho - - An
extremely rare two-headed calf with no other visible abnormalities was born
at the 3-B Livestock ranch in Emmett April 10. Ranch owner Sonia Branch said
she has seen plenty of newborn calves in her life but nothing like this one.
"It's shocking," she said about the calf, which was delivered by foreman
Teryn Henderson and died quickly. "I've seen calves that are deformed but
I've never seen anything like that in my life."
<more> April 12, 2012 Capital Press
Ag Secretary
Karen Ross to speak May 3 at CSU Stanislaus - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross will be
a guest speaker at CSU Stanislaus Thursday May 3. Secretary Ross is
appearing as part of the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Speaker Series.
The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Faculty Development Center, Room
118. The lecture is free of charge.
The lecture
is free and open to the public and is sponsored by Yosemite Farm Credit.
Free parking is available in Parking Lot 8 (map:
www.csustan.edu/Directories/Maps_n_Plans/Campus_Plans/index.html).
April 13, 2012 CSU Notice
CMAB marketing leadership informational meetings set for Modesto, Tulare - - The California Milk Advisory Board is holding two upcoming informational meetings about its Marketing Leadership Academy. The MLA will cover all aspects of CMAB, its role in dairy marketing as well as introduce producers to other organizations working in dairy marketing. The leadership academy will train the next generation of dairy leaders to serve in leadership roles at the local and state level on various dairy industry boards. The program will be a deep-dive into dairy marketing with a total of four, one-day sessions over the next six months. The Modesto meetings will be held Wednesday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stanislaus County Ag Center, Stanislaus Building Conference Room H-I, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto Interested participants only need to attend one of the meetings – the meetings will cover the same information on both dates. The Tulare meeting will be held Thursday, April 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tulare County Farm Bureau office, 737 N Ben Maddox Way, Visalia. April 13, 2012 CMAB Notice
Thursday, April 12, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Court: Managers
don't have to ensure lunch breaks - - In a case that affects thousands
of businesses and millions of workers, the California Supreme Court ruled
Thursday that employers are under no obligation to ensure that workers take
legally mandated lunch breaks. The unanimous opinion came after workers'
attorneys argued that abuses are routine and widespread when companies
aren't required to issue direct orders to take the breaks. They claimed
employers take advantage of workers who don't want to leave colleagues
during busy times. The case was initially filed nine years ago against
Dallas-based Brinker International, the parent company of Chili's and other
eateries, by restaurant workers complaining of missed breaks in violation of
California labor law. But the high court sided with businesses when it ruled
that requiring companies to order breaks is unmanageable and that those
decisions should be left to workers. The decision provided clarity that
businesses had sought regarding the law.
<more> April 12, 2012 AP
All
eyes turn to Congress as election nears - - Dairymen are watching to see
if Congress will make progress on a list of pertinent issues, including the
farm bill, before election-year politics consume their attention.
Washington, D.C., lobbyist Charlie Garrison, who lobbies for Idaho
Dairymen's Association and other dairy groups, said Congress can pass a new
farm bill or extend the current bill before it expires Sept. 30. Passing a
new bill looks difficult given the budget situation, Garrison said.
<more> April 12, 2012 Capital Press
Grassley: Farm bill must be passed by August - - The U.S. farm law,
which covers everything from food stamps and conservation programs to direct
payments, expires on Sept. 30. Without a new law or an extension of the
existing farm bill, a 1949 law would automatically go into effect, curbing
plantings and forcing the government to increase subsidy payments by tens of
billions of dollars. In the past, Congress has chosen to pass an extension
rather than revert to the nearly 60-year old act. "If it doesn't get done by
August the 5th I don't think it's going to be done," Grassley said in an
interview, adding he was still optimistic a bill could be completed before
then. "It has to be done sometime this summer or you're going to have to
extend the existing farm bill because farmers need to know what next year's
program is."
<more> April 11, 2012 USA Today
Dairy
Security Act campaigns pick up the pace - - With the potential for a
2012 Farm Bill proposal inching closer, competing campaigns – opposing and
promoting the Dairy Security Act (H.R. 3062) as potential dairy policy in
the 2012 Farm Bill – ratcheted up a bit. Opposed to the bill, the
International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) unveiled analysis by
conservative ”think tank” American Enterprise Institute, showing “supply
management” initiatives contained in the proposal would be detrimental to
U.S. interests. The paper, "Market Structure and Competition in the U.S.
Food Industries: Implications for the 2012 Farm Bill," concludes a dairy
supply-management program proposal would increase consumer prices, increase
milk production costs and diminish the competitiveness of U.S. dairy
products in the world market.
<more> April 12, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
U.S.
Tightens Rules on Antibiotics Use for Livestock - - Farmers and ranchers
will for the first time need a prescription from a veterinarian before using
antibiotics in farm animals, in hopes that more judicious use of the drugs
will reduce the tens of thousands of human deaths that result each year from
the drugs’ overuse. The Food and Drug Administration announced the new rule
Wednesday after trying for more than 35 years to stop farmers and ranchers
from feeding antibiotics to cattle, pigs, chickens and other animals simply
to help the animals grow larger. Using small amounts of antibiotics over
long periods of time leads to the growth of bacteria that are resistant to
the drugs’ effects, endangering humans who become infected but cannot be
treated with routine antibiotic therapy.
<more> April 12, 2012 New York Times
More
reaction to FDA’s antibiotics guidelines - - The National Cattlemen's
Beef Association says it’s glad the FDA isn’t completely banning the use of
antibiotics and antimicrobials in cattle and other livestock species. But
NCBA says it is still concerned with regulatory actions that aren’t based on
peer-reviewed science or that set the precedent to taking animal care and
health decisions out of the hands of veterinarians. The American Feed
Industry Association says it supports the FDA guidance and FDA’s
collaborative approach to the issue. New York congresswoman Louis Slaughter,
who has led the anti-antibiotics efforts in Congress, called it a step in
the right direction, but said much more needs to be done.
<more> April 12, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Cal/OSHA launches 2012 heat illness prevention campaign - - California
is launching its newest campaign against heat-related illness and death on a
day marked by overcast and often rainy skies in the Central Valley. But
within weeks, temperatures could be pushing toward three digits. The annual
heat illness prevention outreach, education and enforcement effort will
involve coordinated statewide inspections, local inspections during heat
waves, trainings and presentations to employer and worker organizations, and
“a comprehensive public education campaign through print, radio and other
media.”
<more> April 12, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Two vying to unseat
Kevin McCarthy from Congress - - The smallest percentage of votes Kevin
McCarthy has garnered in his three runs for Congress was 71 percent -- in
his first race in 2006 against Democrat Sharon Beery. Since then, he's run
unopposed and against a write-in candidate, winning no less than 99 percent
of votes in those elections. As majority whip he's also one of the most
powerful members of the House of Representatives and has raised millions in
his campaign for a fourth term. But that hasn't stopped two men from
challenging him this year.
<more> April 11, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Rep. Devin Nunes raising funds to help Republicans nationwide - - Rep. Devin Nunes, seen as an overwhelming favorite for re-election, has the luxury of sharing his massive campaign war chest with others. And so far he has given $65,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee to help with other congressional races in California and nationwide. Out of the 242 Republicans in the House, the Tulare congressman is the 36th most generous in giving to his party, according to rankings provided by the Center for Responsive Politics, a research organization that tracks campaign spending. <more> April 11, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Pricing/Commodity News
DFA
Breaks Ground on Nevada Plant Geared Toward Exports - - Representatives
from Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA) joined officials from the city of
Fallon, state of Nevada and Churchill Economic Development Authority to mark
the official groundbreaking Wednesday, April 11, for a state-of-the-art
dairy ingredient manufacturing facility in Fallon, Nev. Nearly 150 members
of the Fallon community and Cooperative members, including DFA's Western
Area Council, participated in the ceremony. “As a milk marketing Cooperative
focused on our dairy farmer owners, we have a responsibility and an
obligation to explore new options to bring our members greater returns,”
said Mark Korsmeyer, executive vice president of DFA and president of DFA’s
Global Dairy Products Group. “Through this new plant, we are able to
continue our work to build value for American dairy farmers while providing
high quality and safe food to global consumers.”
<more> April 12, 2012 Dairy Today
April
13 deadline to select MILC start month - -Producers have until April 13
to contact their local FSA office to change their MILC start month to
May
or later if they desire to do so. A start month of April or earlier cannot
be selected. If a start month of April or earlier has previously been
selected, the start date cannot be changed, and payments will be received
until the 2.985 million pounds cap is reached. Current projections from the
University of Wisconsin point to highest payments in May (see table)
Environmental
News
Nitrate
workshop May 3 in Parlier - - A public workshop may 3 in Parlier will
provides an opportunity to hear about the landmark nitrate in groundwater study
in the Tulare Lake Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results.
Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel
discussion. The workshop will run from 2 – 4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag center,
9240 S. Riverbend Ave. in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration. The panel will reflect on the problem of groundwater nitrate,
safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this report might contribute
to constructive policy discussions in defining the issues and promising
directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in Sacramento will receive
official public comment on the study and SBX2 1. Information about the UC Davis
Study can be found at http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/.
Information on the SBX2 1 Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies
can be found at www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml
April 10, 2012 UC Notice
California
Braces for the Complex World of Carbon Markets - - When its nascent
cap-and-trade program ramps up later this year, California will be the first
state in the nation to reduce greenhouse gases by making a broad spectrum of big
polluters buy permits to exceed their allotted emissions. Other governments,
industry and scientists will be watching, but there’s still a lot to sort out.
That much has been evident at this week’s carbon market and policy conference in
San Francisco.
<more> April 11, 2012 KQED News
US
reviews ideas for boosting West's water supply - - Demand for water in a
river basin that serves more than 36 million people in the West and Mexico
is expected to overwhelm supply in the next half-century as the region
grows. So the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation asked the public what to do about
it. It got more than 140 ideas: Tow an iceberg to California and capture
what melts for the Colorado River basin. Divert water from the Mississippi
River. Deliver water bags from Alaska to southern California. Change the
desire for beef to reduce demand for thirsty cattle. The bureau won't single
out any options to pursue, but it will review them as part of its larger
study of water supply and demand in the arid Colorado River basin through
2060. It published the suggestions in late March.
<more> April 11, 2012 Capital Press
Stories Of Interest
'We
love the cows, we love taking care of them' - - A YouTube channel
launched by the Center for Food Integrity takes viewers inside farms showing
the work, technology and personality of farmers and ranchers across the
country. The channel, "Meet America's Farmers," shares stories from a
variety of farms with consumers. It is intended to show consumers the
commitment of today’s farmers to raising safe, healthy and affordable food.
One of videos features Rita Vander Kooi, a Minnesota dairy farmer, who
explains her philosophy of farming.
<more> April 11, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
New
Zealand Dairy Firm Fonterra Expands in China - - Fonterra Cooperative
Group Ltd. of New Zealand, one of the world's largest dairy exporters, is
greatly expanding in China in a major push to gain ground in the country
after a 2008 milk contamination scandal at its Chinese partner tarnished its
original growth plans. Separately, local rival China Mengniu Dairy Co. said
it appointed a new chief executive, five months after the discovery of
elevated levels of a cancer-causing substance in one batch of milk. Fonterra
is investing 557 million yuan ($88.3 million) to open two new farms in
China's northeast province of Hebei.
<more> April 12, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
Is an
Egg for Breakfast Worth This? - - Supermarket eggs gleam with apparent
cleanliness, and nothing might seem more wholesome than breaking one of them
into a frying pan. Think again. The Humane Society of the United States
plans to release on Thursday the results of an undercover investigation into
Kreider Farms, a major factory farm that produces 4.5 million eggs each day
for supermarkets like ShopRite. I’ve reviewed footage and photos taken by
the investigator, who says he worked for Kreider between January and March
of this year. In an interview, he portrayed an operation that has little
concern for cleanliness or the welfare of hens. “It’s physically hard to
breathe because of the ammonia” rising from manure pits below older barns,
said the investigator, who would not allow his name to be used because that
would prevent him from taking another undercover job in agriculture.
<more> April 11, 2012 The New York Times
Media furor stalls prices - - Public reaction to the use of lean finely textured beef -- dubbed "pink slime" -- in ground beef is squeezing packer margins, will increase retail prices and likely lower prices for feedlots and cattle producers. LFTB is an all-beef, USDA-approved product used to increase the leanness of ground beef. Through a technique perfected 20 years ago, beef trimmings are heated, the fat is spun out and a puff of ammonium hydroxide is used to kill any pathogens that might result from the heating process. The lean mix is compressed into blocks for use in ground meat. The outcry has led the USDA to announce that it will allow schools to decide whether to buy beef containing LFTB for subsidized lunch programs. <more> April 12, 2012 Capital Press
Dairy Meetings
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Pricing/Commodity News
Daily
market update has a fresh look - - After 14 years of being published by
the Chicago-based market exchange company CME Group, the Daily Dairy Report
is under new management. Mary Ledman, a market commentator with more than
30 years’ experience in the dairy industry, has assumed ownership of the
Daily Dairy Report, which will be re-launched as a subscription publication
May 1. “The report will continue to provide timely market information while
expanding its scope and impact,” says Ledman.
<more> April 11, 2012 Progressive Dairyman
April
13 deadline to select MILC start month - -Producers have until April 13
to contact their local FSA office to change their MILC start month to
May
or later if they desire to do so. A start month of April or earlier cannot
be selected. If a start month of April or earlier has previously been
selected, the start date cannot be changed, and payments will be received
until the 2.985 million pounds cap is reached. Current projections from the
University of Wisconsin point to highest payments in May (see table)
May
California Class 1 prices lower - - California’s May Class 1 milk prices
declined for the fifth consecutive month, to $16.94/cwt. in the North and
$17.21/cwt. in the South. Both are down 27¢ from April 2012 and $3.96 from
May 2011. Through the first five months of 2012, the California Class 1
price averaged $18.03/cwt. (North) and $18.30/cwt. (South), both down $1.00
from the same period in 2011. The May 2012 federal order Class I base price
will be announced April 18. April 11, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Analysts: Feed costs may drop, at least somewhat - - With more hay planted and prospective U.S. corn acreage expected to be its highest in 75 years, market analysts agree that prices for forage and feed crops will likely weaken this year, but not nearly enough to provide significant relief for dairy farmers. The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, released March 30, indicated U.S. farmers intend to plant 95.9 million acres of corn this year, up 4 percent from 2011 and the largest corn acreage since 1937. California corn acreage is expected to increase 2 percent from last year—to 640,000. U.S. farmers are also expected to harvest more hay this year—some 57.3 million acres, a 3 percent increase from 2011, while California farmers say they intend to harvest 1.5 million acres of hay, up 8 percent from last year. <more> April 11, 2012 Ag Alert
State/Federal
News and Politics
FDA
wants end to non-therapeutic use of antibiotics - - The use of
antibiotics in animal feed -- for non-therapeutic purposes, such as growth
promotion -- will be phased out under a new policy announced by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday. “A public health imperative
drives our actions today,” FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods Michael Taylor
told reporters attending a teleconference. That imperative involves
bacterial resistance to antibiotics used in human medicine. While the
overuse of antibiotic drugs in human medicine is part of the problem, Taylor
acknowledged, their use in animal feed for production purposes has also been
a “contributing factor.” The FDA will call on animal health companies to
limit the use of antibiotics to treating, controlling and preventing
specific diseases. It will be a voluntary action on the companies’ part.
<more> April 11, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Congress to begin work on Farm Bill - - Senate Agriculture Committee
Chairman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., plans to begin serious work on the new
Farm Bill when Congress reconvenes on April 16. The hope is to get a bill to
the Senate floor for debate before Congress breaks for Memorial Day.
However, even if all of that goes smoothly, huge challenges will remain. The
Senate bill will probably be developed with the premise that spending will
be reduced by about $23 billion over 10 years. Any bill developed in the
House will have much bigger cuts, with the biggest cuts coming in the early
years of the program.
<more> April 10, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Feinstein to hear from both sides of Valley ag - - In the Valley,
there's east-side agriculture and west-side agriculture. Today, Dianne
Feinstein is hitting them both. California's senior senator will attend a
noon fundraiser at the Sanger home of Nisei Farmers League President Manuel
Cunha Jr., and she will follow that up with a dinner event at the north
Fresno home of Westlands Water District board President Don Peracchi. Both
Cunha and west-side grower Mark Borba -- who is among the hosts at the
Peracchi event -- downplayed the east-west differences, but it is clear that
both events will have distinctly different aims. For Borba and the west-siders,
water is paramount. West-side agriculture is currently forecast to receive
just 30% of its allocation of Central Valley Project water, down from 45%
promised in last year's initial forecast. At the same time, Cunha is focused
on immigration reform.
<more> April 10, 2012 Fresno Bee
Kern
County GOP group endorses David Valadao - - The Kern County Republican
Central Committee endorsed state Assemblyman David Valadao in his run for
the newly-drawn 21st Congressional District at its meeting Monday night,
along with a handful of other Republican candidates for Assembly and
Congressional seats. At its meeting last month, the four-member executive
committee of the central committee endorsed only incumbents, saying it
didn't agree with the California Republican Party's plan a couple of days
later to make endorsements before the primary elections, which could be seen
as narrowing the field of Republican candidates.
<more> April 10, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Dean’s Settlement Could Net $13,000/Farm Average Settlement - - The Southeast Milk Litigation involves a flurry of activity this month in two different phases of the historic Class-Action Antitrust/Price-Fixing Lawsuit affecting the dairy farming industry in Federal Milk Marketing Orders 5 (Appalachian Order) and 7 (Southeast Order). This litigation, which most recently involved an unprecedented $145 million monetary settlement to producers from Dean Foods and Southern Marketing Agency, continues to unfold in Federal Court, Eastern District of Tennessee, in Greeneville, TN. <more> April 11, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
Nitrate
workshop May 3 in Parlier - - A public workshop may 3 in Parlier will
provides an opportunity to hear about the landmark nitrate in groundwater study
in the Tulare Lake Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results.
Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel
discussion. The workshop will run from 2 – 4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag center,
9240 S. Riverbend Ave. in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration. The panel will reflect on the problem of groundwater nitrate,
safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this report might contribute
to constructive policy discussions in defining the issues and promising
directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in Sacramento will receive
official public comment on the study and SBX2 1. Information about the UC Davis
Study can be found at http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/.
Information on the SBX2 1 Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies
can be found at www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml
April 10, 2012 UC Notice
Water
allocations tight despite full reservoirs - - Water supplies will be tight
for many California growers, even as persistent rain and snow in the past month
has kept reservoirs flush with supplies. The state Department of Water Resources
conducted its fourth snow survey last week and found that water content in
mountain snowpack was still only 55 percent of average for this point in the
season. As a result, the department announced it will only deliver half the
slightly more than 4 million acre-feet of project water requested by the 29
agencies that distribute its water to cities and nearly 1 million acres of
farmland.
<more> April 10, 2012 Capital Press
Turlock Irrigation District sees water outlook improve - - Wet weather
in recent weeks could prompt the Turlock Irrigation District to offer its
farmers more water. No action was taken at Tuesday's TID board meeting, but
staff presented reports about the watershed status. With improved conditions
after a mostly dry winter, the board likely will consider increasing the
allotment at its meeting Tuesday.
<more> April 10, 2012 Modesto Bee
Colo.
governor pushing dams for more water - - Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper
says new dams will be needed to store water from the Colorado River.
According to the Denver Post, Colorado planners believe Colorado could be
entitled to as much as 900,000 acre-feet of unallocated river water under
the 1922 interstate compact that governs use of the river. The Colorado
River provides water for 30 million people in seven states and Mexico.
States covered by the compact include California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah,
Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming.
<more> April 11, 2012 Associated Press
Stories Of Interest
Eating
our way out of the desert - - Of all the shocking paradoxes related to
the area we live, this one is a mind-blower: We live in a food desert. Kara
Lang, a nutritional biologist associated with Visalia’s Farmers Markets,
explained at the 210 Connect forum at 210 Monday night: With few
opportunities for buying fresh, produce and an overwhelming number of poor
eating choices — fast food restaurants and convenience stores — this area
qualifies as a region with poor eating choices according to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. The title of the forum, “Avoid Pink Slime: Eating
What’s Grown Locally,” was intended to be an attention grabber, but perhaps
nothing could have gotten people’s attention more than the revelation that
Tulare County, the nation’s No. 2 agricultural producing county, has been
identified as ground zero by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a food
desert.
<more> April 11, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Yoplait and Danone want a lid on Chobani yogurt sales in Canada - -
Yogurt companies Yoplait and Danone want to put a lid on yogurt sales in
Canada by the top U.S. yogurt maker, Chobani. According to published
reports, Chobani received a one-year test market import permit from Canada’s
Minister of International Trade and began selling its popular Greek-style
yogurt in 65 Canadian stores last November. The permit allowed Chobani to
pay a reduced duty of 5% – rather than a standard dairy import permit of
240% – while in builds a new yogurt plant in Ontario. The competing dairy
processors are fighting the import permit, as well as the permit to build a
$76 million yogurt plant, charging it does not work within Canada’s
highly-regulated dairy supply management program. Under that program, a
dairy company must use and process Canadian milk, or sell its products with
the 240% import duty. In addition, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario adopted
policy last fall capping the amount of Canadian milk that can be processed
into yogurt, meaning if Chobani builds the plant, it might not have access
to the Canadian milk supply. April 11, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Australia - Cow disease fears in Victoria - - The spread of a deadly blood disease is worrying dairy farmers in north-east Victoria. Theileria is endemic in north-eastern Australia and can stop cows producing milk, abort pregnancies and cause death. The Victorian Department of Primary Industries says it can't do much to control the spread of the disease because it travels on ticks carried by wildlife. That's not good enough for dairy farmer Lincoln George, from the Kiewa Valley, who wants infected farms quarantined and better information from authorities. <more> April 11, 2012 Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Pricing/Commodity News
Buying
feed? USDA projects higher 2012 prices - - With the numbers digested
from the 2012 Prospective Plantings report on March 30, further analysis of
potential 2012 crops and prices is underway. USDA’s World Ag Supply & Demand
Estimates (WASDE) report, released April 10, points to little change in the
corn outlook, but reduces anticipated soybean supplies. For dairy producers
buying feed, USDA narrowed the range for the season-average (2011-12) corn
price forecast (paid to growers), at $6.00-$6.40/bushel. That compares to
$5.18/bushel in 2010-11 and $3.55/bushel in 2009-10.The projected 2011/12
U.S. season-average soybean price was raised to $12.00-$12.50/bushel, up 25¢
on the mid-range forecast from last month. That compares to $11.30/bushel in
2010-11 and $9.59/bushel in 2009-10. Soybean meal prices were forecast at
$335-$355/ton, up $20 on the mid-range. That compares to $345.50/ton in
2010-11 and $311.25/ton in 2009-10. April 10, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
USDA
whacks milk-price forecast again - - The USDA has once again lowered its
forecast for 2012 milk prices. This morning, the USDA’s “World Agricultural
Supply and Demand Estimates” report projects that the all-milk price in the
U.S. will average between $17.25 and $17.75 per hundredweight this year.
That is a downward revision from last month’s forecast of $17.60 to $18.20.
As recently as the January report, USDA was predicting an all-milk price of
between $18.30 and $19.10.
<more> April 10, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
U.S.
milk production will exceed 200-billion pounds this year - - The latest
World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from USDA now project U.S.
milk production at 201.1 billion pounds this year; that is 800 million above
last month’s estimate and 4.9 billion pounds above 2011 production. More
cows and more milk-per-cow are the reasons for the increase. The ag
department predicts dairy exports will be a little lower this year while
domestic use will be higher but not enough to offset the expected increase
in production. As a result, we will see lower prices.
<more> April 10, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
U.S.
Raises Forecast for Soybean Exports - - U.S. soybean exports will
increase as a disappointing South American crop continues to steer buyers to
the U.S. this year, the federal government said Tuesday. The U.S. Department
of Agriculture's monthly report reaffirmed concerns about tightening soybean
supplies, which have driven prices up by 30% over the past four months. The
government slashed its soybean production estimate for Brazil to 66 million
metric tons for the current crop marketing year, down 2.5 million from the
prior month and one million tons below what analysts were expecting.
<more> April 10, 2012 Wall Street Journal
State/Federal
News and Politics
Jim
Dickrell: Another Take on Dairy Reform - - Apart from the dairy
stabilization (aka supply management) component of the dairy reform package,
the most hotly debated issue is whether the program would actually save or
cost dairy farmers money. Back in December, we dutifully reported an
analysis by Chuck Nicholson and Mark Stephenson. Chuck Nicholson is a dairy
economist at Cal Poly; Stephenson is a dairy economist at the University of
Wisconsin. Their economic model shows that the Dairy Security Act of 2011 (DSA)
could significantly reduce milk price volatility, but that reduction would
come at a price of nearly $1/cwt. reduction in the all-milk price.
<more> April 9, 2012 Dairy Today
Milk
prices spur calls for reform - - After two years of relatively strong
milk prices, the United States Department of Agriculture last week announced
that falling dairy prices and the high cost of feed has triggered support
payments to dairy farmers. This marks the first time since April 2010 that
farmers have received payments under the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC)
program, which provides a safety net for farmers when payments for milk fall
below a certain price. While milk payments remain above that threshold, the
high cost of feed means that profit margins for farmers are falling.
<more> April 9, 2012 Addison County Independent
Food
Stamps Helped Reduce Poverty Rate, Study Finds - - A new study by the
Agriculture Department has found that food stamps, one of the country’s
largest social safety net programs, reduced the poverty rate substantially
during the recent recession. The food stamp program, formally known as the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, reduced the poverty rate
by nearly 8 percent in 2009, the most recent year included in the study, a
significant impact for a social program whose effects often go unnoticed by
policy makers. The food stamp program is one of the largest antipoverty
efforts in the country, serving more than 46 million people. But the extra
income it provides is not counted in the government’s formal poverty
measure, an omission that makes it difficult for officials to see the
effects of the policy and get an accurate figure for the number of people
beneath the poverty threshold, which was about $22,000 for a family of four
in 2009.
<more> April 10, 2012 New York Times
Route may be hardest through Kings - - For some, high-speed rail is the promise of a glorious future for California. For many in Kings County, the question is more along the lines of “How negative will the impact be locally?” At a public meeting in Hanford last week with California High-Speed Rail Authority Board Chairman Dan Richard, county officials spelled out a long list of potentially harmful impacts from two possible routes the Authority is considering for the proposed Bay Area-to-Los Angeles line. Both alignments would increase urban sprawl in prime agricultural areas ill suited for new development, they said. Both routes would slice through some of the county’s most productive farmland, handicapping farming operations, they said. Both routes would increase car traffic to and from a station outside of Hanford, they said. Richard pledged to minimize the damage. <more> April 9, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Environmental
News
Nitrate
workshop May 3 in Parlier - - A public workshop may 3 in Parlier will
provides an opportunity to hear about the landmark nitrate in groundwater study
in the Tulare Lake Basin and hear local perspectives on the study results.
Western United Dairymen President Tom Barcellos will participate in a panel
discussion. The workshop will run from 2 – 4 p.m. at the UC Kearney Ag center,
9240 S. Riverbend Ave. in Parlier. There is no fee for this event and no
pre-registration. The panel will reflect on the problem of groundwater nitrate,
safe drinking water, promising solutions, and how this report might contribute
to constructive policy discussions in defining the issues and promising
directions. A State Water Board workshop on May 23 in Sacramento will receive
official public comment on the study and SBX2 1. Information about the UC Davis
Study can be found at http://groundwaternitrate.ucdavis.edu/.
Information on the SBX2 1 Salinas Valley/Tulare Lake Basin Nitrate Pilot Studies
can be found at www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/nitrate_project/index.shtml
April 10, 2012 UC Notice
Some
plants in S.J. not so green - - Power plants and landfills are the
largest single sources of greenhouse gas emissions in San Joaquin County,
recently released data shows. The data shows more than half of San Joaquin
County's 2010 emissions came from power plants, which create greenhouse gas
emissions by burning fossil fuels in the process of generating electricity.
More than a quarter of the local emissions came from landfills, which
produce methane - a far more potent climate-changing gas - as garbage
decomposes.
<more> April 10, 2012 Stockton Record
Fed
evaluation: 3 more pesticides may harm salmon - - A draft federal
evaluation has found that three more common pesticides used on home lawns
and agricultural crops jeopardize the survival of West Coast salmon. The
evaluation from NOAA Fisheries Service is the latest one resulting from
lawsuits filed by conservation groups and salmon fishermen demanding the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency enforce restrictions on pesticides
around salmon streams. This one looked at the pre-emergent herbicides
oryzalin, pendimenthalin and trifluralin. They are used to control weeds in
lawns, on road shoulders, in orchards, vineyards, and farm fields growing
soybeans, cotton, corn, Christmas trees and other crops. Heaviest use is in
California.
<more> April 9, 2012 Fresno Bee
Dan
Logue: Delta plan could devastate North State - - Without water, there
is no California. For as long as our state has existed, there has always
been tension between need and supply. The North State currently has an ample
water supply, but our Central Valley and Southern California neighbors do
not. Consequently, all Californians have had to work together to ensure that
every region has what it needs to power their regional economies. Now more
than ever, Californians must work together to address the state's decaying
water infrastructure that is no longer capable of serving today's needs.
<more> April 10, 2012 Marysville Appeal-Democrat
Stories Of Interest
Small dairies create market for entrepreneurs - - Frank Kipe thought he had everything he needed to launch a business selling what he described as the world's most expensive ice cream: two Jersey cows, a 10-acre farm and an old barn. Then he found out that he would have to pasteurize his milk before making his ice cream. Equipment for commercial farms was bulky and cost tens of thousands of dollars, so he built his own pasteurizer. Then he built more to sell. His pasteurizer business boomed, and the ice cream was forgotten. With small dairies popping up nationwide to meet the growing demand for locally produced food, the market for equipment for five-cow, 10-sheep and 20-goat operations has grown, too. <more> April 10, 2012 Associated Press
Monday, April 9, 2012
Pricing/Commodity News
Invitation accepted to jointly develop hearing
testimony - - By Tom Barcellos, President, Western United Dairymen -
- At last month’s board meeting, the Board of Directors reviewed the two
petitions that had been filed with the California Department of Food and
Agriculture in early March that sought changes to the manner in which whey
is valued in the 4b formula. By design, the two petitions were filed seeking
identical adjustments to the 4b formula. The Secretary granted a hearing on
the petitioned changes that is scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2012. The
Western United Dairymen Board of Directors directed staff to invite
California Dairies, Inc., Land O’Lakes, Dairy Farmers of America, the
Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Security Milk Producers, Milk Producers
Council and California Dairy Campaign to collaborate in drafting and
developing testimony for the upcoming hearing. The WUD board felt that since
the two petitions were seeking exactly the same changes to the 4b formula,
that efficiency and effectiveness of the testimony might be enhanced by
sharing thoughts and ideas amongst the producer side of the equation. WUD
staff did just that and extended the invitation on March 20.
In a letter dated March 28, 2012, David Walsh an attorney with the law firm
of Paul Hastings, LLP from Los Angeles, responded. Mr. Walsh indicated that,
on behalf of his clients whom we had invited to collaborate, he was
accepting our invitation to work together to develop testimony for the
hearing next month. The WUD board is pleased that Mr. Walsh’s clients have
accepted our invitation to move forward. We recognize the importance to
producers of a positive outcome to the upcoming hearing. April 6, 2012
WUD Friday Update
California Dairy Producer Groups Join Forces for
Change in Valuing State’s Whey Price - - Two groups representing
California dairy producers will join forces to seek changes in the state’s
milk pricing system. The two groups, Western United Dairymen (WUD) and a
coalition presenting several major dairy interests, had filed petitions for
a hearing with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) last
month seeking identical adjustments in how whey is valued in the state’s 4b
formula. The CDFA Secretary granted the hearing on the petitioned changes.
It is scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2012. WUD president and California
dairy producer Tom Barcellos said his association’s board had recently
directed staff to invite coalition members -- California Dairies, Inc., Land
O’Lakes, Dairy Farmers of America, the Alliance of Western Milk Producers,
Security Milk Producers, Milk Producers Council and California Dairy
Campaign -- to collaborate in drafting and developing testimony for the
upcoming hearing.
<more> April 9, 2012 Dairy Today
CWT assists with 7.8 million lbs. of dairy
product export sales - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 14
requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold,
Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative and Michigan Milk Producers
Association to sell 3.741 million lbs. of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
and 4.063 million lbs. of butter to customers in Asia, the Caribbean, the
Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered April through
October 2012. So far in 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making
cheese export sales totaling 41.6 million lbs. and butter export sales
totaling 37.4 million lbs. to 25 countries on four continents. On a
butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.199 billion lbs.,
or the same as the annual milk production of 57,100 cows. April 9, 2012
Dairy Profit Update
New Zealand - Fonterra sets world record for milk
powder - - Fonterra has set a new world record for milk powder
production. The dairy giant's Edendale Drier 4, the world's largest, has
surpassed production records from earlier this season. In March it churned
out 20,826 tonnes of milk powder. Fonterra's Keith Mason says breaking the
20,000 tonne mark is an outstanding achievement, and testament to the 550
hardworking staff at the site. The drier is worth $212 million, stands at 56
metres tall and has a total floor area of 6176 square metres. Mr Mason says
it's Fonterra's most efficient manufacturing asset, and is on track to
produce 12.5 percent more milk powder than last season. April 9, 2012
News Talk ZB - New Zealand
Lower U.S. Crop Reserves Raising Food Costs in
Election Year - - U.S. corn stockpiles are poised to be the smallest in
16 years by August and soybean reserves will be lower than the government
expected, potentially accelerating food-price inflation in an election year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture may say tomorrow that corn inventories on
Aug. 31 will be 37 percent lower than a year earlier at 715 million bushels
(18.2 million metric tons), the average of 32 analyst forecasts compiled by
Bloomberg show. That compares with a projection of 801 million bushels last
month. Soybean stockpiles will be 242 million bushels, down from a March
prediction of 275 million, the survey showed. The government is already
predicting food inflation of 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent in 2012.
<more> April 9, 2012 Bloomberg News
State/Federal
News and Politics
Lawsuit to be filed over Fresno rendering plant
- - A lawsuit was expected to be filed Monday in Fresno County Superior
Court demanding an end to 40 years of delays in addressing odors and
possible health and safety impacts that the lawsuit says come from Darling
International Inc.’s meat rendering plant on the west side of the city. The
lawsuit by a group calling itself the Concerned Citizens of West Fresno
alleges that Darling (NYSE: DAR) of Irving, Texas, is required by the city’s
municipal code to obtain a conditional use permit to operate but has never
obtained a permit.
<more> April 9, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
California Advocates For Healthy Food in U.S.
Farm Bill - - The U.S. Farm Bill is up for reauthorization in Congress
this year and California food and health advocates are eager to use the
opportunity to shift national policy towards healthier eating, which would
also benefit California farmers. A panel of food experts that included
Michael Pollan, author of bestseller Omnivore’s Dilemma, and Karen Ross,
Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture packed an
auditorium at U.C. Berkeley Thursday evening.
<more> April 6, 2012 KQED
California agriculture can be a bright spot, solid investment for state’s
economy - - With rising energy costs and the mounting number of home
foreclosures, the economy continues to struggle to shake-off the effects of
the 2009 economic downturn. Like other sectors, the California dairy
community felt the impact of the “Great Recession," with 48 family dairies
forced to close their barn doors and milking parlors just last year. That’s
in addition to the nearly 200 family dairies that went out of business from
2009 to 2010. While dairy families have faced tough times to say the least,
dairies and agriculture as a whole have proven to be a relatively stable
part of our economy since 2009. This ability to weather the economic storm
can be partially attributed to a simple truth – people need to eat.
California farm families have an impressive track record of feeding the
population safely, reliably and affordably. With 3 billion more people
expected on the planet by 2050, agriculture is positioned to be one of our
state’s best opportunities for long-term sustainable growth.
<more> April 9, 2012 Dairy CARES
USDA backs COOL appeal - - USDA’s
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) released a letter to industry
representatives stating that country of origin labeling (COOL) regulations
will remain in force and that the agency strongly supports the U.S. Trade
Representative’s (USTR) appeal in the World Trade Organization (WTO) to
defend its existing COOL regulations. On March 23, 2012, the USTR appealed
the WTO dispute panel report, issued on Nov. 18, 2011, which found certain
aspects of the United States’ COOL requirements, as they apply to beef and
pork, to breach the WTO commitments of the United States. AMS is responsible
for the implementation, administration and enforcement of the COOL
regulations. Under COOL, retailers must provide their customers with
information about the origin of various food products, including fruits,
vegetables, fish and shellfish and meats. There have also been proposals to
include dairy products under COOL requirements. April 9, 2012 Dairy
Profit Update
Kevin McCarthy helps state GOP make a comeback -
- Congressman Kevin McCarthy hopes to do for the state legislature what
he did for the House of Representatives. McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, has helped
launch "California Trailblazers," a candidate recruitment and training
program akin to the "Young Guns" initiative that helped the GOP wrest
control of the House in 2010. California's Republican Party desperately
needs the help. Not only are voters leaving the party but they've shut the
GOP out of every statewide office and could elect a super majority of
Democrats to the state Senate in November.
<more> April 8, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
US farmers working into their 70s - - Winding
down a successful career and making time for hobbies, community and family
are what most young people think of when imagining life at 60. That's not
the reality for most of America's farmers and ranchers, though. Many farmers
continue to work well into their 70s. The average age of a farm operator in
the United States today is 55 — and in New Mexico, it is over 57, the
highest in the country. There's nothing wrong with doing what you love late
into life, but many stay active for a different reason: There is no one to
take over the farm.
<more> April 9, 2012 Western Farm Press
Got money? School wins $13K from milk advisory
board - - Olive Elementary School in Vista will have some extra money
for field trips, a garden and other expenses thanks to the efforts of a
fourth-grade class and a $13,000 prize from a dairy advisory group. Teacher
Myrna Gonzalez encouraged her students at the school to collect milk seals
so they could enter the California Milk Advisory Board's Real Seal Appeal!
Sweepstakes. The effort was inspired largely by one student, David Martinez,
who persuaded his classmates to join him in collecting the seals.
<more> April 7, 2012 North County Times
High-speed rail gets new bashing from local group - - Local high-speed rail critics slammed a newly revised business plan at a Friday press conference that portrayed recent changes as making the project even worse than the widely disparaged draft released in November. Save Bakersfield Committee members, speaking at the Amtrak station downtown, echoed some of the same criticisms -- and none of the praise -- that greeted Monday's release of plan that slashed the project's estimated cost by about $30 billion to between $68.4 billion and $79.7 billion. Committee member Dr. Anil Mehta said that's still too much money in light of California's budget crunch. <more> April 6, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Environmental
News
Modesto Irrigation District water sale hits snag
- - A last-minute hitch delayed Friday's planned release of a proposed water
sale contract between the Modesto Irrigation District and the city of San
Francisco. The city asked to postpone the release after reviewing a March 28
letter from the Tuolumne River Trust objecting to the sale. The group
contends that the deal — involving a fraction of the total water that
eventually could be sold — would interfere with efforts to revive the river
ecosystem. It also says the water is not needed anyway because of reduced
demand.
<more> April 6, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Pesticide drifts, violations, down past few years
- - The number of people affected by pesticide drift in Kern County has
dropped substantially since 2005, but if a recent incident is counted for
2012, the trend could be reversed. When pesticide drifted over a school bus
on March 29, about 20 of the 30 students on board complained of itchiness
and nausea. These symptoms might have been caused by the pesticide that was
being dropped nearby. The students' clothing and the bus are being tested to
see if they came into contact with pesticide. A wheat field was being
sprayed at the time. Last year, the Kern County Department of Agriculture
and Measurement Standards received only two reports of people being affected
by pesticide drift in the county, and in 2010 there were none.
<more> April 8, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Stories Of Interest
MJC Dairy Club Fundraiser April 13 - - The Modesto Junior College
Dairy Club is hosting a fundraising dinner Friday, April 13, at the
Stanislaus County Ag Center. Cost is $16 per person with proceeds
benefitting the team as it prepares for a trip to a judging competition in
Scotland this June. The dinner will be held in Harvest Hall from 4:30 p.m.
to7:30 p.m. For more information, contact instructor Bill Hobby at (209)
404-9067 or hobbyb@mjc.edu.
478,167 pounds from one cow and still counting!
- - A Canadian cow is laying claim to the world’s record for lifetime
milk production. Gillette Emperor Smurf has produced 216,893 kilograms (or
478,167 pounds) of milk over her lifetime, according to recent reports. “She
is the best producer of all the cows in the world,” says owner Louis
Patenaude in this article from the Toronto Star. And she’s not done yet.
Gillette E. Smurf, as she is officially known, is awaiting the birth of her
11th calf next month.
<more> April 9, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Getting to know your food - - AgVentures! is
a program at the International Agri-Center devoted to increasing people's
awareness about where their food comes from. Education Coordinator Kerissa
Chapman directs the program. She will also be a panelist for our 210 Connect
forum at 7 p.m. Monday at 210 Connect, "Avoid Pink Slime: Eating Locally
Grown Food," explaining some of the benefits of eating as a locavore.
Viewpoint asked Chapman about the operation of AgVentures! as well as some
advice on taking advantage of local produce.
<more> April 6, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Military group's Los Banos visit focuses on ag, water - - Sixteen students and two teachers from a Department-of-Defense-funded school toured area food producers last week, including Los Banos' own irrigation district. The students of the National Defense University are all 15 to 20 years into their respective fields, whether in military or civilian capacities, and on their way to a master's, said Col. Cheryl Smart. The students of the Washington, D.C.-based college are studying areas where industry and national defense meet. <more> April 9, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Friday, April 6, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Cows: The Innocent Bystanders - - What exactly fueled the firestorm over what some call "lean finely textured beef" and others call "pink slime"? Here's a possible answer: a troubling mix of industry intransigence, uninformed consumers and a megaphone-toting media—social and otherwise. The only innocent bystander was the cow. The impact of the fight has been striking. This week AFA Foods filed for bankruptcy as beef orders plunged. Beef Products Inc. says it shut three plants that make lean finely textured beef. Grocery chains and hamburger shops jettisoned the product. And the Agriculture Department got caught flat-footed. <more> April 5, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
Pricing/Commodity News
Lee Mielke: CWT to subsidize exports of whole milk powder - - The Cooperatives Working Together export assistance program will begin assisting sales of whole milk powder beginning April 16, according to CWT's Jim Tillison in Thursday's DairyLine Radio program. "The whole milk powder situation in the world market is very important," Tillison said, explaining that "it's my understanding New Zealand, for example, has shifted nearly all its production to whole milk powder because there's such a demand out there." He reported that CWT did an economic analysis to determine how U.S. prices compared to world prices, and whether assistance was needed. <more> April 6, 2012 Capital Press
Environmental
News
California at top in climate-change preparedness - - Scarce water supplies and coastal flooding may be part of California's future, but the Golden State is as ready as any state to tackle those and other problems caused by climate change, according to a national study released Thursday. California is one of only nine states that have developed comprehensive strategies and implemented policies to deal with water shortages, droughts, a shrinking snowpack and other water-related problems that are expected to occur if global temperatures increase this century as predicted by scientists, the Natural Resources Defense Council report said. <more> April 6, 2012 San Francisco Gate
Olive oil and milk among top ingredients used in 'food fraud' - - Food adulteration is more than just your neighborhood fish counter selling you farm-raised salmon and telling you it’s line caught. It’s ingredients that can go in ingredients to make products sold by your reputable local grocer or restaurant. New research shows that the most common food fraud ingredients are olive oil, milk, honey, saffron, orange juice, coffee and apple juice. The report was commissioned by the Department of Homeland Security. It defines food fraud as any substitution, addition, tampering or misrepresentation of ingredients for profit. <more> April 5, 2012 MSNBC news
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Pricing/Commodity News
Land
O’Lakes seeks to curb California milk glut - - Additional details are
surfacing regarding Land O’Lakes (LOL) efforts to curb the milk production
glut in California’s Tulare County and Southern California. LOL instituted a
supply management program – offering producer members three options –
designed to cut more than 1.3 million lbs. of base milk deliveries per day
from its Tulare, Calif. plant. Base reductions will be enforced through the
end of June. In response to producer feedback, a March 27 letter to
producers from Pete Garbani, director of milk supply in LOL’s Western
region, expanded options available to producers to help them meet the
reduced milk production target.
<more> April 5, 2012 Western Dairy Business
Cheese
production up 6.2% in February - - Total cheese production in the United
States in February was 858 million pounds, 6.2 percent above February of
last year but 5.8 percent below January of this year. Italian type cheese
production totaled 367 million pounds in February up 4.5 percent from a year
ago. American type cheese production up 5.7 percent from a year ago at 348
million pounds. Some of the increase is due to February having an extra day
this year.
<more> April 5, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Rains delay first cuttings - - Hay producers in the Golden State hope the weather will warm up and dry out so they can get to their first cuttings. In the central San Joaquin Valley, Los Banos grower Phil Bowles would have liked to have been in the fields in the third week of March, he said. "It's a slightly later start than we would have wanted," said Bowles, past president of the California Alfalfa and Forage Association. "If it had been clear, if there was no rain and halfway decent temperatures, we'd be planting cotton and cutting hay. <more> April 5, 2012 Capital Press
State/Federal
News and Politics
Cal Poly Students Earn Second Place at 11th
Annual Dairy Challenge - - California Polytechnic State University dairy
students took home a second place award at the 11th annual Dairy Challenge
held in southern Virginia. In total, 128 students from 32 colleges across
the United States and Canada participated in the annual competition hosted
by Virginia Tech and North Carolina State University. Each member of the
Cal Poly team was awarded a $100 scholarship. The student team coached by
Stan Henderson included: Sal Costilla, David Jones, Tyler Kamper and
Jacqueline Van Beek.
<more> April 4, 2012 Dairy Challenge Press Release
Fresno
Bee Editorial: Food producers can't ignore public demand for information
-- Go to any fast-food restaurant and you can readily find all manner of
information about the number of calories, carbohydrate count and amount of
fat in the burgers, sandwiches and uniformly shaped chicken nuggets. The
corporations even show their environmental consciousness by disclosing that
their napkins are made with recycled fiber, and are processed with
water-based ink. Consumers increasingly demand such detail, and question
everything from the political order to the fundamentals of science to what
the nation's agricultural corporations tell us is safe and healthy. Against
this backdrop, an organization called Just Label It recently submitted an
online petition signed by a million Americans calling on the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration to require that genetically modified food be labeled as
such.
<more> April 5, 2012 Fresno Bee
Bakersfield Californian Editorial: Overmedication of livestock must cease
- - If recent nationwide drug shortages sent a shiver down the nation's
spine, here's something equally frightening: the overuse of antibiotics in
farm animals. Today, nearly 80 percent of all antibiotics are used in farm
herds -- and not just to treat sick animals. They are primarily administered
to healthy animals in their feed and water to improve herd health and
prevent infection and disease among animals that live in increasingly
cramped, unsanitary conditions. This boon for agriculture poses great risk
to public health by spawning superbugs that are resistant to medication.
<more> April 4, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian, Opinion
Property surveys mark latest step for rail project - - The California
High-Speed Rail Authority is not slowing down. In Madera County, where the
authority is expected to first break ground for the Merced-to-Fresno segment
of the project, the agency has already mailed survey requests to 50 property
owners. "This is the rubber meeting the tracks," said Anja Raudabaugh,
Madera County Farm Bureau executive director. "The authority is dead serious
about this project becoming a reality." In response to questions from Farm
Bureau members who received survey letters from the authority, the Madera
County Farm Bureau sponsored a property rights meeting last week that
featured a presentation by eminent-domain attorney Andrew Turner of Turner
Law in San Mateo and a discussion about the project led by Jeff Abercrombie,
California High-Speed Rail Authority area program manager for the Central
Valley.
<more> April 4, 2012 Ag Alert
HSR
chairman pledges new era of cooperation - - California High-Speed Rail
Authority board members met with Kings County supervisors on Tuesday to
pledge more cooperation, admitting to past mistakes but repeating their
intention to start building next year north of Fresno. Authority Chairman
Dan Richard, talking to a standing-room-only audience in supervisors’
chambers, said 61 questions from the Kings County Board of Supervisors
submitted last year were never answered. “I want to acknowledge that because
it was wrong,” Richard said. “I understand that this community wants to set
a higher standard of openness. So be it. I respect that.”
<more> April 4, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
State
fair to honor A.G. Kawamura - - At the February 24 meeting of the Board
of Directors, the nomination of A.G. Kawamura for 2012 Agriculturalist of
the Year was unanimously approved. The Agriculturalist of the Year Award is
presented to an individual who has contributed extensively, in a
professional capacity, to California’s agricultural industry. Award criteria
stipulates this individual must have demonstrated leadership and clearly
represented the industry over a number of years in one or more of the
following areas: finance, government, production agriculture, education,
labor, research, communications, trade and public service.
<more> March 28, 2012 California Ag Network
USDA: China trade mission overall success - - The USDA hosted its largest trade trip to date – to China in late March – and has deemed it an overall success, although complete access has not been achieved. Michael Scuse, Acting Under Secretary of the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Service, led the mission along with state ag directors of Iowa, South Dakota and several other states – and representatives of nearly 40 companies that supply a variety of US ag products. “From seafood, wine, equipment, animal feed, forestry products, fruits and vegetables, food ingredients – so, it ran the whole gamut of agricultural products.” Scuse says the companies were pleased with the deals they were able to reach with the Chinese. <more> April 5, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental
News
Snowpack remains a disappointment - - The winter snowpack measurement
announced this week is a bust on the crucial Kings River, measuring only
43.5 percent of the normal April 1 average, according to the Kings River
Water Association. “Our survey reinforces what we knew was coming all winter
because of the lack of significant storm activity,” said Steve Haugen, Kings
River watermaster. “Fortunately, a number of our units were able to carry
over water from last year’s much-above average runoff.” State water managers
said Monday the recent spate of storms has brought the state’s water supply
up to more than half of normal levels, but not enough to change dry
conditions. Monday’s snow survey was the fourth of five that will be
conducted this season.
<more> April 4, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
California water study brings excellent news for Delta - - Mike Wade,
Executive Director, California Farm Water Coalition - The report by the
National Research Council is excellent news for anyone interested in a
solution to California's ecosystem and water supply crisis. This
broad-ranging report focused on water and environmental management in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The report makes clear the need for a
multi-faceted approach toward solving environmental challenges that limit
the water supply for millions of Californians and millions of acres of
farmland.
<more> April 5, 2012 Western Farm Press
Refuting arguments against MID water sale to SF - - The Modesto
Irrigation District's proposed water transfer is a major issue and has drawn
some pointed criticism. The critics, however, ignore the most obvious
benefit of the water transfer — significant revenue to the district and its
owners, the ratepayers, for water that would otherwise will be lost or
wasted.
<more> April 4, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Growers criticize transfer of Merced Irrigation District water - - The Sierra Nevada snowpack is still only about half of normal, and as dry times persist, so does the infighting over water. Local disgruntled farmers continue to take issue with Merced Irrigation District's sale of 15,000 acre-feet of water to the San Luis Water District. At Tuesday's MID meeting, El Nido farmers blasted the board for going ahead with the deal despite issuing water curtailments for growers. This year, most MID growers are limited to four acre-feet of water an acre, while El Nido growers get up to two acre-feet an acre. <more> April 4, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Stories Of Interest
WUD North
Valley golf tourney set for June 4 - -
Western United Dairymen will hold its tenth annual golf tournament
benefitting its Federal PAC on Monday, June 4, at the Diablo Grande Golf
Course in Patterson. The $150 registration fee covers lunch, practice balls,
greens fees, cart, beverages and dinner. The tourney begins at 12 p.m. with
a shotgun start and will wrap up with dinner, prizes and awards at 5:30 p.m.
For more information contact Heidi Savage at (209) 614-5625 or (209)
527-6453.
Plan to Let Poultry Plants Inspect Birds Is Criticized - - Federal food safety inspectors said a proposal by the Agriculture Department to expand a pilot program that allows private companies to take over the inspections at poultry plants could pose a health risk by allowing contaminated meat to reach customers. Currently, the Agriculture Department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service inspectors are stationed along the assembly lines in poultry plants and examine the birds for blemishes, feces or visible defects before they are processed. Under the planned expansion, the agency would hand over these duties to poultry plant employees, while the inspectors would spend more time evaluating the plant’s bacteria-testing and other safety programs. <more> April 4, 2012 The New York Times
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Cal Poly Students Earn Second Place at 11th Annual Dairy Challenge - - California Polytechnic State University dairy students took home a second place award at the 11th annual Dairy Challenge held in southern Virginia. In total, 128 students from 32 colleges across the United States and Canada participated in the annual competition hosted by Virginia Tech and North Carolina State University. Each member of the Cal Poly team was awarded a $100 scholarship. The student team coached by Stan Henderson included: Sal Costilla, David Jones, Tyler Kamper and Jacqueline Van Beek. <more> April 4, 2012 Dairy Challenge Press Release
NMPF responds to cheese importers on REAL Seal
- - Following the March 29th announcement that the National Milk
Producers Federation (NMPF) will assume management of the REAL Seal, the
Cheese Importers Association of America (CIAA) issued a news release
alleging that this change in management of the REAL Seal program will
violate a law requiring the imposition of fees on imported dairy products.
The CIAA release contains incorrect information and factual errors which
necessitate a response from NMPF.
<more> April 4, 2012 Dairy Business
REAL Seal dispute - - A bit of a dispute has
arisen over the REAL Seal. Last week it was announced that the licensing and
management of the Real Seal logo was transferring from the United Dairy
Industry Association (UDIA) to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF).
National Milk says the seal will be used to differentiate between products
made with domestically-produced dairy products and those using imports. The
Cheese Importers Association of America (CIAA) says that is a violation of
law.
<more> April 4, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Suit challenging raw milk policy dismissed -
- A federal judge in Iowa has rejected a lawsuit that sought to expand
access to raw milk by challenging a Food and Drug Administration rule that
bans interstate shipments of unpasteurized milk. U.S. District Judge Mark
Bennett in Sioux City dismissed the two-year-old case filed by a nationwide
group of raw milk drinkers, producers and distributors. The lawsuit contends
that FDA regulations dating to 1987 prohibiting the interstate sale of raw
milk violate constitutional rights to travel freely and decide what to feed
their families. The lawsuit was filed by the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense
Fund, a Falls Church, Va., nonprofit group that advocates the direct sale of
farm goods to consumers. It says it has about 1,900 members from 49 states.
<more> April 4, 2012 Dubuque Telegraph Herald
USDA will allow LFTB labeling - - In response
to requests from beef processing firms, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
is going to allow companies to label meat containing lean, finely textured
beef (LFTB). The idea is the labeling would allow companies to continue to
provide the beef to an informed consumer. USDA needs to finalize the labels
but some possiblities are “Contains Lean, Finely Textured Beef”; “Contains
Finely Textured Beef” or “Contains Lean Beef Derived from Beef Trimmings”
Rich Jochum, Corporate Administrator for Beef Products Incorporated (BPI)
the company which ceased production of LFTB at three plants welcomed the
news saying it will provide consumers with options and “pave the way for
BPI’s lean beef to reestablish its place in the market.” March 4, 2012
Brownfield Ag News
Kings County vents frustration to state high-speed rail officials - - A day after celebrating the release of a new business plan in Fresno, leaders from the California High-Speed Rail Authority learned that there still is much skepticism and discontent in neighboring Kings County. County supervisors and a packed room of residents asked some tough questions of authority chairman Dan Richard at a special meeting Tuesday afternoon. They thanked authority leaders for showing up and trying to mend fences, but were disappointed it had taken so long. For months, Kings County officials have complained that the rail authority has ignored their concerns about the effects high-speed electric trains will have on their county. <more> April 3, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
New Zealand - Dairy Prices Show Slight
Improvement In Fonterra Auction - - Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd.'s
trade-weighted index rose in its overnight auction for the first time since
mid-January although whole milk powder prices continued to decline. New
Zealand-based Fonterra, which produces about a third of the world's traded
dairy products, said the index rose 1.5% compared with the prior auction
held March 20.
<more> April 1, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
CWT adding whole milk powder to export assistance program - - The Cooperative's Working Together (CWT) export assistance program will begin assisting sales of whole milk powder beginning April 16, CWT's Jim Tillison told DairyLine Radio this week. “The whole milk powder situation in the world market is very important,” Tillison told DairyLine’s Bill Baker. “It's my understanding New Zealand, for example, has shifted nearly all its production to whole milk powder because there's such a demand out there.” Like sales of other products receiving CWT export assistance, whole milk powder sales to Mexico and Canada will not be eligible. “We have the North American Free Trade Agreement, and products should be able to move there without assistance,” he explained, adding that Asia and the Middle East will likely be the primary markets, with some also exported to North Africa. March 4, 2012 Dairy Business
Environmental
News
Mark Grossi: Cap-and-trade: One, two, pick up the
cash - - Raise your hand if you have strong feelings about
cap-and-trade. Now, raise your hand if you really don't understand what it
is. My hand went up both times. I have strong feelings -- mostly anxiety
about explaining cap-and-trade in stories, like Bee reporter Tim Sheehan did
on Sunday in a story about funding for high-speed rail. State authorities
are talking about using cap-and-trade as a possible source of money for
high-speed rail. It's quite a load of cash -- an estimated $1 billion in the
first year of cap-and-trade program aimed at reducing climate-warming carbon
emissions, such as carbon dioxide.
<more> April 3, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Turlock Irrigation District to pursue water rate
increase for farmers - - The board of the Turlock Irrigation District
voted 5-0 on Tuesday to start the process for possible water rate increases
for most farmers next year. Affected landowners can weigh in between now and
a June 12 public hearing. If a majority of them object to the proposal, the
board could not go through with it. The new rates would help the TID cover
the cost of supplying water. They also would comply with a 2009 state law
that seeks more accurate measurement and pricing of water.
<more> April 3, 2012 Modesto Bee
Lawmakers challenge Army Corps on California
levees - - Leave it to something like levee vegetation to unite
California lawmakers. On Tuesday, in the latest round of a long-running
flood-control dispute, Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, and 34 other House
members from California urged the Army Corps of Engineers to revise its
policies governing vegetation on levees. The lawmakers, mostly Democrats but
with a few Republicans like Rep. Dan Lungren, D-Gold River, joining in,
warned the Corps against what they call the "extremely high costs of levee
construction and mitigation" entailed by a strict no-vegetation rule. The
stakes are high, as California officials have identified more than 2,100
miles of levees in the Central Valley.
<more> April 3, 2012 Capital Alert
EPA proposes re-establishing pesticide buffers
- - The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a plan for protecting
salmon from pesticides that could dramatically scale back Western states
crop production. The agency last week proposed re-establishing no-spray
buffers around certain water bodies for six commonly used insecticides and
setting strict concentration limits for water toxicity as part of an interim
plan for protecting salmon from pesticides. Salmon-bearing water bodies in
Washington, Oregon, California and Idaho would be subject to the buffers.
<more> April 2, 2012 Capital Press
BMP Challenge
focused on conservation tillage - -
A program that offers dairy
producers a chance to try conservation tillage practices without a large
financial risk. Thanks to a grant from the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the BMP Challenge is available for corn silage in
California for the 2012 spring planting. Working with a crop advisor
or the Conservation Tillage Workgroup, the producer selects a field to
enroll. The producer applies their usual nutrient application rate or
tillage practice on a check strip in the same test field while the rest
receives the BMP nutrient rates or reduced tillage. At harvest, the producer
and their advisor compare yields and net returns and the producer is
compensated for any net income loss. According to program officials, to date
participating producers have saved more than 150,000 pounds of nitrogen and
an estimated 2,000 tons of sediment loss in the Mid-West. The BMP Challenge
is a collaborative project of Agflex, the IPM Institute of North America,
American Farmland Trust, California Conservation Tillage Workgroup, and
Sustainable Conservation. For more information contact: California
Conservation tillage workgroup – Dr. Jeff Mitchell (559) 303-9689,
Sustainable Conservation – Ladi Asgill – (209) 576-7729 or visit the website
www.bmpchallenge.org. March 30,
2012 Sustainable Conservation Notice
Stories Of Interest
High feed costs, changes in pork production keep ham prices high heading into Easter holiday - - Ham will be the centerpiece of many Easter dinners this weekend, but the cost of that traditional main dish may make it harder for families to live high on the hog. Ham prices have been higher than usual for the past two years because the cost of pig feed has gone up, and some major pork producers are spending millions to convert barns as they phase out cramped cages used to confine pregnant sows. <more> April 4, 2012 Associated Press
Dairy Meetings
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
EPA
moves closer to approval of 15% ethanol gasoline - - The federal
government announced Monday it has taken a step toward wide distribution of
gasoline mixed with 15 percent ethanol by allowing manufacturers to register
as suppliers. While the EPA is moving the process forward by allowing the
registration, E15 still must clear another set of federal tests and become a
registered fuel in individual states. Ethanol makers then must convince
petroleum marketers to sell it at gas stations. Most ethanol fuel sold for
passenger cars and pickups today is 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gas.
The new blend that boosts ethanol to 15 percent would only be sold for use
in 2001 and newer vehicles.
<more> April 3, 2012 Associated Press
Senate
bill seeks to abolish death tax - - U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., has
introduced the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012 (S. 2242), to abolish
the federal death tax. Representative Kevin Brady, R-Texas, introduced
identical legislation in the House of Representatives and the bill currently
has over 200 bipartisan cosponsors. Not only would Thune’s bill repeal the
federal estate tax, but it would also repeal the generation skipping
transfer (GST) tax, make permanent the maximum 35 percent gift tax rate and
a $5 million lifetime gift tax exemption, and maintain the stepped-up basis
provisions important to family farms and businesses.
<more> April 2, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Beef
Processor Falters Amid 'Slime' - - Meat processor AFA Foods Inc. filed
for bankruptcy-court protection Monday, saying a national controversy over a
common filler for ground beef severely curbed consumer demand for its
products. AFA, which processes more than 500 million pounds of ground-beef
products annually, is the latest casualty of the beef additive known as
"pink slime" as supermarkets across the country phase out the product amid
consumer complaints. AFA said ground-beef demand has dropped sharply in
recent weeks, curbing a rebound in sales the company had been counting on.
The company produces ground beef, buying the filler known as finely textured
beef and grinding it into its products. The controversy has "dramatically
reduced the demand for all ground-beef products," AFA said in documents
filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Del.
<more> April 2, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
Iowa
governor calls for congressional probe of how ‘smear campaign’ of ‘pink
slime’ started - - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad called Monday for a
congressional investigation into how what he called “a smear campaign”
against the meat product commonly called “pink slime” got started. The
company that makes the product, South Dakota-based Beef Products Inc.,
announced last week that it would stop production at plants in Iowa, Kansas
and Texas amid public outcry. There are no precise numbers on how prevalent
the product known in the industry as lean, finely textured beef is, but past
estimates have ranged as high as 70 percent; one industry official estimated
it was in at least half of the ground meat and burgers in the United States.
<more> April 2, 2012 Associated Press
California revamps high-speed rail business plan - - Repeating the mantra "Better, faster and cheaper," Fresno leaders joined California High-Speed Rail Authority officials Monday to unveil a new business plan for the passenger-train project. The 212-page plan outlined by authority chairman Dan Richard lops nearly $30 billion off the cost of establishing a system of electric-powered trains capable of carrying passengers between San Francisco and Los Angeles, through the San Joaquin Valley, in 2 hours and 40 minutes. An earlier version of the plan, released in November, estimated the price of the system at $98 billion. That was for a line that included new tracks dedicated only to high-speed trains for the entire 520-mile length of the system from downtown San Francisco through downtown Los Angeles to Anaheim. <more> April 3, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Robin
Schmahl: Declining Fluid Milk Sales Plague the Dairy Industry - - Fluid
milk sales have been struggling for some time and are expected to continue
to struggle with lower consumption nearly every month and nearly every year.
Fluid milk sales for the two most recent months of December and January
showed declines of 3.3% and 2.7%, respectively. There have been efforts to
improve consumption, but so far they have failed to improve overall trend.
Much of it has to do with preference and stereotype. By and large, milk is
viewed as a commodity that fits in certain times of the day and with certain
diets. For instance, breakfast is generally considered a meal that includes
milk, while most lunch and dinners do not.
<more> March 30, 2012 Dairy Today
Another sign that things are getting worse - - In February, it had
become obvious that high feed costs had eroded dairy profitability to a
dangerous level. Now, there is word from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency that
February milk production is eligible for nearly 39 cents per hundredweight
in Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program payments. The re-appearance of
the MILC program means that things have gotten worse. Since April 2010, the
MILC program has been dormant because milk prices have generally been high
enough to earn producers a profit. But high feed cost has created a
situation where another round is needed.
<more> April 2, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Corn
Crop Sows Questions - - Dry weather in parts of the U.S. corn belt and
surging soybean prices could undercut government projections for a
record-beating corn crop this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture
projected Friday that farmers will plant more acres with corn this spring
than in any year since 1937. But traders are betting that the planting won't
necessarily translate into a historically large harvest.
<more> April 2, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
DFA to build powder milk plant in Nevada - - Dairy Farmers of America will soon begin building a plant to produce whole milk powder in Fallon, Nev. At full capacity, the plant will process 2 million pounds of milk per day and produce about 250,000 pounds of whole milk powder daily (90 million pounds annually). A groundbreaking event is set for next week with construction on the $85 million facility to begin in May. The plant's completion is scheduled for summer 2013. <more> Updated April 3, 2012 Capital Press
Environmental
News
Dairy nutrient management projects eligible for
new EQIP funding - - Western United Dairymen and Sustainable
Conservation welcomed the news this week that USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) in California has announced $8.5 million will be
made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
to help producers in four targeted areas undertake water quality and water
conservation projects. Applications are due April 20, 2012. Interested
producers should contact their local NRCS office. Western United Dairymen
and Sustainable Conservation were successful in jointly requesting funding
for a targeted area that includes the eastern portion of the San Joaquin
River watershed in Stanislaus and Merced Counties. The area is bordered by
the northern Stanislaus County line in the north, the Sierra Nevada
foothills in the east, the southern Merced County border in the south and
the San Joaquin River in the west.
<more> March 30, 2012 WUD Friday Update
California's water supplies below average despite March storms - - A wet
March boosted California's water supply, but it wasn't enough to make up for
a dry December and January. The state Department of Water Resources today
conducted its latest monthly snow survey. Because California normally
receives most of its annual precipitation by the end of March, the April
survey often decides how much water the state will have to get through
summer.
<more> April 2, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
California snow survey comes up dry - - DWR hydrologists announced that
water content in California's mountain snowpack is only 55 percent of the
April 1 full season average. "An unusually wet March improved conditions,
but did not make up for the previous dry months,” said DWR Director Mark
Cowin. “The take-home message is that we’ve had a dry winter and although
good reservoir storage will lessen impacts this summer, we need to be
prepared for a potentially dry 2013." Snowpack water content is measured
both manually on or near the first of the month from January to May, and in
real-time by electronic sensors.
<more> April 3, 2012 Western Farm Press
Washington digesters get more time to reduce emissions - - Legislation
relating to anaerobic digesters, farmland protection and livestock disease
response have been signed into law by Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire. Senate
Bill 5343, sponsored by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, gives
operators of anaerobic digesters -- energy plants that transform dairy
farms' manure into energy -- more time to find ways to reduce sulfur
emissions.
<more> April 3, 2012 Capital Press
BMP Challenge
focused on conservation tillage - -
A program that offers dairy
producers a chance to try conservation tillage practices without a large
financial risk. Thanks to a grant from the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the BMP Challenge is available for corn silage in
California for the 2012 spring planting. Working with a crop advisor
or the Conservation Tillage Workgroup, the producer selects a field to
enroll. The producer applies their usual nutrient application rate or
tillage practice on a check strip in the same test field while the rest
receives the BMP nutrient rates or reduced tillage. At harvest, the producer
and their advisor compare yields and net returns and the producer is
compensated for any net income loss. According to program officials, to date
participating producers have saved more than 150,000 pounds of nitrogen and
an estimated 2,000 tons of sediment loss in the Mid-West. The BMP Challenge
is a collaborative project of Agflex, the IPM Institute of North America,
American Farmland Trust, California Conservation Tillage Workgroup, and
Sustainable Conservation. For more information contact: California
Conservation tillage workgroup – Dr. Jeff Mitchell (559) 303-9689,
Sustainable Conservation – Ladi Asgill – (209) 576-7729 or visit the website
www.bmpchallenge.org. March 30,
2012 Sustainable Conservation Notice
Stories Of Interest
Animal
genetics video in You Tube contest - - UC Cooperative Extension (Animal
Genomics) Specialist Alison Van Eenennaam and her lab have submitted an
entry in the first-ever American Society of Animal Science Video
Competition. The video depicts the impact of animal genetics on animal
production and food production efficiency. The video “Were Those the Days My
Friend?” can be viewed by
clicking here. You can vote for this video by clicking “LIKE”. For your
vote to count you have to be logged into “YouTube” with an account The video
with the most LIKE VOTES counts. All three entries for the competition can
be found at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/videosforASAS/videos April 3, 2012
UCCE Notice
U.S.-based Chobani seen as threat to Canadian yogurt makers - - At
high-traffic intersections across greater Toronto, commuters can see
brightly hued billboards and transit ads promoting Chobani, the top-selling
yogurt brand in the United States, which began selling in Canada on a
limited basis last November. Those familiar with the Greek-style yogurt
brand’s U.S. success might believe Chobani will enjoy the same triumph here,
a market that consumes twice the amount of yogurt per capita than the U.S.
But if a coalition of existing Canadian dairy companies has anything to say
about it, Chobani won’t be sold in Canada for long.
<more> April 1, 2012 National Post - Canada
Food
stamp programs costly for farmers markets - - Current food stamp
programs at urban farmers’ markets attempting to bring fresh produce to
economically stressed city dwellers are so complicated for the shopper and
expensive for the farmer that fewer people are taking advantage of the
federal program designed to help them, according to research at the
University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Record numbers of Americans
are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, as
food stamps are now known, and many SNAP participants live in neighborhoods
with little or no access to healthy food. A study conducted at the Clark
Park Farmers’ Market in Philadelphia, Pa., found that making it easier for
vendors to collect SNAP payments with electronic point-of-sale systems
increased fresh produce sales to SNAP recipients by 38 percent.
<more> April 3, 2012 Western Farm Press
U.S. Exports to China Pass $100 Billion - - Only the U.S.’s next-door neighbors of Mexico and Canada outrank China in terms of exports. The US-China Business Council (USCBC) recently released its annual report on US State Exports to China. USCBC Vice President Erin Ennis says exports to China are vital to America’s economic health and create good jobs for American workers. "Between 2000 and 2011, total U.S. exports to China rose 54%, from $16.2 billion in 2000 to a record-breaking $103.9 billion in 2011. In addition, U.S. exports to China recovered faster after the recession than exports to anywhere else in the world. Clearly, China is a market that is important to U.S. companies’ bottom lines, even in tough economic times." <more> April 3, 2012 Ag Web
Monday, April 2, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Valley dairy farmers struggle with low prices set
for milk - - Milk for decades has been the top-grossing farm product in
the Northern San Joaquin Valley. It brought about $1.8 billion to the
region's farmers in 2010, according to county crop reports. Several thousand
north valley residents work in plants that package the milk in jugs or turn
it into cheese, butter, ice cream and other products. Dairy is a massive
industry, but for farmers, the profit margins can by tiny or disappear
altogether when milk prices fall or production costs rise.
<more> March 31, 2012 The Modesto Bee
DFA to build powder milk plant in Nevada - -
Dairy Farmers of America will soon begin building a plant to produce whole
milk powder in Fallon, Nev. At full capacity, the plant will process 2
million pounds of milk per day and produce about 25,000 pounds of whole milk
powder daily (90 million pounds annually). A groundbreaking event is set for
next week with construction on the $85 million facility to begin in May. The
plant's completion is scheduled for summer 2013.
<more> April 2, 2012 Capital Press
California Dairy Leaders Class XI selected - - The new class of
California Dairy Leaders was announced this week by Western United Dairymen.
This year's group includes five women and four men. This will be the
eleventh year for the nationally recognized leadership development program
designed to provide an in-depth study of the major issues faced by
California dairy families. California Dairy Leaders Class XI members are:
* Jennifer Beretta, Beretta Dairy, Santa Rosa
* David Dewit, Dewit Dairy, Acampo
* Ellen Durrer, Durrer Dairy, L.P., Modesto
* Jarred Mello, Wagner Dairy L.P., Escalon
* Jenny Mesenhimer, Western United Environmental Services Technician,
Modesto
* Trevor Nutcher, Hidden Valley Dairy, Modesto
* Lauren Reid, Fred Rau Dairy, Inc., Fresno
* Rebecca Spaletta, Spaletta Dairy, Point Reyes
* Robby Thommen, Thommen Dairy, Los Banos
The first session of the year will be held in May with a hands-on media
training workshop and industry leaders discussing their roles in dairy
promotion, advertising, marketing, and research. Subsequent sessions will
cover state regulatory processes and legislative advocacy on location in
Sacramento, the California pricing system and how it relates to national
dairy pricing, and the wide range of environmental issues facing the state's
dairy farmers. The highlight of each year's program is a trip to Washington,
DC, to get a quick immersion in federal legislative processes. March 30,
2012 WUD Friday Update
State Vet Dr. Annette Whiteford Named Chair of National Institute of Animal Agriculture - - One of the best things about the California Department of Food and Agriculture is the talented group of people who work here. We have dedicated public servants with deep expertise in their chosen fields and a passion for making our state a better place. We are fortunate that many of our senior employees are placed in positions of national leadership. The latest is our State Veterinarian, Dr. Annette Whiteford, Director of Animal Health and Food Safety, who was recently elected Chairman of the Board for the National Insiture of Animal Agriculture (NIAA), the first woman ever to serve in that post. <more> April 2, 2012 CDFA blog
House, Senate bills reform estate taxes - -
Legislative proposals in both the House and Senate would help protect
America’s farm and ranch families from potentially crippling blows of the
federal estate tax following a farm owner’s death. The Senate bill, the
“Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012” (S. 2242), was introduced by Sen.
John Thune (R-S.D.), with 34 co-sponsors. The bill is similar to one
introduced in the House (H.R. 1259) by Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas). The House
bill now has more than 200 co-sponsors. “This legislation will permanently
abolish the federal estate tax, better known by ranchers, farmers, and
family business owners across America as the ‘death tax.’ I believe the
death tax is destructive, misguided and inefficient, and that our economy,
small businesses, family farms, and ranches that are expected to be
transferred to future generations will benefit enormously from its demise,”
Thune said.
<more> April 2, 2012 Dairy Business
Farmers say they want action on bill this year
- - Farmers from six states urged a congressional panel on Friday to pass
this year's farm bill before the current legislation expires, and said
they're worried about the impact subsidy cuts will have on their livelihood.
Testifying before a field hearing of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee,
the farmers said passing the bill before the current legislation expires in
September would make it easier for them to plan and invest in their
operations. Friday's meeting at Arkansas State University was the third of
four nationwide field hearings the panel is holding as it begins work on the
legislation.
<more> March 30, 2012 Associated Press
USDA continues development of national ID plan
- - During last week’s National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s
annual conference in Denver, Neil Hammerschmidt, program manager of animal
identification at USDA/APHIS Veterinary Services, provided an update on the
agency’s Framework for Animal Disease Traceability. USDA currently is
reviewing thousands of public comments, and probably won’t issue the final
rule until later this year, so Hammerschmidt was unable to address some
specific details. He did, however, outline some of the program standards and
options.
<more> April 2, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Wendy’s runs ads across the country to assure customers that its beef is pink slime-free - - The Wendy’s Co. ran full-page advertisements in eight major newspapers across the country Friday, reassuring customers that it has never used the beef filler known as “pink slime” and never will. It is the latest company to publicly speak out against the controversial filler, known in the industry as lean, finely textured beef, as public concern about it grows. Wendy’s ran ads in the New York Times, USA Today, Los Angeles Times and other publications, letting its customers know the company only uses 100 percent beef from North American-raised cattle with no additives, fillers, preservatives or flavor boosters. <more> March 30, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
California March 4a/4b prices announced - - California’s March 2012 Class 4a milk price is $15.33/cwt., down 18¢ from February 2012 and $3.73 less than March 2011. The Class 4b price is $13.67/cwt., up 25¢ from February 2012, but $3.09 less than March 2011. Through the first quarter of 2012, the 4a price averaged $15.67/cwt., compared to $17.81 during the same period a year ago. The first-quarter 4b price averaged $13.77, compared to $15.39 last year. April 2, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
CWT assists in more cheese and butter exports - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted five requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Foremost Farms and Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative to sell a total of 818 thousand pounds of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 1.102 million pounds of butter to customers in Asia and the Middle East. The product will be delivered April through July 2012. In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 37.8 million pounds and butter totaling 33.3 million pounds to 19 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.076 billion pounds. April 2, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental
News
Dairy nutrient management projects eligible for
new EQIP funding - - Western United Dairymen and Sustainable
Conservation welcomed the news this week that USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) in California has announced $8.5 million will be
made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
to help producers in four targeted areas undertake water quality and water
conservation projects. Applications are due April 20, 2012. Interested
producers should contact their local NRCS office. Western United Dairymen
and Sustainable Conservation were successful in jointly requesting funding
for a targeted area that includes the eastern portion of the San Joaquin
River watershed in Stanislaus and Merced Counties. The area is bordered by
the northern Stanislaus County line in the north, the Sierra Nevada
foothills in the east, the southern Merced County border in the south and
the San Joaquin River in the west.
<more> March 30, 2012 WUD Friday Update
CRP
Signup Deadline April 6 - - Farm Service Agency State Executive Director
Val Dolcini reminds California landowners, farmers and ranchers that the
opportunity to enroll in the 43rd general signup for the Conservation
Reserve Program (CRP) ends on Friday, April 6. Producers who want to offer
eligible land for CRP's competitive general signup may enroll at the Farm
Service Agency (FSA) county office where their farm records are maintained.
CRP is a voluntary program that assists farmers, ranchers and other
agricultural producers to protect their environmentally sensitive land.
Producers enrolling eligible land in CRP plant long-term,
resource-conserving covers in exchange for rental payments, cost-sharing on
habitat improvements and technical assistance. On Sept. 30, 2012 a segment
of current CRP contract acres in California will expire. Those producers
may choose to re-enroll their land or sign up for new acres that qualify for
the program. Contracts range from 10-15 years. The competitive selection
is based on factors such as reducing high erosion factors and enhancing
prime habitat for rare wildlife. Producers are encouraged to contact their
local FSA service center or visit FSA’s website at
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp
for additional information. April 2, 2012 USDA Press Release
Cap-and-trade program could provide funds for
high-speed rail - - A new financing strategy is a centerpiece of a
revised business plan that state leaders will unveil Monday in Fresno for
the proposed high-speed train system. Rather than rely on uncertain future
federal transportation funds, money from the auction of air-pollution
credits -- the state's "cap-and-trade" program -- can provide a "backstop"
source of money for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, authority
chairman Dan Richard told reporters Saturday. The state has about $3.5
billion in federal stimulus and transportation funds from the Obama
administration to build from Fresno to Bakersfield. That would be matched by
almost $3 billion from Proposition 1A, a high-speed rail bond approved by
California voters in 2008. But critics say the authority had not identified
potential sources of money to build anything beyond that initial segment.
<more> March 31, 2012 Fresno Bee
BMP Challenge
focused on conservation tillage - -
A program that offers dairy
producers a chance to try conservation tillage practices without a large
financial risk. Thanks to a grant from the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the BMP Challenge is available for corn silage in
California for the 2012 spring planting. Working with a crop advisor
or the Conservation Tillage Workgroup, the producer selects a field to
enroll. The producer applies their usual nutrient application rate or
tillage practice on a check strip in the same test field while the rest
receives the BMP nutrient rates or reduced tillage. At harvest, the producer
and their advisor compare yields and net returns and the producer is
compensated for any net income loss. According to program officials, to date
participating producers have saved more than 150,000 pounds of nitrogen and
an estimated 2,000 tons of sediment loss in the Mid-West. The BMP Challenge
is a collaborative project of Agflex, the IPM Institute of North America,
American Farmland Trust, California Conservation Tillage Workgroup, and
Sustainable Conservation. For more information contact: California
Conservation tillage workgroup – Dr. Jeff Mitchell (559) 303-9689,
Sustainable Conservation – Ladi Asgill – (209) 576-7729 or visit the website
www.bmpchallenge.org. March 30,
2012 Sustainable Conservation Notice
Stories Of Interest
East Idaho dairy still taps market for home
delivery - - Home delivery of dairy products has increased for an
eastern Idaho dairy that's looking to make additional inroads with a new
sundae combination of bacon pieces, maple syrup and vanilla ice cream.
"You've got a lot of homes around you that all like ice cream," Reed's Dairy
owner Alan Reed told the Idaho Business Review. He said the company has
three drivers taking dairy products to 2,200 customers. The company also
delivers to local grocery stores and makes national shipments of its ice
cream.
<more> April 2, 2012 Capital Press
Delano tops NYC in Census Bureau list - -
Little old Delano has outdone New York City. The City That Never Sleeps
beaten by The City That Barely Makes a Peep. According to recently released
U.S. Census Bureau data, Delano is the fourth most densely populated
urbanized area in the country. The New York-Newark, N.J., area is fifth.
What does that mean, exactly? Well, the Census Bureau defines urban areas as
densely developed residential, commercial and other non-residential areas.
And there are two types of urban areas: "urbanized areas" of 50,000 or more
people, and "urban clusters" of at least 2,500 and less than 50,000 people.
Delano has 5,483 people per square mile, while the New York-Newark area has
an overall density of 5,319 people per square mile. Delano didn't win by a
nose, it won by 164 noses.
<more> March 30, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
A day in life of California’s ‘last frontier,’
where water, immigrants nurture farming roots - - The day begins at 1:40
a.m. for Maria Guadalupe Pimentel when her husband knocks on their bedroom
door, less than four hours after she fell asleep. “It’s time,” Ignacio Erape
says before heading to the kitchen of their home just across the border in
Mexicali, Mexico. He finishes preparing a lunch of spicy chorizo sausage
rolled into tortillas for his wife and four children. Within minutes,
Pimentel is in the back seat of her son’s 1998 Honda Civic, passing through
deserted boulevards on her way to the United States. She and thousands of
other Mexicans enter the US legally each morning and return home each night
— forming an unusual pillar of one of America’s most depressed labor
markets.
<more> April 2, 2012 Associated Press
New Zealand - Fonterra not backing dairy Bill - - The Fonterra Shareholders Council will not support the Government's Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill in its present form, saying there are "hidden" provisions which, over time, run the risk of disintegrating the country's biggest export industry. The Bill, which was tabled in Parliament earlier last week, detailed proposals to oversee Fonterra's farm-gate milk price setting and ensure a more transparent and efficient dairy market, Primary Industries Minister David Carter said. <more> April 2, 2012 Otago Daily Times
Friday, March 30, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Immigration reform heavily favored in survey
- - Recent survey results suggest 70 percent of Americans would support a
streamlined and sensible program to allow immigrant farmworkers to legally
enter the U.S. to work in agriculture. “They (those surveyed) believe we
should have a sensible guestworker program for agriculture,” said Tom Nassif,
Western Growers’ President and Chief Financial Officer during a March 28
conference call with reporters. “They do not believe these workers would
take American jobs.” The January survey gleaned insight from 1,000 people
across the nation representing a broad cross section of business, political,
and ethnic backgrounds. The Tarrance Group-conducted survey was commissioned
by Western Growers, a California-based farm trade organization.
<more> March 29, 2012 Western Farm Press
Valley ag could be vulnerable to terrorists -
- The Valley's vast agricultural fields and orchards could be vulnerable to
domestic or foreign terrorist attacks, several experts said at an
agriculture crimes and terrorism summit Thursday. The experts pointed to the
recent arson fire at Harris Farms that caused more than $2 million in damage
as evidence that there are organizations or individuals out there who want
to harm the farming industry. Tom Knowles, a retired FBI agent and terrorism
expert, said that what concerned him about the attack is that someone could
have been killed and that the suspects were able to do an extensive amount
of surveillance.
<more> March 29, 2012 Fresno Bee
Cheese importers upset with REAL Seal management
change - - The March 29 announcement that the National Milk Producers
Federation (NMPF) will assume management of the REAL Seal logo and use it to
differentiate domestically produced dairy products from imports violates a
law imposing fees on imported dairy products, according to the Cheese
Importers Association of America (CIAA).
<more> March 30, 2012 Dairy Business
GOP'S Linda Halderman and Democrat push guest
worker bill - - A Fresno Republican has joined forces with a Coachella
Democrat to push legislation aimed at granting worker permits for
undocumented immigrants who have been living for years in California.
Republican Linda Halderman and Democrat V. Manuel Perez are co-authors of
the measure, Assembly Bill 1544. They jointly shared their views in an
opinion article in today's Bee. The two Assembly members said it's time to
end the predictable chorus of "Deport them all!" from the political right
wing, and "Amnesty for all!" from liberal Democrats. "We're tired of waiting
for a federal solution," they wrote. "We're tired of politics as usual. And
so we are taking a risk." AB 1544 would not confer legal status, but it
would create a permit process that would remove the fear of deportation for
undocumented workers and their families. It also would allow businesses to
hire such workers in the agricultural and service industries.
<more> March 29, 2012 Capitol Alert
Tennessee retailers lawsuit against Dean Foods
dismissed - - A milk price-fixing lawsuit filed against Dean Foods Co.
by Tennessee retailers has been “dismissed in its entirety,” the company
announced. Dean Foods, the largest dairy processor in the country, is the
parent company of Mayfield Dairy based in Athens, Tenn. A judgment granting
the company’s motion to dismiss the two remaining claims in the case was
entered by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of
Tennessee earlier this week. The lawsuit claimed that Dean Foods manipulated
milk prices in southeastern U.S. markets.
<more> March 29, 2012 Knoxville News Sentinel
US trade mission tries to bring more American
food and feed to China - - China’s fast-growing economy is helping to
drive demand for U.S. agricultural products, offering a potential new market
for American corn, wine and other goods, a U.S. official said Friday.
Michael Scuse, an acting undersecretary at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, said that while soybeans remain the biggest U.S. agricultural
export to China, other products could significantly expand sales. China has
20 percent of the world’s population but only 9 percent of the world’s
arable land. Rising incomes have greatly boosted meat consumption, driving
demand for feed grains.
<more> March 30, 2012 The Washington Post
Report: Farm banks increased ag loans and added jobs in 2011 - - The major source of agricultural credit is the banking industry, providing more than half of all outstanding farm loans, according to a report from the American Bankers Association. Its annual “Farm Bank Performance Report” says that the nation's 2,185 farm banks increased farm and ranch lending $3.8 billion or 5.6 percent in 2011, for a total outstanding balance of $72.3 billion. Farm banks have added 6,327 jobs in rural America since 2007, a 7.8 percent increase, and employed a total of 86,984 men and women at the end of 2011. <more> March 29, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Pricing/Commodity News
Lee Mielke: Milk, milk everywhere -- and way too
much to drink - - The Agriculture Department reported in its latest
Dairy Market News that the market is "awash with milk as increased
production is noted across the U.S. Typical spring flush for the southern
tier of states continues, while mild winter/spring weather in the northern
areas has increased milk supplies." The good news is that cream demand has
increased due to higher ice cream demand combined with better cream-based
production for Easter and Passover features. But several processors in the
West are preparing to implement financial assessments on producers for milk
marketed above established volumes. Discounts for milk above basis are
reported to be "severe."
<more> March 30, 2012 Capital Press
Yikes! This is about as bad as the depths of 2009
- - On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a milk-feed
ratio that practically matched the worst ratios put up in the depression
year of 2009. According to the USDA’s “Agricultural Prices” report, the
preliminary milk-feed ratio in March is 1.48 — nearly as bad as the revised
ratio of 1.45 for June 2009, the lowest point that year. High feed costs
have been primarily responsible for the dismal performance of the milk-feed
ratio in recent months, but milk prices have started to drop, as well.
<more> March 29, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Planting Intentions, Grain Stocks reports
released - - According to the Prospective Plantings report, U.S. corn
growers intend to plant 95.9 million acres of corn for all purposes in 2012,
up 4% from last year and 9% higher than 2010. If realized, this will
represent the highest planted acreage in the United States since 1937, when
an estimated 97.2 million acres were planted. Planted acreage is expected to
be up in most states compared to last year, due to expectations of better
net returns in 2012 compared to other commodities. Record corn acreage is
expected in Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, while
acreage is expected to decrease in the central and southern Great Plains,
which experienced severe drought and above-normal temperatures in 2011.
<more> March 30, 2012 Dairy Business
Boom year for corn possible in 2012 - -
Driven by favorable prices, U.S. farmers intend to plant 95.9 million acres
of corn in 2012, up 4 percent from 2011, according to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. If realized, this
will be the largest corn acreage in the United States since 1937, when
producers planted 97.2 acres of corn. Producers across many of the Corn Belt
states are expected to set new record highs in 2012.
<more> March 30, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
2012 hay acreage to increase slightly - - U.S. hay producers intend to harvest 57.3 million acres of all hay in 2012, up 3% from last year’s record low, but still the second smallest harvested area on record. Producers in several states – Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey and Pennsylvania – intend to harvest record-low acreages. Generally, all hay harvested acreage east of the Mississippi River is expected to decrease in 2012. Conversely, producers from the Great Plains westward intend to harvest more hay this season following the unusually dry conditions that limited hay production in 2011. March 30, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Environmental
News
BMP Challenge
focused on conservation tillage - -
A program that offers dairy
producers a chance to try conservation tillage practices without a large
financial risk. Thanks to a grant from the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service, the BMP Challenge is available for corn silage in
California for the 2012 spring planting. Working with a crop advisor
or the Conservation Tillage Workgroup, the producer selects a field to
enroll. The producer applies their usual nutrient application rate or
tillage practice on a check strip in the same test field while the rest
receives the BMP nutrient rates or reduced tillage. At harvest, the producer
and their advisor compare yields and net returns and the producer is
compensated for any net income loss. According to program officials, to date
participating producers have saved more than 150,000 pounds of nitrogen and
an estimated 2,000 tons of sediment loss in the Mid-West. The BMP Challenge
is a collaborative project of Agflex, the IPM Institute of North America,
American Farmland Trust, California Conservation Tillage Workgroup, and
Sustainable Conservation. For more information contact: California
Conservation tillage workgroup – Dr. Jeff Mitchell (559) 303-9689,
Sustainable Conservation – Ladi Asgill – (209) 576-7729 or visit the website
www.bmpchallenge.org. March 30,
2012 Sustainable Conservation Notice
Prestigious panel agrees: Delta is stressed, with
no easy fix - - A comprehensive new study on the Delta's environmental
problems concludes there is no easy fix, only hard choices, if California
wants to restore fish species and still satisfy its water demands. The study
by the National Research Council, released Thursday, was conducted at the
request of members of Congress and the Obama administration. The 17
participating scientists, from various disciplines and regions of the
country, took two years to complete the report. Those experts say
Californians must accept "scarcity" as a new watchword for its statewide
water supplies. That doesn't mean doing without, but recognizing everyone
can't always have all the water they want.
<more> March 30, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Scientists: 'No silver bullet' to declining Delta
- - There is no single cause for the deterioration of the Delta, a team
of independent scientists said Thursday in a long-awaited report that fails
to resolve one of the largest areas of controversy. The report by a
committee of the National Academy of Sciences marks the end of a two-year
investigation launched during the state's most recent drought. Congress and
the federal government asked the influential academy - a kind of "Supreme
Court" of science, although its findings are not legally enforceable - to
study the Delta and California water as a whole.
<more> March 30, 2012 Stockton Record
Eastern San Joaquin Valley picked for $5 Million
in water quality funding - - Farmers and dairy producers east of the San
Joaquin River in Merced and Stanislaus counties could tap into a total of up
to $5 million in technical and financial assistance for water conservation
and water quality. The Natural Resources Conservation Service says that the
area is one of four statewide that will receive funds through its national
landscape conservation initiative to help improve the Bay Delta ecosystem.
Funds are being made available through the Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP). Applications are due April 20.
<more> March 29, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
New Bill Would Make Confidential Groundwater Info Public - - It’s no secret that with several recent years of drought, California’s groundwater supplies have come under increasing strain. But Dennis O’Connor, a water consultant with the State Senate Natural Resources and Water committee, wants to rewrite an arcane piece of California water law that, for decades, has kept documents containing information on the state’s groundwater resources under wraps. The documents O’Connor wants released to the public are called well completion reports, or “well logs” – technical documents filed by well drillers with the state. Under California water law, well logs are confidential, accessible only by individuals in state agencies or those who meet special criteria. <more> March 29, 2012 KQED news
Stories Of Interest
What would Aunt Bea say? - - Chocolate milk may soon be missing from the cafeterias of a North Carolina school district if the superintendent gets his way. In the northwest part of North Carolina, the ancestrial home of The Andy Griffith Show, it makes you wonder what Aunt Bea would say. While childhood obesity may not have been a big issue in fictional Mayberry, it is today for school districts in North Carolina and across the country. According to the Winston-Salem (N.C. Journal), it was statistics on chocolate milk’s sugar content and childhood obesity that convinced Don Martin, superintendent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system, to consider removing chocolate milk from his district’s menus. <more> March 29, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Dairy Meetings
Thursday, March 29, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Merced Sun-Star
Editorial: PETA's 'Happy cow' lawsuit is pointless - -
Animal rights group seems more
interested in publicity than in the welfare of livestock -- or human beings.
California cows happy? PETA demands more evidence. Our news pages have
chronicled the continuing legal struggle between People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals and California dairy farmers. Reporter Joshua Smith
reported that lawyers for the animal rights group argue that the milk board
representing dairy farmers has presented no evidence to support its
campaigns that depict, in a positive light, the health, comfort and safety
of the state's dairy cows. A state Superior Court has ordered farmers to
answer questions about the accuracy of the "happy cow" campaign. Our
response? Haven't we all got more important things to worry about?
<more> March 29, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
CDFA lifts quarantine of Claravale Farm raw milk
products - - State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Whiteford today lifted a
statewide quarantine on raw whole milk, raw skim milk and raw cream produced
by Claravale Farm of San Benito County. Claravale Farm has met state
sanitation requirements and food safety regulations to clear its production,
processing and packaging operations. On March 23, CDFA issued a recall and
quarantine hold of Claravale Farm products following the detection of
campylobacter bacteria in raw cream. To date, no illnesses have been
definitively attributed to Claravale Farm products; however, the California
Department of Public Health (CDPH) is still conducting an epidemiological
investigation of reported clusters of campylobacter illness where
consumption of raw milk products may have occurred. According to CDPH,
symptoms of campylobacteriosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and
fever. Most people with campylobacteriosis recover completely. Illness
usually occurs 2 to 5 days after exposure to campylobacter and lasts about a
week. The illness is usually mild and some people with campylobacteriosis
have no symptoms at all. However, in some persons with compromised immune
systems, it can cause a serious, life-threatening infection. March 29,
2012 CDFA News Release
Secretary of Ag Tom Vilsack And Iowa Governor
Defend Safety And Nutrition Of Lean Finely Textured Beef - - “Let me
reiterate what we have said literally hundreds of times. This product is
safe. There is no question about it,” said United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack during a press conference held
today to correct misconceptions about lean finely textured beef. Vilsack
noted that while USDA is offering school lunch programs a choice, the
Department has no intentions to ban the product. He also encouraged grocery
chains to make informed decisions regarding the product. “This produce is
safe, contains less fat and is less expensive. If people understand the
facts, they will make the right choices,” Vilsack said. Iowa Governor Terry
Branstad, who also participated in the press conference, was even more
candid in his comments, telling reporters that “the time for badmouthing and
distortions is over.”
<more> March 29, 2012 Beef Magazine
'Pink Slime' Defense Rises - - It turns out
not everyone hates pink slime. After being pummeled in the media for weeks,
the beef additive made from leftover trimmings is getting support from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture and the governors of five states, who argue
it has been unfairly labeled and is actually a safe, low-cost way to make
ground beef leaner. "This is an unwarranted, unmerited food scare," said
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, who, along with Texas Gov. Rick Perry and
representatives of several other states, has vowed to consume the product
themselves after touring a plant where it is made on Thursday. "If there was
some basis in fact to this, other than somebody's clever naming of it, then
you'd say 'no you shouldn't stick your neck out on it.'" The additive, which
has long been used as a cheap filler in hamburger meat without anyone
knowing or caring, has become the latest example of a product to fall prey
to a social-media feeding frenzy after celebrity chef Jamie Oliver detailed
how it is made in a TV special.
<more> March 28, 2012 The Wall Street Journal
Social media turn up heat on food industry -
- Americans enjoy the cheapest food supply in the world, spending the
smallest share of their income on groceries of any country. But as activist
groups continue to pull back the curtain on the techniques that make this
cheap food possible, Americans are raising their eyebrows and voicing their
concerns to surprisingly powerful effect. This week, Beef Products Inc.
announced the temporary shutdown of three of its four plants that produce an
inexpensive, chemically treated recovered beef product the government calls
"lean finely textured beef" but opponents have dubbed "pink slime".
<more> March 28, 2012 Chicago Tribune
GOP's
Linda Halderman and Democrat push guest worker bill - - A Fresno
Republican has joined forces with a Coachella Democrat to push legislation
aimed at granting worker permits for undocumented immigrants who have been
living for years in California. Republican Linda Halderman and Democrat V.
Manuel Perez are co-authors of the measure, Assembly Bill 1544. They jointly
shared their views in an opinion article in today's Bee. The two Assembly
members said it's time to end the predictable chorus of "Deport them all!"
from the political right wing, and "Amnesty for all!" from liberal
Democrats.
<more> March 29, 2012 Sacramento Bee
WUD’s
Kathleen Reuter to retire after 15 years of service - - Western United
Dairymen’s Administrative Assistant Kathleen
Reuter
retires on Friday, March 30, 2012 after 15 years of service to Western
United Dairymen. CEO Michael Marsh honored her at WUD’s recent annual
convention banquet, where Kathleen received an appreciative standing
ovation. Kathleen’s office responsibilities will be assumed by Nicole
Ghidinelli, an agribusiness graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, who hails
from a dairy family in Ferndale. From all of us at Western United Dairymen,
a heartfelt thank you to Kathleen for your dedicated service to WUD and the
California dairy industry and best wishes upon your retirement. You will be
missed!
Pricing/Commodity News
Demand fails to keep pace - - Dairy industry
analysts forecast a challenging 2012 second quarter as dairy commodity
prices continue to soften because of plentiful milk supplies and shrinking
demand. A Rabobank Dairy Quarterly report released March 20 said
international dairy prices fell between 3 and 8 percent the first three
months of 2012 and further downward pressure is likely. High farmgate milk
prices in many regions and favorable weather in almost all regions drove
milk supply higher. Brazil was the only export region to see milk
contraction in the early part of 2012.
<more> March 29, 2012 Capital Press
Fonterra Plans Overseas Investment as Demand to
Boost Prices - - Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd. (FCG), the world’s
largest dairy exporter, plans to boost investment in dairy farms and plants
in China and other emerging markets as rising demand pushes milk prices
higher in the next decade. “We need to look outside of New Zealand, we need
to look at other milk pools,” Chief Executive Officer Theo Spierings said on
a conference call today after the Auckland-based company reported an 18
percent rise in first-half profit. “If we only focus on New Zealand, we’ll
lose market share, we’ll lose relevance.” Demand for food commodities
including dairy is rising in emerging markets as economic growth lifts
incomes and spurs sales of protein-rich meals.
<more> March 28, 2012 Bloomberg News
February MILC payment rate announced - - USDA
announcing on Thursday that milk prices are low enough to trigger Milk
Income Loss Contract (MILC) program payments for February. FSA Administrator
Bruce Nelson says the February payment rate is $0.3895043 per hundredweight.
MILC payments are triggered when the Boston Class I milk price falls below
$16.94 per hundredweight, after adjustment for the cost of dairy feed
rations. MILC payments are calculated each month using the latest milk price
and feed cost. This is the first time there has been a payment for MILC
since April 2010. Producers must meet the Average Adjusted Gross Income
requirement and provide marketing data to the FSA County Office in order to
qualify. New dairy producers can apply for program benefits anytime through
September 30, 2012, at local FSA offices. Additional information about the
MILC program can be found at FSA website or by visiting your local FSA
Service Center. March 29, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Cull ’em if you got ’em - - March 2012 cull
cow (beef and dairy combined) prices closed in on $85/cwt., likely the
highest on record, according to USDA’s preliminary estimates. March 2012
prices averaged $84.50/cwt., up $2.50/cwt. from February 2012’s revised
estimate of $82.00/cwt., and $9.30/cwt. more than the March 2011 average of
$75.20/cwt. The March 2012 average puts the beef value of a 1,200-lb. cull
cow at more than $1,000/head. March 29, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Friday next CDFA meeting on long-term dairy pricing issues - - The second in a series of four meetings held by the CDFA to look into long-term dairy pricing issues will be held March Friday, March 30 in Sacramento. This meeting will focus on existing dairy industry research and recommendations. More specifically, findings from the Bain report, the McKinsey Report and the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC)’s recommendations will be part of the agenda. The next meeting will be held at CDFA’s auditorium at 1220 N Street, Sacramento beginning at 10 a.m. To download an agenda, please click here. Western United Dairymen’s CEO Michael Marsh has made it clear that producers’ profitability should be front and center in the conversation. “Finding a way to increase competition for milk in California will be crucial to ensure sustainable milk prices in the state”, he stated. WUD will be an active participant at these meetings and will make sure proposed reforms benefit California dairy families. March 23, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Environmental
News
Dairy
nutrient management projects eligible for new EQIP funding - - The
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California has
announced $8.5 million will be made available through the Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help producers in four targeted areas
undertake water quality and water conservation projects. Applications are
due April 20, 2012. On dairies, practices will include structures and
management to capture, store, measure and distribute manure nutrients in a
safe and useful way. Interested producers should contact their local NRCS
office. The four areas targeting water quality/water conservation include:
* Walker Creek portion of the Colusa-Glenn subwatershed in Glenn
County;* Lower Snake River in Sutter County; * French Camp Slough Watersheds
in San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties; * Eastern portion of the San Joaquin
River watershed in Stanislaus and Merced Counties.
<more> March 29, 2012 NRCS Press Release
California Delays First Cap & Trade Permit Auction - - Mary Nichols,
chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced at a state
senate hearing that the first carbon permit auction will be pushed back to
November 14th. The surprise announcement came at a hearing called to discuss
what to do with proceeds from the sale of permits to emit greenhouse gases,
the first of which is expected to flow into state coffers late this year.
Nichols’ announcement stole the headlines, though she said that the new
auction date will not affect the overall timeline for implementation and
that August will now be a “practice auction.”
<more> March 29, 2012 Climate Watch
JOEL
NELSEN: Farmers are doing their part on nitrates - - Unfortunately, The
Bee's editorial response to the recently released study by UC Davis on
nitrates in groundwater was minimalistic in its approach and evaluation. The
Bee once again blames agriculture without taking a deep look at the facts.
Had The Bee properly vetted the UC Davis report rather than just accepting
it, it too would have identified flaws and recognized an immediate solution
path. The report's authors recognize that this is a legacy problem, one that
has been in the making for more than 50 years. This assessment, released on
March 13, reached almost the same conclusions as a similar report to the
Legislature in 1988, thus nothing is new, except agriculture did start
addressing the issue. The report's authors recognized significant steps made
by agriculture over the course of the past two decades to reduce nitrogen
fertilizer use and to develop more efficient application methods. The Bee
ignored these efforts. A closer examination would have identified the
following:
<more> March 29, 2012 Sacramento Bee
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline Friday - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
Common Threads honors four for work in ag,
community service - - The common bond of agriculture ties together the
four women representing Fresno, Tulare and Kern counties who will be honored
Thursday at Fresno State with the 2012 Common Threads Award. Susan Abundis
of Fresno, Liz Hudson of Sanger, Mary Nunes of Tulare and Beth Brookhart
Pandol of Shafter are being recognized for their contributions to the
community, agriculture and various philanthropic efforts. The Common Threads
Awards luncheon begins at 11 a.m. at the University Dining Hall. Common
Threads is a collaborative effort of the California Agricultural Leadership
Foundation, Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and
Technology and Ag One Foundation.
<more> March 28, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Moscow - Pepsico milk lead sours in Russia - - If Russia's Agriculture Minister Elena Skrynnik went to the trouble last week of decrying adulteration of Russia's milk, then one thing is certain - the Franco-American syndicate that sells most of Russia's milk and dominates the market is having trouble pricing down or buying up milk producers in the regions where they claim adulteration is "unfair competition". That's because "unfair competition" is what Danone of France and Pepsico of the United States have been hoping would be more effective in the Russian milk market than it is proving to be. Naturally, what is unfair depends on who controls the milk production chain, and who doesn't. <more> March 30, 2012 Asia Times
Dairy Meetings
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
California cows happy? PETA demands more evidence - - Animal rights
advocates say dairy farmers continue to provide no evidence to justify their
Happy Cows campaign. Under court order, dairy farmers on the California Milk
Advisory Board gave testimony under oath over recent months about their
advertising campaign, which promotes the industry as ethical. "They have not
produced one single page that would come close to suggesting the cows are
healthy or anything to refute the studies that suggest there are serious
problems," said Martina Bernstein, senior litigation counsel for People for
the Ethical Treatment of Animals. "I thought these board members would have
made some valiant efforts to defend the ad campaign. But they've basically
said, 'We only know what goes on our own farms.'" The milk board and the
California Department of Food and Agriculture both declined comment on
continuing litigation.
<more> March 28, 2012 Merced Sun Star
Dairy
recruiters still see California as fertile ground - - Hungry for
milk—and all the jobs and economic activity that dairy businesses can
bring—states across the U.S. have not been shy about their desire to lure
California dairies to set up shop in their communities. Their recruitment
efforts were never more apparent than at the World Ag Expo in Tulare last
month, when representatives from states such as South Dakota, North Dakota,
Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and Texas made pitches about why dairy farmers should
consider locating their facilities in their states. Gary Hoffman, executive
director of the North Dakota Dairy Coalition, said he has been coming to the
trade show for seven or eight years "specifically to talk to dairy farmers
from California and across the country to entice them to come to North
Dakota."
<more> March 28, 2012 Ag Alert
‘Terribly offensive’ provisions of child-labor proposal cited - - U.S.
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) has been trying to get a face-to-face meeting with
U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis on proposed regulations
governing child labor on farms. But she has declined, leaving it up to her
staff. He even invited her to come to Kansas and meet with farm families.
Solis did hear his objections to the proposed regulations a few weeks ago
when she appeared in front of a congressional subcommittee. However, if
further attempts to convince her fail, legislative efforts are under way to
keep the regulations from taking effect.
<more> March 28, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
States
file challenge to Arizona immigration law - - California Attorney
General Kamala Harris has joined officials from 10 other states in asking
the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Arizona's immigration law, saying the law
exceeds state authority, conflicts with national policy and would drive
illegal immigrants into other states. The law would require police to demand
proof of legal status from anyone in their custody whom they suspect of
being in the country illegally. Largely blocked by court order since its
passage two years ago, it is scheduled for a Supreme Court hearing on April
25, with a ruling due by the end of June. Harris said Tuesday that the
Arizona law would disrupt a "cohesive federal immigration policy" that is
particularly important in California.
<more> March 28, 2012 San Francisco Gate
Senator supports cap on federal farm payments - - U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi
has joined with a bipartisan group of senators who want to cap federal farm
payments to large farming operations. The proposal would limit annual per
farm commodity subsidy payments and marketing loans to $250,000 for married
couples. Individual farmers would be capped at $150,000. Enzi says with the
nation's financial problems there's no better time to stop making payments
to people who don't need it.
<more> March 27, 2012 Bloomberg Businessweek
California initiative to label GMO's - - Willits activists are
collecting signatures in Willits to help get a statewide "Label GMOs"
(genetically modified organisms) initiative on the ballot for the November
election. The initiative, officially named "The California Right to Know
Genetically Engineered Food Act," would require that all genetically
engineered foods and foods containing GMO ingredients sold in California be
clearly labeled as such. Marcia Rautenstrauch, one of the Willits tablers,
says many local people she talks to while collecting signatures don't know
that GMO foods are being sold in Mendocino County without labeling. "They've
not heard of this," she said. "They have no idea. 'I thought we'd already
banned that in Mendocino County,' they say."
<more> March 28, 2012 The Willits News
Fresno
County supervisors back away from criticism of high-speed rail - -
Fresno County supervisors reserved judgment on the state's high-speed rail
project Tuesday after supporters packed the meeting chambers and pleaded
with the board not to turn against the venture. The county is one of two in
the Central Valley that remain supportive of the proposed San
Francisco-to-Los Angeles bullet train. Many city and county leaders in
recent months have come out against the train because of its cost,
management and track route -- issues that also have increasingly worried
Fresno County supervisors.
<more> March 27, 2012 Fresno Bee
Van
plows into cows on Santa Rosa’s River Road - - In a wet, chaotic scene
in the pre-dawn darkness Tuesday, a delivery van plowed into a herd of 39
cows that had roamed onto River Road, killing at least one of the animals
and perhaps injuring a half-dozen others. The mayhem prompted a two-hour
herding effort by CHP officers, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies and
passers-by. The CHP shut River Road at Olivet Road from about 3:35 a.m.
until 5:40 a.m., when the cows finally were herded to safety and the dead
animal removed, CHP Officer Jon Sloat said. The black-and-white Holsteins
escaped from Ocean View Farms nearly four miles away at Mark West Station
Road.
<more> March 28, 2012 Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Washington ag officials dispute conflict of interest concerns over dairy
oversight - - A federal judge's stern rebuke of a Royal City, Washington
dairy that violated an agreement to clean up its manure-management practices
contrasts with the high marks state agriculture inspectors gave the same
facility, raising questions about the thoroughness of state inspections,
long criticized by environmental activists. Judge Lonny Suko of U.S.
District Court in Yakima late last year ruled that the industrial-scale
Nelson Faria dairy polluted groundwater relied upon by nearby residents.
<more> March 27, 2012 Yakima Herald-Republic
Pricing/Commodity News
A
Four-Way Win for Dairy - - By Jim Dickrell - - Dairy Farmers of
America’s announcement last week of its plan to build a whole-milk powder
plant focused on exports in Fallon, Nev., has the potential to be a four-way
win for dairy producers. Win #1: The plant, with ground breaking likely to
come by early summer, will require 2 million pounds of milk per day when
it’s operational in late summer 2013. That will require Fallon dairy
producers to essentially double cow numbers, or recruit other producers to
the region. Already, some producers in the area are making expansion plans.
Their greatest hurdle (more on this later) will be to convince local lenders
to supply the capital.
<more> March 28, 2012 dairy Today
March 30 next CDFA meeting on long-term dairy pricing issues - - The second in a series of four meetings held by the CDFA to look into long-term dairy pricing issues will be held March Friday, March 30 in Sacramento. This meeting will focus on existing dairy industry research and recommendations. More specifically, findings from the Bain report, the McKinsey Report and the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC)’s recommendations will be part of the agenda. The next meeting will be held at CDFA’s auditorium at 1220 N Street, Sacramento beginning at 10 a.m. To download an agenda, please click here. Western United Dairymen’s CEO Michael Marsh has made it clear that producers’ profitability should be front and center in the conversation. “Finding a way to increase competition for milk in California will be crucial to ensure sustainable milk prices in the state”, he stated. WUD will be an active participant at these meetings and will make sure proposed reforms benefit California dairy families. March 23, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Environmental
News
Water
bond teeters, may be pulled from 2012 ballot - - The next Sierra
snowpack reading isn't until Monday. But a recent comment by one of
California's top political leaders is having a much larger impact on the
state's water outlook than any measurement in the snow. When state Senate
President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg briefly mentioned to reporters that the
$11 billion water bond set to go before voters in November would probably be
pulled off the ballot, the remark reverberated with city water managers,
farm leaders and environmentalists. The bond -- painstakingly cobbled
together in a compromise between Sacramento Republicans and Democrats in
2009 -- would be the largest water measure on any ballot in state history.
<more> March 28, 2012 San Jose Mercury News
Turlock Irrigation District weighs altering its water rates - - The Turlock Irrigation District may adjust its water rates to comply with a 2009 state law. The district board Tuesday heard a staff report on the proposal, which would not take effect until 2013. The law calls for better measurement of water and for pricing that is better tied to what farmers actually use. The board could vote April 3 to start the process for the rate adjustments. They would not go through if a majority of the affected landowners objected during a 45-day comment period. <more> March 27, 2012 Modesto Bee
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline Friday - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
NMPF
assumes management of REAL Seal for dairy products - - The National Milk
Producers Federation (NMPF) will now manage the licensing and use of the
REAL Seal , one of the most iconic and recognizable product integrity logos
used in the food industry. Effective March 15, 2012, the management of the
REAL Seal program was transferred from the United Dairy Industry Association
to NMPF. This change was the result of an agreement between the two
organizations that the transfer was the best opportunity to place a renewed
emphasis on highlighting the importance and value of American-made dairy
foods.
<more> March 28, 2012 Dairy Business
'Ag
Plate' supporters close in on goal as deadline nears - - With an April 6
deadline approaching and only 500 more pledges needed, supporters of
agricultural education are making a final push to urge Californians to sign
up for a special, agricultural-themed vehicle license plate. An anonymous
donor from the agriculture business has pledged to pay for up to 4,000
license plates, and Amy Madison of the California FFA Foundation said those
free plates remain available. Those wishing to apply for the free plates
should contact Madison at the California FFA Foundation and provide the name
of the vehicle's registered owner; address; phone number; email address;
nearest Department of Motor Vehicles location; and existing license plate
number. Madison also encouraged those with fleet trailers to take part.
Madison, director of fund development for the FFA foundation, may be
contacted via email at
amadison@californiaffa.org. The DMV must receive a total of 7,500
paid pledges for the "Ag Plates" by next week's deadline, in order to begin
issuing the special plates. Revenues from the special plates go directly to
agricultural education programs in California. For general information about
the Ag Plate program, see
www.calagplate.com . March 28, 2012 California Farm Bureau Federation
Tell Us Why It’s Ethical to Eat Meat: A Contest - - Ethically speaking, vegetables get all the glory. In recent years, vegetarians — and to an even greater degree vegans, their hard-core inner circle — have dominated the discussion about the ethics of eating. So today we announce a nationwide contest for the omnivorous readers of The New York Times. We invite you to make the strongest possible case for this most basic of daily practices. For rules and contest guidelines. <more> March 20, 2012 New York Times
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Bill
would block DOL farm youth labor restrictions - - Florida U.S. Rep. Tom
Rooney, chair of the House Ag Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry,
cosponsored the bipartisan “Preserving America’s Family Farm Act,” HR 4157,
which would prevent the Department of Labor (DOL) from enacting
controversial new restrictions on youth working on family farms. HR 4157
would prevent the DOL from implementing its proposed rules to restrict
family farm operations. The new mandates would prohibit youth under the age
of 18 from being near certain animals without adult supervision,
participating in common livestock practices like vaccinating, handling most
animals more than six months old, operating farm machinery over 20 PTO
horsepower, completing tasks at elevations over six feet high, and working
at stockyards and grain and feed facilities. March 27, 2012 Dairy Profit
Update
New
proposal to cap farm payments - - A new proposal to place a hard cap on
farm payments to individual farmers has the strong endorsement of the
president of one of North Dakota’s two largest farm groups. The president of
the other farm group said “reasonable limits” are needed, although it’s
difficult to say exactly what they should be. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., and
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Wednesday introduced legislation that would
limit farm payments to $250,000 per married couple and close loopholes that
allow nonfarmers to qualify for federal farm payments.
<more> March 27, 2012 Grand Forks Herald
Tom
Gallagher: Dismal fluid milk sales need attention - - Tom Gallagher, CEO
of Dairy Management Inc., addressed dismal U.S. fluid milk sales at the
Dairy Farmers of America , Inc., (DFA) annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo.
last week. “We've been beating a horse for a decade that things have to
change regarding fluid sales at retail,” he said. For the week ending Jan.
22, 2012, fluid milk sales were down 3.9% over the previous 12-month period,
Gallagher explained. The retail price averaged $3.90/gallon, up 11% from a
year earlier. Commercial disappearance of overall fluid milk was down 1.7%,
with an increase in consumption of milk in coffee drinks possibly offsetting
some of the fluid milk sales decline.
<more> March 27, 2012 Dairy Business
Agroterrorism expert looks at threat to SJV farms - - The Ag Crimes and
Terrorism Summit aims to raise awareness within the agricultural community
and to provide strategies that minimize agricultural crimes and terrorism –
both foreign and domestic – in the San Joaquin Valley. Tom Knowles, of the
Sacramento Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center, will discuss the
psychological and economic impacts of agroterrorism and vulnerabilities of
the food and water systems in California. Fresno County Sheriff Margaret
Mims is also scheduled to speak about the recent Harris Ranch arson attacks
and how local farms and ranches can better protect themselves against crime.
RSVP required. Fresno and Tulare growers are encouraged to attend on
Thursday, March 29, 2012:
http://ucanr.org/ag-terrorism-parlier-3-29-2012 Kings and
Madera growers are encouraged to attend on Thursday, April 12, 2012:
http://ucanr.org/ag-terrorism-fivepoints-4-12-2012 March 23,
2012 Western Farm Press
Regional economic summit March 29 to focus on ag - - The California
Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley holds the San Joaquin Valley Regional
Economic Summit on March 29 in Fresno, which will focus attention on the San
Joaquin Valley’s agricultural value chain. “The time to fix our state’s
economy is now, and we must start by strengthening our regional economies,”
says state Sen. Michael Rubio, D-Bakersfield. “The agricultural value chain
is the bedrock of the San Joaquin Valley economy and is key to job creation
and regional prosperity.” The San Joaquin Valley Regional Economic Summit is
part of a series of regional summits being held in preparation for the first
statewide economic summit on Friday, May 11, hosted by California
Stewardship Network and California Forward in Santa Clara.
<more> March 27, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
SF
legislator makes valley farming a priority - - At last report, San
Francisco had just three acres in agriculture, most of it nursery plants.
But the city has produced a state lawmaker with a strong interest in the
farming that goes on around Modesto and beyond. Democrat Fiona Ma serves on
the Assembly Agriculture Committee. She often deals with people from farming
regions whose politics tend to be more conservative than hers. Ma
nonetheless has cultivated respect from these colleagues, by visiting farms
and food processors, and asking a lot of questions. "For a legislator from
San Francisco, she has been a pretty solid vote for agriculture," said
committee colleague Bill Berryhill, R-Ceres. This urban-rural link is
intriguing in light of the recent interest among city dwellers in the
sources of their food — and whether it is produced responsibly.
<more> March 26, 2012 The Modesto Bee
How
much 'pink slime' beef do schools serve? - - Tomato, tomahto. Pink
slime, lean finely textured beef. Whatever you call it, one thing is clear:
Many consumers say they don't want it. Yesterday, following growing public
disgust, the primary producer of the textured meat, Beef Products Inc., said
it is suspending operations at three of the four plants that make the
product. Its announcement came after fast food and supermarket chains
dropped the product, even as federal regulators and the meat industry affirm
its safety. Schools, too, have been quick to distance themselves from the
cotton candy-colored controversy after revelations that the U.S. Department
of Agriculture buys the product, commonly used in ground beef, for its
national school lunch program.
<more> March 27, 2012 California Watch
BPI to
Close Plants Over 'Pink Slime' Controversy - - Yesterday Beef Products
Inc., the company that pioneered lean finely textured beef, announced it was
temporarily closing its plants in Texas, Kansas and Iowa. The company will
continue operations at its headquarters in Dakota Dunes, S.D. Those closures
put about 600 people out of work as the company continues to fight a public
perception battle with the media and consumers. BPI says it will give those
workers laid off a 60 day severance package that includes pay and benefits.
The company was hit hard following ABC news reports regarding lean finely
textured beef, referred to as 'pink slime.' Following the media frenzy,
several major retailers, restaurants as well as several school districts
boycotted the product in their ground beef purchases as consumers demanded
the product not be used.
<more> March 27, 2012 Beef Today
22nd
District congressional hopeful to kick off campaign - in Cupertino - -
Otto Lee is a Valley attorney who served on the city council of a prominent
Valley city until January. And this Thursday, in an adjacent Valley city,
he'll hold a campaign kickoff party in his quest to win the 22nd
Congressional District seat. The newly created 22nd District covers parts of
Tulare and Fresno counties, and the incumbent is Tulare Republican Devin
Nunes. So the assumption would be that the adjacent cities are Fresno and
Clovis or Tulare and Visalia. That, however, would be wrong. In fact, the
Valley where Lee works and calls home isn't even the central San Joaquin
Valley. It is the Silicon Valley. And the city where he was recently a
council member is Sunnyvale.
<more> March 26, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
County officials discuss easing squeeze on farmland - - Another growth control policy across Stanislaus County could take shape much sooner than the mayors' initiative that has been driving headlines. On Wednesday, the Stanislaus Local Agency Formation Commission is scheduled to discuss options for an official policy to save ever-shrinking farmland. If panel members agree on one strategy among many, they could ask for input during a 30-day period and schedule a public hearing, essentially ignoring the mayors' initiative. Also on the agenda is Ceres' second try at annexing 960 acres. The nine mayors had privately discussed growth management for years before LAFCo mulled so-called agricultural mitigation in December 2010. That means requiring that a city permanently preserve so much farmland for each acre to be annexed for development; a typical ratio is 1-to-1. <more> March 26, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Under
the circumstances, some will take $17.89 per cwt. - - Last week, the
nation’s largest dairy cooperative came out with an estimate that the
all-milk price will average $17.89 per hundredweight this year, compared to
$20.14 last year. A few years ago, if you told farmers they would get
$17.89, they would say “OK,” noted Dairy Farmers of America President and
CEO Rick Smith. “But it’s a different world (today),” he added. High feed
costs have eroded profit margins, even at relatively high milk prices. At
the very least, producers would like to see $17.89 come to fruition without
any further downward adjustments.
<more> March 27, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Average cost of raising one corn acre tops $800 - - The cost to produce
an acre of corn in central Illinois in 2012 is pegged at $832 an acre, based
on a study of more than 600 on-farm records. The records come from state
Farm Business Farm Management Associations (FBFM). The study was conducted
by the University of Illinois' Dwight D. Raab. Raab found variable costs to
produce the 2012 crop are estimated at $386 an acre, an increase of $13 from
2011 (3.5%) with the majority of the rise coming from nitrogen and dry
fertilizer ($4 increase) and seed ($7 gain).
<more> March 26, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Area
farmland values driven by rising corn, milk prices - - Psst! Wanna buy
some farmland? I can let you have 40 acres for just $4,000 an acre. Whoops.
Sorry. It just sold for $5,000. Oh! Wait. That investor has it back on the
market for $6,000. The run-up in farmland values hasn't been that dramatic
but they're going up fast enough to attract investors to compete with
farmers for prime land. Years ago, developers drove up the price of land,
especially on the fringes of cities and villages. Nowadays, it's attractive
corn and milk prices that are driving values.
<more> March 26, 2012 Fond du Lac Reporter, WI
March 30 next CDFA meeting on long-term dairy pricing issues - - The second in a series of four meetings held by the CDFA to look into long-term dairy pricing issues will be held March Friday, March 30 in Sacramento. This meeting will focus on existing dairy industry research and recommendations. More specifically, findings from the Bain report, the McKinsey Report and the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC)’s recommendations will be part of the agenda. The next meeting will be held at CDFA’s auditorium at 1220 N Street, Sacramento beginning at 10 a.m. To download an agenda, please click here. Western United Dairymen’s CEO Michael Marsh has made it clear that producers’ profitability should be front and center in the conversation. “Finding a way to increase competition for milk in California will be crucial to ensure sustainable milk prices in the state”, he stated. WUD will be an active participant at these meetings and will make sure proposed reforms benefit California dairy families. March 23, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Environmental
News
Delta
Pumping Has Unmeasured Cost for Endangered Fish, Environmentalists Say -
- Water battles in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta have been fought over a
basic question: as the state’s thirsty cities and farms demand more Delta
water, is there enough left for endangered fish like the Delta smelt and
chinook salmon? In a report released today from the Bay Institute,
environmentalists argue that the damage being done to the Delta ecosystem
from removing water isn't fully being measured. Two-thirds of Californians
get their water from the Delta, the inland complex of islands and channels
where the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers come together, carrying runoff
from tributaries and the Sierra Nevada snowpack. Two huge plants in the
southern Delta can pump out tens of thousands of gallons of water per
second, sending most of it to San Joaquin Valley farms and Southern
California cities.
<more> March 26, 2012 KQED news
Central Valley farmers deal with water woes - - Central Valley farmers are feeling water woes after a dry winter and tight water restrictions. Some farmers may be forced to leave their land fallow, due to water cutbacks. State's agriculture is a $40 billion industry. Lack of water for farmers affects jobs, and it could even affect your wallet when you buy produce. "Farming is a gamble, and in bad years it's a bad gamble," said Steve Mancini, Kern County Farm Bureau President. A bet on moist soil is a risky one for Central Valley farmers. And, an unusually dry winter, plus tighter water allowances is making for a grim outlook. <more> March 27, 2012 KGET news
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
Origin
of Modern Cows Traced to Single Herd - - A genetic study of cattle has
claimed that all modern domesticated bovines are descended from a single
herd of wild ox, which lived 10,500 years ago. A team of geneticists from
the National Museum of Natural History in France, the University of Mainz in
Germany, and UCL in the UK excavated the bones of domestic cattle on
archaeological sites in Iran, and then compared those to modern cows. They
looked at how differences in DNA sequences could have arisen under different
population history scenarios, modeled in computer simulations. The team
found that the differences that show up between the two populations could
only have arisen if a relatively small number of animals — approximately 80
— had been domesticated from a now-extinct species of wild ox, known as
aurochs, which roamed across Europe and Asia. Those cattle were then bred
into the 1.4 billion cattle estimated by the UN to exist in mid-2011.
<more> March 27, 2012 Wired Magazine
Dairy
opportunity abounds in beverage trends - - Consumer demand for health
and wellness beverages has led to a burst in the creation of functional
beverages, such as protein drinks, and a convergence between soft drinks and
dairy beverages, according to Rabobank. The convergence is attracting global
beverage companies such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, looking to include dairy
in their beverage line-up, Rabobank reported in its Global Beverage Outlook
2012. There is significant opportunity for dairy in beverages, Ross Colbert,
Rabobank's global beverage strategist, said.
<more> March 27, 2012 Capital Press
Annual labor survey available online - - The annual Farm Employers
Labor Service (FELS) survey is out again and ready for participation from
dairy producers. This survey is to develop a reference on California market
conditions and takes into consideration only the wage rates in which
respondents pay their employees within the state of California. It is
important that all information entered be accurate in order to have true
results.
For convenience purposes, this year there is the option to complete the
survey online. A new user portal page provides for data entry as well as
access to reports from prior years. In addition to the online access,
Western United Dairymen is providing members with hard copies of the survey
to be completed and returned to the WUD office by April 15. Please
complete the survey in either of the two ways listed. In order to access the
online survey, go to
www.fels.net/survey and select Western United Dairymen (WUD) from
the dropdown list of participating organizations. Enter WUD-2012 as the
password and select “begin survey”. March 23, 2012 WUD Friday Update
New
Zealand - Milk price bill goes to Parliament - - Legislation aiming to
keep milk prices in check has been introduced to Parliament. Primary
Industries Minister David Carter today tabled the Dairy Industry
Restructuring Bill, which includes proposals to oversee Fonterra's farm gate
milk price setting. "Because of Fonterra's dominance in the New Zealand
market, the price it pays its farmers for milk at the farm gate effectively
becomes the default price that all dairy processors must pay to attract
supply from farmers,'' Mr Carter said.
<more> March 27, 2012 New Zealand Herald
Italy - Ailing Parmalat founder says he caused suffering in fraudulent bankruptcy of dairy empire - - The disgraced and ailing founder of the Parmalat dairy empire told an Italian court Monday that he realizes he is to blame for the suffering caused by the fraudulent bankruptcy of the company. After arriving by ambulance with a feeding tube applied to his nose, 73-year-old Calisto Tanzi told a Bologna appeals court that he carries the “indelible weight’ for the suffering caused by his errors. Parmalat, which sold milk, juice and baked goods in 30 countries, collapsed in 2003 when the company acknowledged its debt was eight times higher than previously claimed. It was Europe’s largest corporate failure. <more> March 26, 2012 Associated Press
Dairy Meetings
Monday, March 26, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Ray Veldhuis: Bipartisan dairy reform plan cuts
deficit, helps California - - We all know that Congress is in a
desperate search to find ways to cut the federal deficit. What you may not
know is that the nation's agricultural producers are offering major policy
reforms that would significantly cut federal spending. Among the first to
propose major reforms were the nation's dairy farmers, who have advanced a
plan that would save taxpayers at least $100 million over five years. What's
more, for California's dairy industry, approving those cuts would help —
rather than hurt — our state's 1,600 dairy farms that lead the nation in
milk production. All Congress has to do is approve a series of reforms to
the federal dairy program that have been proposed by the farmers themselves
and sponsored by two influential House members, one from each party.
<more> March 25, 2012 The Modesto Bee
CDFA announces recall of raw milk products at
Claravale Farm of San Benito County - - Raw milk, raw nonfat milk and
raw cream produced by Claravale Farm of San Benito County is the subject of
a statewide recall and quarantine order announced by California State
Veterinarian Dr. Annette Whiteford. The quarantine order came following the
confirmed detection of campylobacter bacteria in raw cream. Consumers are
strongly urged to dispose of any product remaining in their refrigerators
with code dates of “MAR 27” and earlier, and retailers are to pull those
products immediately from their shelves. On March 19th, Claravale Farm
voluntarily ceased distribution of its products after CDFA made a
preliminary positive finding of campylobacter in raw cream.
<more> March 23, 2012 CDFA press release
Judge issues antibiotic ruling - - A federal
judge ordered the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to begin withdrawing
approval for the non-therapeutic use of some antibiotics in animal feed,
citing concerns that overuse is endangering human health by creating
antibiotic-resistant “superbugs.” On March 22, U.S. Magistrate Judge
Theodore Katz ordered FDA to begin proceedings unless makers of the drugs
can produce evidence that their use is safe. The lawsuit – Natural Resources
Defense Council et al. v. FDA, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern
District of New York, no. 11-3562 – was filed last May in the Manhattan
federal court by The Natural Resources Defense Council, Center for Science
in the Public Interest and the Union of Concerned Scientists. They argued
using common antibiotics in livestock feed has contributed to the rapid
growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in both animals and humans. March
26, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
CDFA to address farm to school programs - -
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will address farm to
school programs at its upcoming meeting on April 3rd in Sacramento. The
meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the California Department of
Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento. Farm to
school programs are a continuing trend in California and provide marketing
opportunities for a wide array of farmers and ranchers within the state.
However, a variety of challenges are involved in incorporating local farm
products within school lunch programs. The state board meeting will focus on
these issues, with presentations and discussion by a variety of leaders in
the farm to school movement, including Alice Waters, chef, author and
proprietor of Chez Panisse in Berkeley.
<more> March 26, 2012 CDFA press release
Pink slime controversy fueled by mass hysteria -
- Whether you call it "pink slime" or lean, finely textured beef, you
can call it a much-maligned product at the heart of an emotional controversy
fueled by misinformation, according to a meat expert in Penn State's College
of Agricultural Sciences. The stuff made headlines recently when it was
reported that the federal government plans to buy ground beef that contains
the product, also known as LFTB, in the coming year for use in the national
school lunch program's beef products. After a newspaper broke the story, a
national furor erupted, and "pink slime" became the most searched topic on
the Internet.
<more> March 20, 2012 Western Farm Press
'Pink slime' maker suspends some plant operations
- - The company that makes "pink slime" suspended operations Monday at
three of four plants where the beef ingredient is made, saying officials
would work to address recent public concern about the product. Beef Products
Inc. will suspend operations at plants in Amarillo, Texas; Garden City,
Kan.; and Waterloo, Iowa, according to Craig Letch, the company's director
of food safety and quality assurance. The company's plant at its Dakota
Dunes, S.D., headquarters will continue operations.
<more> March 26, 2012 Capital Press
USDA
Warns of Additional Fraudulent Letters and Calls --USDA officials have
been notified that additional fraudulent letters and at least one fraudulent
phone call have been received by individuals in a number of states. The
phone call was received by an individual in Indiana, and letters are being
sent by FAX to individuals and businesses in a growing number of states. The
letters and call purportedly come from a USDA procurement officer and seek
personal information. These letters are false and in no case should a
recipient respond with personal and financial information. The fraudulent
letters bear USDA's logo and seal and are signed by an individual identified
as "Frank Rutenberg" using a title of "Senior Procurement Officer".
Recipients should not respond and should not supply the requested
information. USDA is investigating this matter through the Office of the
Inspector General. USDA first learned that the letters were being circulated
on March 16, 2012. If you suspect you have received such a letter or have
been called by someone representing themselves as being from USDA seeking
personal information, please contact USDA at:
procurement.policy@dm.usda.gov or call 202-720-9448. March 26,
2012 USDA Press Release
Pricing/Commodity News
March 30 next CDFA meeting on long-term dairy pricing issues - -
The second in a series of four meetings held by the CDFA to look into
long-term dairy pricing issues will be held March Friday, March 30 in
Sacramento. This meeting will focus on existing dairy industry research and
recommendations. More specifically, findings from the Bain report, the
McKinsey Report and the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC)’s
recommendations will be part of the agenda. The next meeting will be held
at CDFA’s auditorium at 1220 N Street, Sacramento beginning at 10 a.m.
To download an agenda,
please
click here. Western United Dairymen’s CEO Michael Marsh has made it
clear that producers’ profitability should be front and center in the
conversation. “Finding a way to increase competition for milk in California
will be crucial to ensure sustainable milk prices in the state”, he stated.
WUD will be an active participant at these meetings and will make sure
proposed reforms benefit California dairy families. March 23, 2012
WUD Friday Update
March 30 brings highly anticipated USDA reports -
- Corn and soybean prices continue to be influenced by a wide range of
fundamental factors. Currently, those factors include prospects for the rate
of economic growth and commodity demand in China, prospects for the size of
the current South American crop, and prospects for the 2012 growing season
in the Northern Hemisphere. The USDA’s March 30 Grain Stocks and Prospective
Plantings reports will also provide important fundamental information for
both markets.
<more> March 26, 2012 Dairy Business
CWT aids 4.7 million lbs. of butter and cheese exports - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 13 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell 2.840 million lbs. of cheddar cheese and 1.884 million lbs. of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and Africa. The product will be delivered March through September 2012. So far in 2012, CWT assisted member cooperatives in making cheese export sales totaling 37.0 million lbs. and butter totaling 32.2 million lbs. to 19 countries on four continents. On a butterfat basis, the milk equivalent of these exports is 1.044 billion lbs., the equivalent of nearly 60% of the 1.780 billion lbs. of increased milk production through February 2012. March 26, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Environmental
News
Science Advisers Fault EPA Methods For Estimating CAFO Emissions - - A
panel of EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) is criticizing the agency's
approach forestimating emissions from concentrated animal feeding operations
(CAFOs), especially its decision to create a single model for estimating
emissions from swine and manure dairy lagoons. "Comparing swine lagoons to
dairy lagoons is a big no-no," SAB panelist Robert Hagevoort, anassistant
professor at New Mexico State University, told the panel during its March
14-16 meeting in Durham, NC. He added that, "There are 10 or 20 reasons why
not from an animal scientific perspective." Another panelist, April Leytem,
a research soil scientist, echoed Hagevoort's remarks, and urged EPA to
revise its statistical method -- based on a single case study -- for
estimating swine and dairy lagoons' emissions. She urged EPA to adopt
modeling approach in addition to the statistical method and gather modeled
data from swine and dairy lagoons separately. "A combination of the modeling
and the statistics together would probably be a much better route for an
(emissions estimating methodology (EEM))." <more>
March 25, 2012 Inside the EPA
California Farmers Feel Pain. Water Allowance Cut Amid Unusually Dry Winter,
Choking Key Region's Rebound - - Sharp cutbacks in water for farmers
threaten to trigger renewed layoffs in a large swath of California, eating
into the state's $40 billion-a-year agriculture industry and damping its
nascent economic recovery. Amid an unusually dry winter, managers of the
federal Central Valley Project, which delivers mountain water for
agriculture, late last month announced an initial reduction in farmers'
water allowance for this year to 30% of the allotment in the driest southern
reaches of the valley, down from 85% last year. Now farmers and local
agriculture officials are taking in the economic impact they face. Officials
of the 614,000-acre Westlands Water District, near Fresno, say farmers there
are expected to leave tens of thousands of acres fallow, only a year after
California experienced one of its wettest winters on record.
<more> March 26, 2012 Wall Street Journal
State Farm Bureau's effort to halt solar
development stumbles - - The California farm bureau's efforts to steer
solar projects away from farmland suffered a setback this week. A Fresno
County Superior Court judge told the California Farm Bureau Federation that
it didn't have the right to sue Fresno County over a solar project the
county approved last August. Specifically, the judge said the farm bureau
didn't have "legal standing" in the case because it couldn't show that the
bureau or its members were directly harmed. The farm bureau was given 10
days to amend its suit, which farm bureau officials said they would do -- in
the name of protecting agriculture.
<more> March 23, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
California creeks, levees may be next
battleground for public access - - Public access to coastal beaches has
been a high-profile struggle for decades. The same battle on inland
waterways, however, has received far less attention. The public has similar
legal rights in both situations, but the legal thicket seems to get bigger
as the waterway in question gets smaller. One of the biggest fronts in the
battle may become the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, where 1,000 miles of
levees have provided public fishing access for more than a century. In
recent years many of those levees have sprouted forbidding "No Trespassing"
signs.
<more> March 25, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Valley cities prep for drought, water
conservation - - After a winter of below-normal rain and snow, water
managers are starting to use the D-word -- drought. In Lindsay and Orange
Cove, they're preparing to ask residents to use water sparingly on lawns and
gardens. In Fresno, they'll hire monitors to look for water waste. All three
cities get water from the Friant-Kern Canal, a water artery from Millerton
Lake to Bakersfield on the east side of the San Joaquin Valley. Two weeks
ago, the Bureau of Reclamation, which puts San Joaquin River water in the
canal, warned cities and irrigation districts to expect only 35% of normal
deliveries this year. The low figure jolted Orange Cove and Lindsay because
they get all or most of their water from the canal.
<more> March 25, 2012 Fresno Bee
April 3 and
April 12 North Coast
workshops assist with new water quality rules - -
Two workshops to assist North
Coast dairy producers with new water quality regulations will be held April
3 in Ferndale and April 12 in Rohnert Park. The workshops are sponsored by
the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program and funded in part by grants
from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the California Dairy Research
Foundation. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RB-1)
recently adopted new, comprehensive water quality regulations for dairies.
The first deadline to meet under the new regulations is April 30, 2012. On
Jan. 19, 2012, the water board adopted three water quality permits for dairy
operations. All dairies operating within the RB-1 region must be covered
under one of the new three permits, with dairy owners required to submit a
Notice of Intent by April 30, 2012 to indicate under which permit option
they will operate. Topics covered during the workshops will include:
Overview of the regulatory process; Explanation of the three permit options
; Overview of important permit obligations and dates to remember; Template
reporting forms for quick, easy compliance; In-class completion assistance
and submittal of Notice of Intent; Information on support and grant
program opportunities. Dairy producers wanting to complete and file the
required Notice of Intent on-site will need to bring the following
information: Land owner and dairy operator information; Dairy facility
physical and mailing addresses; Dairy facility assessor parcel numbers for
both owned and leased lands; Maximum herd size (without expanding
infrastructure) — number of mature cows (milking and dry); Maximum number of
other dairy cattle. Workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served
basis. Advanced reservations are not required. For more information, call
(209) 525-6877. Workshop Schedule: Ferndale location (2 offerings,
exactly the same workshop on both days) Tuesday, April 3, 1 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ferndale City Hall 834 Main
Street Ferndale. Rohnert Park location Thursday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. 4-H Center 6445 Commerce Boulevard Rohnert Park. March
20, 2012 CDQAP Notice
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
CDFA announces vacancies on the Feed Inspection
committee - - The CDFA is announcing vacancies on two committees which
make recommendations to CDFA Secretary Karen Ross on issues related to
avocado and feed inspection programs. These positions are vital to help
oversee associated inspection programs that ensure quality standards within
the marketplace. Two vacancies are available on the Feed Inspection Advisory
Board. This board makes regulatory and enforcement recommendations to help
ensure that commercial feed inspections contribute to a clean and wholesome
supply of milk, meat, and eggs. Vacancies are for two commercial feed
industry representatives and applicants should hold a current California
Commercial Feed License. For further information on the vacancies and
application requirement, please contact Maria Hicks at (916) 900-5022 or
maria.hicks@cdfa.ca.gov
March 26, 2012 CDFA press release
New Tetra Pak cartons will change color when
milk is off - - The smart cartons will be the latest innovation to
improve food safety from the Swiss-based company as demand for sustainable
packaging increases. According to the Financial Times, the company is
developing a chip that can be embedded in the cartons while containing
information about how long the product has been out of the fridge.
<more> March 26, 2012 The Telegraph – United Kingdom
Merced County youth wins ag story writing contest
- - Grace Reyes, a Merced County student, was recognized March 21 by the
California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom's "Imagine this ...
Story Writing Contest." Reyes, her teacher and parents were recognized at a
ceremony at the California State Capitol in the Governor's Council Room.
California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, along
with legislative members representing various districts throughout the
state, attended the ceremony to recognize students for their academic
achievements. The state-winning author received a medal, a savings bond, a
book, framed pictures and resources for her teacher from the foundation.
<more> March 23, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Arvin farm offers a way out of crime - - In Japanese tradition, taiko drums were beaten in agricultural fields to ward off pests during spring planting and to call on rain spirits believed to be attracted by the instruments' thunderous booms. Saturday in Arvin, this tradition was extended to the cultivation of men's souls. Joined by a taiko group from the Los Angeles area, a few dozen dignitaries, church members and other supporters helped dedicate a faith-based program that over the last three years has helped 50 to 60 ex-felons rebuild their lives. Rockhill Farm is a 10-acre property where men living on site grow organic peppers, corn, watermelon and other crops. Organizers hope to expand the farm by another 40 acres or more, encouraged by a set of produce distribution agreements announced Saturday. <more> March 24, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Dairy Meetings
Friday, March 23, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
California Achieved Record Milk Production in 2011 - - For California,
2011 was a year of very mild weather and the highest year on record for
commercial milk production, the California Department of Food and
Agriculture (CDFA) notes in its recently released 2011 California Dairy
Statistics. In fact, last year’s milk output rose 1.07 billion pounds, or
2.7%, over 2010’s production. California milk producers experienced higher
prices, which helped with margins on the dairy, and feed availability
continued to play a role in the cost to produce milk.
<more> March 23, 2012 Dairy Today
Kozak,
Tipton address Dairy Quality Security Act - - Jerry Kozak, National Milk
Producers Federation (NMPF) CEO and president, told Dairy Farmers of America
(DFA) annual meeting delegates that, due to shrinking margins in 2012, “If
there was ever a year we could have demonstrated the effectiveness of the
Dairy Security Act, it would have been this year.” If implemented, he
expects 70% participation rate, with the margin insurance affordability the
driving factor. Meanwhile, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)
president and CEO Connie Tipton said there was a “clear middle ground” in
the dairy policy reform debate. Repeating IDFA’s opposition to the Dairy
Security Act’s “supply management” component, Tipton’s comments submitted to
the Senate Ag Committee said, “There is a clear middle ground in this
debate. We have supported making the USDA pilot program, called Livestock
Gross Margin–Dairy (LGM-Dairy), permanent and increasing funding beyond the
current $20 million/year cap. Dairy savings accounts would also help dairy
farmers manage their businesses through the volatility of world dairy
prices.” March 23, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Court
orders FDA to examine antibiotics use on animals - - A federal court on
Thursday ordered the FDA to follow through on a 35-year-old proposal that
would have banned the use of certain antibiotics in animal feed because the
agency was concerned that these drugs were overused in livestock and helped
develop drug-resistant bacteria that can infect people. The concern is that
some antibiotics given to treat illnesses in people are widely used on
animals to promote disease prevention and weight gain, as well as compensate
for crowded conditions on ranches and farms. The prevalence of those
antibiotics in livestock has been linked in several studies to the creation
of drug-resistant “superbugs” that can spread to humans who work with or eat
the animals.
<more> March 22, 2012 Washington Post
Senators: Cap farm payments to mega-farms - - U.S. Sens. Ben Nelson of
Nebraska and Tim Johnson of South Dakota are part of a bipartisan group of
senators who will seek to cap federal farm payments to large farming
operations. The group plans to introduce a measure to limit payments to
so-called mega-farms. Nelson says that with farm income booming and the
national deficit soaring, "the time has come to rein in these payments."
<more> March 22, 2012 Associated Press
US
policies encourage immigrants to stay, study finds - - U.S. policies and
laws aimed at improving the nation's immigration system have unintentionally
spurred more immigrants – authorized or not – to stay in the United States,
according to a new paper released today. The paper, “Unintended Consequences
of U.S. Immigration Policy,” released by Princeton University’s Woodrow
Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, seeks to explain the
reasons behind the surge in immigrants from Latin America since 1965,
placing blame on the elimination of a legal – but vilified – migrant worker
program, intervention in wars in various Latin American countries and more
difficulties in entering – legally or otherwise – the United States.
<more> March 22, 2012 California Watch
Senate
leader: Another delay likely for water bond - - State lawmakers are
likely to delay voters' consideration of an $11 billion water bond from this
November until 2014, the leader of the state Senate said Thursday. It would
be the second time the measure is pushed back. The bond was originally set
for voters' consideration in 2010, but former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
signed legislation delaying it until this year. "In all likelihood the water
bond will be put off 'til 2014, that's what I think," said Senate President
Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento. He said the priority this fall is
promoting Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown's plan to raise taxes to help state
programs and cut the deficit.
<more> March 22, 2012 Fresno Bee
Kern's
non-endorsement of Valadao 'stands out like a sore thumb' - - Some
members are crying foul over the Kern County Republican Central Committee's
decision not to endorse David Valadao in his quest to pick up a valley
congressional seat for the GOP. Those who agreed to withhold the endorsement
say they were simply taking a stand against the California Republican Party
choosing sides before the primary. But two committee members suggest it's
because Valadao, a state assemblyman and the only Republican in the 21st
Congressional District race, is outside a powerful circle of local political
actors.
<more> March 22, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Dairy heat stress topic of April 6 workshop - - The topic of heat stress on dairy cattle will be explored in a workshop scheduled for April 6 at the UC Davis Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Consumer Education Pavilion, 18830 Rd. 112 in Tulare. The morning session features three speakers: * Heat Stress in California: Implications and Opportunities by Dr. Noelia Silva-del-Río, Dairy Extension Specialist, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. * Cooling Strategies During Heat Stress by Dr. Pete Hansen, Distinguished Professor, University of Florida. * Strategies to Improve Reproduction During Summer by Dr. Todd Bilby, Associate Professor, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension. The afternoon session features two speakers: * Nutrition Programs for the Heat Stressed Herd by Dr. Jose Santos, Associate Professor, University of Florida. * Economics of Heat Stress: Implications for Management by Dr. Albert DeVries, Associate Professor—University of Florida. Registration is free but RSVP’s are appreciated by March 30. Email: nsilvadelrio@ucdavis.edu March 23, 2012 UC Davis Notice
Pricing/Commodity News
March 30 next CDFA meeting on long-term dairy pricing issues - -
The second in a series of four meetings held by the CDFA to look into
long-term dairy pricing issues will be held March Friday, March 30 in
Sacramento. This meeting will focus on existing dairy industry research and
recommendations. More specifically, findings from the Bain report, the
McKinsey Report and the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee (DIAC)’s
recommendations will be part of the agenda. The next meeting will be held
at CDFA’s auditorium at 1220 N Street, Sacramento beginning at 10 a.m.
To download an agenda,
please
click here. Western United Dairymen’s CEO Michael Marsh has made it
clear that producers’ profitability should be front and center in the
conversation. “Finding a way to increase competition for milk in California
will be crucial to ensure sustainable milk prices in the state”, he stated.
WUD will be an active participant at these meetings and will make sure
proposed reforms benefit California dairy families. March 23, 2012
WUD Friday Update
Lee
Mielke: Accusations traded over California pricing system - - The
California Department of Food and Agriculture announced it will hold a
hearing May 31 to June 1 to consider amending the California Class 4b
minimum milk price formula. You'll recall I reported two weeks ago that a
number of dairy producer organizations and cooperatives called on CDFA to do
so. California's 4b milk price had lagged the comparable federal order Class
III price for some time, as I have regularly reported, primarily because of
the way whey is factored, make allowances, etc. and has averaged $2.66 per
hundredweight below the federal order Class III since CDFA put a new pricing
formula in place in September, according to the Milk Producers Council.
<more> March 23, 2012 Capital Press
Cow
culling remains strong - - USDA estimated 261,100 culled dairy cows were
slaughtered under federal inspection in February 2012, down just 2,700 from
January 2012 (despite 2 fewer days), but 12,300 more than February 2011 (1
additional day in 2012). Through the first two months of 2012, cull cow
slaughter totaled 525,000, up 12,300 from the same period in 2011. March
23, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
New
USDA numbers find dairy farmers enjoyed mild February temperatures - -
As a sixth generation dairy farmer, Dane Lang of Brooklyn knows all too well
so much depends on what is beyond his control. "No one expected milk prices
to crash as quickly as it did, and no one expected milk prices to stay
depressed as long as it did," Lang said. The family business survived in
2009 what many others could not, when milk prices bottomed out after the
recession. Business has since been on the mend and here in the beginning of
2012, Lang has seen a boost from mother nature. The mild weather has meant
good news for dairy farmers, who have seen record production in the month of
February.
<more> March 22, 2012 KWWL news
Environmental
News
Meet
the new stars of the dairy universe - - On March 7, in a special
ceremony in Washington, D.C., four farms and two processors were recognized
for sustainable dairy practices. Now, they are the stars of a new Got Milk?
ad. Appearing in the ad are: Kenn Buelow, of Holsum Dairies in Hilbert,
Wis.; Marie Audet, of Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport, Vt.; Ted Sniegocki, of
the Dean Foods Company-AgPower Partners collaboration in Gooding, Idaho;
Steve Rowe, of Darigold, Inc., in Seattle, Wash.; Dolores Werkhoven, of
Werkhoven Dairy in Monroe, Wash., and Mike Brubaker, of Brubaker Farms in
Mount Joy, Pa. The ad will appear in the April issues of Dairy Foods and
Supermarket News.
<more> March 23, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Water
deal: Farmers object to Merced Irrigation District's sale plan - - Local
farmers are calling on the Merced Irrigation District board of directors to
stop an out-of-district sale and send the water their way. The MID board
voted on March 6 to move forward with a roughly 15,000-acre-foot water
transfer to the San Luis Water District that's been shaping up since late
last year. The board first approved negotiations with the SLWD on Dec. 20.
At that time, the deal was for a 30,000-acre-foot transfer at $85 an
acre-foot over five years. Sometime over the winter, MID and SLWD officials
agreed to change the deal to a 15,000-acre-foot transfer that would happen
this year. But some local farmers say the MID board should hold off on
transferring that water and take care of them first.
<more> March 23, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Some
growers fear worse year outside Merced Irrigation District - - It's a
dry year for people in the Merced Irrigation District. But for those just
outside the district, it's even worse. There are roughly 40,000 acres of
farmland hooked up to MID canals that are not technically part of the
district. Most years, the district sells a limited amount of water to these
"sphere of influence" farms at a price negotiated each year. Last year,
sphere of influence growers were able to buy water at $42 an acre-foot. This
year, these farmers might have to rely solely on groundwater, a topic of
increasing concern.
<more> March 23, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
North Coast
workshops assist with new water quality rules - -
Two workshops to assist North
Coast dairy producers with new water quality regulations will be held April
3 in Ferndale and April 12 in Rohnert Park. The workshops are sponsored by
the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program and funded in part by grants
from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the California Dairy Research
Foundation. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RB-1)
recently adopted new, comprehensive water quality regulations for dairies.
The first deadline to meet under the new regulations is April 30, 2012. On
Jan. 19, 2012, the water board adopted three water quality permits for dairy
operations. All dairies operating within the RB-1 region must be covered
under one of the new three permits, with dairy owners required to submit a
Notice of Intent by April 30, 2012 to indicate under which permit option
they will operate. Topics covered during the workshops will include:
Overview of the regulatory process; Explanation of the three permit options
; Overview of important permit obligations and dates to remember; Template
reporting forms for quick, easy compliance; In-class completion assistance
and submittal of Notice of Intent; Information on support and grant
program opportunities. Dairy producers wanting to complete and file the
required Notice of Intent on-site will need to bring the following
information: Land owner and dairy operator information; Dairy facility
physical and mailing addresses; Dairy facility assessor parcel numbers for
both owned and leased lands; Maximum herd size (without expanding
infrastructure) — number of mature cows (milking and dry); Maximum number of
other dairy cattle. Workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served
basis. Advanced reservations are not required. For more information, call
(209) 525-6877. Workshop Schedule: Ferndale location (2 offerings,
exactly the same workshop on both days) Tuesday, April 3, 1 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ferndale City Hall 834 Main
Street Ferndale. Rohnert Park location Thursday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. 4-H Center 6445 Commerce Boulevard Rohnert Park. March
20, 2012 CDQAP Notice
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
Ninth annual
Udder Run set for Hilmar June 9 - -
A unique running event set among
Hilmar area dairies is scheduled for Saturday June 9. The ninth annual Udder
Run is presented by Hilmar Cheese Company in association with the Merced
Running Club. A five-mile run will cover a course that runs through
Wickstrom Brothers Dairy, Yosemite Jersey Dairy and past Clauss Dairy Farm.
There is also a two-mile fun run and walk and eight year old and under fun
runs. The event is a benefit for the Hilmar High School track team and
Hilmar Middle School track team. Registration information can be downloaded
at www.onyourmarketevents.com and registration is available at
www.active.com. More information
is available from Michele Livak at (209) 668-8319 or
mlivak@hilmar.k12.ca.us.
March 23, 2012 Udder Run Press Release
Kroger, Stop & Shop join growing list of stores that will stop buying beef
made with filler - - Supermarket chains Kroger Co. and Stop & Shop said
Thursday they will join the growing list of store chains that will no longer
sell beef that includes an additive with the unappetizing moniker “pink
slime.” Federal regulators say the ammonia-treated filler, known in the
industry as “lean, finely textured beef,” meets food safety standards. But
critics say the product could be unsafe and is an unappetizing example of
industrialized food production.
<more> March 22, 2012 Washington Post
Fresno
State’s farm market closes after getting drive-in visitor - - A car
being followed by Fresno Police Department officers crashed into the Rue and
Gwen Gibson Farm Market at Fresno State just after midnight Friday morning,
the university says. There was extensive damage to the student-run market
and the car’s occupants were arrested. The market will be closed Friday, but
may reopen Saturday after repairs and restocking.
<more> March 23, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
SK Foods former owner pleads guilty to racketeering and price fixing - - Frederick Scott Salyer, 56, of Pebble Beach, pleaded guilty Friday to racketeering and price fixing in a case that saw the ruin of a prominent Central Valley food processing company. Between 1990 and 2009, Mr. Salyer was the CEO and owner of SK Foods LP, a grower, processor, and international seller of tomato paste and other processed agricultural products with facilities in Monterey, Lemoore, Williams, and Ripon. In his plea, Salyer admitted that he operated SK Foods as a racketeering organization. <more> March 23, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Thursday, March 22, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
DFA: Dairy Security Act best hope for policy
reform - - The Dairy Security Act remains the best hope for dairy policy
reform beneficial to dairy farmers, according to Rick Smith, president and
CEO of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). Addressing DFA delegates and guests
at the co-op’s 14th annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo. March 19-21, Smith
characterized 2011 as “good to great” for DFA producer members, and
"generally good” for the overall co-op. However, he noted 2012 was shaping
up to be a challenging financial year for dairy farmers. Smith said
significant milk production growth, especially in the western U.S., was
pointing the supply-demand trend in the wrong direction, and that February
2012’s U.S. milk production growth of 4.3% (on a daily basis) was a “recipe
for a crisis.” He said current 2012 all milk price forecasts point to a
$17.98/cwt. average, which, by itself, isn't bad, but combined with higher
production costs, could lead to the "terrible dynamics" of more milk
production in a period of negative margins for producers.
<more> March 22, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Ag Programs Could Suffer Severe Budget Cuts - -
A few ag programs could be on the chopping block if a new budget
proposal currently before the House Budget Committee passes. Direct payments
and crop insurance would compose the bulk of the proposed $33.2 billion in
cuts to agricultural programs. Cuts to crop insurance, proposed by
chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) have members of the American Soybean Association
(ASA) concerned. "The cuts that Chairman Ryan proposes, however, are
significantly higher than those agreed upon by House and Senate Agriculture
Committee leadership during the Supercommittee process last fall, and that
concerns us," says Danny Murphy, ASA First Vice President. "Especially
worrisome is the Chairman’s emphasis on the federal crop insurance program
as an area for reduction. Crop insurance serves as the main safety net for
America’s farmers, and its integrity must be protected."
<more> March 22, 2012 AgWeb.com
Bill limits federal farm payments - - U.S.
Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) introduced
legislation placing a hard cap of $250,000 per married couple for federal
farm payments, and closing loopholes that allow non-farmers to qualify for
federal farm payments. The senators had introduced similar legislation
earlier this Congress, but wanted to be sure the legislative text would
accommodate any type of safety-net program adopted in a new 2012 Farm Bill.
The latest bill is also sponsored by Sens. Brown (D-Ohio), Gillibrand
(D-N.Y.), Enzi (R-Wyo.), Harkin (D-Iowa), and Nelson (D-Neb.).Specifically,
the Rural America Preservation Act of 2012 has a hard cap on marketing loan
gains of $75,000 ($150,000 for a couple). The remainder of the payment limit
would be a cap on the total amount a farmer can receive in safety-net
payments in general. In addition, the bill sets a measurable standard for
someone to qualify as actively engaged in farming by providing management
for the operation. The bill provides an exception for farming operations
where there is only one manager of the farm. March 22, 2012 DairyProfit
Update
Calif. dairy families award $1.4 million to
struggling schools - - This week the California Milk Advisory Board
(CMAB), representing California's dairy families, announced the award of
more than $1.4 million in cash, books and school supply prizes to elementary
schools in Southern California as part of the Real Seal Appeal! sweepstakes
drawing. Elementary schools in 10 Southern California counties spanning from
San Luis Obispo to San Diego participated in the sweepstakes, which reached
nearly 42,000 teachers in 99 districts with information about healthy eating
for students and families and how they could collect Real California Milk
seals from milk and dairy products to win.
<more> March 22, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
At least PETA kept it G-rated outside an
elementary school - - A person dressed up as a carrot appeared outside
of Browne Elementary School in Spokane, Wash., Tuesday afternoon just as
students were about to be dismissed for the day. The pro-vegan carrot mascot
held a sign saying, "Eat Your Veggies, Not Your Friends." The protest was
staged by the animal-rights organization, People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals (PETA). In other locales, PETA demonstrations have featured
scantily clad or even nude protesters. So, it may have come as a relief to
parents and school administrators in Spokane that the carrot mascot was
fully covered.
<more> March 22, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Three national grocery companies to stop selling
ground beef with low-fat ‘pink slime’ filler - - At least three national
supermarket operators have decided to stop buying ground beef that contains
the filler now known as “pink slime.” Federal regulators say the filler,
known in the industry as “lean, finely textured beef,” meets food safety
standards. But critics say the product could be unsafe and is an
unappetizing example of industrialized food production.
<more> March 21, 2012 Associated Press
Kings County Supervisors get date with HSR chairman - - High-speed rail board chairman Dan Richard is coming to Kings County to discuss local impacts from the much-criticized project. Supervisors announced Tuesday that they will hold a public meeting with Richard on March 30 in board chambers to talk about the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s handling of the project and its compatibility with local rules. It will be their first encounter with Richard, who has been working hard to promote high-speed rail and repair public relations damage done under his predecessor, Thomas Umberg. Multiple counties and cities in the San Joaquin Valley, including Kings, have rejected the $98.5 billion plan as unworkable, too expensive and too disruptive of local economies. <more> March 21, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
Fonterra's new dairy farms mark a fresh start in
China - - The Hangu dairy farm was all that remained from the ruins of
Fonterra's NZ$200 million investment in China after its state-owned partner
Sanlu collapsed in 2008 following revelations that its baby formula was
contaminated by the chemical compound melamine. The farm, on brown fields
northeast of Beijing, is now the breeding ground for a new international
investment strategy by the New Zealand company, the world's biggest dairy
exporter. Post-melamine, Fonterra is building and operating its own
large-scale dairy farms overseas, so it can be certain of the quality of the
dairy products it sells.
<more> March 22, 2012 Reuters
Environmental
News
Fertilizer industry working to reduce groundwater
pollution - - A recent UC Davis study about nitrate contamination in
underground water supplies throughout California’s Central Valley and the
Salinas Valley revealed that agricultural fertilizers were principally
responsible for the contamination. However, the general public may not
realize that the problem of nitrates draining into drinking water tables has
been a complex issue that agriculture has been tackling for many years.
Regarding the UC Davis study highlighting the problem, the fertilizer
industry acknowledges the importance of dealing with the problem of nitrates
seeping into California’s groundwater, and the industry has not been sitting
idly by and not doing anything about it.
<more> March 21, 2012 Western Farm Press
State, Local Agencies Taking Cautious Stance on
Water Supply Outlook - - While recent spring storms have provided much
needed precipitation for California’s thirsty farms and cities, many local
water agencies are taking a cautious water supply outlook for 2012. As of
March 1, 18 more inches of rain in the Northern Sierra was needed to reach
normal levels, according to the Department of Water Resources’ drought
website. The current storm system has brought six inches so far, with more
predicted. However, the Southern Sierra has only seen one inch since the
first of the month.
<more> March 21, 2012 Assoc. of Calif. Water Agencies
Controversial strawberry pesticide pulled from US
- - A pesticide used primarily in the strawberry industry is being
pulled from the U.S. market by its Japanese manufacturer, a surprising move
that comes after harsh criticism from environmentalists and farmworkers who
claim the chemical is toxic and may cause cancer. Tokyo-based Arysta
LifeScience Inc. said late Tuesday that it was immediately suspending the
sales, marketing and production of all formulations of the fumigant Midas,
or methyl iodide, in the U.S. The company said the decision was based on the
product's economic viability in the United States.
<more> March 21, 2012 Associated Press
North Coast
workshops assist with new water quality rules - -
Two workshops to assist North
Coast dairy producers with new water quality regulations will be held April
3 in Ferndale and April 12 in Rohnert Park. The workshops are sponsored by
the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program and funded in part by grants
from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the California Dairy Research
Foundation. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RB-1)
recently adopted new, comprehensive water quality regulations for dairies.
The first deadline to meet under the new regulations is April 30, 2012. On
Jan. 19, 2012, the water board adopted three water quality permits for dairy
operations. All dairies operating within the RB-1 region must be covered
under one of the new three permits, with dairy owners required to submit a
Notice of Intent by April 30, 2012 to indicate under which permit option
they will operate. Topics covered during the workshops will include:
Overview of the regulatory process; Explanation of the three permit options
; Overview of important permit obligations and dates to remember; Template
reporting forms for quick, easy compliance; In-class completion assistance
and submittal of Notice of Intent; Information on support and grant
program opportunities. Dairy producers wanting to complete and file the
required Notice of Intent on-site will need to bring the following
information: Land owner and dairy operator information; Dairy facility
physical and mailing addresses; Dairy facility assessor parcel numbers for
both owned and leased lands; Maximum herd size (without expanding
infrastructure) — number of mature cows (milking and dry); Maximum number of
other dairy cattle. Workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served
basis. Advanced reservations are not required. For more information, call
(209) 525-6877. Workshop Schedule: Ferndale location (2 offerings,
exactly the same workshop on both days) Tuesday, April 3, 1 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ferndale City Hall 834 Main
Street Ferndale. Rohnert Park location Thursday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. 4-H Center 6445 Commerce Boulevard Rohnert Park. March
20, 2012 CDQAP Notice
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
ABC News recognizes weight-loss advantages of
dairy - - Often, the national media takes a lukewarm attitude toward
meat and dairy products. But ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America” has teamed up
with Reader’s Digest to provide information about weight loss — and perhaps
expose some myths in the process. And dairy comes out looking pretty good in
the process.
<more> March 21, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Kraft to rename snack unit 'Mondelez' - -
Kraft Foods (KFT, Fortune 500) announced Wednesday that it plans to change
the name of its snacks division to "Mondelez International" when it splits
into two companies later this year. The second company, comprising Kraft's
North American grocery division, will become Kraft Foods Group. Kraft said
in a statement that the new name -- pronounced "mohn-dah-LEEZ" -- comes from
a combination of the words "monde," derived from the Latin for "world," and
"deliz," short for "delicious."
<more> March 21, 2012 CNN Money
Pork industry’s move from small crates to group
pens for pregnant sows could cost consumers - - As pork producers build
new barns and retrofit old ones to give hogs more space, they say consumers
opposed to keeping pregnant sows in tight cages can expect to pay for their
clearer consciences with higher food prices. Under pressure from animal
rights activists and sensing a shift in consumer sentiment, several major
pork producers have agreed to phase out gestation crates and switch to more
open pens. Major pork buyer McDonald’s Corp. recently announced its
suppliers will have to stop using them as well. “The McDonald’s announcement
was a tipping point in the debate about gestation stalls versus pens. ...
That announcement has fundamentally changed the way people are looking at
this debate,” said Dennis Treacy, executive vice president and chief
sustainability officer for Smithfield Foods Inc., the world’s largest pork
producer.
<more> March 22, 2012 Associated Press
Chobani founder shares personal, yogurt company story - - One of the most entertaining segments of the recent Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) annual meeting was a presentation by Hamdi Ulukaya, founder, president and CEO of Chobani, one of the hottest brands in the dairy industry. The dairy entrepreneur shared his personal and Greek yogurt company stories with delegates and guests at DFA’s 14th annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo., March 20. <more> March 22, 2012 Dairy Business
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Cornell Kasbergen: The federal dairy program is broken! Here's how to fix it
- - Here's a not-very-well-kept secret. The federal dairy program that
is supposed to provide farmers a basic safety net doesn't work anymore. It
doesn't work for dairy farmers in California, nor anywhere else in the
country, either. When the worldwide recession caused milk prices in the
United States to plummet at the same time feed costs were high, many dairy
farmers, in California and elsewhere, were forced out of business, despite
the existence of a federal safety net that was supposed to help protect
them. Thousands more took on debts that will take years to repay.
Nationwide, dairy farmers lost more than $14 billion in equity between 2008
and 2009. As Congress sits down to write a new farm bill, dairy farmers
desperately need a new approach that can help them through tough times and,
importantly, keep pace with the challenges facing the industry today.
<more> March 20, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Does
$13 billion in sales make a co-op ‘big’ or ‘small’? - - Last Saturday,
at a Starbucks in the Kansas City area, the president and CEO of Dairy
Farmers of America (DFA) dissuaded a job candidate of the notion that DFA is
a “big” company. Sure, net sales of nearly $13 billion can make it seem that
way. But, as DFA President and CEO Rick Smith is quick to point out, the
dairy cooperative operates more like a small company. It’s made up of farm
families who have decided to work together, he says. “These families are
banking on us,” he adds. “As long as we are straight with them” and
acknowledge any mistakes, things work out great.
<more> March 21, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
House
plan would slash U.S. crop, insurance subsidies - - U.S. farm and crop
insurance subsidies would be cut by $30 billion over 10 years under a
proposal made by the House of Representatives Budget Committee chairman on
Tuesday, far larger reductions than agricultural-state lawmakers suggested.
Budget chairman Paul Ryan called for reductions in the $5-billion-a-year
"direct payment" subsidy and reforms to control the soaring cost of
federally subsidized crop insurance, the largest part of the farm safety
net.
<more> March 20, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Sec.
Karen Ross: Ag Day – A Celebration of the Future - - I am blessed to be
in my 15th month as California’s secretary of agriculture. In my travels
around the state, I have gained a new appreciation for the miracles that
farmers and ranchers create every day, against considerable odds. As we look
to the future and its anticipated demand that world food production double
over the next 40 years, we will be relying on agriculture more than ever
before. It’s a thought I can’t get out of my mind as we celebrate California
Ag Day in Sacramento. Ag Day was originally intended as a way for farmers
and ranchers to meet their state lawmakers, and that remains a primary
focus. But it has grown to be so much more.
<more> March 21, 2012 CDFA Planting Seeds blog
Pricing/Commodity News
February U.S. milk production leaps - - February 2012 milk production in
the 23 major states totaled 15.16 billion lbs., up 8.3% from February 2011.
When adjusted for the Leap Day in 2012, production per day was up 4.6%.
January revised production, at 15.81 billion lbs., was up 3.9% from January
2011. Milk cow numbers in the 23 major states was estimated at 8.51 million
head, 102,000 head more than February 2011 and 8,000 head more than January
2012. Production per cow in those states averaged 1,782 lbs., 117 lbs. more
than February 2011. To find the full report, visit:
http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/MilkProd/MilkProd-03-19-2012.pdf.
March 21, 2012 Dairy Business
Industry watchers: Dairymen face challenges this quarter - - Dairy
industry analysts forecast a challenging 2012 second quarter as dairy
commodity prices continue to soften because of large milk supplies and
shrinking demand. A Rabobank Dairy Quarterly report released March 20 said
international dairy prices fell between 3 percent and 8 percent the first
three months of 2012 and further downward pressure is likely. High farmgate
milk prices in many regions and favorable weather in almost all regions
drove milk supply higher. Brazil was the only export region to see milk
contraction in the early part of 2012.
<more> March 21, 2012 Capital Press
Environmental
News
US top
court backs landowners in EPA clean water case - - The U.S. Supreme
Court ruled on Wednesday that landowners may bring a civil lawsuit
challenging a federal government order under the clean water law, a decision
that sides with corporate groups and sharply curtails a key Environmental
Protection Agency power. The justices unanimously rejected the U.S.
government's position that individuals or companies must first fail to
comply with an EPA order and face potentially costly enforcement action
before a court can review the case. The opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia
was a victory for an Idaho couple who challenged a 2007 EPA order that
required them to restore a wetland they had filled with dirt and rock as
they began to build a new vacation home near Priest Lake.
<more> March 21, 2012 Reuters
EDITORIAL: Nitrate pollution from agriculture must be stemmed - -
Nitrogen pollution under some of California's most intensively farmed areas
has posed a threat to drinking water for decades. That was confirmed again
in a study by scientists at the University of California at Davis.
Commissioned by the State Water Resources Control Board on instructions from
the Legislature, the UC Davis report says pollution threatens the drinking
water of 250,000 people from Fresno to Bakersfield to Salinas. Agriculture
is responsible for 96% of the contamination, known as nitrates. The
overwhelming sources are farm fertilizers and dairy waste leaching into
groundwater. Common fertilizers and dairy waste are both rich in nitrogen,
which turn into nitrates underground, especially in areas that are heavily
irrigated.
<more> March 21, 2012 Fresno Bee
Water
fight under way: Merced Irrigation District could reverse limits - -
Local farmers and irrigation officials continue to engage in a sometimes
tense dialogue about how to manage the region's water supply. Despite this
weekend's rain, growers face the driest conditions in more than three
decades. The Merced Irrigation District's board of directors recently
approved a limit on this season's water orders in an effort to ensure how
much water will remain in the reserves for next year. The board said it
would re-evaluate the decision at a meeting April 17, in hopes more rain
would allow it to reverse the decision. However, a small but vocal group of
farmers would like to see the decision reversed sooner.
<more> March 21, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Central Coast: New water quality rules mostly reject cooperative effort -
- Farm groups that had sought a cooperative approach to water quality
regulation said they were reviewing their options after the Central Coast
Regional Water Quality Control Board voted 6-0 last week to adopt new
wastewater discharge requirements for the region's farms. The final order
included few recommendations made by farmers on how to achieve water quality
improvements. The new rules, which are effective immediately, require
individual farmers to monitor and report more closely on water quality and
runoff from their operations. How the new regulations will affect individual
farmers and how much it will cost them to implement is unclear.
<more> March 21, 2012 Ag Alert
North Coast
workshops assist with new water quality rules - -
Two workshops to assist North
Coast dairy producers with new water quality regulations will be held April
3 in Ferndale and April 12 in Rohnert Park. The workshops are sponsored by
the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program and funded in part by grants
from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the California Dairy Research
Foundation. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RB-1)
recently adopted new, comprehensive water quality regulations for dairies.
The first deadline to meet under the new regulations is April 30, 2012. On
Jan. 19, 2012, the water board adopted three water quality permits for dairy
operations. All dairies operating within the RB-1 region must be covered
under one of the new three permits, with dairy owners required to submit a
Notice of Intent by April 30, 2012 to indicate under which permit option
they will operate. Topics covered during the workshops will include:
Overview of the regulatory process; Explanation of the three permit options
; Overview of important permit obligations and dates to remember; Template
reporting forms for quick, easy compliance; In-class completion assistance
and submittal of Notice of Intent; Information on support and grant
program opportunities. Dairy producers wanting to complete and file the
required Notice of Intent on-site will need to bring the following
information: Land owner and dairy operator information; Dairy facility
physical and mailing addresses; Dairy facility assessor parcel numbers for
both owned and leased lands; Maximum herd size (without expanding
infrastructure) — number of mature cows (milking and dry); Maximum number of
other dairy cattle. Workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served
basis. Advanced reservations are not required. For more information, call
(209) 525-6877. Workshop Schedule: Ferndale location (2 offerings,
exactly the same workshop on both days) Tuesday, April 3, 1 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ferndale City Hall 834 Main
Street Ferndale. Rohnert Park location Thursday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. 4-H Center 6445 Commerce Boulevard Rohnert Park. March
20, 2012 CDQAP Notice
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
Lawsuit over corn syrup headed to L.A. courtroom - - They are the two
bad boys of the American diet, linked to a variety of ailments including
obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. But now sugar is taking high-fructose
corn syrup to court in a landmark battle over which is the greater evil. In
a lawsuit that goes before a Los Angeles federal judge Wednesday, sugar
producers accuse their corn industry rivals of false advertising in a
campaign that casts the liquid sweetener as "nutritionally the same as table
sugar" and claims "your body can't tell the difference."
<more> March 20, 2012 Los Angeles Times
CFBF
president's message: Measured approaches are needed - - There seems to
be a lot of attention focused on agriculture these days. I wish it was
because today's farmer feeds 150 people besides themselves and produces
nearly twice as much food and fiber utilizing virtually the same amount of
water agriculture consumed 45 years ago. Or because today's farmer
efficiently fills the local store shelves with a cornucopia of products
unparalleled anywhere in the world for freshness and quality. Unfortunately,
the focus seems to be only on negative stories about how the agricultural
community grows our products and raises our livestock. I understand that
most consumers have very limited connection to the rural areas from which
their food is produced, as generations have sought their futures and
fortunes by moving to cities. It is easy to assume the worst when negative
stories arise from 24-hour news that tries to encapsulate very complicated
issues in a few short segments on television, radio, newsprint lines or
social media blogs. We need to do a better job about explaining why and how
we grow your food and fiber. We are trying, but can clearly do it better.
<more>
March 21, 2012 Ag Alert
Agritourism generates income, promotes farms - - The Buckarettes are
part of a growing movement in California as farms have added tourism
components as a way to boost their incomes or market their products, said
Penny Leff, agritourism coordinator for the University of California's Small
Farm Program. A UC survey determined that about 2.4 million visitors came to
California farms in 2008 to enjoy some facet of agritourism, which could
include lodges and cabins, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, "U-pick" operations
and special events such as weddings and conferences. In a university survey
of 332 farms, three-quarters of respondents cited the need to increase
profitability as a reason for entering into tourism. Marketing and educating
the public about agriculture were also high on the list, Leff said.
<more> March 21, 2012 Capital Press
Biofuels get a bounce - - Community Fuels' biodiesel plant at the Port
of Stockton served as the centerpiece Tuesday for U.S. Department of
Agricultural officials highlighting gains in rural and farm-related energy
projects under the 2008 Farm Bill. "We wanted to bring some attention to
this particular program, because everything about it is just phenomenal,"
said Phil Brown, energy coordinator for the USDA's Rural Development office
in California. Community Fuels doubled its production from 2009 to 2010,
then tripled its production from 2010 to 2011, Brown said. That was due in
part to the USDA Advanced Biofuels Payment Program, which paid Community
Fuels $567,000 based on its fuel production, said Lisa Mortenson, the
company's chief executive.
<more> March 21, 2012 Stockton Record
Conscripting contributions - at a cost. It’s wise to check out organizations before donating - - By Rick Berman -The Washington Times - - Who is Joseph Kony? Thanks to a 30-minute YouTube video that went viral, 78 million people (as of this writing) recently learned that he's the leader of the People's Liberation Army in Uganda and is an internationally wanted man for his role in child-soldier conscription. In other words, he's not a nice fellow. Unfortunately, through this video, Americans also are learning a hard lesson about charitable fundraising. The nonprofit group that made the film, Invisible Children, apparently doesn't do much hands-on work in Uganda. According to the group, about two-thirds of its budget goes to overhead and "awareness" programs, and the group is "not an aid organization." Also, Kony's influence is dwindling already - he isn't even in Uganda anymore and has just a few hundred soldiers. Some of the film footage was shot years ago, and some policymakers listed as "targets" (such as George W. Bush) aren't even in office anymore. But if you give Invisible Children $30, it will send you an "action kit," complete with two bracelets. You'll be an "advocate of awesome," but it's unclear what else. Details, details. It's not as appealing after the clever marketing is cut apart by the facts. Unfortunately, it's a fundraising formula used - really, abused - by more charities than we'd hope to think. Take one well-known group, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). More than 70 percent of Americans, according to public polling, think HSUS is an umbrella group for pet shelters, and a similar percentage think HSUS spends most of its money on pet shelters. Unfortunately, this could hardly be further from reality. Despite its name, HSUS isn't affiliated with any local humane societies or pet shelters. According to its tax returns, only 1 percent of the money HSUS raises is shared with local pet shelters. <more> March 21, 2012 Washington Times
Dairy Meetings
Dairy management seminars set for Modesto March 22 - -
UC Cooperative Extension is sponsoring a seminar on March 22 in Modesto
directed at dairy owners/managers, employees and allied industry. The goal
of the seminar is to provide science-based information and discussion on
topics contributing to the continued success and profitability of California
dairy operations. The seminar will be presented separately in English
and Spanish. Topics for the first seminar are: “Day one management: how to
program cow health and productivity” - Dr. Alfonso Lago, DVM, PhD and
“Feeding management: is the TMR sitting in the feedbunk the same as the
formulated ration?” - Dr. Noelia Silva-del-Rio, DVM, PhD. The seminar runs
from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include an industry sponsored lunch. The cost
of attendance is $10 and can be paid at the door. RSVP by March 9 to
guarantee lunch and materials for all who attend. To register contact
Jennifer Heguy at (209) 525-6800 or jmheguy@ucdavis.edu. For more
information visit
http://cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu/Dairy_Science/.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
California lost dairies in 2011, continuing three-year trend - -
California had a net loss of 48 dairies in 2011, according to the California
Department of Food and Agriculture. That followed net losses of 37 in 2010
and 100 in 2009. "It's clearly the economic fragility of dairy producers
coming out of the great recession," said Michael Marsh, executive director
of Western United Dairymen's Association. That recession began in late 2008
and hit hard in 2009. It's simply a hangover effect, he said. As cattle
prices have increased, lenders see some value they can go after and have
moved to foreclose on some loans and liquidate herds. The scenario is
expected to continue in 2012, he said.
<more> March 19, 2012 Capital Press
DFA
Announces New Whole Milk Powder Plant in Nevada for Export - - Dairy
Farmers of America (DFA) is breaking ground on a whole milk powder plant in
Fallon, Nev. to bolster its ability to produce dairy ingredients
specifically for global customers. The announcement was made this afternoon
by Rick Smith, DFA president and CEO, at the co-op’s 14th annual meeting
here in Kansas City. When completed, the plant will take in two million
pounds of milk per day and be capable of producing 250,000 pounds of whole
milk powder. But it will not rely solely on whole milk powder exports. If
those sales are not there, the plant is capable of producing skim milk
powder as well.
<more> March 20, 2012 Dairy Today
California Milk Advisory Board announces new officers - - The California Milk Advisory Board has announced its newly elected officers for 2012. Waterford dairy producer Richard Michel has been re-elected to serve as Chairman of the CMAB, the promotional arm of the state's dairy farmers. Michel is a third-generation dairyman and agri-businessman – milking 1,200 Holsteins and farming crop at the 350-acre Michel Ranch in Waterford. Michel is a member of and ships his milk to California Dairies, Inc. In addition to his work with the CMAB, Michel serves on the board for the California Dairy Research Foundation and Dairy Council of California. Active in industry affairs, he is a member of Western United Dairymen.
Photo - Newly
elected 2012 officers of the California Milk Advisory Board Executive
Committee are (top row, left to right): Secretary Jeff Wilbur of Tulare,
Member at Large James Netto of Hanford, Treasurer James Ahlem of Hilmar.
Shown in the bottom row (left to right) are: Member at Large Perry Tjaarda
of Shafter, Chairman Richard Michel of Waterford, Vice Chairman Richard
Wagner of Escalon and Member at Large Dante Migliazzo of Atwater.
Richard Wagner has been elected to serve as the Vice Wagner began
his career as a dairy producer in 1978 after attending Cal Poly at San Luis
Obispo. He milks 1,600 Holstein cows with his family at the Wagner Dairy
L.P. in Escalon and is a member of a variety of industry groups, including
Western United Dairymen, Producer Review Board, California Beef Council,
Stanislaus and San Joaquin County Farm Bureaus. James Ahlem was
elected Treasurer. Ahlem, a dairy producer since 1978, milks 2,600
registered Jerseys at the 350-acre James Ahlem Dairy in Merced County. He
currently serves as vice chair of the National Dairy Board and secretary of
Hilmar Cheese Co. Jeff Wilbur has been elected to serve as Secretary
. Wilbur, a dairy producer since 1992, with his wife Lisa own and operate
Rio Blanco Dairy in Tulare. His family has roots in the farm community
dating back to 1900. James Netto was re-elected to serve as
Member-at-Large. A dairy producer since 1994, Netto milks 1,280 milk and dry
Holsteins with his family at the 1,800-acre Double N Dairy in Hanford. He is
a member of a variety of industry groups, including Western United Dairymen.
Perry Tjaarda was elected to serve as Member-at-Large. A dairy producer
since 1990, Tjaarda milks 3,200 Holsteins at the 920-acre Tjaarda Dairy in
Shafter. He is a member of and ships his milk to Dairy Farmers of America.
Dante Migliazzo was re -elected to serve as Member-at-Large.
Migliazzo currently milks 750 registered Holsteins with his brother Dino at
the 250-acre Merced Ranch in Atwater which his parents Larry and Irene
Migliazzo started in 1957. March 20, 2012 CMAB Press Release
Assembly applauds walkers pushing to change immigration law - - Five
undocumented immigrants received a standing ovation on the floor of the
Assembly today for their campaign to prod changes in federal immigration
law. The immigrants are walking from San Francisco to Washington D.C. to
lobby for passage of the federal Dream Act, which would provide a pathway to
citizenship for many longtime residents who immigrated illegally as children
and later graduated from U.S. high schools. No lawmakers protested
recognition of the undocumented immigrants on the floor of the Assembly.
Almost all Democrats stood to applaud, but many Republicans stayed in their
seats.
<more> March 19, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Hanford Council to consider high-speed rail bill - - City leaders of
Hanford may get on board to support a bill that would slash funding for
high-speed rail, following suit after Kings County supervisors took action
last week to take a stand against the project. AB 1455, proposed by
Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, would halt debt funding for the
rail proposal. Harkey, a vocal opponent of building high-speed rail, says
that the “bankrupt” state can ill afford to spend billions on a costly
project whose economic benefit is overstated and environmental impact is not
adequately studied.
<more> March 19, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Missouri vote toughening oversight of dog breeders widens rift among
farmers, animal rights groups - - A 2010 ballot initiative to toughen
oversight of dog breeders highlighted the rift between Missouri farmers and
national animal rights activists. Two years later, the divide has only
deepened. Twenty-five farm groups ranging from the Missouri Pork Association
and the state Beef Industry Council to agribusiness heavyweights Cargill and
Monsanto have united under the banner of Missouri Farmers Care. Their
target? The Humane Society of the United States, which pushed the dog
breeding initiative and is now the primary financial backer of Your Vote
Counts!, a proposed state constitutional amendment requiring a three-fourths
majority vote before the Legislature could override voter-approved laws.
<more> March 20, 2012 Associated Press
Dairy export potential hailed, ethanol subsidy elimination cheered at WUD convention - - Those attending the recent Western United Dairymen annual convention in Temecula, California heard optimistic predictions about the tremendous potential that dairy exports hold for the dairy industry, while at the same time cheering the news that progress has been made on eliminating federal support for ethanol. Three leading California dairy processing executives provided their outlooks on the potential for growth in foreign markets for California dairy products. Citing estimates that the world’s population will increase to 9 billion by 2050, up from today’s 6 billion, Andrei Mikhalevsky, new CEO of California Dairies, Inc., said, “The demand for food and water will be astronomical. The time to act is now. Competition will grow, especially from South America and Eastern Europe. Increased trade won’t come to the U.S. by default.” <more> March 15, 2012 Progressive Dairyman
Pricing/Commodity News
Faltering
Fundamentals Pressure the Dairy Market - - By Robin Schmahl, Dairy
Today- - Projected weaker demand is expected to lower overall dairy
prices and profitability this year. U.S farmers are not the only ones
looking at lower milk prices. January exports of dairy products were mixed.
Fluid milk and cream exports declined 5.5 % from a year earlier. Some of
this is due to economic situations and some is due to stronger milk
production in other areas of the world. Cheese exports increased 3%,
totaling 19,415 metric tons. The percentage increase was not as high as it
was last year. Nevertheless, it continues to show strength. Exports of dry
whey increased 2.6% over last year totaling 38,298/mt. Exports are expected
to continue to improve this year.
<more> March 20, 2012 Dairy Today
State
grants hearing on whey value - - The California Department of Food and
Agriculture has granted a hearing on a petition filed by Western United
Dairymen that seeks modification of the whey value portion of the formula
for Class 4b, milk used to manufacture cheese. The hearing will be May 30
and June 1 at the department's auditorium in Sacramento. The announcement
also recognized another petition filed by a coalition of dairy groups
supporting the same changes requested by Western United. In its petition
letter, Western United acknowledged that CDFA modified the formula after the
June 30, 2011, hearing, but CEO Michael Marsh noted the modification does
not provide a fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value
as part of the formula.
<more> March 20, 2012 Capital Press
Corn Belt farmers resist urge to plant early - - Shirt-sleeve weather this week across America's central grain belt tempted farmers to start planting corn early but expensive seeds and worries about insurance covering any sudden cold snap have kept crop planters out of fields. "We've got a lot invested in this crop. We want to be careful," said central Illinois farmer Tim Seifert, who doesn't want to take the chance of seeing young corn seedlings hurt by an April frost. "At $400 a bag for seed and the chance that insurance may or may not cover a loss if the crop gets hurt, it's not worth the risk to plant too early," he added. <more> March 19, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Environmental
News
North Coast
workshops assist with new water quality rules - -
Two workshops to assist North
Coast dairy producers with new water quality regulations will be held April
3 in Ferndale and April 12 in Rohnert Park. The workshops are sponsored by
the California dairy Quality Assurance Program and funded in part by grants
from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the California Dairy Research
Foundation. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RB-1)
recently adopted new, comprehensive water quality regulations for dairies.
The first deadline to meet under the new regulations is April 30, 2012. On
Jan. 19, 2012, the water board adopted three water quality permits for dairy
operations. All dairies operating within the RB-1 region must be covered
under one of the new three permits, with dairy owners required to submit a
Notice of Intent by April 30, 2012 to indicate under which permit option
they will operate. Topics covered during the workshops will include:
Overview of the regulatory process; Explanation of the three permit options
; Overview of important permit obligations and dates to remember; Template
reporting forms for quick, easy compliance; In-class completion assistance
and submittal of Notice of Intent; Information on support and grant
program opportunities. Dairy producers wanting to complete and file the
required Notice of Intent on-site will need to bring the following
information: Land owner and dairy operator information; Dairy facility
physical and mailing addresses; Dairy facility assessor parcel numbers for
both owned and leased lands; Maximum herd size (without expanding
infrastructure) — number of mature cows (milking and dry); Maximum number of
other dairy cattle. Workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served
basis. Advanced reservations are not required. For more information, call
(209) 525-6877. Workshop Schedule: Ferndale location (2 offerings,
exactly the same workshop on both days) Tuesday, April 3, 1 - 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ferndale City Hall 834 Main
Street Ferndale. Rohnert Park location Thursday, April 12, 9:30 a.m.
- 12:30 p.m. 4-H Center 6445 Commerce Boulevard Rohnert Park. March
20, 2012 CDQAP Notice
Tainted water could be rerouted to crop fertilization - - A vast tide of
tainted water spreads beneath San Joaquin Valley farm fields -- a
nightmarish 10 trillion gallons of it, a new study says. Rural drinking
water is a mess. And the problem is only getting worse. But if there is an
upside in the University of California study released last week, it might be
the contamination itself. It's basically plant food. Laced with nitrates,
some of it could be pumped and used as fertilizer on crops, allowing farmers
to cut back on expensive chemicals, scientists say. Large farming operations
often spend more than $1 million each season on fertilizer.
<more> March 19, 2012 Fresno Bee
New
law requires precise water measurements - - Farmers and ranchers who
take water directly from rivers and streams in California are grappling with
a new state requirement this year. Beginning Jan. 1, most users exercising a
water right had to start submitting to the California Water Resources
Control Board precise monthly records of water diverted from surface
streams. Before the law took effect, the water board asked landowners for
estimates, said Allan Fulton, a University of California Cooperative
Extension farm advisor based in Red Bluff. "There is a statewide effort at
trying to more precisely understand and quantify how water is being used,"
he said.
<more> March 20, 2012 Capital Press
Recent
rain not enough to pull region out of a dry year - - The series of
storms that swept through California over the weekend provided much-needed
water for Merced County growers. However, the storms fell far short of
providing significant precipitation and snowpack needed to pull the region
out of a dry year, according to a news release from the Merced Irrigation
District. “This was a much-needed shot in the arm, but we are definitely not
out of the woods,” said Hicham ElTal, deputy general manager of Water
Resources for MID. “We had a busy weekend and we were happy to have the
work.” The storms left behind 2 or more feet of snow in the upper reaches of
the Merced River Watershed, the source of MID’s water supplies. Although
there’s now more water content in the snow, it remains to be seen how much
will make it to Lake McClure in the coming months, the news release said.
<more> March 19, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
Sugar
seeks sweet revenge against competition from corn - - They are the two
bad boys of the American diet, linked to a variety of ailments including
obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. But now sugar is taking high fructose
corn syrup to court in a landmark battle over which is the greater evil. In
a lawsuit that goes before a Los Angeles federal judge Wednesday, sugar
producers accuse their corn industry rivals of false advertising in a
campaign that casts the liquid sweetener as "nutritionally the same as table
sugar" and claims "your body can't tell the difference." Sugar forces argue
that high fructose corn syrup is far less healthy than their product and are
demanding that the ads run by the Corn Refiners Assn. be halted and that the
corn association pay unspecified monetary damages.
<more> March 20, 2012 Los Angeles Times
Australia - Dairy vote backs levy increase - - For the first time in 15 years, dairy farmers across Australia will face an increase in their levy to Dairy Australia. Dairy farmers were asked to choose one of three options in the recent dairy poll: a 10 per cent increase, a 15 per cent increase or no levy at all. Chairman of Dairy Australia Max Roberts says just over half of the eligible farmers voted in the poll. He says that while almost 40 per cent voted for no levy, the majority supported a 10 per cent increase. <more> March 20, 2012 Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia
Dairy Meetings
Dairy management seminars set for Modesto March 22 - -
UC Cooperative Extension is sponsoring a seminar on March 22 in Modesto
directed at dairy owners/managers, employees and allied industry. The goal
of the seminar is to provide science-based information and discussion on
topics contributing to the continued success and profitability of California
dairy operations. The seminar will be presented separately in English
and Spanish. Topics for the first seminar are: “Day one management: how to
program cow health and productivity” - Dr. Alfonso Lago, DVM, PhD and
“Feeding management: is the TMR sitting in the feedbunk the same as the
formulated ration?” - Dr. Noelia Silva-del-Rio, DVM, PhD. The seminar runs
from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include an industry sponsored lunch. The cost
of attendance is $10 and can be paid at the door. RSVP by March 9 to
guarantee lunch and materials for all who attend. To register contact
Jennifer Heguy at (209) 525-6800 or jmheguy@ucdavis.edu. For more
information visit
http://cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu/Dairy_Science/.
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Monday, March 19, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Michael Rubio: SB 250 a bipartisan solution to
the valley's water crisis - - Rarely is a bill introduced in the
California State Legislature, particularly related to water, that brings
together elected officials from both parties and from Central and Southern
California toward a united goal. SB 250, which I introduced late last year,
has accomplished precisely that. Supported by Sen. Jean Fuller, Assemblyman
Henry T. Perea and Assemblyman David Valadao, as well as numerous
legislators from Los Angeles and surrounding communities, this bill is
critically important to ensure that 25 million Californians and thousands of
farms receive a reliable source of water for many years to come.
<more> March 17, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
Cardoza finds little company in the middle -
- Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Atwater, is one of only three Democratic
representatives from California regarded as a centrist. Cardoza, 52, stands
out as an increasingly rare breed of politicians according to a newly
released report by the National Journal, a nonpartisan Washington
publication. Cardoza, represents the 18th Congressional District, which has
a finger into San Joaquin County and Stockton, and has served in Congress
since 2003. He is not running for a sixth term.
<more> March 19, 2012 Stockton Record
California lawmakers consider food policy
proposals - - From artisanal breads and homemade jams to gluten-free
goods, some of the year's most buzzworthy food movements are sprouting under
the Capitol dome. State lawmakers are set to consider a handful of food
policy proposals that could shape what goods Californians keep in their
pantries and what they know about what's on their plates.
<more> March 19, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
PETA accuses N.Y. dairy of abuse - - The
owner of the farm under investigation for animal abuse says he was unfairly
targeted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. He is looking into
the allegations, but maintains he runs a clean operation. Jon Rulfs has been
running the Adirondack Farm for sixteen years. And according to the New York
department of agriculture and the Clinton County Sheriff's department, he's
never had any complaints against him in the past. He says PETA had an agenda
when they came out to his farm.
<more> March 16, 2012 WPTZ news
Fix broken federal dairy program - - Imagine a business where the price you receive for your product drops steeply, just as your costs to produce that product start to soar. Not a recipe for success, is it? Say hello to modern dairy farming. Three years ago, those were the exact conditions dairy farmers faced in Pennsylvania and across the country. At the peak of the recession, the combination of very low milk prices and high prices for corn and other types of cattle feed forced some farmers out of business, while many others barely survived. <more> March 18, 2012 The Altoona Mirror
Pricing/Commodity News
CDFA schedules Class 4b hearing, May 31-June 1 - - The
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) scheduled a
consolidated public hearing to consider amendments to the states
Stabilization and Marketing Plans for Market Milk for the Northern
California and Southern California Marketing Areas. The hearing will be held
on May 31 and June 1, (9 a.m. both days) in the CDFA Auditorium, 1220 N.
St., Sacramento, Calif. On March 2, CDFA received two separate petitions
requesting a public hearing to consider amendments to California Class 4b
milk pricing formula. The first petition was received by a group of producer
organizations which includes California Dairies, Inc., Dairy Farmers of
America – Western Area Council, Land O’Lakes, Inc., Security Milk Producers
Association, Milk Producers Council, California Dairy Campaign, and Alliance
of Western Milk Producers (collectively the “coalition”). The second
petition was received from Western United Dairymen (WUD). The two petitions
propose changes to the whey valuation in the Class 4b pricing formula.
<more> March 19, 2012 Dairy Business
February Milk Output Rises 4.6% over Year-Earlier
Levels - - Driven by strong dairy prices, U.S. milk production continued
its upward trend in February, rising 4.6% over year-earlier levels. Milk
production in the 23 major states totaled 15.2 billion pounds, USDA reported
today. That output was actually up 8.3% from February 2011, but the
percentage increase was adjusted lower after factoring in last month’s
additional leap-year day. Per-cow production averaged 1,782 pounds, 117
pounds above February 2011.
<more> March 19, 2012 Dairy Today
CWT Assists with 5.3 Million Pounds of Butter and Cheese Export Sales - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 15 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Michigan Milk Producers Association and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 1,710 metric tons (3.770 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 678 metric tons (1.495 million pounds) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The product will be delivered March through September 2012. <more> March 19, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
Editorial: State must stem nitrate pollution from
agriculture - - Nitrogen pollution under some of California's most
intensively farmed areas has posed a threat to drinking water for decades.
But the full extent of the problem – and the challenges in correcting it –
were laid out in detail last week by a team of scientists at the University
of California, Davis. Commissioned by the State Water Resources Control
Board on instructions of the Legislature, the UC Davis report says pollution
threatens the drinking water of 250,000 people from Fresno to Bakersfield to
Salinas. Agriculture is responsible for 96 percent of the contamination,
known as nitrates. The overwhelming sources are farm fertilizers and dairy
waste leaching into groundwater.
<more> March 19, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Richard Cornett: Fertilizer industry responds on
nitrate issue - - The fertilizer industry is very concerned and engaged
in the issue of nitrate contamination in California's groundwater supplies.
Regarding the recent UC Davis study on the issue -- The Bee carried a recent
commentary penned by a couple of its authors -- the fertilizer industry
acknowledges the problem of nitrates seeping into California's groundwater,
but we feel the need for the public to understand that the fertilizer
industry has been addressing this issue for many years. Granted, the new
study did note the scope of the problem and the numbers of those people
affected by nitrate pollution, along with pointing out financial remedies to
deal with the situation, but the general reader might not know that industry
has been working hand in glove with agriculture and state agencies in
tackling this problem over the past several decades.
<more > March 17, 2012 Fresno Bee
Rain puts dent in water deficit - more on the way
- - California's not going to hit its normal rainfall totals this year,
but last week's storms made a good dent in the water deficit and more rain
is expected over the next several days, forecasters said Sunday. Tahoe-area
ski resorts got another 15 inches of snow overnight Saturday, making a
weekend total of 55 inches in some parts of the Sierra, and it was still
snowing Sunday afternoon. Both the mountains and the Bay Area should get a
day or two of reprieve before the next storm drifts in on Tuesday. The
recent rains "moved us a little further up the deficit ladder," said Diana
Henderson, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Monterey.
<more> March 19, 2012 San Francisco Gate
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
California Ag Day Wednesday at the Capitol:
Farmers and Ranchers Host a Celebration - - Ag Day 2012 on Wednesday,
March 21 is the California agricultural community’s annual opportunity to
give legislators, Capitol staffers and the public a chance to see what’s new
down on the farm. California’s farmers and ranchers provide food, fiber,
flowers and more for all of the Golden State’s citizens and many more around
the world. Award-winning farmers will be honored, as will several young
“prospective farmers” who have penned agriculture-themed stories for a
writing contest. Attendees will collect free samples, meet California Rodeo
queens, view presentations on the latest in farming sustainability and
agricultural education, and get an up-close look at a variety of farm
animals. The next generation of farmers gets in on the act, too, with Kings
County Junior Fair Board members volunteering to greet attendees and assist
with the event.
<more> March 19, 2012 CDFA press release
Greek-style yogurt boom increases demand for N.Y.
milk - - Got enough milk? Farm officials are saying 'no' -- at least not
in New York. The state's farmers need to produce 15 percent more to supply
the state's booming Greek yogurt markets, said U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer,
citing numbers from New York's Farm Bureau. For Southern Tier farmers, that
means 96,400 dairy cows making milk in the Tier need to be expanded to
produce about 3 million more gallons of milk a year to meet the needs of
businesses like Agro Farma in New Berlin, Schumer said. The makers of
Chobani yogurt, and others who make Greek yogurt, are benefiting from an
explosion in consumer demand for the protein laden, thick yogurt, an upstate
grocery official said.
<more> March 18, 2012 Ithaca Journal
Guest Commentary: Stay informed before judging
beef industry - - Articles on “pink slime,” nitrates in drinking water
and environmental activists have flooded my email inbox and Twitter feed
recently. In Kings County, we see that farmers and ranchers operate under
strict regulations and produce the highest quality commodities that are
consumed locally and worldwide. So why the bad press? Who better understands
the importance of land preservation, animal health and welfare and safe
practices than those who rely on these aspects to feed their own families?
The California Beef Council (CBC) continues to monitor media reports
surrounding lean finely textured beef (LFTB), or “pink slime” as it is
referred to by the media. LFTB is a 100 percent beef product produced from
beef trimmings that yields an additional 10-12 pounds of lean, nutritious
beef from every beef animal.
<more> March 16, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Australia - Dairy industry hampered by US-Korea free trade deal - - The Australian dairy industry says it's losing out since the US-Korea free trade agreement began last week. Australia has been in negotiations for its own FTA with Korea for the past three years, but it hasn't been finalized. The latest deal means Korea will phase out tariffs on dairy products from the United States. Dairy Australia international trade development manager Peter Myers says Australian dairy exports to Korea are worth about $90 million a year. <more> March 19, 2012 Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia
Friday, March 16, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
CDFA sets
hearing on WUD
petition to capture whey
value - - The CDFA announced today that a hearing on a petition filed by
Western United Dairymen that seeks modification of the whey value portion of
the Class 4b formula has been granted. The hearing will be on May 30 and
June 1 in Sacramento. The announcement also recognized another petition
filed by a coalition supporting the same changes requested by WUD. In its
petition letter, WUD acknowledged that CDFA modified the Formula after the
June 30, 2011 hearing, but CEO Michael Marsh noted, “We believe the
modification does not provide a fair or legally sufficient means of
determining the whey value as part of the Formula. Our members are concerned
about and are suffering significant financial losses as a result of the
large discrepancy between the whey value contribution in the Formula and
Federal Orders’ Class III.” WUD says that since the new formula was
implemented in September 1, 2011, “It is already abundantly clear that it
does not track the federal orders whey value in a reasonable and sound
manner. In fact, since the new sliding scale was implemented, the California
whey value averaged $1.93/cwt lower than in federal orders. “ WUD says the
adjustments it is seeking “would result in a Class 4b whey value that more
closely tracks the market direction of the Class III whey value, thus
bringing California and national pricing into the reasonable and sound
relationship required under the Code.” WUD proposes modifying the current
sliding scale in the Class 4b formula to allow the whey factor to more
closely reflect the whey value generated by the current Class III formula.
March 16, 2012 WUD Headline News
Senate
bill calls for stiffer stockyard arson penalties - - A Valley state
senator wants to sharply increase penalties for arson attacks like the one
that destroyed 14 Harris Farms cattle trucks in January. Senate Bill 1302
sponsored by Western United Dairymen, authored by state Sen. Anthony
Cannella of Ceres and supported by dairy and cattle interests, would give
prosecutors the power to file aggravated arson charges -- rather than simple
arson -- when such attacks occur. "I believe this was a terrorist act," said
Cannella, a first-term Republican. "This is a very serious issue." Under
existing state law, a person is guilty of aggravated arson if they
intentionally set a fire with the intent to hurt or kill somebody, or that
causes losses in excess of $6.5 million. Damages in the Harris Farms attack
were estimated to be more than $2 million and nobody was injured. That means
that if the arsonists who firebombed the Harris Ranch trucks are caught,
they would face simple arson charges.
<more> March 15, 2012 Fresno Bee
Greek
yogurt demand prompts dairy incentive bill - - A U.S. Senator from New
York sees green for the state’s Greek yogurt industry and hopes that
proposed federal legislation will help dairy producers cash in on the
yogurt’s growing success. According to The Saratogian, dairy farms may need
to increase milk production by 15 percent to supply the growing number of
large Greek yogurt plants planned in central and western New York. To meet
this demand, New York dairy farmers will need to increase milk production by
nearly 1.9 million pounds annually. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.,
hopes that his recently introduced legislation will help give dairy
producers the financial tools to grow to help meet the challenge.
<more> March 15, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Senate
Panel Fights Bonuses in MF Global Case - - A Senate committee probing
the collapse of MF Global Holdings Ltd. sent a letter asking the trustee
overseeing the failed financial firm to abandon a plan to pay bonuses to
former top executives. Members of the Senate Agriculture Committee told the
trustee, former Federal of Bureau Investigation director Louis Freeh, in the
letter that it would be "outrageous" to proceed with a proposal to a
bankruptcy judge that could result in payouts of hundreds of thousands of
dollars each for MF Global's chief operating officer, finance chief and
general counsel.
<more> March 15, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Expect
more raisins, other Central Valley products in South Korea - - The San
Joaquin Valley's famed dancing raisins can kick up their heels at the
prospect of entering South Korea free of a tariff ball-and-chain. Following
years of negotiations and frustrations, a long-awaited free trade pact
binding South Korea and the United States formally took effect Thursday.
From the get-go, California farmers expect to reap big benefits. South
Korean duties are now gone on raisins, almonds and wine, among other
California products. California wine, for instance, will no longer be
burdened by a 15% tariff. Raisins no longer have an 8% tariff. All told,
two-thirds of U.S. farm products now are free of South Korean tariffs. Even
with tariffs, the United States exported more than $5.3 billion worth of
agricultural products to the thriving Asian country in 2010.
<more> March 15, 2012 Fresno Bee
Recent
CDC study reveals dangers of raw milk, but fans say benefits outweigh
concerns - - Sujatha Kattimani, a Redwood City software engineer, drives
regularly to the Cupertino farmers market to buy raw milk at $7.25 per
half-gallon. It's about three times as expensive as regular milk and,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, could make her
ill. Kattimani drinks two glasses a day anyway. And she's one of a rapidly
growing number of raw milk enthusiasts. Raw milk has not been pasteurized,
or heated to kill bacteria. A recent CDC study said raw milk products
accounted for 36 percent of individuals sickened in milk-related disease
outbreaks from 1993 to 2006. That's a large percentage considering that only
an estimated 1 percent of milk drinkers consume raw milk. In all, 4,413
people were sickened in dairy-borne outbreaks -- although that is just a
small fraction of the 48 million people the CDC estimates are sickened by
food each year.
<more> March 15, 2012 San Jose Mercury News
Study: Dairy videos sway consumer sentiments, but not wallets - - Videos about dairy farms can influence consumer views of the industry, but they may not be as effective at affecting their buying habits. An economic study found that videos produced by animal rights advocates and industry organizations changed consumer opinions about how dairy farms treat their livestock. "Perceptions can be moved in both directions," said Chris Wolf, an agricultural economist at Michigan State University and co-author of the study. However, the videos didn't measurably shift their "willingness to pay" for milk attributes, like cow access to pasture, the study found. It is possible that consumers are more likely to express their concern by supporting legislation that restricts farm practices, Wolf said. Other research has indicated consumers may not recognize that stricter production regulations would likely increase the cost of food, he said. <more> March 16, 2012 Capital Press
Pricing/Commodity News
A busy
week in the dairy markets - - A quiet day to close-out a busy week in
the dairy markets. Cash cheese and butter held steady on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange on Friday, no activity in the cheese market, one sale
and one unfilled bid in the butter market. Class III futures were up at
midday but then backed-off to the close. For the week, cash cheese barrels
gained 8 cents, blocks up 9 cents, butter added 6.5 cents and Class III
futures for the next six months increased an average 32 cents. Cheese
production across the United States continues to increase thanks to the mild
weather and increased milk production.
<more> March 16, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Lee
Mielke: Milk subsidies debate comes to boil - - A group of South Dakota
dairy manufacturers are opposing the supply management provision included in
legislation expected to be included in the draft farm bill, according to a
press release from the International Dairy Foods Association. The group
included the presidents and CEOs of four large dairy companies: Saputo
Cheese USA Inc., Lake Norden Food Ingredient Company (Davisco Foods
International Inc.), Valley Queen Cheese Factory Inc., and Bel Brands USA.
They expressed concern to Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., pointing to the growing
dairy industry in South Dakota, and called it "alarming that Congress would
consider legislation that would limit milk production, increase regulation
and allow government interference in free markets," according to the
release.
<more> March 16, 2012 Capital Press
Corn seed should be available, but inventory smaller - - Production problems caused by drought, persistent rain and other weather issues last year in the nation's key corn-growing regions have reduced this year's seed inventory, but seed companies and suppliers say California farmers should still be able to buy what they need—although certain popular varieties may be harder to come by. "There's seed in the barn, so that's the good story," said Levi Tipton, a Western-area agronomist for Pioneer. "We do have adequate supply out there for the 2012 growing season." Despite unfavorable growing conditions in the Midwest last year, Tipton said Pioneer had "contingency plans in place" to manage the company's supply of seed, including "extensive operations" in South America that produce seed for the Northern Hemisphere. Theo de Haan, a Kings County dairy farmer, said he typically likes to buy seed when the price is right but made his purchase in early winter after hearing reports that there would be a shortage on certain varieties. As with most California dairy farmers who grow corn, de Haan grows it for silage as feed for his cattle. <more> March 14, 2012 Ag Alert
Environmental
News
Tricolored blackbird protection effort launched by NRCS - - USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has developed and is launching the Tricolored Blackbird Habitat Initiative that targets the protection of Tricolored Blackbird colonies in agricultural fields, mainly silage fields. The rates of payment for triticale crop is $462/acre and other silage crops are $406/acre (because of lower yield per acre) if the farmer signs up to delay harvest until the Tricolors complete their nesting cycle. NRCS has $200,000 in the program and there is a ranking system in place that evaluates the site based on size of the colony, location in the state, amongst other factors. The sign up for the program begins March 6 and ends April 6 at which point anyone who signed up initially will have their fields assessed for Tricolors throughout April. If Tricolors colonize their field they will be able to enter into a contract with NRCS and be paid for a harvest delay. If you are concerned about potential Tricolored Blackbird presence in your fields sign up at your local NRCS offices, contact WUD field representative Jim Griffin (661)487-9195, or your local Western United Dairymen Field Representative. March 16, 2012 WUD Friday Update
Central Coast Water Board adopts water quality regulations - - After two grueling days of public testimony and deliberations, the state’s Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted rules Thursday that will require farmers to more closely water quality and reduce polluted runoff. The vote caps 31/2 years of negotiations with farmers and environmental advocates, a process that water-quality regulators describe as one of the most exhaustive ever done in the state. The water board voted unanimously to require that farmers adopt irrigation and nutrient management plans as well as more closely monitor water quality around their farms and report that data to state water officials. The requirements are more stringent for larger farms and those close to polluted water bodies. <more> March 16, 2012 San Luis Obispo Tribune
California Ag Day on March 21 - - California’s annual celebration of
farming, Ag Day, is right around the corner. Next Wednesday, March 21, will
see thousands of people on the west lawn of the State Capitol, viewing
exhibits staffed by Ag groups. It’s a great opportunity for farmers and
ranchers to meet the Capitol community. The origin of Ag Day was to connect
farmers to state lawmakers, and that mission is still at the heart of the
event.
<more> March 16, 2012 CDFA blog
Dairy
growth hormones not a safety issue - - With all of the negative messages
about recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) in dairy cattle, some
consumers are concerned about the safety of the hormone for animals and
humans, but LSU AgCenter dairy scientists say there is no safety issue. The
hormone, which is produced naturally by cows, is also produced in synthetic
form and can be used to improve milk production in cows. But it is not
harmful to humans, according to LSU AgCenter dairy science professor Cathy
Williams. The hormone is talked about in numerous media ads for milk as if
it were something totally foreign to the cows, Williams said. “When in
reality, the cows themselves produce it.”
<more> March 16, 2012 Delta Farm Press
India Promises More Funds to Farm Sector - - The Indian government Friday promised to boost its financial support to the farm sector by raising direct assistance and budgeting for a steep increase in loans, ahead of the rollout a food security program that will require a steady supply of food grains. The federal budget for the fiscal year starting April increased the allocation to the farm sector by 18% to about 202 billion rupees ($4 billion). <more> March 16, 2012 Wall Street Journal - India
Dairy Meetings
Dairy management seminars set for Modesto March 22 - -
UC Cooperative Extension is sponsoring a seminar on March 22 in Modesto
directed at dairy owners/managers, employees and allied industry. The goal
of the seminar is to provide science-based information and discussion on
topics contributing to the continued success and profitability of California
dairy operations. The seminar will be presented separately in English
and Spanish. Topics for the first seminar are: “Day one management: how to
program cow health and productivity” - Dr. Alfonso Lago, DVM, PhD and
“Feeding management: is the TMR sitting in the feedbunk the same as the
formulated ration?” - Dr. Noelia Silva-del-Rio, DVM, PhD. The seminar runs
from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include an industry sponsored lunch. The cost
of attendance is $10 and can be paid at the door. RSVP by March 9 to
guarantee lunch and materials for all who attend. To register contact
Jennifer Heguy at (209) 525-6800 or jmheguy@ucdavis.edu. For more
information visit
http://cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu/Dairy_Science/.
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Other Dairy News Sources
Dairy Producer Blogs That We Like
Subscribe Have a friend who would like California Dairy Industry Headline News delivered each day directly to their email in-box? Email Mark Looker at marklooker@yahoo.com and request their email address be added to the mailing list.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Senate bill calls for stiffer stockyard arson penalties - - A Valley state senator wants to sharply increase penalties for arson attacks like the one that destroyed 14 Harris Farms cattle trucks in January. Senate Bill 1302, authored by state Sen. Anthony Cannella of Ceres and supported by dairy and cattle interests, would give prosecutors the power to file aggravated arson charges -- rather than simple arson -- when such attacks occur. "I believe this was a terrorist act," said Cannella, a first-term Republican. "This is a very serious issue." Under existing state law, a person is guilty of aggravated arson if they intentionally set a fire with the intent to hurt or kill somebody, or that causes losses in excess of $6.5 million. Damages in the Harris Farms attack were estimated to be more than $2 million and nobody was injured. That means that if the arsonists who firebombed the Harris Ranch trucks are caught, they would face simple arson charges. <more> March 15, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Report finds corn yield growth slowing - - Key shifts in U.S. corn production are decelerating yield growth, according to a new report released by researchers at the Rabobank International Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group. The report, titled “Can Corn Keep Up?” finds that yields are likely to grow at a much slower rate than historical and trendline analysis would suggest and anticipate 2012 growth will be below current USDA estimates. The Rabobank International Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group’s “Can Corn Keep Up?” report notes that increased corn acres on less productive land, and reduced crop rotation make it unlikely that U.S. corn yield will increase significantly enough to move world grain stocks out of historically low levels. The report also notes only a 50 percent probability that U.S. corn production will keep up with worldwide demand. <more> March 14, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Environmental
News
Schools will get to opt out of 'pink slime' beef - - School districts soon will be able to opt out of a common ammonia-treated ground beef filler critics have dubbed "pink slime." Amid a growing social media storm over so-called "lean finely textured beef," the Agriculture Department announced Thursday that, starting next fall, schools involved in the national school lunch program will have the option of avoiding the product. Under the change, schools will be able to choose between 95 percent lean beef patties made with the product or less lean bulk ground beef without it. The change won't kick in immediately because of existing contracts, according to a USDA official with knowledge of the decision. <more> March 14, 2012 Associated Press
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
High speed rail chief: Bullet train won't cost $100 billion - - Promising "improvements" to the state's controversial bullet train plan, the new head of the project told a Senate hearing in Silicon Valley on Tuesday he now believes building high-speed rail would cost less than the alarming estimate of nearly $100 billion. "I believe the number's coming down," Dan Richard told a packed auditorium Tuesday night. "Obviously the $98 billion was sticker shock for a lot of people." Using existing tracks like Caltrain and speeding up the construction schedule would bring down the costs of the project, Richard said in defending the much-criticized plan that Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed him to revive. He also promised quicker upgrades to Bay Area and Los Angeles commuter lines that would share the track and upgrading the initial leg of track in the Central Valley. <more> March 14, 2012 Mercury News
Analysis: Looming political fight puts farmers on battlefield - - U.S. lawmakers are short on time and money to make the biggest cuts in agriculture in a generation and failure risks unintentionally driving up food prices and adding to an already onerous deficit. Just as Congress took the country to the brink of an unprecedented debt default by haggling over whether to raise the debt ceiling, fractious Republicans and Democrats may wait this year until the last minute to agree to significant cuts to farm supports amid historically high crop prices. The U.S. farm law, mammoth legislation that covers everything from food stamps to soil erosion, expires September 30. <more> March 13, 2012 Reuters
Wisconsin Initiative Seeks to Double Dairy Growth Rate - - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker announced today a new "Dairy 30x20 Initiative" that hopes to double the rate of growth in Wisconsin milk production through 2020. He made the announcement at the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin’s (PDPW) 2012 Business Conference here in Madison, Wis. Walker noted that state cheese makers produce more than 25% of all cheese produced in the country, and more than 50% of all specialty cheeses. The state’s 11,000 dairy farmers and 2.7 million dairy cows collectively produced 26.1 billion lb. of milk in 2011. But the rate of growth was just 1% last year, insufficient to keep the state’s cheese makers growing. "To grow [the state’s cheese-production capacity and export capability], we need one key ingredient. We need more milk," Walker said. <more> March 13, 2012 Dairy Today
U.S. hopes rule change will aid beef trade - - The Agriculture Department plans to align its import guidelines on mad cow disease with international standards, opening the country’s own market in an effort to boost overseas sales of American beef. Under the proposed rule, the agency would adopt the same criteria used by the World Organization for Animal Health to identify a country’s risk status for mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Some trading partners have cited inconsistencies between U.S. and international standards as reason to maintain restrictions on American beef imposed after the first U.S. case of the disease in 2003. <more> March 12, 2012 Washington Post
No more chocolate milk at school? - - Mini-cartons of chocolate milk — the sweet lunch-tray staple for thousands of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County students — may soon be gone from the district's schools, as officials attempt to decrease sugar and fight obesity. Superintendent Don Martin said last week that he's convinced that getting rid of chocolate milk is "a change worth making," though he's not ready to formally recommend it. A review committee is expected to look at the issue, and the school board will discuss the matter before anything is final. <more> March 13, 2012 Winston-Salem Journal, NC
Monsanto plans tests of first USDA-approved corn genetically engineered to deal with drought - - Seed giant Monsanto Co. plans large-scale tests this year of the first government-approved biotech crop developed to deal with drought. The new corn is being introduced as much of the U.S. remains abnormally dry and areas in the South and Southwest still face severe drought. Monsanto says the corn won’t be a panacea for drought-stricken farmers but when combined with improved agricultural practices could help those in areas like the western Great Plains, where production without irrigation can be half as much as the national average. <more> March 13, 2012Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Milk Souring as Record Profit Spurs Expansion of Herds - - Record dairy profits and milder weather are leading to a surge in milk supplies from Auckland to California, turning last year’s best-performing commodity contract into one of the worst of 2012. Output in the U.S., the world’s largest producer, will advance 1.8 percent to a record 199.7 billion pounds (90.6 million metric tons) in 2012, the Department of Agriculture estimates. Futures traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange already fell 29 percent from a four-year high in August and may drop another 8 percent to $14.25 per 100 pounds by July, the median of six analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg shows. <more> March 13, 2012 Bloomberg News
Environmental
News
Fresno County OKs solar energy rules to protect farmland - - Fresno County supervisors finalized regulation for the solar-energy industry Tuesday, underscoring their commitment to protect farmland from being overrun with solar panels. The regulations don't differ much from rules put in place last spring, which encourage energy developers to avoid productive farmland and restore property to agricultural use when power projects are complete. But the new requirements effectively put an end to months of uncertainty about how hard the county would clamp down on the burgeoning industry. Solar developers appear happy with the outcome. <more> March 13, 2012 Fresno Bee
Modesto Irrigation District begins rate hike process for farmers, 10 percent increase planned -- Directors of the Modesto Irrigation District agreed Tuesday to launch the process for a nearly 10 percent rate increase for farmers. The board also trimmed the proposed water allotment for this year to reflect the dry winter, although it might go back up if the late storms keep coming. <more> March 13, 2012 Modesto Bee
Groundwater nitrate contamination grows in California farm areas - - Nitrate contamination of groundwater in some of the state's most intensely farmed regions has grown worse in recent decades and will continue to spread, threatening the drinking water supplies of more than 250,000 people, according to a new study. The research, conducted by UC Davis scientists, underscores the complexity of dealing with nitrate pollution, which is largely the result of nitrogen leaching into aquifers from fertilizers and manure applied to cropland. High nitrate levels have been linked to cancer and reproductive disorders and can be lethal to infants. Examining groundwater data from the southern San Joaquin and Salinas valleys, the authors concluded that even if all farming operations ceased, nitrates would remain in water supplies and continue to spread for decades. <more> March 14, 2012 Los Angeles Times
Environmentalists say no to tapping delta for agribusinesses - - It's another water war in California: environmentalists versus the state's multibillion dollar agricultural business. Environmentalists want to protect the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, which is the largest estuary on the west coast. The state's agribusinesses said they need more water for farming and want to tap into the valuable water resource. But, the delta coalition, which is made up- in part-of environmentalists and local fishermen, claim tunneling into the delta would have grave effects on wildlife in and around the delta. <more> March 14, 2012 News 10
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Stockton - - The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering free classes in environmental stewardship March 20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of classes, known as the Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught by Dr. Deanne Meyer, UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The classes total six hours, taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be the only six-hour class offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the Sept. 30 deadline for certification. For producers interested in certifying their facility, the same person from the dairy facility must attend all six hours of water quality education. The classes cover environmental issues, regulatory requirements and management practices for dairy producers. <more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting
deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty
diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can
now be filed electronically at
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important
note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back
into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is
required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or
“AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage
thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the
deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other
special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements.
If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption
(because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance)
they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting.
An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit
requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets
may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more
information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local
WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide
grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and
equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment.
Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Fun on the farm - - Virtually every third-grader in Kings County came to the Kings Fairgrounds Thursday for Farm Day, an annual hands-on look at the area’s most dominant industry. There was big agricultural machinery on display, but it was the animal exhibits that really got students fired up. “I really like the walnuts and the bees, how many bees they have,” said Carlos Trujillo, 9, a student from Armona Elementary School. <more> March 9, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
UC study: Cropland threatens drinking water
for 250,000 in Valley - - A growing sea of underground
pollution from farm fertilizers and dairy waste threatens drinking water for
a 250,000 people from Fresno to Bakersfield, a new University of California
study shows. The bad water would fill Millerton Lake 64 times, according to
estimates in the UC Davis study released today, and the annual cost of
cleaning it up for residents in small towns, such as Seville in Tulare
County, would be $36 million. Rural San Joaquin Valley residents are
unlikely to be surprised by the study, which covered the Fresno, Tulare,
Kings and Kern land within the vast Tulare Lake Basin and the Monterey
County portion of the Salinas Valley. In small towns, drinking bottled water
is a way of life to avoid unhealthy tap water.
But the study might come as unwelcome news to some farmers, who have
said in the past they were unfairly blamed for the bad water. They've argued
that leaky septic tanks and sewage treatment plants could be just as
culpable.
<more> March 13, 2012 Fresno Bee
Viewpoints: Risks, costs will rise from
contamination of drinking water
NMPF
Board Backs Resolution Urging Passage of Farm Bill in 2012 - - The board
of directors of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) supported a
resolution today urging Congress to pass a Farm Bill in 2012, one that
contains an improved safety net for farmers in the form of the Dairy
Security Act. The resolution, passed unanimously Tuesday by the NMPF Board
at its spring meeting, made it clear that the organization does not support
any approach in Congress that would extend current farm programs by another
year, and delay the creation of a better dairy program.
<more> March 13, 2012 Dairy Today
Linda Halderman announces she will not seek re-election - - One and done. Assemblywoman Linda Halderman announced today that she will not seek election for a second term this year. Spokesman George Andrews confirmed that Halderman, a surgeon, announced on Fresno radio station KMJ today that she will return to the medical profession when her first Assembly term expires in December. "I have loved representing my constituents," Halderman told KMJ News. "This is my home and I'm staying here, but it's been more than four years since I have been more of a policy person and a politician than a doctor and I just need to go back." <more> March 10, 2012 Sacramento Bee
Romney
ag advisers include three Californians - - Republican presidential
front-runner Mitt Romney included three Californians on the agricultural
advisory team he announced March 13, including former state Food and
Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura. Kawamura, who held the state's top ag-regulating
post from 2003-2010 and now co-chairs a group called Solutions From the Land
Dialogue, is joined by Yuba City rice grower Al Montna, a former president
of the state Board of Food and Agriculture, and Tom Nassif, president and
CEO of Western Growers and a former Reagan administration official. The
11-member team is co-chaired by U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., a former
U.S. agriculture secretary, and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam
Putnam. Several of the advisers have been sharply critical of farm
subsidies, the San Francisco Chronicle noted. March 13, 2012 Capital
Press
Obama
appoints OSU dean to lead national ag institute - - Oregon State
University College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Sonny Ramaswamy has been
appointed director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture by
President Barack Obama. He will leave OSU later this spring to assume the
post, which carries a six-year term. NIFA, formerly the Cooperative State
Research, Education and Extension Service, is the lead agency within the
USDA that supports research, education and extension programs in the
nation's land-grant university system. According to its website, the
institute works "to ensure that groundbreaking research discoveries go
beyond the laboratory."
<more> March 9, 2012 Capital Press
Animal
welfare group offended by Nebraska governor's speech - - The
Nebraska-chapter head of a national animal welfare group said she was
offended by language used by Gov. Dave Heineman when he vowed to force her
organization out of the state. Jocelyn Nickerson, state director of the
Humane Society of the United States, hand-delivered a letter to Heineman's
office on Monday urging the governor to "get off your soapbox" and embrace a
discussion about animal welfare. The letter followed Heineman's comments
last week in a speech to cattlemen in Lexington. Referring to the Human
Society, Heineman told the cattlemen: "We're going to kick your ass and send
you out of the state."
<more> March 13, 2012 Capital Press
Kings County Board considers support for High Speed Rail bills - - A proposed law that would kill high-speed rail funding and another that would put it back on the ballot for a revote are up for discussion Tuesday at the Kings County Board of Supervisors meeting. Supervisors will decide whether to sign a letter supporting AB 1455, sponsored by Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, and SB 985, sponsored by state Sen. Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale. AB 1455 would rescind $2.7 billion in state bond money that is matched with $3.3 billion in federal grants to start construction on tracks going through Fresno. The bill would effectively kill the project, since the California High-Speed Rail Authority needs $6 billion before it can start construction on the Merced-to-Bakersfield stretch. <more> March 12, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
Debate
heats up over Calif. 4b milk pricing - - The debate is growing louder
between dairy producers and cheese manufacturers in California over the
state's pricing of milk for cheese. Organizations representing dairy
producers contend the value of whey in the pricing formula is too low and
does not come close to reflecting the value in federal milk marketing
orders. Dairy groups have filed petitions with the California Department of
Food and Agriculture requesting it hold a hearing on the matter. Cheese
processors have requested the department deny a hearing. The issue has
forged an unprecedented coalition of dairy farmers, representing 80 percent
of the milk produced in California, said Rob Vandenheuvel, manager of the
California Milk Producers Council.
<more> March 13, 2012 Capital Press
Dairy producers must meet MILC program requirements - - California’s USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Val Dolcini, reminds dairy producers that they must meet Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program requirements in order to maintain program eligibility in the event that prices drop and trigger a MILC payment. MILC compensates dairy producers when domestic milk prices fall below a specified level. Eligible dairy producers can apply for program benefits anytime through Sept. 30, 2012. "At this time, MILC payments are not being made because the price is above the trigger level," said Dolcini. "FSA just wants producers to stay on top of eligibility requirements should there be an opportunity for payment," he said. <more> March 13, 2012 Western Farm Press
Environmental
News
Dairy
Sustainability: Show Me the Money - - By Jim Dickrell, Dairy Today -
- Until dairy farmers can convert a pound of CO2 emissions into
convincing dollars and cents, they’re not going to get excited about
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving their carbon footprints. A
few years ago, at Dairy Today’s Elite Producer Business Conference in Las
Vegas, we had Greg Thoma outline his project to document the carbon
footprint of dairy farms, large and small. Thoma is a University of Arkansas
engineer; the project was funded by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. I
was excited about the project and the talk, thinking it would infuse fact
and reality into the discussion about the dairy industry’s contribution to
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the time of the talk, in 2008, dairy and
agriculture were being blamed for 20% or more of global emissions. In
California, there was a belief that cows contributed more GHGs to
California’s smog-plagued skies than cars.
<more> March 13, 2012 Dairy Today
Irrigation districts unite to urge feds to rethink salmon plan - - Five
irrigation districts in and near Stanislaus County are urging federal
officials to rethink plans for a robust salmon fishing season. They contend
that the chinook population along the West Coast remains too small to allow
a substantial catch, as the Pacific Fisheries Management Council proposed
last week. Leaders of the districts — Modesto, Turlock, Oakdale, South San
Joaquin and Merced — are concerned that a drop in salmon numbers could bring
calls for increased river flows downstream of their reservoirs.
<more> March 13, 2012 Modesto Bee
Opinion - Stop the delta water grab - - Despite Republican Reps. Kevin
McCarthy, Devin Nunes and Jeff Denham's protestations, the recent drought is
not man-made. Historical records show California experiences drought about a
third of the time. Adverse consequences of the recent drought result not
primarily from endangered species protections but from decisions to plant
permanent crops that depend on water deliveries that could never be
guaranteed.
<more> March 13, 2012 San Francisco Gate
Climate change and regulations worry California farmers - - No matter
your personal opinion on the subject, talk of climate change usually
conjures up images of warming, floods and rising sea levels. Those are the
ecological changes predicted from coast to coast. In the Midwest, the few
degrees of warming has actually benefited agriculture, on average. But in
California – where they grow more than 200 crops, including perennials such
as walnuts and apricots – some crops could be adversely affected. Plus,
California farmers also have new climate change regulations to contend with,
which worry many growers more than the weather.
<more> March 12, 2012 KVNO news
North Coast dairy program educational classes planned - -
Members regulated under Region 1 (North Coast) of the California Water
Quality Control Board received information this week regarding enrollment
into the new Dairy Program. The paper work may seem somewhat confusing at
this point but the CDQAP will be hosting classes in your area during the
first two weeks of April to clarify the exact requirements. Please hold onto
the information you received and bring it to class with you. A flyer with
exact dates/times for these classes will be arriving shortly. In
the meantime, please do not hesitate to call Melissa Lema (707-779-2214), or
Paul Martin (707-763-8874) with any questions you may have.
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Stockton - - The California
Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering free classes in
environmental stewardship March 20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of
classes, known as the Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught
by Dr. Deanne Meyer, UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The
classes total six hours, taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be
the only six-hour class offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the
Sept. 30 deadline for certification. For producers interested in certifying
their facility, the same person from the dairy facility must attend all six
hours of water quality education. The classes cover environmental issues,
regulatory requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
New
Got Milk? ad to focus on health benefits of chocolate milk - - The next
Got Milk? ad campaign will shift focus to adult athletes, encouraging them
to refuel by drinking chocolate milk after workouts. The campaign was
unveiled March 10 at the 2012 Endurance Live Awards Gala in Los Angeles.
Food Business News reports the new print, TV and on-line advertising
features Carmelo Anthony, a basketball player for the New York Knicks and
USA Basketball’s men’s national team; Dara Torres, an Olympic medal-winning
swimmer; and Mirarnda Carfrae, the 2010 Ironman world champion.
<more> March 13, 2012 Dairy Herd Management
Raisin
growers lose effort to exit marketing agreement - - The imposition of
civil penalties under the California Raisin Marketing Order is not
unconstitutional, says the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Its ruling
affirms a Fresno U.S. District Court decision in favor of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and against raisin farmers Marvin and Laura Horne
and the farming companies they own which grow raisins in Fresno and Madera
counties. The raisin marketing orders stem from efforts in the 1930s to even
supplies with prices so farmers were no longer subjected to wild
fluctuations in revenues. Marketing orders are, in effect, ways to control
prices.
<more> March 12, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Farmer’s Fury wine tells story of American agriculture - - Just about anyone can make an enjoyable California wine.A visit to the local supermarket or other wine retailers will verify that. There are endless shelves of the finest California has to offer. Farmer’s Fury 2009 Paso Robles, Calif., Cabernet Sauvignon certainly fits the bill. It’s an excellent Central Coast Cab. However, what’s under the cork is only a small part of this wine story. It is a wine with an attitude on the label and a San Joaquin Valley farming heritage in the wine dating back more than a century. <more> March 13, 2012 Western Farm Press
Dairy Meetings
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Other Dairy News Sources
Dairy Producer Blogs That We Like
Subscribe Have a friend who would like California Dairy Industry Headline News delivered each day directly to their email in-box? Email Mark Looker at marklooker@yahoo.com and request their email address be added to the mailing list.
Monday, March 12, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Addressing Nitrate in California’s Drinking Water
- - The University of California, Davis, Center for Watershed Sciences will
publicly release its independent study of nitrate in groundwater for the
Tulare Lake Basin and Salinas Valley on Tuesday, March 13. A public event
will be held to present the study results. The public release event will be
held 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., on Tuesday, March 13, CalEPA Building, Byron Sher
Auditorium, Sacramento. A live video stream of the event will be featured
at http://www.calepa.ca.gov/broadcast/
under the title "Public UC Davis Nitrate Report Release." The UC Davis
report examines sources of nitrate contamination, impacts and costs, as well
as promising funding and policy options. The public release event will
provide an overview of the study. At the event, a panel discussion will
reflect on the problem of groundwater nitrate, safe drinking water,
promising solutions, and how this report might contribute to ongoing policy
discussions in defining the issues and promising directions. UC Davis is
under contract with the State Water Resources Control Board to conduct its
independent investigation and report on the findings and potential solutions
for nitrate in groundwater in the Tulare Lake Basin and Salinas Valley. The
findings and promising options in the UC Davis report will be used to inform
the State Water Board in its development of recommendations to be outlined
in a report to the Legislature that will be submitted later in 2012. <more>
March 12, 2012 UC Davis press release
Gov. Brown appoints co-owner of Joseph Gallo
Farms to state ag board - - Mike Gallo, 61, of Merced, has been
appointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Gallo has
been the co-owner of Joseph Gallo Farms since 1965. This position does not
require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Gallo is a
Republican. Charles Boyer, 62, of Fresno, has been appointed to the
California State Board of Food and Agriculture. Boyer has been dean at
California State University, Fresno since 2006. Boyer is a member of the
American Society for Horticultural Sciences and the American Association of
State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources. Nancy Casady, 69, of
La Jolla, has been appointed to the California State Board of Food and
Agriculture. Casady has been the general manager of Ocean Beach People's
Organic Food Co-Op since 1996. She was co-owner of Casady Whole Foods Market
from 1988 to 1994. She served as vice president of the National Cooperative
Grocers Association from 2006 to 2009 and was a member of the National
Cooperative Development Board from 2009 to 2011. These positions do not
require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. March 12,
2012 Governor Brown press release
Valadao confident about congressional run - - Touting his status as the only person living in the district, Assemblyman David Valadao, R-Hanford, officially launched his congressional campaign in Lemoore this week in front of a roomful of supporters. “Kings County being my strong point, I want to do it here,” said Valadao, who is part of a family dairy business south of Hanford. Valadao is running in the new 21st Congressional District, which pushed out Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, when redistricting lines were drawn last year. Costa is now seeking re-election in the 16th Congressional District stretching north from Fresno. <more> March 10, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
Report highlights good quality of 2011 corn crop - -
U.S. corn farmers harvested a high-quality crop in 2011, according to a
report released by the U.S. Grains Council. With good test weights, low
damage and relatively high protein concentrations, the crop will require
little drying and store well. The first report of this kind issued by the
Council, this initial edition sets a baseline for subsequent annual updates
while establishing credible criteria and processes through which to assess
the crop.
<more> March 12, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Fonterra Cuts Forecast, Warns on Prices - -
New Zealand's milk giant Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd., producer of about
a third of the world's traded dairy products, Monday forecast a lower payout
to farmers for the season ending May 31 and said global uncertainty and
concerns over China's economic outlook means dairy prices are likely to
remain under pressure until at least mid-2012. Fonterra Chief Executive Theo
Spierings said "global markets seem to be reacting to the ongoing economic
difficulties in Greece, the potential for conflict in the Middle East and
China's reduced growth forecasts."
<more> March 11, 2012 Wall Street Journal
U.S. exports to China boom, despite trade tensions - - While the U.S. trade deficit with China continues to soar, a surge in U.S. exports is emerging as a bright spot in the often-troubled trade ties between the world’s largest economy and its largest foreign creditor. With a richer China showing a growing appetite for U.S. products, the flow of goods includes an increasing volume of American soybeans, cars, airplanes and medicine — and even garbage that can be mined for copper and aluminum. Overall, U.S. exports to China are up nearly 50 percent in value since 2008. <more> March 11, 2012 The Washington Post
Environmental
News
Denham, Feinstein seek deal on Calif. water bill
- - Lawmakers have quietly begun laying groundwork for a California
water bill that could pass the Senate and become law. If it happens, it will
be less ambitious than one passed recently by the Republican-controlled
House. It's likely to avoid dramatically rewriting a San Joaquin River
restoration plan. And, it's going to demand some give-and-take from all
sides. "I think we have to be able to work across the aisle to help the San
Joaquin Valley," Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, said, "and we also have to be
able to work across both houses [of Congress]." In recent days, Denham met
with Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein in her Senate office to discuss the
California water legislation and other common concerns. Significantly, there
will be more meetings to come.
<more> March 9, 2012 Fresno Bee
Modesto Irrigation District to consider
increasing water rates for farmers - - A proposal to increase water
rates by nearly 10 percent will return Tuesday to the Modesto Irrigation
District board. Directors will consider launching the process for the
increase, which would bring the base charge to $29.50 per acre. That charge
would get farmers an amount of water that varies according to conditions in
the Tuolumne River watershed. This year's allotment is proposed at 3
acre-feet per acre, down from 4 last year because of the dry winter. An
acre-foot covers an acre a foot deep. Farmers could buy a fourth acre-foot
for $14.75 under the proposal. A fifth could be available for $30 on a
case-by-case basis for crops needing extra water.
<more> March 10, 2012 Modesto Bee
Water war gets 'clock people' ticking - -
Around here, they're sometimes called the "clock people." They zip over from
San Francisco every summer to this remote valley, heave their vehicles up
the mountain and while away hours gawking at bristlecone pines, considered
among the world's oldest living things. Over time an unlikely bond formed
between the city-dwellers and a rural patch of Nevada that the rest of the
state ignores. How else to explain the visitors leaping into this region's
water war with Las Vegas?
<more> March 11, 2012 Los Angeles Times
North Coast dairy program educational classes planned - -
Members regulated under Region 1 (North Coast) of the California Water
Quality Control Board received information this week regarding enrollment
into the new Dairy Program. The paper work may seem somewhat confusing at
this point but the CDQAP will be hosting classes in your area during the
first two weeks of April to clarify the exact requirements. Please hold onto
the information you received and bring it to class with you. A flyer with
exact dates/times for these classes will be arriving shortly. In
the meantime, please do not hesitate to call Melissa Lema (707-779-2214), or
Paul Martin (707-763-8874) with any questions you may have.
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Stockton - - The California
Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering free classes in
environmental stewardship March 20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of
classes, known as the Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught
by Dr. Deanne Meyer, UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The
classes total six hours, taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be
the only six-hour class offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the
Sept. 30 deadline for certification. For producers interested in certifying
their facility, the same person from the dairy facility must attend all six
hours of water quality education. The classes cover environmental issues,
regulatory requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Dairy farmers are the stars in these ads - -
A dairy cooperative in western New York is putting farmers in front of
consumers in a “Return to Values” advertising campaign. The ads tap into the
local food movement that is sweeping the country. “We want consumers to
realize just how close to home their milk really comes from,” Colleen
Aungst, account director for the ad agency Cenergy, told the Buffalo News.
As one ad reminds viewers, “You pass our cows every day, on the way to work
in the morning, on your way home at night; they’re always there, doing what
they do best.”
<more> March 12, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Agriculture leads successful Fresno-area exports - - Even as the recession battered the San Joaquin Valley, exports of goods to other countries provided a source of economic growth in the region, according to a new report by the Brookings Institution. The Washington, D.C.-based think tank's Export Nation 2012 report states that the Fresno metropolitan area exported $3.7 billion worth of goods and services in 2010 -- enough to rank 64th among the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. All of Fresno County is included in the Fresno metropolitan area, according to the federal Office of Management and Budget classifications used by Brookings. The Brookings report, released Thursday, shows that exports in Fresno County accounted for 9.8% of the county's gross domestic product -- the total economic value of all goods and services in the area. That is a greater share than more than half of the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the nation. <more> March 10, 2012 Fresno Bee
Friday, March 9, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Mielke:
Whey crisis builds in California - - By Lee Mielke - -
California milk producers are not happy with the prices they're receiving
for their milk, especially when compared with their federal order neighbors.
For the second time in three months, California producers asked the
California Department of Food and Agriculture to amend the state milk
marketing order's Class 4b milk price formula. A petition requesting a
hearing was filed March 2 by Western United Dairymen but several producer
groups, representing nearly 80 percent of California's milk supply, support
the action. At the heart of the issue is the disparity in how whey is
valued in federal market orders and California's state market order
formulas. That whey value factors into the price paid to farmers for milk
used in cheese production. In the federal order it is considered Class III
milk and in California it's Class 4b milk.
<more> March 9, 2012 Capital Press
Valadao officially launches run for Congress
- - Assemblyman David Valadao kicked off his campaign for Congress tonight
in front of a room full of supporters at Ethel Red's Chop House. "I feel
really good about this race," said Valadao, a first-term Republican member
of the state Assembly and a dairy farmer from Hanford. "I've got a record
I'm proud of. I'm proud of everything I've done in Sacramento." Valadao
enters as the clear front-runner with a significant funding advantage.
Several big Democratic names have flirted with the contest but have so far
declined to run, including former state Sen. Dean Florez, former Lieutenant
Gov. Cruz Bustamante and state Sen. Michael Rubio, D-Bakersfield.
<more> March 8, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
NY Dairy Farmers Tell House Ag Panel that NMPF-Backed
Reform is Needed - - At a field hearing today in upstate New York, the
House Agriculture Committee heard from three dairy farmers that major reform
is needed in farm policy, and all three endorsed the Dairy Security Act,
H.R. 3062, as the best approach to making needed changes. Friday’s hearing
was the first of four meetings across the country that the House Agriculture
Committee is holding to gather input for the upcoming Farm Bill. Neal Rea, a
member of the NMPF Board of Directors, and a dairy farmer from Salem, NY,
told the panel that reforms in dairy policy “must be multi-faceted, and seek
to refocus existing farm-level safety nets, create a new program to protect
farmers against low margins, and establish a way to better balance dairy
supply and demand.” Rea is also chairman of Agri-Mark, a farmer-owned
cooperative with members in New England and New York.
<more> March 9, 2012 NMPF press release
Farm bill prospects dim this year, says ag
official - - Prospects look dubious for a new farm bill to be written
this year, a former deputy agriculture secretary said. Chuck Conner, who
served under U.S. agriculture secretaries Mike Johanns and Ed Schafer from
2005 to 2009, said political gridlock and a presidential election year make
the prospect unlikely.
<more> March 9, 2012 The News-Gazette
USDA Proposes BSE Import Rule Change - -
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced today it is
seeking public review and comment on a proposal to complete efforts to
modernize the Agency’s import regulations for bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE). "This proposal is an important step forward in our
efforts to bring our import regulations in line with science-based,
international animal health standards," said Dr. John Clifford, APHIS Deputy
Administrator and Chief Veterinary Officer. "The proposal will help ensure
we continue to provide strong protections against BSE, continue to make
science-based decisions, and fully support safe trade in bovine commodities.
As we continue to protect the health of the U.S. cattle industry, this
proposal will also assist us in future negotiations to reopen important
trade markets that remain closed to U.S. beef."
<more> March 9, 2012 Beef Today
John Fiscalini named dairyman of the year by
World Dairy Expo - - The dairy industry gathers from around the world
each fall in Madison, Wisconsin to share the very best show cattle,
genetics, equipment, research and services. “Only the best come to World
Dairy Expo. So, it is only fitting to honor four individuals for their
outstanding contributions to the dairy business,” remarks Mark Clarke, WDE
General Manager. “We are privileged to highlight the accomplishments of
these special dairy industry leaders who were nominated and selected by
their peers.” World Dairy Expo’s 2012 Recognition Award Winners include John
Fiscalini of Fiscalini Farms in Modesto, Calif. as dairyman of the year. The
recipients will be honored during World Dairy Expo at a formal “Dinner with
the Stars” banquet, held on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 in the Exhibition
Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
<more> March 9, 2012 World Dairy Expo press release
Fed auditors to ask questions about high-speed rail - - Federal auditors are now scrutinizing California's politically embattled high-speed rail program, in a search for facts that could turn up the heat. Prompted by Republican congressional skeptics, the non-partisan Government Accountability Office has started examining some of the most crucial questions surrounding the California project, including cost, ridership and potential ticket prices. "The fact that they are looking at it is good news for the taxpayer, and it's good news for the high-speed rail authority itself," Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, Calif., said in an interview Thursday. "We shouldn't just go out and waste money." <more> March 8, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
USDA lowers its milk price forecast again - -
Friday morning, the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates
report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its estimates for
milk prices — again. This time, the USDA predicts the Class III price for
2012 will range from $16.35 to $16.95 per hundredweight, down from the range
of $16.70 to $17.40 predicted in last month’s report. This year’s all-milk
price is now estimated at $17.60 to $18.20 per hundredweight, compared to
the $18 to $18.70 range predicted a month ago.
<more> March 9, 2012 Dairy Herd Management
Australia - Milk price war driving dairy farmers out - - But, Mr Giumelli, a third generation farmer, says he won't be passing the dairy on to his son. "It's sad for me, but there's no money in milk anymore," Mr Giumelli said. "In 1999 we were getting 48 cents a litre for our milk and our average last year was 38 cents, so that doesn't take Einstein to work out there's a huge cost price squeeze there." He says he does not see the point in keeping the dairy open when he retires. "The whole purpose for working hard through your life, is so you can hand ball it on to the next generation," he said. "My son will keep the property and probably run beef on the land, but there won't be a dairy." Mr Giumelli is not alone. <more> March 9, 2012 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Agenda posted for March 12 CDFA dairy pricing meeting - - The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing system. The agenda for the March 12 meeting has been posted to the CDFA website and is available by clicking here. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento on the following dates: March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s competitiveness in global dairy markets. For more information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html
Environmental
News
Conservation Program Sign-Up Begins Soon - -
USDA Farm Service Agency California State Executive Director Val Dolcini
announced a four-week Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup,
beginning on March 12 and ending on April 6. This marks the 25th year that
CRP has helped protect the nation's natural resources through voluntary
participation, while providing economic and environmental benefits to rural
communities nationwide. CRP is a voluntary program to assist agricultural
producers use environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits.
Producers with expiring contracts and producers with environmentally
sensitive land are encouraged to evaluate their options under CRP. Offers
for CRP contracts are ranked according to the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI).
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) collects data for each of the EBI factors
based on the relative environmental benefits for the land offered. Each
eligible offer is ranked in comparison to all other offers and selections
made from that ranking. For more information on CRP and other FSA programs,
visit a local FSA service center or
www.fsa.usda.gov March 8, 2012 FSA news release
Local farmers fear dry weather could take toll on
crops - - Lodi-area farmers are struggling through one of the driest
winters in recent history as they continue to hope for what they call a
“miracle March” to keep their crops watered and healthy come harvest. So
far, records show that since Dec. 1, 2011, the Lodi area has only received
only a quarter of the typical rainfall expected for this time of year, said
Dave Samuhels, senior meteorologist of AccuWeather.com, a private
forecasting service. The lack of rain is thanks to the phenomena known as La
Niña, he said.
<more> March 9, 2012 Lodi News-Sentinel
North Coast dairy program educational classes planned - -
Members regulated under Region 1 (North Coast) of the California Water
Quality Control Board received information this week regarding enrollment
into the new Dairy Program. The paper work may seem somewhat confusing at
this point but the CDQAP will be hosting classes in your area during the
first two weeks of April to clarify the exact requirements. Please hold onto
the information you received and bring it to class with you. A flyer with
exact dates/times for these classes will be arriving shortly. In the
meantime, please do not hesitate to call Melissa Lema (707-779-2214), or
Paul Martin (707-763-8874) with any questions you may have.
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Tulare and Stockton in March -
- The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering
free classes in environmental stewardship March
20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of classes, known as the
Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught by Dr. Deanne Meyer, UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The classes total six hours,
taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be the only six-hour class
offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the Sept. 30 deadline for
certification. For producers interested in certifying their facility, the
same person from the dairy facility must attend all six hours of water
quality education. The classes cover environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Students face-off at Western Dairy Challenge to
prepare for nationals - - Sixty students from six western universities
and one Canadian university competed in the seventh annual Western Regional
Dairy Challenge March 1-3, 2012 in Visalia, Calif. Brent Wickstrom,
California Polytechnic State University, and Brittney Day, California State
University Fresno, earned first place awards. A key objective of the dairy
challenge is to present students with real-life situations that stress the
importance of teamwork and professionalism. This contest requires students
to use the “critical thinking” skills they’re taught in class and apply them
to the real-life situations that they will most likely face on the farm,
says Jen Gisler, 2012 Western Regional Dairy Challenge Chair. Students from
the regional contest will go on to compete at the national contest which
will be held March 29-31st, 2012 in Roanoke, VA. This will be the 11th
anniversary of the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge and it
will be hosted by Virginia Tech and North Carolina State University.
March 9, 2012 Dairy Challenge news release
Food lovers give second annual Fresno expo a boost - - Tasting everything from chile pepper ale to orange-infused olive oil, hundreds of food lovers turned out Thursday for the public portion of the second Fresno Food Expo. While the main purpose of the show is to connect local food producers with buyers -- 450 buyers showed up early in the day -- consumers jammed the public evening portion of the event at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center. More than 650 people showed up, far outpacing organizers expectations, and nearly double the number who came to the first expo last March. <more> March 8, 2012 Fresno Bee
Reminder: Daylight Savings Time goes into effect Sunday, March 11 at 2 a.m. Be sure to move your clock AHEAD one hour Saturday night.
Dairy Meetings
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Other Dairy News Sources
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Thursday, March 8, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
State
water bond favored by half of likely voters - - An $11.1 billion water
bond that is on the November ballot currently has a slim advantage if the
election were held now, according to a new statewide survey by the
nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. Half of likely voters (51
percent) say they would vote yes (35 percent no, 14 percent undecided).
While a large majority of likely voters — 70 percent — say the water supply
in their area is a big problem or somewhat of a problem, there is less
agreement on the water bond. Thirty-seven percent say it is very important
that voters pass the measure, 32 percent say it is somewhat important, and
23 percent say it is not too important or not at all important.
<more> March 7, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Brash
SJV congressman shifts California water wars - - A brash, young Central
California congressman is proving to be just as adept navigating the halls
of Congress as he is at ruffling stoic partisan political feathers. U.S.
Rep. Devin Nunes, a 38-year-old from a farm family with three generations of
history in Tulare County, Calif., will say just about anything. “After 20
years under CVPIA (Central Valley Project Improvement Act), Congress can
conclude one thing: flushing fresh water into the San Francisco Bay is not
helping to recover species and people are suffering needlessly.” That’s how
Republican Nunes introduced H.R 1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley
Water Reliability Act. It passed in the House with a bipartisan vote of
246/175.
<more> March 7, 2012 Farm Press blog
Nitrogen management – a key issue in farming - - By Craig McNamara -
- Nitrogen, an essential plant nutrient for food crops, is a hot topic
right now in California agriculture. Next week, a team of university
researchers is scheduled to release a report on nitrate in groundwater in
the Tulare Basin and Salinas areas. So I thought this was a perfect time to
take the issue before the California State Board of Food and Agriculture.
Our meeting earlier this week focused on the complexity of nitrogen in the
environment and the opportunities for farmers to improve management of it in
the future. The presenters included Dr. Tom Tomich of the Agricultural
Sustainability Institute at UC Davis, who shared a number of important
points with us from his California Nitrogen Assessment.
<more> March 8, 2012 State Board of Food and Agriculture President
Craig McNamara, CDFA Planting Seeds blog
Bravo Farms building third location in Kettleman City - - Kettleman City may be considered by Tulare County locals as a pit stop en route to and from Pismo Beach, but they'll soon find new diversions and a familiar name when Bravo Farms opens its third California location. Bravo Farms was on the brink of financial ruin because of an E. coli scare 16 months ago, but the popular cheese manufacturer hopes it is firmly past that, looking toward a brighter future with the addition of the 500-foot complex it hopes will be open by Christmas. It is being built by Kingsburg farmer/developer Michael Nelson, a longtime friend of Bravo Farms partner Jonathan Van Ryn and his father, John, as the first phase in a series of projects Nelson hopes to build on land he owns in that area. <more> March 8, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Voltage problem for dairy cows results in lawsuits, Senate bill - - The
Iowa Legislature is trying to tackle a shocking bovine problem. Something
known as stray electrical voltage is zapping thousands of the state’s dairy
cows, giving them jolts that can affect milk production and interfere with
breeding schedules. Farmers and others have known about the problem for
decades, but the Legislature this year is taking note because of an
onslaught of lawsuits against electric cooperatives.
<more> March 7, 2012 Des Moines Register
Fresno
council members question high-speed rail's effect on business - - Three
Fresno City Council members say they want immediate answers to more than two
dozen questions about the potential effects of California's proposed
high-speed trains on businesses and tax revenues in the city. In a letter
sent Wednesday to the California High-Speed Rail Authority, Council Members
Andreas Borgeas and Lee Brand and Council President Clint Olivier said they
want to know that the authority has "properly considered and evaluated" how
the planned route through Fresno will disrupt businesses and other
properties along the way; what efforts the authority will take to help
businesses with relocation; and how the potential loss of property taxes,
business taxes and sales taxes may affect the city's treasury. The letter
included 26 questions that the council members said they want answered in 60
days.
<more> March 7, 2012 Fresno Bee
Passing: Francisco Elmino Martins - - Francisco Elmino Martins, of Orland, CA, passed away on Mar. 3, 2012, in the comfort of his home, with his family at his side. Francisco was born on Aug. 26, 1942 in the village Cinco Ribeiras, on the island Terceira of the Azores, Portugal. In 1969, after marrying Maria Fatima, they immigrated to the U.S. and began a new life starting their family in Norco, CA. He began working on dairy farms, and in 1984, they settled on their own dairy farm in Orland, CA. <more> March 8, 2012 Chico Enterprise
Pricing/Commodity News
FSA reminds dairy producers of MILC program requirements -
- USDA’s Farm Service Agency reminds dairy producers that they must meet
Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program requirements in order to maintain
program eligibility in the event that prices drop and trigger a MILC
payment. MILC compensates dairy producers when domestic milk prices fall
below a specified level. Eligible dairy producers can apply for program
benefits anytime through September 30, 2012. At this time, MILC payments are
not being made because the price is above the trigger level. To maintain
program eligibility, MILC participants must notify their local FSA office of
any operation changes, such as a change in producer, shares, address or bank
routing number. In order for dairy producers to receive a MILC payment, they
must meet adjusted gross income (AGI) requirements by completing, "CCC-931 -
AGI Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information." Dairy
producers who want to enroll in MILC must fill out, "CCC-580 - Milk Income
Loss Contract" and select a start-month for which the Commodity Credit
Corporation (CCC) will begin issuing payments to the dairy operation.
Current dairies that participate in MILC can make changes to their
start-month with certain restrictions. According to FSA any start-month
changes must be made on or before the 14th of the month before the selected
MILC production start-month. The change must also be made before requesting
payment and before the original MILC production start-month has passed.
Changes to the dairy operation start-month must be designated on FSA’s form,
"CCC-580M - Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Modification." For more
information about the MILC program, please contact your county FSA office or
visit the web at
www.fsa.usda.gov. March 8, 2012 FSA Press Release
Upper
Midwest Dairy Farm Numbers Down, Milk Up - - An analysis of dairy farms
shipping milk into the Upper Midwest Federal Milk Marketing Order shows farm
numbers have declined 6,861, a 30% drop between May 2000 and May 2011. Milk
production from the remaining farms is up 29%. This does not mean this
number of farms actually went out of business, notes Henry Schaefer, author
of the report. Milk plants may have pooled milk on different Federal Orders,
and the data would thus not be recorded by the Upper Midwest Order.
<more> March 8, 2012 Dairy Today
Agenda posted for March 12 CDFA dairy pricing meeting - - The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing system. The agenda for the March 12 meeting has been posted to the CDFA website and is available by clicking here. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento on the following dates: March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s competitiveness in global dairy markets. For more information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html
Environmental
News
North Coast dairy program educational classes planned - -
Members regulated under Region 1 (North Coast) of the California Water
Quality Control Board received information this week regarding enrollment
into the new Dairy Program. The paper work may seem somewhat confusing at
this point but the CDQAP will be hosting classes in your area during the
first two weeks of April to clarify the exact requirements. Please hold onto
the information you received and bring it to class with you. A flyer with
exact dates/times for these classes will be arriving shortly. In the
meantime, please do not hesitate to call Melissa Lema (707-779-2214), or
Paul Martin (707-763-8874) with any questions you may have.
SMUD seeking
biogas pipeline partners -
- Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is looking for assistance in
developing biogas-to-pipeline projects within California and the western
states. SMUD is seeking qualified partners to help develop and acquire
biogas resources and long-term, sustainable development opportunities and
competitively-priced agreements from within California. SMUD is interested
in biogas that satisfies the eligibility requirements of California’s
renewables portfolio standard (RPS) and for biomass-derived fuels under the
California AB 32 cap and trade regulation. This is not a formal request for
proposal. For more information, please visit
https://www.smud.org/en/do-business-with-smud/contracting-opportunities/biogas.htm.
Responses are due to
BiogasResponses@smud.org by May 1, 2012. March 8, 2012 SMUD
Notice
Kings
County declares drought emergency - - Kings County supervisors on
Tuesday declared a drought emergency, bringing back an issue that dominated
the agenda from 2007 to 2011. For nearly four years, the
agriculture-dependent county had an ongoing emergency because of little
rain, scant Sierra snowfall and regulatory restrictions on the amount of
water coming from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The declaration
was finally lifted last April after two consecutive wet winters. Now the
declaration is back, as Kings and the rest of the San Joaquin Valley faces
one of the smallest snowpacks on record. It’s so dry, in fact, that it’s
near the record low snowfall of 1976-1977.
<more> March 7, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
U.S.
Dairy Sustainability Award Winners Announced - - In a March 7 award
ceremony in Washington, D.C., the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy announced
the winners of the inaugural U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards, a program to
recognize dairy farms, dairy companies and collaborative partnerships for
efforts that advance the sustainability of the dairy industry.
<more> March 8, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Tulare and Stockton in March -
- The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering
free classes in environmental stewardship March
20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of classes, known as the
Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught by Dr. Deanne Meyer, UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The classes total six hours,
taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be the only six-hour class
offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the Sept. 30 deadline for
certification. For producers interested in certifying their facility, the
same person from the dairy facility must attend all six hours of water
quality education. The classes cover environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Chocolate milk makers now target grown-up athletes - - Turns out
chocolate milk makers might not need school kids after all. Not when they
have millions of adult athletes ready to scarf down the sugary stuff. Today,
the national milk organization behind the powerful milk mustache and Got
Milk?? ad campaigns, will announce plans to literally wipe the milk mustache
out of its chocolate milk ads and begin targeting the flavored dairy product
at what might appear to be a most unlikely audience: grown-up jocks.
<more> March 8, 2012 USA Today
Insight: U.S. walnut growers, in revolt, look to China - - It was a proud moment for the Kafkares family when they first hung the Diamond Walnut Growers sign in their orchard more than a decade ago. People across this rolling stretch of northern California loved that red diamond logo: the symbol of a century-old agricultural icon, whose crop has long been an ingredient favored by holiday bakers. Now, the family is tearing down the sign in disgust. So are their neighbors. An accounting scandal over payments made by Diamond Foods Inc to its growers -- as well as concerns that Diamond may have been paying below-market prices for their crops -- has hurt their confidence in the company, the largest U.S. walnut processor. <more> March 7, 2012 Reuters
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
U.S. dairy export success in Mexico took years
- - U.S. dairy exports to Mexico are thriving, but it was no overnight
success. Topping the $1 billion mark in sales took 17 years of ongoing
effort, said Margaret Speich, senior vice president of communications for
the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Success south of the border was built off of
the 1994 implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, which
provided access to Mexico, she said. The trade deal eliminated import
tariffs and quotas on U.S. dairy products over a 15-year period.
<more> March 7, 2012 Capital Press
CDFA announces vacancies on the newly established
California Rendering Industry Advisory Board - - The California
Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Meat, Poultry and Egg Safety
Branch (MPES) is announcing seven (7) vacancies on the newly established
Rendering Industry Advisory Board. This advisory board makes
recommendations to the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the MPES
Rendering Program. Individuals interested in being considered for the board
appointment should send a brief resume by March 30, 2012 to the California
Department of Food and Agriculture, Meat Poultry and Egg Safety, 1220 N
Street, Sacramento, California 95814, Attention: Dr. Bruce Carter.
<more> March 7, 2012 CDFA press release
Bustamante out of congressional race, Florez
remains mum - - One big-name Democrat has decided against running for
Kern County's new open congressional seat while another continues to leave
people guessing at his intentions. Dinuba native Cruz Bustamante, former
Assembly speaker and lieutenant governor, says he will not enter the 21st
Congressional District race. Bustamante, 59, sent an email to supporters
Sunday saying "family considerations prevent me from running at this time."
He declined to comment further Monday. "He probably knows best," said John
Hutson, a Fresno Democrat and longtime Bustamante friend who is active in
the building-trade unions. Added Hutson: "If Cruz decides he really doesn't
want to do it -- especially in a district like this with no incumbent -- he
must not really want it that bad." Meanwhile, former Senate Majority Leader
Dean Florez, the Democrat from Shafter, continued to be coy about his plans
Tuesday. He has until Friday to decide.
<more> March 6, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
Dry winter forces farmers to revise crop plans -
- Last week's rains were too little, too late to save Joe Bacchetti's newly
planted alfalfa fields. The Tracy farmer said he usually doesn't irrigate in
February because winter rains typically provide enough moisture to get the
crop going. Not this year. The beginning of the 2012 crop year is one of the
driest on record, which means little soil moisture and drastic reductions in
water deliveries for Bacchetti and farmers throughout the state. The concern
now is how to manage meager supplies through the long, hot summer months to
harvest a crop.
<more> March 7, 2012 Ag Alert
Growth of composting strains oversight of
industry - - California’s next big step in recycling – composting its
meat scraps, broken egg shells, coffee grounds and other detritus of eating
– is straining the state’s ability to effectively manage the ever-growing
and sometimes dangerous industry. In October, 16-year-old Armando Ramirez
and his brother, 22-year-old Heladio Ramirez, died of poisoning after
Armando had been cleaning out a stormwater drain at the Community Recycling
& Resource Recovery composting facility near Bakersfield. Heladio had gone
down a hole and into the drain to rescue his brother.
<more> March 7, 2012 California Watch
Dairy management
seminars set for Modesto, Tulare and Orland - - UC Cooperative Extension
is sponsoring a series of seminars directed at dairy owners/managers,
employees and allied industry. The seminars will be held in Tulare on March
13, Orland on March 15 and Modesto on March 22. The goal of the seminars is
to provide science-based information and discussion on topics contributing
to the continued success and profitability of California dairy operations.
The seminars will be presented separately in English and Spanish. Topics for
the first seminar are: “Day one management: how to program cow health and
productivity” - Dr. Alfonso Lago, DVM, PhD and “Feeding management: is the
TMR sitting in the feedbunk the same as the formulated ration?” - Dr. Noelia
Silva-del-Rio, DVM, PhD. Seminars run from 9:30 a/m/ to 1 p.m. and include
an industry sponsored lunch. The cost of attendance is $10 and can be paid
at the door. RSVP by March 9 to guarantee lunch and materials for all who
attend. To register contact Jennifer Heguy at (209) 525-6800 or
jmheguy@ucdavis.edu . For more
information visit
http://cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu/Dairy_Science/ March 1, 2012 UCCE
Notice
Iowa law sets up fight between animal activists,
farms - - Iowa, the country’s top producer of pork and eggs, attracted
national attention this month when it became the first state to adopt a law
that’s designed to curtail the undercover operations of animal rights
activists on farms. Another seven states have proposed similar “ag-gag”
legislation, setting up a battleground that pits activists who say they’re
working to combat animal abuse against an industry that says it has been
unfairly portrayed and sabotaged by opportunists. While it’s unclear how
often the activists manage to infiltrate farming operations, the images
their hidden cameras have captured through the years have forced arrests,
law enforcement raids and food recalls, including the largest meat recall in
history in 2008.
<more> March 6, 2012 Washington Post
First HSR tracks go through Fresno - - High-speed rail plans to start building a 29-mile segment from north of Madera to five miles south of Fresno, California High-Speed Rail Authority officials have announced. The $1.5-$2 billion segment would run from Avenue 17, north of Madera, to American Avenue, south of Fresno, leaving it approximately 18 miles north of Kings County. Eventually it’s planned to go through Kings as part of an 80- to 130-mile initial track section from Merced to Bakersfield that is designed to test high-speed trains. Completion of the full $98.5 billion, Bay Area-to-Los Angeles route is slated for completion in 2033. But the start of construction could be postponed until 2013. Authority officials want to break ground this year, but the proposal has faced a groundswell of criticism both at the state and local levels. <more> March 6, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
Milk pricing struggle continues in California
- - Dairy groups in California have again petitioned the California
Department of Food and Agriculture to raise the minimum pricing formula for
Class 4b, milk to manufacture cheese. The groups argue the value of whey in
California is well below that value in federal marketing orders and results
in much lower Class 4b prices than the Class III, milk for cheese, price in
federal orders. Western United Dairymen filed a petition for a hearing on
the matter March 2. That petition was accepted but has not yet been granted
or denied.
<more> March 7, 2012 Capital Press
Dairy markets recover Monday’s losses - -
Things are looking a little better in the dairy markets these days. Cash
cheese barrels gained 1.5 cents on Wednesday to close at $1.4725 and blocks
gained 2.5 cents to $1.485 per pound. Class III futures increased for the
second day in a row with the April and May contracts going back over the $15
mark.
<more> March 7, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy prices fall at global auction - -
Prices of dairy products fell for the third straight sale on the
GlobalDairyTrade platform in a week in which China lowered its target for
economic growth and figures confirmed Europe's economy contracted.
<more> March 7, 2012 Auckland New Zealand Herald
Agenda posted for March 12 CDFA dairy pricing meeting - - The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing system. The agenda for the March 12 meeting has been posted to the CDFA website and is available by clicking here. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento on the following dates: March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s competitiveness in global dairy markets. For more information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html
Environmental
News
Landmark groundwater
nitrate study set for release March 13 - - By Tom
Barcellos, President, Western United Dairymen - - A landmark study on
nitrate in California’s drinking water will be publicly released Tuesday,
March 13 in Sacramento. Western United Dairymen has been proactively
involved in discussing the report with scientists and other agricultural
groups and closely monitoring and analyzing information as it becomes
available. The study, which was prepared for the State Water Resources
Control Board to fulfill the requirements of Senate Bill X2.1, focuses on
groundwater conditions in the Tulare Lake Basin and the Salinas Valley.
Principle investigators were Thomas Harter and Jay Lund at UC Davis. The
study’s authors plan to make a two-hour presentation at Cal-EPA headquarters
in Sacramento. Following the presentation, WUD’s Paul Martin will be
participating in a panel with Celeste Cantu, former executive director at
California State Water Resources Control Board; David Orth, general manager
of Kings River Conservation District; Laurel Firestone, co-director of the
Community Water Center; and others still to be determined.
<more> March 6, 2012 WUD News
State air board's solution: more air pollution -
- Looks like I wasn't the only one left shaking my head at the way the
California Air Resources Board (CARB) handled the matter of several Harris
Ranch trucks torched by terrorists two months ago. The other heads are much
bigger than mine, however. And if/when they get together, they could really
put a leash on CARB. (Here's hoping.) Harris is the giant cattle operation
in western Fresno County. My column Sunday detailed how CARB yanked grant
money promised to Harris that the company was going to use to replace older,
polluting trucks. It's all part of a carrot-stick operation in which the
state hopes to incentivize truckers to buy cleaner burning trucks as it
implements a new rule that will ban all models older than 2010 by 2015.
<more> March 6, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
Modesto Irrigation District water sale plan makes
county wary - - Stanislaus County leaders resisted taking a stand on the
idea of selling canal water to San Francisco, but gave irrigation officials
plenty to think about Tuesday. Most people who spoke at a lengthy hearing
came out strongly against the Modesto Irrigation District proposal, saying
it could put in jeopardy one of the valley's most valuable resources. "It's
the lifeblood of the county, and we're messing with it," Supervisor Terry
Withrow said. "We're kind of playing a scary game here."
<more> March 6, 2012 Modesto Bee
McCarthy, Nunes,Denham: Ending California's
man-made drought - - The man-made drought in California is no secret.
Burdensome environmental regulations restricting water pumping in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta have contributed to hundreds of thousands
of acres of fertile farmland going fallow in recent years. During
California's 2007-2009 drought, the Democratic majority and the Obama
administration stood on the sidelines while farmers were forced to forgo
planting, joblessness rose and families stood in food lines. It was a huge
relief last year when we had abundant rain and snow, but instead of using
100 percent of that water for farming and storage, millions of acre-feet of
water were allowed to be lost into the ocean.
<more> March 6, 2012 San Francisco Chronicle
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Tulare and Stockton in March -
- The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering
free classes in environmental stewardship March 6-7 in Tulare and March
20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of classes, known as the
Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught by Dr. Deanne Meyer,
UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The classes total six hours,
taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be the only six-hour class
offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the Sept. 30 deadline for
certification. For producers interested in certifying their facility, the
same person from the dairy facility must attend all six hours of water
quality education. The classes cover environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Cheese lovers get their gouda on as tickets to
world championship’s final round sell out - - Watching 40 judges in
white lab coats nibble on cheese and then spit the samples into garbage cans
might not sound like an elegant evening to most people, but hundreds of
cheese lovers have paid $25 each for a close-up view of Wednesday’s World
Championship Cheese Contest finals. This is the first year the international
contest has charged admission to its finals, which historically have been
low-key affairs attended by just a handful of spectators and reporters. But
with a growing number of foodies seeking to outdo each other in their
pursuit of local, sustainable, organic and handcrafted fare, the artisan
cheese competition has become a hot ticket among those looking to get their
gouda on.
<more> March 7, 2012 Washington Post
Fat lot of good: How eating more cheese and milk could make you brainier - - Are you feeding your brain the right kind of fatty diet? Dairy products such as cheese and milk are among the most reviled of foods, with many experts saying their links to heart disease and obesity mean we should shun them when possible. But new research has caused controversy by suggesting that, in fact, dairy food could be essential for a healthy brain. <more> March 6, 2012 London Mail
Dairy Meetings
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Landmark groundwater
nitrate study set for release March 13 - - By Tom
Barcellos, President, Western United Dairymen - - A landmark study on
nitrate in California’s drinking water will be publically released Tuesday,
March 13 in Sacramento. Western United Dairymen has been proactively
involved in discussing the report with scientists and other agricultural
groups and closely monitoring and analyzing information as it becomes
available. The study, which was prepared for the State Water Resources
Control Board to fulfill the requirements of Senate Bill X2.1, focuses on
groundwater conditions in the Tulare Lake Basin and the Salinas Valley.
Principle investigators were Thomas Harter and Jay Lund at UC Davis. The
study’s authors plan to make a two-hour presentation at Cal-EPA headquarters
in Sacramento. Following the presentation, WUD’s Paul Martin will be
participating in a panel with Celeste Cantu, former executive director at
California State Water Resources Control Board; David Orth, general manager
of Kings River Conservation District; Laurel Firestone, co-director of the
Community Water Center; and others still to be determined.
<more> March 6, 2012 WUD News
Cruz
Bustamante won't run for Congress in the Central Valley - - Former
Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante has decided not to run for Congress in a
competitive Central Valley seat, according to The Fresno Bee. The Elk Grove
Democrat, who represented the Fresno area in the state Legislature, was
weighing a run for the newly drawn 21st Congressional District. Democrats
have been searching for a strong candidate to run against GOP Assemblyman
David Valadao in the vacant seat since their top recruit, Democratic Sen.
Michael Rubio, dropped out due to family concerns. Bustamante also cited
""family considerations" in an email announcing his decisions to supporters
Sunday night.
<more>
March 6, 2012 Sacramento Bee
CA
Cattlemen back agri-terrorism bill, other legislation - - The Golden
State's largest cattle group is backing a bill in the Legislature that would
stiffen the criminal penalties that animal-rights extremists would face for
attacking livestock facilities. The California Cattlemen's Association also
supports bills that would allow the state to resume funding watermaster
programs and ease fees and restrictions on pickups that haul livestock
trailers. The agri-terrorism bill, Assembly Bill 2177, would add livestock
facilities to the list of buildings commonly targeted by political
extremists, assigning a prison term of up to seven years for exploding a
device or committing arson on a beef feedlot, dairy, poultry or swine
facility, the organization notes.
<more>
March 6, 2012 Capital Press
Farmland prices rise in Central Valley as crop
prices tick up - - One thing John Grimmius has discovered in his 45-year
career as a real estate broker is that when home prices go down, prices for
agricultural land here in the Central Valley usually go up. The past few
years have been no exception as home prices remain down since the national
real estate bust of 2008. But this year, the average price per acre of ag
land sold in Tulare County could exceed the average sales price before the
housing market went bad. “We’re seeing some prices like we’ve never seen
ever,” said Grimmius, owner of the Ranch Co., a Visalia-based real estate
company that also monitors agricultural real estate sales in Tulare County.
That’s particularly true of farmland with commodities that are fetching
particularly good prices, including grape, nut and citrus crops.
<more> March 6, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Rabobank: Dairy has opportunity in beverage
‘megatrends’ - - Consumer demand for health and wellness beverages
worldwide is leading to greater convergence between soft drinks and dairy
beverages, according to Rabobank. A new report, “Global Beverage Outlook
2012: Best of Times, Worst of Times,” outlines five key "megatrends” shaping
the beverage industry in the coming year. Dairy producers and industry
representatives may recognize them. Consumer demand for health and wellness
beverages will create a growing convergence between dairy and soft drinks,
according to the report. The world's thirst for protein drinks, probiotics
and functional drinks has led to a “burst” of new product creations.
Numerous global beverage companies, such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Suntory and
Danone, have invested in or acquired leading juice and dairy companies in
recent years.
<more> March 6, 2012 Dairy Business
Farm
Labor survey available on-line - - The annual Farm Employers Labor
Service (FELS) survey is out again and ready for participation from dairy
producers. This survey is to develop a reference on California market
conditions and takes into consideration only the wage rates in which
respondents pay their employees within the state of California. It is
important that all information entered be accurate in order to have true
results. For convenience purposes, this year there is the option to complete
the survey online. A new user portal page provides for data entry as well as
access to reports from prior years. In addition to the online access,
Western United Dairymen is providing members with hard copies of the survey
to be completed and returned to the WUD office by April 15. Please complete
the survey in either of the two ways listed. In order to access the online
survey, go to www.fels.net/survey
and select Western United Dairymen (WUD) from the dropdown list of
participating organizations. Enter WUD-2012 as the password and select
“begin survey”. March 6, 2012 FELS Notice
Iowa sends volley across animal activists’ bow -
- A new law in Iowa that prohibits fraudulent activity by animal-rights
activists on livestock farms may serve as a template for other states.
According to Iowa State Senator Joe Seng, states such as Nebraska, Indiana,
Ohio and Utah may be interested. He said two years of work went into
crafting the bill that was signed into law Friday by Gov. Terry Branstad.
The bill achieved overwhelming bi-partisan support, passing the state senate
by a 40-10 margin and the state house by a 69-28 margin.
<more> March 6, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
WUD convention photos can be viewed on-line - - Photos from WUD’s successful annual three-day convention held in Temecula on Feb. 22-24, 2012, can be viewed online by clicking here.
Pricing/Commodity News
Agenda
posted for March 12 CDFA dairy pricing meeting - - The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA)
has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing
system. The agenda for the March 12 meeting has been posted to the CDFA
website and is available
by clicking here. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento on the following dates:
March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10
a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will
include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and
short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s
competitiveness in global dairy markets. For more information, visit
www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html Feb. 28, 2012 DairyProfit
Update
CWT assists with 6.8 million lbs. of cheese,
butter export sales - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 24
requests for export assistance to sell 1.788 million lbs. of cheddar and
Monterey Jack cheese and 5.030 million lbs. of butter to customers in Asia,
Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be
delivered March through June 2012. Requests were accepted from Dairy Farmers
of America, Darigold, Land O’Lakes, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers
Cooperative, Michigan Milk Producers Association and United Dairymen of
Arizona. So far in 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making
export sales totaling 28.7 million lbs. of cheese and 28.0 million lbs. of
butter to 17 countries on four continents. March 6, 2012 Dairy Profit
Update
With falling milk prices, Connecticut dairy farmers look to Washington for help - - The good news for consumers is that milk prices are dropping. But that's bad news for Connecticut's $1 billion-a-year dairy industry, which is already struggling with high feed and fuel prices. Farmers are looking to Washington for help, but it's a tossup whether that help is coming. "We're kind of the same as any other citizen of the United States, we'd like Congress to act," said Ben Freund, who milks about 250 cows on a farm in East Canaan, in the northwestern part of the state. Freund's is one of about 150 wholesale dairies -- located on a total of about 70,000 acres -- in the state. Congress has been struggling for more than a year to pass a new farm bill. Farmers like Freund, hope the farm bill will replace what they consider to be an antiquated federal dairy program with one that would provide more security. <more> March 6, 2012 Hartford Connecticut Mirror
Environmental
News
San Joaquin restoration: $70 million goes down
river - - A new federal analysis reveals $70 million has been invested
in the San Joaquin River restoration since 2007, but no major projects have
been completed. And as a Dec. 31 deadline nears to restart salmon runs on
the previously dry river, riverside farmers say it's time to talk about a
delay. They fear property damage from high flows, and they also worry about
federal fines if protected fish stray into their irrigation canals. "There's
no shame in adjusting the timetable," said farmer Cannon Michael, who owns
land near the river on the Valley's west side. "What's the point of starting
if the river is not ready?"
<more> March 6, 2012 Fresno Bee
Ag water supplies curtailed - - A doggedly
dry winter means less irrigation water will be flowing to the fields and
orchards of the San Joaquin Valley this summer. Local irrigation districts
have received their initial water allocation forecasts, which signal that
reductions in supply are in the works for West Side farmers unless Mother
Nature delivers the proverbial “March Miracle,” – enough rain to ease the
cuts. The Central California Irrigation District is bracing for the
possibility of its first “critical” water year since 1994, meaning that CCID
will receive only 75 percent of its normal water allocation.
<more> March 5, 2012 West Side Connect
Drought resolution back on Kings County
supervisors agenda - - The drought debate is front and center again in
Kings County. When supervisors meet Tuesday, they’ll consider declaring a
local emergency because of drought conditions. The declaration could give
farmers and firefighters access to extra funds and assistance. The last
drought declaration ran from June 19, 2007 to April 26, 2011. It was
suspended because of abundant water supplies from the wet winters of
2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Thanks to extremely dry conditions this winter and
a puny snowpack in the mountains, farmers are facing shortages again. The
State Water Project is projecting a 60 percent delivery of historic
contracted amounts. The federal Central Valley Project, which supplies
thousands of acres on Kings County’s west side, is projecting 30 percent of
contracted amounts.
<more> March 5, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Tulare and Stockton in March -
- The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering
free classes in environmental stewardship March 6-7 in Tulare and March
20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of classes, known as the
Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught by Dr. Deanne Meyer,
UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The classes total six hours,
taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be the only six-hour class
offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the Sept. 30 deadline for
certification. For producers interested in certifying their facility, the
same person from the dairy facility must attend all six hours of water
quality education. The classes cover environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Yogurt phenomenon driving Northeast dairy
industry - - The “yogurt phenomenon” is changing the dynamics of the
Northeast dairy industry, according to Greg Wickham, CEO of Dairylea
Cooperative Inc. Speaking during an agribusiness webinar, March 6, Wickham
said continued growth in the yogurt market could lead to near-term raw milk
shortages in the Northeast for fluid and soft dairy products. “The Greek
yogurt phenomenon has spurred all the growth,” said Wickham, who noted
proximity to customer base has been a primary driver. “By our estimation in
2012, this market will use 6% of the total raw milk production in New York,
New England, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.” With milk
production basically stagnant in Northeast federal order #1, the growth in
milk utilization for yogurt has largely come at the expense of fluid milk.
<more> March 6, 2012 Dairy Herd Management
McDonald's to kids: Eat fruit, drink milk, visit
Arches - - McDonald's Corp. will unveil new kids advertising Friday,
fulfilling a pledge to include a nutritional or physical activity message in
all communication with children starting in 2012. The Oak Brook-based
fast-food giant says it's doing the right thing for its customers and its
brand. But activist groups, who see McDonald's as the emblem of what's wrong
with American eating, decry any advertising to children under age 12, who
critics say are too young to know when they are being targeted with ad
messages. The national ad push supports the chain's revamped Happy Meal, now
available at its 14,000 U.S. restaurants, with a burger or chicken nuggets,
apple slices, fries and 1 percent white or fat-free chocolate milk.
<more> March 5, 2012 Chicago Tribune
Today's Oreo's 100 Year Anniversary - - It's
been a century since the first person twisted, licked and dunked. The Oreo
turns 100 today. The cookie started on March 6, 1912 in a Manhattan biscuit
factory. To celebrate, Kraft, the company that now owns Oreo, is releasing a
limited-edition birthday cake version of the creme-filled sandwich cookies.
Oreo's are sold in a hundred countries and fetch more than a million dollars
in global revenue. The cookies even have a Facebook following, with 25
million fans.
<more> March 6, 2012 CNN
Even Dairy Farming Has a 1 Percent - - Last month, after immersing myself in Brooklyn’s artisanal-food scene, I felt the need that many in my home borough have these days: to get out on a farm and smell the manure. So I drove an hour and a half southwest of New York City to spend the day with three generations of dairy farmers. Bob Fulper, 85, was born on what is now Fulper Farms in West Amwell Township, N.J. So was his son, Robert, 54, who currently runs the place with the help of his brother, Fred, who is 51. Robert’s daughter, Breanna, 24, recently graduated from Cornell with a degree in dairy management. Breanna would like to lead the family business into the next generation, but she realizes it might not be financially possible. The modern dairy farm, it turns out, represents many of the volatile and confusing trends that have roiled the U.S. economy over the last decade. <more> March 6, 2012 The New York Times
Monday, March 5, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Farm work isn't child's play, some say - -
James Duescher is carving out a career in agriculture — even though he
doesn't live on a farm. The Kewaunee High School senior has learned about
farming and agribusiness working on a pair of Kewaunee County dairy farms.
He hopes to one day enter the business himself and is learning the trade
milking and feeding cows, moving animals and caring for calves and other
hands-on work on the farm.
<more> March 4, 2012 Green Bay Press-Gazette
Safety concerns, industry changes push U.S. to
rethink approach to food inspection - - Every day, inspectors in white
hats and coats take up positions at every one of the nation’s
slaughterhouses, eyeballing the hanging carcasses of cows and chickens as
they shuttle past on elevated rails, looking for bruises, tumors and signs
of contamination. It’s essentially the way U.S. Department of Agriculture
food safety inspectors have done their jobs for a century, ever since Upton
Sinclair’s blockbuster novel, “The Jungle,” exposed horrid conditions in a
Chicago meatpacking facility and shook Americans awake to the hazards of
tainted food. But these days, the bulk of what Americans eat — seafood,
vegetables, fruit, dairy products, shelled eggs and almost everything except
meat and poultry — is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. And the
FDA inspects the plants it oversees on average about once a decade.
<more> March 4, 2012 Washington Post
WUD convention photos can be viewed on-line - - Photos from WUD’s successful annual three-day convention held in Temecula on Feb. 22-24, 2012, can be viewed online by clicking here.
Pricing/Commodity News
WUD files whey value petition with CDFA - -
For the second time in three months, Western United Dairymen has filed a
petition with CDFA asking the department to amend the Class 4b formula to
“accurately capture whey value.”
Click here to visit the Dairy Branch hearing website. In a letter to Candace Gates of the CDFA
Dairy Marketing Branch, CEO Michael Marsh wrote, “California dairy families
are suffering financially under the current Formula. The Department must
amend the Formula to accurately capture whey value. We ask that the
Department promptly call a hearing to find a more fair method of doing so.”
WUD is seeking modification of the whey value portion of the Class 4b
formula. Acknowledging that CDFA modified the formula after the June 30,
2011 hearing, Marsh noted that, “We believe the modification does not
provide a fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value as
part of the Formula. Our members are concerned about and are suffering
significant financial losses as a result of the large discrepancy between
the whey value contribution in the Formula and Federal Orders’ Class III.”
<more> March 2, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
CWT Assists with 6.8 Million Pounds of Dairy
Export Sales - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 24
requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold,
Foremost Farms, Land O’Lakes, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers
Cooperative, Michigan Milk Producers Association and United Dairymen of
Arizona to sell a total of 811 metric tons (1.788 million pounds) of Cheddar
and Monterey Jack cheese and 2,282 metric tons (5.030 million pounds) of
butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North
Africa. The product will be delivered March through July 2012.
<more> March 5, 2012 Dairy Today
CDFA sets dairy pricing system meetings - - The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing system. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento on the following dates: March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s competitiveness in global dairy markets. A specific agenda will be distributed by March 2. For more information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html Feb. 28, 2012 DairyProfit Update
Environmental
News
State Board to discuss innovations, approaches
and stewardship related to the nitrogen cycle at Tuesday meeting - - The
California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss a variety of
topics related to the nitrogen cycle and the proactive work by California
farmers and ranchers on the issue at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, March
6 in
Sacramento. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the
California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main
Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. Management of the nitrogen cycle is a key
issue for farmers and ranchers. Scheduled speakers for the March 6th meeting
include: Tom Tomich, Agricultural Sustainability Institute; Barbara H.
Allen-Diaz, University of California, Agricultural and Natural Resources;
J.P. Cativiela, Dairy Cares; Paul Martin, Western United Dairymen; and
Robert Curtis, Almond Board of California. Other speakers include
representatives from the State Water Resources Control Board, the California
Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Central Valley Regional Water
Quality Control Board.
<more> March 2, 2012 CDFA press release
Calif. water bill flows to uncertain future in
Senate - - A big California water bill passed by the House this week
might be brilliant political hardball that puts Democratic Sen. Dianne
Feinstein on the spot. Or, maybe it's a blown opportunity that's poisoned
the well. Perhaps, it's a little bit of both. Like it or not, the state's
water future could be hanging in this uncertain balance. "The question is,
has the bill created so much distrust and chaos that the process of solving
the problem has been set back?" said Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove. A
former top Interior Department official, Garamendi contends the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act approved by the House on
Wednesday "creates a huge disruption" that will complicate the search for
long-term California solutions.
<more> March 2, 2012 Fresno Bee
Even with 10% increase, Modesto irrigation would
be a bargain - - Last year, farmers in the Modesto Irrigation District
paid $6.75 for enough water to cover an acre a foot deep. About 50 miles to
the south, farmers in the Westlands Water District paid about 20 times as
much for that same acre-foot. The low rates in the MID, and in a few nearby
districts, have long been a point of pride for the farmers within their
boundaries. But there's more to the story. Access to this water helps to
drive up the value of the farmland where it's used.
<more> March 4, 2012 Modesto Bee
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Tulare and Stockton in March -
- The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering
free classes in environmental stewardship March 6-7 in Tulare and March
20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of classes, known as the
Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught by Dr. Deanne Meyer,
UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The classes total six hours,
taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be the only six-hour class
offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the Sept. 30 deadline for
certification. For producers interested in certifying their facility, the
same person from the dairy facility must attend all six hours of water
quality education. The classes cover environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
World Dairy Expo Unveils New Exhibit Area - -
World Dairy Expo promises even more for dairy producers to experience in
2012. A new major sponsor has stepped up to the plate for naming of the
newly expanded indoor exhibit space. The New Holland Trade Center will
feature a mix of new and returning exhibitors from across the dairy
industry. Dairy enthusiasts attending the event will have the opportunity to
view the very latest cutting-edge equipment, research and services that
might be incorporated into their operations.
<more> March 5, 2012 Dairy Today
World Ag Expo delivers year-round direction for
farmers, dealers - - The 2012 World Ag Expo held Feb. 14-16 in Tulare
County, Calif., proved to be a crucial global hot spot to buy and sell the
latest agricultural inventions from around the world; all designed to
increase farmers’ profitability. The benefits of the Expo experience
actually continue throughout the year as farmers implement the knowledge
gained during the world’s largest farm exposition. On the third and final
day of the 45th annual Expo, Craig Reade, a California and Arizona vegetable
grower, had plenty of giddy-up in his walking stride. He maneuvered the
green paint course at the John Deere exhibit asking a laundry list of
questions to sales representatives.
<more> March 2, 2012 Western Farm Press
Imports slam asparagus farmers - - Unusually warm weather is prompting California asparagus to begin to emerge from its growing beds, but many farmers are cultivating their fields in hopes of delaying the crop because of low prices. Federal farm officials reported in late February the price on standard asparagus packed in 28-pound boxes ran from 71 cents to 84 cents a pound at entry ports on the Mexican border in California and Arizona. That's well below what California growers, including those in San Joaquin County and who lead the state in asparagus production, need to justify the expense of harvesting and packing the vegetable for fresh market sales, industry officials said. <more> March 4, 2012 Stockton Record
Dairy Meetings
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Other Dairy News Sources
Friday, March 2, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
WUD files whey value petition with CDFA - -
For the second time in three months, Western United Dairymen has filed a
petition with CDFA asking the department to amend the Class 4b formula to
“accurately capture whey value.”
Click here to visit the Dairy Branch hearing website. In a letter to Candace Gates of the CDFA
Dairy Marketing Branch, CEO Michael Marsh wrote, “California dairy families
are suffering financially under the current Formula. The Department must
amend the Formula to accurately capture whey value. We ask that the
Department promptly call a hearing to find a more fair method of doing so.”
WUD is seeking modification of the whey value portion of the Class 4b
formula. Acknowledging that CDFA modified the formula after the June 30,
2011 hearing, Marsh noted that, “We believe the modification does not
provide a fair or legally sufficient means of determining the whey value as
part of the Formula. Our members are concerned about and are suffering
significant financial losses as a result of the large discrepancy between
the whey value contribution in the Formula and Federal Orders’ Class III.”
<more> March 2, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
South Dakota governor looks to round up
California dairies - - South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard isn’t
afraid to admit that he was in Tulare during the World Ag Expo on a dairy
recruiting trip to lure dairies away from other states — including
California. “We’re on a cattle roundup,” said Daugaard. “So, if you’re out
there in the world of dairying and you’re looking for a place to plant your
dairy, South Dakota is open for business.” In California, there used to be
2,200 dairies in 2001, and about 500 have left the state since — a 25
percent loss. According to Stanislaus County Farm Bureau Governmental
Affairs Director Tom Orvis, it is not unusual for other states to
aggressively pursue California and even Stanislaus County dairies at the
expo.
<more> March 2, 2012 Turlock Journal
Three percent of dairies produce half of milk
supply - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has come out with a report
that shows just how rapidly consolidation is occurring within the dairy
industry. According to the “Farms, Land in Farms, and Livestock Operations,
2011 Summary,” slightly more than half of the U.S. milk supply was produced
last year on farms with 1,000 or more cows. This is the first time the 50
percent threshold has been exceeded by 1,000-plus dairies. To be precise,
50.3 percent of the milk supply came from farms with 1,000 or more cows and
34.6 percent came from farms with more than 2,000 cows.
<more> March 2, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Vilsack says delaying Farm Bill not a good idea
- - U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says what may turn the 2012 Farm Bill
into a 2013 Farm Bill fully depends on Congress. Vilsack –who favors passage
THIS year – told reporters at Commodity Classic in Nashville the budget
isn’t going to get any better next year, “Especially if they can’t get their
act together on these discretionary spending cuts, if sequester comes into
play, boom – across the board (cuts). That’s a horrible way to do things
because you can’t set priorities that way.” If the Congress doesn’t act by
the end of this year, parts or all of the 2008 Farm Bill will remain in
effect. While there’s bipartisan agreement in the House and Senate Ag
Committees that a Farm Bill needs to pass this year, Vilsack says, it’s the
full Congress that needs to understand, support and pass the Farm, Food and
Jobs Bill.
<more> March 2, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Lee Mielke: Groups demand Congress save dairies
- - The International Dairy Foods Association reports that the largest
1,750 dairy farms now supply more than 50 percent of the U.S. milk supply,
according to a new USDA report. One third of the farms, about 19,400 that
have fewer than 30 cows, produce only 1 percent of the milk supply. "Farms,
Land in Farms and Livestock Operations 2011" shows that dairy farms with
fewer than 100 cows have declined in number and that larger farms with more
than 1,000 cows are increasing in size, numbers and percentage of milk
production.
<more> March 2, 2012 Capital Press
California's senators slam water bill passed by
the House - - The House of Representatives has passed a bill that
essentially rewrites California’s water laws and gets rid of some
environmental protections. The measure is likely to go nowhere in the
Senate. The House bill throws out state and federal agreements that set
aside water for restoring fish habitat. Instead, that water would be allowed
to flow downstream for use by Central Valley farmers. However, the measure
faces stiff opposition in the Senate from the state’s two senators. Democrat
Dianne Feinstein calls the bill “overkill” that protects only farmers. "It
says we get ours and to heck with everybody else." Democrat Barbara Boxer
calls it a “radical proposal to eviscerate state and federal environmental
laws and water rights.”
<more> March 1, 2012 KPCC
Obama Administration Threatens to Veto
Controversial Water Bill - - President Barack Obama’s senior advisors
say they will urge him veto a controversial water bill — if it reaches his
desk. The bill would end many environmental protections for Northern
Californian rivers. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act (H.R. 1837), by a 246 to
175 vote, with Republicans supporting the legislation and Democrats opposed.
The bill now moves on to the U.S. Senate. The legislation would increase the
amount of river water available for large farms, slash protections for
salmon and other wildlife and sharply curtail a federally funded program to
restore the San Joaquin River. It would also supersede many of California's
environmental laws.
<more> March 1, 2012 The Bay Citizen
Animal rights activists say they'll still record
farm operations - - Animal rights activists say they'll continue to
secretly record operations at Iowa farms even as they demonstrated Thursday
at the Capitol against a law that makes those actions illegal. About 30
protesters aligned with the group Mercy for Animals covered their eyes and
mouths with cloth and tape to protest the passage of House File 598 by both
chambers this week. "Consumers have a right to know how their food is being
produced and how animals are being treated on factory farms, so they can
make informed choices," said Vandhana Bala, an attorney and spokeswoman for
the Chicago-based group. "Mercy for Animals is committed to preventing and
exposing cruelty to farmed animals, so we will continue with our undercover
cruelty prosecutions nationwide."
<more> March 1, 2012 Sioux City Journal
Feds vow crackdown on Valley landowners where
marijuana is grown - - Federal officials warned owners of Valley
farmland Thursday that if they lease land to someone growing marijuana, they
could lose their property or face jail time. Sacramento-based U.S. Attorney
Benjamin Wagner came to the Fresno County Farm Bureau to detail his office’s
stepped-up prosecution of large-scale pot farms. He met with about 65 people
representing Valley sheriff’s offices, federal drug agents and the
agriculture community. “We want to send a message to land owners that they
have to know what is going on on their property,” said Wagner, who is the
region’s top federal prosecutor.
<more> March 1, 2012 Fresno Bee
WUD convention photos can be viewed on-line - - Photos from WUD’s successful annual three-day convention held in Temecula on Feb. 22-24, 2012, can be viewed online by clicking here.
Pricing/Commodity News
China - Milk price hikes leave many feeling sour
- - Many Shanghai consumers have become used to seeing frequent increases in
food and beverage prices. But when Bright Dairy & Food Co Ltd announced in
February that it would raise the price of milk that it delivers to homes,
the public reacted to the news as if it had opened an old wound. According
to reports, Bright Dairy accounts for 80 percent of the fresh milk products
sold in Shanghai. Its products are also popular in many neighboring cities
and townships in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.
<more> March 2, 2012 China Daily
CDFA sets dairy pricing system meetings - - The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing system. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento on the following dates: March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s competitiveness in global dairy markets. A specific agenda will be distributed by March 2. For more information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html Feb. 28, 2012 DairyProfit Update
Environmental
News
State Board to discuss innovations, approaches
and stewardship related to the nitrogen cycle at March 6 meeting - - The
California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss a variety of
topics related to the nitrogen cycle and the proactive work by California
farmers and ranchers on the issue at its upcoming meeting on March 6th in
Sacramento. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the
California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main
Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814. Management of the nitrogen cycle is a key
issue for farmers and ranchers. Scheduled speakers for the March 6th meeting
include: Tom Tomich, Agricultural Sustainability Institute; Barbara H.
Allen-Diaz, University of California, Agricultural and Natural Resources;
J.P. Cativiela, Dairy Cares; Paul Martin, Western United Dairymen; and
Robert Curtis, Almond Board of California. Other speakers include
representatives from the State Water Resources Control Board, the California
Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Central Valley Regional Water
Quality Control Board.
<more> March 2, 2012 CDFA press release
A Bold
Plan to Reshape the Central Valley Flood Plain - - An ambitious draft
flood-prevention plan, published in December by the California Department of
Water Resources, would re-engineer the valley’s network of rivers, canals
and levees in an effort to prevent floods, restore wildlife habitat and
protect water supplies for millions of people in the Bay Area and other
parts of California. The plan, which calls for reversing the effects of 160
years of ad hoc levee building in the Central Valley, is a response to the
deadly 2005 floods in New Orleans that followed Hurricane Katrina. Experts
say a collapse of the Central Valley levees could cause similar devastation
in California. Yet the plan would take decades and cost tens of billions of
dollars in local, state and federal money. It could also sink tens of
thousands of acres of agricultural land under water, including parts of the
Knaggs Ranch rice farm, where the baby salmon are growing along the
Sacramento River.
<more> March 2, 2012 NY Times
CA delta plan would build tunnels to pump water
- - California could soon build two giant tunnels to boost water
deliveries to farms and cities and improve habitat for fish, according to
documents released by the California Natural Resources Agency. The Bay Delta
Conservation Plan is a federal and state initiative financed by California's
water contractors. Its goal is to restore and protect the Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta ecosystem and guarantee a stable water supply for millions of
Californians.
<more> March 2, 2012 Fresno Bee
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Tulare and Stockton in March -
- The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering
free classes in environmental stewardship March 6-7 in Tulare and March
20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of classes, known as the
Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught by Dr. Deanne Meyer,
UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The classes total six hours,
taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be the only six-hour class
offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the Sept. 30 deadline for
certification. For producers interested in certifying their facility, the
same person from the dairy facility must attend all six hours of water
quality education. The classes cover environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
Some worry officials will leap, not fully look at
Delta - - Decades after Los Angeles stuck a straw into Mono Lake,
economist John Loomis set out to discover if this policy really was in the
state's best interest. Loomis, then a professor at the University of
California, Davis, asked random Californians in 1987 how much they would pay
to make the unique lake in the eastern Sierra Nevada whole once more - how
much they valued the birds, the fish, the mere knowledge that a place such
as Mono Lake existed. That value, he found, was $1.5 billion per year.
<more> March 2, 2012 Stockton Record
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Next week is National Ag Week - - National Ag Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies, and countless other across America join together to recognize the contributions of agriculture. Visit www.agday.org for more information. March 2, 2012 NMPF news
Dairy Meetings
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Gary Condit’s
Son Set to Launch Bid for Congress - -
Chad Condit, the son of former
California Rep. Gary Condit, appears set to launch a campaign for
Congress as an independent in California’s Central Valley. Condit, 45, who
most recently served as a state legislative aide, has launched a website,
Twitter account and YouTube channel but has not made a formal announcement.
However, a story published on
ivn.us includes an interview with Condit in which he confirms he is
running. Several calls to a phone number listed on the website went
unanswered.
<more> March 1, 2012 Roll Call
Dairy management
seminars set for Modesto, Tulare and Orland - - UC Cooperative Extension
is sponsoring a series of seminars directed at dairy owners/managers,
employees and allied industry. The seminars will be held in Tulare on March
13, Orland on March 15 and Modesto on March 22. The goal of the seminars is
to provide science-based information and discussion on topics contributing
to the continued success and profitability of California dairy operations.
The seminars will be presented separately in English and Spanish. Topics for
the first seminar are: “Day one management: how to program cow health and
productivity” - Dr. Alfonso Lago, DVM, PhD and “Feeding management: is the
TMR sitting in the feedbunk the same as the formulated ration?” - Dr. Noelia
Silva-del-Rio, DVM, PhD. Seminars run from 9:30 a/m/ to 1 p.m. and include
an industry sponsored lunch. The cost of attendance is $10 and can be paid
at the door. RSVP by March 9 to guarantee lunch and materials for all who
attend. To register contact Jennifer Heguy at (209) 525-6800 or
jmheguy@ucdavis.edu . For more
information visit
http://cestanislaus.ucdavis.edu/Dairy_Science/ March 1, 2012 UCCE
Notice
House
approves California water bill - - The House has approved an ambitious
California water bill that favors farmers, splits the state and pressures
the Senate. In a highly partisan vote, the Republican-controlled House
approved the legislation which would lengthen irrigation contracts, override
state law and boost deliveries to farms south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta. Most dramatically, the bill replaces one San Joaquin River
restoration plan with something far less ambitious. "Flushing water into San
Francisco Bay is not helping to recover species, and people are suffering
needlessly," said bill author Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, adding later that
his bill "gives (water) reliability, not only to farms but to the
environment."
<more> Feb. 29, 2012 Fresno Bee
Rep.
Devin Nunes, Supervisor Phil Cox face election challenges in Tulare County
- - A lawyer and former city councilman from the Bay Area will challenge
Devin Nunes for his congressional seat in the November election, while a
Tulare County prosecutor will challenge Phil Cox for his county supervisor's
seat. Johnny Amaral, chief of staff for Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, said he
was surprised that Otto Lee, a Democrat, filed as a candidate against his
boss to represent the 22nd Congressional District. That district, redrawn
last year as part of statewide redistricting, includes most of western and
central Tulare County and parts of Fresno County. The new district lines
will take effect after this year's elections.
<more> March 1, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
High-speed rail construction delayed - - With a long-standing federal
deadline breathing down its neck, California's polarizing $100 billion
bullet train suddenly got a much-needed reprieve Wednesday when the Obama
administration eased the target date for starting construction. For years,
state high-speed rail leaders aimed for a September 2012 groundbreaking to
meet the assumed deadline for the federal stimulus program, which funded
about one-third of the $6 billion first leg of track. But in a statement
Wednesday, federal rail officials said the train "is making continual
progress" and for the first time revealed that the law does not specifically
require a deadline to start construction. Technically, it mandates the funds
be "obligated" by September, and for the project to be finished by September
2017.
<more> Feb. 29, 2012 San Jose Mercury News
March 9 deadline for Dairy Leader applications
- - March 9, 2012 is the deadline to apply for Western United Dairymen’s
highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program. Designed to train the
next generation of California’s dairy leaders, the leadership program
consists of several sessions devoted to developing a better understanding of
the economic, legislative, marketing, and environmental issues facing the
industry. Eligible participants must be actively involved in milk
production, able to spend the necessary time in class as well as studying
resource materials, and able to commit to travel to locations such as
Sacramento and Washington DC.
<more> March 1, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Activists angry as Iowa lawmakers become first to OK bill to discourage
undercover farm videos - - Animal welfare groups reacted with outrage
Wednesday after the Iowa Legislature made the state the first to approve a
bill making it a crime to surreptitiously get into a farming operation to
record video of animal abuse. The groups have urged Gov. Terry Branstad to
veto the measure that was overwhelmingly approved Tuesday by the Iowa House
and Senate, arguing that the measure would prevent people from publicizing
animal abuse. “The intent behind the legislation is to put a chilling effect
on whistleblowers on factory farms,” said Matthew Dominguez, a spokesman for
the Humane Society of the United States. “It begs the question of, what
exactly does animal agriculture have to hide?”
<more> March 1, 2012 Associated Press
Wis.
dairy farmer faces jail time in raw milk case - - It may be the end of
the road for a defiant Wisconsin dairy farmer now facing possible jail time
after continuing to sell dairy products, including raw milk, without a
license and ignoring a previous order to cease sales. Vernon Hershberger of
Loganville, Wis., has been charged with four misdemeanors as reported by
WND.com. Pete Kennedy, who wrote in a Farm-To-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
commentary on the case, noted that one of the key facts of the case is
Hershberger’s private, contractual agreement to provide food for food buyers
clubs.
<more> Feb. 29, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
WUD convention photos can be viewed on-line - - Photos from WUD’s successful annual three-day convention held in Temecula on Feb. 22-24, 2012, can be viewed online by clicking here.
Pricing/Commodity News
Is
Wednesday’s gloomy milk-feed ratio even worth considering? - - On
Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a particularly gloomy
milk-feed profitability ratio. USDA’s report reflects high feed costs and
falling milk prices. The preliminary ratio for February, cited as 1.58, is
down 0.14 points from January and reminiscent of the dairy recession of
2009. Bad news aside, some people question whether the milk-feed ratio is
even worth considering.
<more> March 1, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
California February 4a/4b prices lower - - California’s February 2012 4b
cheese milk price is $13.42/cwt., down 81¢ from January 2012 and $3.50 less
than February 2011. It's the lowest monthly Class 4b price since January
2011. The Class 4a butter-powder milk price is $15.51/cwt., down 67¢ from
January and $2.37 less than a year ago. It's the lowest since December 2010.
USDA will announce federal order Class II, III & IV prices tomorrow.
March 1, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
CDFA sets dairy pricing system meetings - - The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing system. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento on the following dates: March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s competitiveness in global dairy markets. A specific agenda will be distributed by March 2. For more information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html Feb. 28, 2012 DairyProfit Update
Environmental
News
Environmental Stewardship classes offered in Tulare and Stockton in March -
- The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) is offering
free classes in environmental stewardship March 6-7 in Tulare and March
20-21 in Stockton. The two-part series of classes, known as the
Environmental Stewardship Short Course, will be taught by Dr. Deanne Meyer,
UC Davis livestock waste management specialist. The classes total six hours,
taught in two, three-hour segments. This will be the only six-hour class
offered in water quality by the CDQAP prior to the Sept. 30 deadline for
certification. For producers interested in certifying their facility, the
same person from the dairy facility must attend all six hours of water
quality education. The classes cover environmental issues, regulatory
requirements and management practices for dairy producers.
<more> March 1, 2012 CDQAP Press Release
Curtimade Dairy Finds Solar Security - - Curtimade Dairy, Tulare, a
family run dairy operation with 6,000 head of dairy cattle, has always taken
a long-term view in investing in the Dairy. For the past 99 years, they have
been running a first-class self-sufficient operation. With the drop in milk
prices and rise in operating costs, a solar power system was the right
solution to provide stability and energy security for the Dairy today and
for generations to come. A ground mounted SPG Solar, Inc., Novato solar
tracking system, covering roughly four-acres, powers 85% of Curtimade
Dairy's electricity needs and will provide an expected annual savings of
$145,000. The solar installation not only cuts down on their daily operating
costs but provides a long-term hedge against rising electricity costs and a
strategy towards sustainable production and quality of milk.
<more> March 1, 2012 California Farmer
Farm
Bureau Federation says water bill refocuses on state's water problems -
- Passage of a California water bill by the House of Representatives
highlights the need to reach bipartisan solutions to the state’s water
problems, according to California Farm Bureau Federation President Paul
Wenger in a news release. The House passed HR 1837 by Rep. Devin Nunes,
R-Tulare, by a vote of 246-175 today. “At a time when dry weather and water
shortages are returning to California, it’s important to refocus attention
on the need for solutions to the state’s water problems. Rep. Nunes’ bill
illustrates that,” Wenger said in the release.
<more> Feb. 29, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Worries mount for Sierra, water supply - - Even an extra day of February
- and a rainy one, at that - could not salvage another dismally dry month in
Stockton and the rest of California. Stockton remains in danger of having
its driest winter since 1975-76, depending on what March and April have to
offer. "It ain't over yet," said walnut farmer Tom McGurk, whose orchards
may not have the soil moisture they need this summer if Mother Nature does
not deliver.
<more> March 1, 2012 Stockton Record
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Domino's Sees Bigger Slice Overseas - - Domino's Pizza Inc. aims to
build a bigger business abroad and return to net store expansion
domestically this year. It reported fourth-quarter earnings rose a
better-than-expected 28% on Tuesday on stronger sales in U.S. and
internationally. The pizza-delivery chain's international business has been
a driver for growth recently. With the U.S. fast-food market saturated and
consumer demand contracting, many U.S. restaurant chains are looking to
emerging economies for long-term expansion. Domino's is up against domestic
competitors like Yum Brands Inc.'s Pizza Hut and Papa John's International
Inc., which already have substantial presence in countries such as China.
<more> Feb. 29, 2012 Wall Street Journal
China’s Meat Demand Boon to Corn, Bean Producers - - The growing number
of people entering China’s middle class is rapidly increasing meat
consumption, which should prove beneficial for U.S. grain and oilseed
producers as well as for U.S. livestock producers. "China faces tremendous
challenges, feeding 1.3 billion people every day," says Bill Westman, vice
president of international trade for the American Meat Institute,
Washington, D.C. Westman spoke at USDA’s 2012 Agricultural Outlook Forum.
Ten years ago when China ascended to the World trade Organization, 50
million Chinese households were considered middle class, defined as those
households with incomes of more than $20,000 (U.S.). Today that number is
nearing 250 million households.
<more> March 1, 2012 Dairy Today
Valley raisin growers take on Craisin claims - - Craisins, a processed and sweetened cranberry product, have taken a bite out of the Valley's multimillion dollar raisin pie. Now, raisin growers have launched a campaign to take it back. Raisin farmers are annoyed that Craisins are being marketed as a better choice than raisins. To the Valley's $400 million raisin industry, those are fighting words. So California raisin farmers are taking on Ocean Spray, the Massachusetts-based farmer cooperative and creator of the Craisin. "We aren't going to just sit back and do nothing," said Larry Blagg, vice president of marketing for the Fresno-based California Raisin Marketing Board. "This is a battle." To combat Ocean Spray's campaign, raisin growers agreed to spend $1.5 million on a marketing campaign to educate consumers about the differences between Craisins and raisins. <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
House passes H.R. 1837 - - Today the House passed the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act, H.R. 1837. Ten Democrats crossed party lines to support the bill. You can view clips from today’s debate on my YouTube Channel here, including the remarks of the Speaker of the House John Boehner who made a rare appearance during debate to support H.R. 1837’s passage. <more about HR1837> Feb. 29, 2012 Rep. Nunes news
Costa, Cardoza Vote to Advance Water Bill - - Reps. Jim Costa and Dennis Cardoza called for true bipartisanship to bring a real solution to California’s water challenges during consideration of H.R. 1837, the San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. Although Costa and Cardoza voted in support of the legislation, they cited a lack of bipartisanship as a warning sign that the bill stands little chance of clearing the U.S. Senate. Both lawmakers urged meaningful cooperation between Republicans and Democrats to bring forth legislation that could actually be signed into law and, in turn, bring additional water to the San Joaquin Valley. “Our very livelihood in the Valley depends on water so finding real solutions to our water challenges should be our top priority,” said Costa. “However, some made the calculation that scoring political points was more important than producing tangible results for our Valley. Rather than doing the hard work of reaching across the aisle to craft a truly bipartisan bill that could have been signed into law, we have passed legislation that is unlikely to see the light of day in the Senate.” <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Rep. Costa press release
Nunes water bill up for vote today - - A vote is expected today by the full House of Representatives on a bill that would wring more water out of the Delta and block the restoration of the San Joaquin River. HR1837 - by Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia - passed out of committee earlier this month. The legislation would crank up the export pumps near Tracy, sending more water to cities and farms mostly south of the Delta. A diverse group of Stockton-area opponents signed onto a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner, arguing in part that "Delta agriculture and jobs should not be sacrificed to benefit water users in other parts of the state, some of whom do not even use that water for agriculture." <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Stockton Record
High-speed rail project likely delayed until 2013 - - Construction of a high-speed train line in the central San Joaquin Valley was supposed to start late this year. Now, officials say, it's not likely to start until early 2013, even if state legislators approve billions in bond money this spring. At its meeting Thursday in Sacramento, the California High-Speed Rail Authority will learn about an updated schedule for the $6 billion construction project. The slowdown in the schedule is the result of revisions to environmental reports for the 120-mile Fresno-to-Bakersfield section of the rail line -- part of the backbone of a proposed 520-mile system of electric trains connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles. Later extensions would add lines to Sacramento and San Diego. <more> Feb. 28, 2012 Fresno Bee
Rail chairman open to project changes - - A Highway 99 route for high-speed rail could be reconsidered, according to Dan Richard, newly appointed chairman of the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors. “I’m certainly open to asking these questions again,” Richard said in an interview, indicating that the discarded route option could come back into the picture as he confronts growing opposition to the project in the San Joaquin Valley, particularly in Kings County, which lies directly in the proposed path. Since Richard replaced the locally unpopular Thomas Umberg as chairman on Feb. 2, he came into a situation in which jurisdiction after jurisdiction in the south Valley is turning against the project, beginning with the Kings County Board of Supervisors last year, and now including Madera County, Tulare County, Kern County and the cities of Hanford, Bakersfield, Tulare and Corcoran. All are in or near the proposed alignments, and all have voted to reject the project as outlined in the Authority’s draft business plan. <more> Feb. 28, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Obama Signs Order Targeting Unfair Trade Practices - - President Barack Obama signed an order Tuesday to create a task force to target unfair trade practices in countries such as China, as part of a strategy to more aggressively protect U.S. business interests abroad. The executive order represents "a more aggressive 'whole-of-government' approach to getting tough on trade enforcement," a White House official said. "I'm creating a Trade Enforcement Unit that will bring the full resources of the federal government to bear to investigate and counter unfair trade practices around the world, including by countries like China," Mr. Obama said in prepared remarks to a United Auto Workers convention in Washington. <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Wall Street Journal
USDA Unveils the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass - - Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan unveiled the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF) Compass, an interactive web-based document and map highlighting USDA support for local and regional food projects and successful producer, business and community case studies. While hosting a live webinar to highlight USDA's work over the past three years, the Secretaries emphasized how local and regional food systems across the country create additional economic opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food entrepreneurs, expand healthy food access and meet growing customer demand. <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Dairy Today
WUD convention photos can be viewed on-line - - Photos from WUD’s successful annual three-day convention held in Temecula on Feb. 22-24, 2012, can be viewed online by clicking here.
Passing: Tony Alamo, 69 - - A Funeral Mass will be conducted for long-time WUD member Tony Alamo, Crows Landing, who passed away Friday, Feb. 24. Thursday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 520 I Street in Patterson. To read the full obituary in the Modesto Bee, please click here. Feb. 28, 2012 Modesto Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
CDFA sets dairy pricing system meetings - - The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing system. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento on the following dates: March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s competitiveness in global dairy markets. A specific agenda will be distributed by March 2. For more information, visit www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html Feb. 28, 2012 DairyProfit Update
Dairy profitability takes a hit; cull cow prices take flight - - USDA’s monthly Ag Prices report was released today, indicating some stark contrasts between the earning power of milk cows and the cash value of cull cows. Milk-Feed pice ratio: Higher corn, soybean and high prices, combined with lower U.S. average milk prices, sent the February 2012 milk-feed price ratio to its lowest level since July 2009. The index, at just 1.58 in February 2012, is down from January 2012’s revised estimate of 1.72, and February 2011’s 2.01. The index is based on the current milk price in relationship to feed prices for a ration of 51% corn, 8% soybeans and 41% alfalfa hay. At $17.90/cwt., the average milk price is the lowest in 13 months. Compared to July 2009, the February 2012 index got this low in a slightly different manner – markedly higher feed costs. In 2009, the 1.57 index came about from a milk price of just $11.30/cwt. <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Glanbia sees profit growth slowing on global weakness - - Irish food group Glanbia said profit growth would slow sharply this year on global economic uncertainty and weaker dairy prices, after earnings per share surged 27 percent last year. Europe's biggest supplier of mozzarella cheese for pizzas and a major producer of fitness nutritional products posted adjusted earnings per share of 48.2 euro cents on a constant currency basis. That compared with a 42.8 cent forecast in a Reuters poll. It said earnings growth would slow to 5-7 percent this year on falling dairy prices and weak global growth. <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Reuters – Ireland
Environmental
News
Storm could help Central Valley water woes - - State surveyors who measured California's paltry Sierra Nevada snowpack on Tuesday might have fared better had they waited another day. A winter storm carrying the prospect of up to five feet of snow for the Northern Sierra was expected to hit late Tuesday night and last through Wednesday, putting state road crews on alert while brightening the state's water outlook heading into spring. <more> Feb. 28, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Modesto Irrigation District postpones talk of rate increases - - The Modesto Irrigation District board on Tuesday postponed talk of a possible water rate increase until March 13. That happened because the board and public spent about 3 1/2 hours discussing proposed water sales to San Francisco — something that could reduce the need for future rate increases for farmers. Tuesday's meeting yielded a couple of details about the first of the possible sales: The price would start at $700 for each of the 2,200 acre-feet of water per year, and the transfer would last at least 10 years. <more> Feb. 28, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Central Valley's providers of irrigation, hydro power upset by flow proposal - - Obviously, not all the water that flows down from the Sierra Nevada makes it into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and San Francisco Bay. A lot of it is used to irrigate Central Valley farmland. However, irrigation districts are required to allow a certain amount of that water to make the entire journey -- a policy aimed at maintaining habitat for salmon and other wildlife. Regional agricultural water providers recently blasted an ambitious new proposal by the State Water Resources Control Board that would update those regulations for the first time in more than six years. <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Merced Sun Star
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30 - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
McDonald's to Tout Quality in China - - McDonald's Corp. is launching a new ad campaign in China that taps rising worries over food safety and quality in an attempt to win market share from its dominant rival, Yum Brands Inc.'s KFC. The fast-food giant is planning to air a series of television commercials this summer to portray itself as the fast-food brand in China with the best quality. The ads will feature "100% fresh beef" on the chopping block, farmers picking tomatoes from the vine and chickens eating high-quality feed, according to a company spokeswoman. <more> Feb. 29, 2012 Wall Street Journal – China
Gerawan family enters easement to protect 9,200 farmland acres - - The Gerawan Farming family -- one of the nation's largest tree fruit producers -- has put 9,200 acres of land into an agricultural conservation easement, meaning it will remain in farming even if the land is sold. The family, which has a 75-year history in the San Joaquin Valley, paid a $300,000 endowment fee to Wildlife Heritage Foundation, the non-profit, public-benefit land trust administering the easement. The easement is a voluntary deed restriction, usually to make sure the land remains in active farm production. About 7,000 acres in the easement are on the Gerawan's west-side ranches, south of Kerman. The remaining 2,200-plus acres, known as the family's river-bottom ranches, are east of Sanger and north of Reedley. <more> Feb. 28, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
CDFA
sets dairy pricing system meetings - - Due to escalating emotions
regarding the California milk marketing order Class 4b milk price/whey
factor and other issues, the California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA)
has scheduled a series of four meetings to review the state’s milk pricing
system. All meetings will be held in the CDFA auditorium, Sacramento,
Calif., on the following dates: March 12, 2-4 p.m.; March 30, 10
a.m.-noon; April 13, 1-3 p.m.; and April 27, 2-4 p.m. Topics will
include: changes and trends in manufactured dairy products; long- and
short-term issues in the California cheese pricing formula; and California’s
competitiveness in global dairy markets. A specific agenda will be
distributed by March 2. For more information, visit
www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/meetings.html Feb. 28, 2012 DairyProfit
Update
California agriculture set for another good year in 2012 - - California
and Arizona agricultural economies are coming off one of their best seasons
in a decade, and prospects are bright for another banner year. 2012 may not
be a home run like 2011, but Vernon Crowder, vice president and agricultural
economist for Rabobank in Fresno, Calif., is looking for continued
prosperity in the agricultural sectors. Wine grape growers in the coastal
areas suffered from early frost and late rains last season. Central Valley
raisin and citrus producers were challenged by late season rains in 2011.
“Overall, however, it was a good year, so a good many of the bank’s
customers are embarrassed to talk about how good it was,” Crowder commented
at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif. “We expect this year to be as good as
well — just maybe not as good as 2011,” said the veteran ag economist. He is
optimistic because ag exports remain strong, interest rates are low and the
domestic economy seems to be picking up.
<more> Feb. 28, 2012 Western Farm Press
Iowa
Senate approves bill making farm undercover video operations illegal - -
The Iowa Senate today approved the so-called “ag gag bill” that critics say
will unfairly prosecute animal abuse whistleblowers and ultimately derail
the integrity and safety of the state’s food industry. “I just think this is
incredibly bad public policy for a nonexistent problem that is being worked
across the country by big ag that doesn’t want to play by the rules and has
had it their way for a long time,” said Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines. House
File 589 as passed by the House last year would make it illegal to videotape
at farms or other animal operations while undercover. It would have been the
nation’s toughest legislation restricting undercover operations.
<more> Feb. 28, 2012 Des Moines Register
What
It Takes to Kill a Regulation - - “Over-Regulated America,” a recent
Economist cover story that takes on one of the most divisive themes of the
Presidential race, has generated a lot of buzz, attracting 500-plus comments
and making its way to the blog kept by Speaker of the House John Boehner. As
I wrote recently, regulations often create just as many jobs as they kill.
Still, anyone who’s spent time in Washington would agree with The Economist
that there are various ways the federal government could cut down on red
tape. Among the solutions proposed by the magazine, the best is a sunset
clause that would require all major regulations to be reevaluated every 10
years. President Obama alluded to the benefits of such a clause with an
awkward joke during his State of the Union address last month. “We got rid
of one rule from 40 years ago that could have forced some dairy farmers to
spend $10,000 a year proving that they could contain a spill,” the President
said. “With a rule like that, I guess it was worth crying over spilled
milk.”
<more> Feb. 27, 2012 Bloomberg Businessweek
Farm
Bill 2012 Eyed As Chance To Boost Conservation Of Soil, Bolster Crops -
- American farmers suffered more crop losses in 2011 than in any other year
in recorded history. Total insurance payouts have surpassed $9 billion, and
claims continue to roll in connected to historic flooding, droughts and
other natural disasters. "Farming is getting riskier than ever," said Julia
Olmstead, a senior program associate at the Institute for Agriculture and
Trade Policy. But "no one is talking about why farming is getting so much
riskier, specifically about climate change," she said during a online
conference last week. On Tuesday, the Senate Agriculture Committee on
Agriculture will host a debate on how best to protect against future losses
for farmers and the environment. With the federal government's primary
agricultural and food policy legislation expiring this year, replacement
legislation is now being considered: As The Huffington Post reported in
December, what ends up in the revised farm bill's final draft has important
ramifications for the country's food programs, public health, the
environment and the economy.
<more> Feb. 27, 2012 Huffington Post
Merced
County Farm Bureau takes 'strong stance' against high-speed rail - - The
Merced County Farm Bureau (MCFB) said it decided to take a strong stance
against the California High Speed Rail Authority by revoking its previous
support of route options, instead deciding to outright oppose the rapidly
declining High Speed Rail (HSR) project. In 2008, the voters in California
approved a HSR project that was anticipated to cost $33 billion, for the San
Francisco-to-Los Angles HSR project, the farm bureau said in a news release.
The language of the bond also stated the routes “shall follow existing
transportation or utility corridors,” which made the citizens of the state
believe this was a realistic and feasible infrastructure project for
California, according to the news release.
<more> Feb. 27, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Farmers, others faced with loss of property learn about eminent domain
process - - About 100 people, many who own property along the proposed
California high-speed rail line, packed the Kit Carson School cafeteria
Saturday morning to hear eminent domain experts tell them how to deal with
the possibility of losing their land. The workshop, sponsored by
Hanford-based Citizens for California High Speed Rail Accountability,
featured presentations by eminent domain attorney Herman Fitzgerald and
appraisers Keith and Larry Hopper. A former Caltrans attorney, Fitzgerald
has prepared more than 1,000 condemnation cases for trial and tried to
verdict over 200 condemnation trials. The Hoppers are veteran appraisers
doing business in local counties. All three said they were committed to
working with local landowners rather than the California High-Speed Rail
Authority, prompting cheers from those assembled.
<more> Feb. 27, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Scientists seek traits for bovine respiratory disease - - Scientists
from more than a half-dozen universities across the country have been
examining thousands of cows to determine the genetic traits for resistance
to bovine respiratory disease. The researchers - which include scientists at
the University of California and Washington State University - are about
halfway through their five-year study, having tested about 3,000 dairy cows.
The scientists are about to begin studying beef cattle at a large feedlot in
Texas, said Alison Van Eenennaam, a biotechnology specialist for the UC
Cooperative Extension. The scientists hope that by identifying some 700,000
genetic markets, they'll be able to find ones that are common in cows that
are less susceptible to the disease, which is one of the leading natural
killers of cattle in the U.S., Van Eenennaam said.
<more> Feb. 28, 2012 Capital Press
WUD convention photos can be viewed on-line -
- Photos from WUD’s successful annual three-day convention held in Temecula
on Feb. 22-24, 2012, can be viewed online by
clicking here.
Passing: Tony Alamo, 69 - - A Vigil and
Rosary will be recited Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. at Turlock
Memorial Park for long-time WUD member Tony Alamo, Crows Landing, who passed
away Friday, Feb. 24. A Funeral Mass will be conducted Thursday, March 1 at
10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 520 I Street in Patterson.
To read the full obituary in the Modesto Bee,
please click here. Feb. 28, 2012 Modesto bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy incomes projected to drop after 2011 rebound - - Dairy producers will lose some of the gains they won in 2011 with a projected 27 percent drop in income this year, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture analysts. With average net cash income per dairy farm expected to drop from $239,000 in 2011 to $175,500 in 2012, the glass is still half full, said Milton Madison, dairy market and policy analyst with the USDA, at the department’s Agricultural Outlook Forum on Friday. “This forecast would still be the third-highest since 2007,” Madison said in a report that accompanied a panel session about the dairy industry outlook. In general, Madison said the costs of inputs are rising and the price of milk is falling compared with 2011. <more> Feb. 27, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Environmental
News
After
a Dry February (sigh), Drought Looms on Central Valley Farms - - Despite
snow closing Interstate 5 over the Grapevine Pass on Monday, state snow
surveyors returned from the Sierra today with more forlorn figures. The
third snowpack measurement of the season showed water content in the
accumulated snow at just 30% of the average for this date and 26% of the
average for April 1, typically when the snowpack reaches its peak for the
season. Even though more snow is on the way, as I explain in my radio story
for The California Report, Central Valley farmers are getting ready to face
a fourth dry year in the last five.
<more> Feb. 27, 2012 KQED news
California water project won't be decided at poll - - Thirty years ago,
Californians soundly rejected a proposal to build a canal to move water
around the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and deliver it to Central
Valley farmers, Southern California residents and some Bay Area cities. The
projected costs and threats of environmental damage resulted in an
overwhelming defeat at the hands of voters statewide. Now, planning for the
construction of a similar canal is under way, and a final design could be
selected by the end of the year.
<more> Feb. 27, 2012 San Francisco Chronicle
Nunes:
Bill Puts Families Over Fish - - The House is currently reviewing a bill
that would restore water to tens of thousands of farmers in California. The
Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act, H.R. 1837, amends
previous legislation in an effort to restore water to California’s Central
Valley which drought has cost millions of acres of crops to parish, along
with jobs and people’s livelihoods. California’s Central Valley has been
receiving water from the Central Valley Project, a collection of canals,
reservoirs, pumps and dams, since 1933. The CVP resulted in development of
major cities such as Fresno, and Sacramento. The Valley is one of the
world’s most productive agricultural regions, producing 8 percent of the
nation’s agrarian output on less than 1 percent of farmland in the U.S.
The Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) of 1992 has changed this.
Concerned about fish and wildlife habitats, the bill shut restricted water
to parts the San Joaquin Valley and established restoration funds for the
ecosystem. The result has been severe drought, and a collapse of the farming
industry in the Valley.
<more> Feb. 28, 2012 Rep. Devin Nunes press release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline March 30- - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. An important note: If you entered your mileage before January 29 you need to log back into the program and make sure your mileage is there. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Ad
knocks HSUS during Academy Awards - - An ad warning consumers about the
Humane Society of the United States (and its fund-raising techniques) aired
Sunday night during the Academy Awards. “You should know that only one penny
of every dollar donated goes to local pet shelters,” viewers were told. The
ad went on to advise them to give their money to local animal shelters
rather than the HSUS.
<see the ad> Feb. 28, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Still hungry? Have a 'second breakfast' - - Sometimes one breakfast isn't enough. So why not sneak in a second or a third? On-the-go Americans increasingly are consuming their morning calories over several hours instead of sitting down to devour a plate of pancakes, bacon and eggs in one sitting. The case of the morning munchies is being fueled by the belief that it's healthier to eat several smaller meals instead of three squares a day. What qualifies as a snack or a meal is a matter of perspective, of course. But food companies are rolling out smaller bites that feed the growing appetite for morning snacks. General Mills, Quaker Oats and others are adding to their lineup of breakfast bars and yogurts. <more> Feb. 28, 2012 Associated Press
Monday, Feb. 27, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Positive long-term dairy trends noted at USDA
Outlook Forum - - While per capita consumption of fluid milk is expected
to continue its decline, other long-term trends are positive for the dairy
industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its agricultural
projections through 2021 in conjunction with the agency’s Feb. 23-24
Agricultural Outlook Conference and reported commercial use of dairy
products and dairy exports will continue rising in the next decade. The
long-term upward trend in output per cow continues, while milk cow numbers
will decrease after 2011, according to the USDA.
<more> Feb. 24, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Exports
Are Ripe Opportunity for U.S. Dairy
- - Three U.S.
dairy
processing executives today stressed the tremendous opportunity that
exports hold for the U.S. dairy industry. Officials with Hilmar Ingredients,
Leprino
Foods Company and California Dairies Inc. (CDI) each emphasized the
importance of foreign markets as they addressed some 120 attendees at
Western United
Mike Reidy, Leprino senior Vice President, Supply Chain and Corporate
Affairs, addresses the WUD convention.
Dairymen’s 2012 Convention being held here this week. The processors – each
with dairy processing plants in California -- pointed to the world’s growing
population, increasing appetite for proteins and limited dairy supplies from
other countries as catalysts for U.S. dairy export growth. “World dairy
demand cannot be met by current production,” said Mike Reidy, Leprino senior
vice president. “The U.S. is in a unique position and needs to capitalize on
it to take advantage of the window of opportunity as customers come to our
market. We need to make sure we don’t miss out on it.”
<more>
Feb. 25, 2012 Dairy Today
WUD convention photos can be viewed on-line - - Photos from WUD’s successful annual three day convention held in Temecula on Feb. 22-24, 2012, can be viewed online by clicking here.
Report: PETA kills many animals - - “No kill”
animal shelters are the trend across the country. But the “no kill” concept
hasn't caught on yet at the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
headquarters in Norfolk, Va. Reports are circulating that a vast majority of
the dogs and cats in PETA’s care last year were killed. Read more from The
Daily Caller. The information was published by the Center for Consumer
Freedom based on records, reportedly, from the Virginia Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services. Fifteen years’ worth of similar records
show that since 1998 PETA has killed more than 27,000 animals at its Norfolk
headquarters, according to The Daily Caller article.
<more> Feb. 26, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Behind Corn's Squeeze Play: Farmers - - A new
phenomenon is underpinning corn prices: prosperous farmers. Having benefited
from high prices last year, farmers are becoming more choosy about when they
sell their corn. Right now, some are opting to stockpile some of their
harvest, rather than sell it, a decision analysts say is helping keep corn
prices relatively high. Farmers now hold about 64% of the nation's corn in
storage, up from 62.7% a little over a year ago and the highest in two
years, according to the latest quarterly government survey. The increase,
while modest, comes as the U.S. Department of Agriculture projects global
corn stockpiles will drop to the lowest level since the 1973-74 crop year,
in terms of days of use. This is causing an unusual supply squeeze in parts
of the Midwest, driving prices higher for grain processors, livestock
ranchers and ethanol makers.
<more> Feb. 25, 2012 Wall Street Journal
California assemblyman tries again to OK driver's
licenses for illegal immigrants - - After winning passage of a law
allowing some undocumented immigrants to apply for college aid, Assemblyman
Gil Cedillo's new goal is driver's licenses. The Los Angeles Democrat will
carry legislation this year that would allow undocumented immigrants to be
licensed, tested and insured. Similar Cedillo measures have passed the
Democrat-controlled Legislature in years past but were vetoed by Republican
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
<more> Feb. 26, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
PepsiCo, German company to open yogurt factory in
New York - - PepsiCo and a leading German dairy company announced Friday
they will open their first U.S. yogurt-producing facility at a business park
in Batavia. The joint venture, called "Project Wave," is the latest
announcement in what has become a burgeoning yogurt industry in New York.
The Purchase, Westchester County-based PepsiCo and Theo Muller Gmbh,
Germany's largest privately owned dairy business, will invest $206 million
and create 186 new jobs at the new facility at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business
Park. The joint venture is called Wave LLC.
<more> Feb. 24, 2012 Elmira Star-Gazette
Passing: Tony Alamo - - A Rosary will be held
Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. at Turlock Memorial Park for Tony Alamo,
Stanislaus County, who passed away Friday, Feb. 24. A funeral service will
be conducted Thursday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 520 I
Street in Patterson.
Pricing/Commodity News
First cutting alfalfa price projections lowered
- - California dairymen are producing too much milk for the market, and once
again have moved into a negative cash flow scenario as milk prices have
fallen $2 to $3 per hundredweight from a year ago. This prompted hay market
analyst Seth Hoyt to lower his price estimate for first cutting, premium
quality alfalfa hay moving into the Central California milkshed this season.
Hoyt of Ione, Calif., told a packed seminar room at World Ag Expo in
February he has dropped projected first cutting fob premium hay prices $10
to $20 per ton for alfalfa from Imperial Valley, Central California, Nevada,
Idaho and Utah from what he projected in December at the Western Alfalfa and
Forage Conference in Las Vegas. Hoyt dropped his projected prices despite
the fact hay stocks are low and alfalfa hay acreage did not increase as much
as an overheated hay market would typically warrant.
<more> Feb. 27, 2012 Western Farm Press
CWT assists with 5.5 million lbs. of cheese, butter export sales - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 20 requests for export assistance to sell 2.489 million lbs. of cheddar, gouda and Monterey Jack cheese and 3.053 million lbs. of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered February through June 2012. Requests were accepted from Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Michigan Milk Producers Association and United Dairymen of Arizona. So far in 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales totaling 26.9 million lbs. of cheese and 26.9 million lbs. of butter to 16 countries on four continents. Feb. 27, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Environmental
News
Water-conservation plan sought for California -
- California needs to tighten its plan to require metering and pricing based
on use for farm-water users, according to state officials. At stake,
according to environmental advocacy groups, is the effectiveness of an
ambitious plan to improve farm-water conservation on California farms. On
the other hand, agricultural industry advocates fear ever-tighter
regulations could mean higher water prices for farmers and ranchers. The
Office of Administrative Law rejected proposed regulations for agricultural
water submitted by the Department of Water Resources -- interpreting the
far-reaching Water Conservation Act of 2009. The law requires water
providers that service 25,000 acres of irrigated land or more to measure
farm water use "at the gate." That means farmers will be required to pay for
their personal water consumption. The idea is to promote conservation much
in the same way metering has successfully reduced water use in urban areas.
<more> Feb. 24, 2012 Fresno Bee
Contentious bill would reshape the restoration of
San Joaquin River - - The San Joaquin River's meandering course through
central California would get steered in yet another direction under a
far-reaching bill set for House approval this week. Salmon would be out.
Other fish would be in. One restoration program would end. Another would
start. Water would flow below Friant Dam north of Fresno, but not nearly as
much as currently planned. Biologically, scientists say, the House proposal
has promise. Politically, it faces strong opposition. Legally, it appears
vulnerable to challenge. Bottom line: When the biggest California water bill
in years hits the House floor, as it is expected to do Wednesday, the San
Joaquin River will be incontrovertibly front and center.
<more> Feb. 26, 2012 The Fresno Bee
Modesto Irrigation District eyes higher rate for
farm water - - The Modesto Irrigation District board on Tuesday could
launch the process for a nearly 10 percent increase in water rates for
farmers. The board also will discuss a proposed water sale to San Francisco,
which could reduce the need for future hikes on farmers. No vote is planned
Tuesday on the sale, which has generated plenty of debate. The district
staff proposes raising the charge for the basic allotment of Tuolumne River
water from $27 to $29.50 per acre.
<more> Feb. 26, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Turlock Irrigation District board to weigh early
season start - - Canals in the Turlock Irrigation District would start
flowing March 8 if its board approves a staff proposal Tuesday. The start
would be relatively early because of the dry winter, which prompted the TID
and a few other districts to provide water briefly in January. The
irrigation season would run through Oct. 10 under the proposal, which is
subject to change depending on the weather and crop needs.
<more> Feb. 26, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Bees and drought among top crop concerns in San
Joaquin Valley - - If you're a bee buzzing amid the almond blossoms,
things look pretty good right now. The dry, mild weather is ideal for
pollinating the Central Valley orchards that produce a few billion dollars
worth of the nuts each year. Two things are askew in this picture. The dry
February, while nice for the bees, is further evidence that California could
be headed back into a long-term drought. And many beekeepers continue to
deal with something called colony collapse disorder, which can wipe out a
hive over winter.
<more> Feb. 25, 2012 Modesto Bee
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Today's growers adapt with times to survive - - Spring has come to Empire Island. Even with a cold wind knifing across the San Joaquin Delta, 23 acres of blueberry bushes are in bloom, looking as attractive as possible to the bees that will carry pollen from blossom to blossom and help bring in a heavy crop of fruit. Owner John Glick likes what he sees. "We're on target as far as what we anticipate our production to be," he said, which should be about 200,000 pounds, or 100 tons, of certified organic blueberries. The enterprise, Delta Blue Blueberries (deltablueberries.com), is a family affair, with Glick's wife, Katrina, helping with marketing and their four high school and college-age children pitching in as well. They help with mowing weeds between the rows, coordinating harvest activities and selling the fresh fruit at farmers markets in Sacramento and Berkeley. <more> Feb. 26, 2012 The Record
Dairy Meetings
Friday, February 24, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Costa kicks off
election bid with a determination not to repeat 2010 - - Fresno
Democrat Jim Costa, who is currently serving his fourth term in Congress,
officially kicked off his election bid today for the 16th Congressional
District. The announcement was not a surprise. Costa has made no secret that
he intended to seek reelection, this time in the newly created 16th
District. But today's event had the vibe and the feel befitting a serious
candidate ready to campaign hard for reelection. It was held on the steps of
the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in downtown Fresno. It was well attended.
This comes after Costa survived a brutal 2010 relection bid in which he
prevailed over Hanford Republican Andy Vidak by just 3.6 percentage points.
<more>
Feb. 23, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
New Report on New
Zealand’s Dairy Export Monopoly Highlights U.S. Concerns about Expanding
U.S.-New Zealand Dairy Trade - - The National Milk Producers
Federation (NMPF) said today that a new report on the anti-competitive
practices pervasive in the New Zealand dairy industry highlights why the
U.S. dairy farmer sector is so concerned with including U.S.-New Zealand
dairy trade in a potential Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade
agreement (FTA). The issue is one that NMPF has addressed through its
comments to the Obama Administration on TPP, including in its 2010 testimony
to the U.S. International Trade Commission. NMPF applauded the new report’s
effort to shed more light on this critical concern. The accompanying letter
notes that New Zealand’s largest company has been provided special
privileges by the government that enable it to maintain a roughly 90% market
share of the milk produced in New Zealand. This advantageous position has
given this single dairy company direct control of more than one third of
world dairy trade, without even accounting for the additional sales
controlled through its many production and distributor relationships around
the world. <more>
Feb. 24, 2012 NMPF Press Release
Labor supply tops
concerns at USDA outlook forum - - U.S. growers have a problem with
labor, and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack isn’t shy about identifying
who’s responsible for fixing it. During a Feb. 23 keynote speech at the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s 2012 Agricultural Outlook Forum, Vilsack called
on Congress to act on comprehensive immigration reform, lest America face a
future where crops rot in the fields because growers lack workers. <more>
Feb. 24, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Exports Are Ripe
Opportunity for U.S. Dairy - - Three U.S. dairy processing executives
today stressed the tremendous opportunity that exports hold for the U.S.
dairy industry. Officials with Hilmar Ingredients, Leprino Foods Company and
California Dairies Inc. (CDI) each emphasized the importance of foreign
markets as they addressed some 120 attendees at Western United Dairymen’s
2012 Convention being held here this week. The processors – each with dairy
processing plants in California -- pointed to the world’s growing
population, increasing appetite for proteins and limited dairy supplies from
other countries as catalysts for U.S. dairy export growth. <more>
Feb. 23, 2012 Dairy Today
Lee Mielke: Good news on drug residue - - On a bright note, Dairy Profit Weekly Dave Natzke reported in Friday's DairyLine broadcast that the Food and Drug Administration's annual report on milk drug-residue testing had some good news. The number of milk samples testing "positive" for drug residues was a record low in 2011. Of nearly 3.8 million milk samples analyzed, just 1,079 (28 one-thousandth of 1 percent) tested positive and none of those positives were found in pasteurized milk and dairy products headed to consumers. On the downside, he reported that consumers are getting less milk in fluid form. Based on government estimates, less than 28 percent of all milk marketed in 2011 was sold in gallon jugs and other packaged fluid products. <more> Feb. 24, 2012 Capital Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy Cow Slaughter
Steadies - - The United States Department of Agriculture released
dairy cow slaughter numbers for January, showing 264,000 moving through
federally inspected plants last month. That’s just 2,000 more cows than in
December, and the same number that were slaughtered a year ago. Despite high
cull cow prices, dairy producers might have held onto cows a bit longer to
take advantage of strong January milk prices. There will be a greater
incentive to cull low producers this month and next as lower milk prices
make their way through the system. <more>
Feb. 24, 2012 Dairy Today
USDA projects corn
at record 14.27 billion bushels - - If USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum
projections hold, U.S. farmers will be harvesting a record corn crop this
year. Released Friday, the Ag Department sees 2012 U.S. corn at 14.27
billion bushels with an average yield of 164 bushels per acre and planted
area of 94 million acres, the largest since 1944. Exports are pegged at 1.9
billion bushels, ethanol use is seen at 4.95 billion bushels, and ending
stocks are placed at 1.616 billion bushels. USDA sees the average farm price
at $5 per bushel. <more>
Feb. 24, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy slows the slide - - Dairy markets showing a little promise at the end of an otherwise down week on Friday. Cash cheese held steady and butter increased a quarter-cent. Class III futures for March through July increased a little as well. For the week, cash cheese barrels were down a penny, blocks lost 2 cents, butter increased a quarter-cent and Class III futures for the next six months lost an average 32 cents. Total number of dairy cows going to slaughter in January was 264,000, the same as January of 2011 but 2,000 more than in December. Daily Dairy Report notes weekly slaughter data through February 11th indicates dairy cow slaughter rates are running around 5,000 head above February of last year. National Ag Statistics Service reports more than 11.3 billion pounds of milk were received into the federal order system in January, 4.8 percent more than in January of 2011. 34 percent of that milk went into Class I utilization, 11 percent was Class II, 43 percent went into Class II and 12 percent was Class IV. Feb. 24, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental
News
Dry winter means less water expected for
farmers - - After a particularly dry winter that left little snow in
the Sierra Nevada, Tom Barcellos figured this year's water allotment from
the Friant-Kern Canal for his east Tulare County farm and dairy might be
less than normal. Barcellos said he and others farmers who depend on the
canal water hoped to get 40 percent to 50 percent of the water they are
contracted to receive in years with normal or better rainfall. But on
Wednesday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced that
federally-controlled water distributed through the Central Valley Project
would be considerably less than Barcellos and others had hoped. Customers in
Tulare, Kern, Madera and Fresno counties that get water from Millerton Lake
will get 35 percent of the total 800,000 acre feet of "class 1" water
they're contracted to receive, and no secondary - or "class 2" — allotments.
<more>
Feb. 24, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Electronic snow survey brings more bad water news - - State officials are bracing for more bad water news about the Sierra snowpack when surveyors go back into the field on Tuesday. Electronic readings released Thursday show the water content in the snowpack at 30 percent of normal for this date. And it's just 25 percent of the average usually measured on April 1 when the snowpack is at its peak and the spring melt begins. Because of dry weather this winter the Department of Water Resources reduced its estimate for deliveries through the State Water Project to 29 public agencies that it supplies. State officials warn that they will be able to deliver only half of the water that has been requested. The good news is that last year's wet winter has left the state's reservoirs at 110 percent capacity. Feb. 24, 2012 Fresno Bee
How a reformed
vegan gorges on all the foods his granny enjoyed... and has never felt
better - - As the kitchen filled with the smell of caramelised meat,
my mouth watered in anticipation of the coming feast: a thick cut of tender
steak, fried in butter and olive oil. This was not a regular treat. In fact,
for the previous 26 years I’d been a vegan, eschewing not just meat but all
animal products. My diet was an extreme version of the NHS Eat Well regime,
which recommends lots of starchy foods and smaller quantities of saturated
fats, cholesterol, sugar and red meat. According to government advice, I was
doing everything right — and yet my health had never been worse. My weight
had crept up over the years, until in 2008 I was 14½ stone — which is a lot
of blubber for someone who is 5ft 10in — and was classified as clinically
obese. <more>
Feb. 23, 2012 The Daily Mail
An open letter to consumers: 5 things farmers want you to know - - I need to change my focus. I need to talk with you—instead of at you—because I have finally realized you have very real concerns about the food you provide your families. Because I grow that food, we need to have a conversation. I hope we get a chance to know each other. I’d like to share with you some things I feel passionate about. <more> Feb. 21, 2012 Texas Farm Bureau
Thursday, February 23, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Dinuba native
Bustamante eyes 21st District congressional bid - - Cruz Bustamante,
the Dinuba Democrat who rose to the second-highest position in state
government, is eyeing a return to politics -- as a congressman. Bustamante,
59, confirmed today that he is considering a run for the newly created 21st
Congressional District. "I'm not ready to make any kind of announcement at
this time," Bustamante said. "I've not made all my due diligence calls. An
announcement is premature." But it is clear that Bustamante is considering a
run for the district, which includes western Fresno County, all of Kings and
parts of Tulare and Kern counties. It doesn't, however, include his
hometown. Bustamante certainly has the star power Democrats have been
seeking since state Sen. Michael Rubio, a Bakersfield Democrat, pulled out
of the race for family reasons. When Rubio pulled out, it left Hanford
Republican David Valadao as the lone candidate. A first-term Assembly
member, Valadao established himself as the clear front-runner with almost
$408,000 raised as of Dec. 31. <more>
Feb. 21, 2012 Fresno Bee
For second time,
Patterson says no to congressional run against Costa - - After
reconsidering his November decision not to take on Rep. Jim Costa, former
Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson has again reached the same conclusion: He won't
run. "My head tells me to run, but my heart tells me I have a family and a
business to run, which are commitments I have to honor," Patterson said
today. And so there will be no clash of the political titans in the newly
created 16th Congressional District, which includes half the city of Fresno,
parts of Fresno and Madera counties and all of Merced County. For months,
Patterson toyed with the idea of challenging Costa, who is in his fourth
term in Congress. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Pricing/Commodity News
Rags to riches (and
back again?) - - New numbers from the accounting firm Genske, Mulder
& Co. show the dramatic turnaround that dairy farms experienced from 2009 to
2011. In 2009, the average Genske, Mulder & Co. client in California located
north of Fresno lost an average of $1.619 million after total expenses were
subtracted from total income. In 2010, that same client had a net income of
$441,597. During the first nine months of 2011, that client netted $1.341
million. The average herd size of clients north of Fresno in 2011 was 2,176
cows. <more>
Feb. 23, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Land O’Lakes
Reports Record Sales of $12.8 billion for 2011 - - Land O’Lakes,
Inc., today released its 2011 financial results, which included record sales
and the company’s second-highest net earnings. Highlights of 2011 included:
record net sales of $12.8 billion, up from $11.1 billion in 2010; net
earnings of $182 million, the second-highest in Land O’Lakes’ history, up
from 2010’s $178 million; $108 million in cash returns to members, the
cooperative’s third-highest annual cash return. <more>
Feb. 23, 2012 Dairy Today
USDA expects larger corn acreage - - Projections out of USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum call for a big increase in U.S. corn acreage with soybean planted area holding steady. According to the Ag Department’s Chief Economist Joe Glauber, 2012 U.S. corn acreage could hit 94 million acres, the largest since 1944, with beans unchanged at 75 million acres. The corn area is in-line with USDA’s baseline projection from earlier in the month and up 2.1 million acres from 2011, while that soybean guess is up 1 million from the baseline and steady on the year. Corn for ethanol use is estimated at 4.95 billion bushels, compared to USDA’s most recent guess of 5 billion. <more> Feb. 23, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental
News
Mike Gatto: State should tap into 'biogas'
as a clean energy source - - References to "biogas" in the political
arena are likely to elicit jokes about the seemingly endless speeches during
this election year. But in 2012, I plan on leading California in
establishing a more sensible policy toward the real thing. Biogas, also
known as bio-methane, is natural gas produced by decomposing matter. In
other words, it's a byproduct of many regular activities. Landfills, water
treatment plants and dairy farms all generate biogas during the regular
course of business. Biogas can be burned instead of natural gas in
electricity-producing facilities, natural gas-powered vehicles and home
appliances. It also generates just a quarter of the lifetime emissions of
"regular" natural gas, a fossil fuel. <more>
Feb. 21, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Deadline Approaching for 2012 Farm Energy
Audits through USDA NRCS - - With America’s farmers continuing to
face high energy costs, help is on the way in the form of Headquarters
Agricultural Energy Management Plans (AgEMPs), commonly called on-farm
energy audits. Environmental Quality Incentives Program funding is available
through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for farm energy
audits and equipment upgrades. Farm energy audits can generally identify
energy savings between 10% and 35% of total energy use, which enables
farmers to take more control of their energy use and increase their energy
independence. Although the New Year has barely begun, producers must act
quickly in order to secure their AgEMP for 2012. National deadlines for
AgEMP application cutoff are February 3, March 30, and June 1, but state
deadlines may vary. Farmers should call or visit their local NRCS office to
verify application deadlines and apply for the AgEMP. <more>
Feb. 23, 2012 EnSave press release
Feds, blaming dry winter, offer dismal
forecast for Valley farm water supply - - A puny Sierra snowpack has
prompted federal officials to forecast that growers on the east and west
side of the Valley this year will get about a third of the water supply they
would normally receive. Wednesday's dismal outlook -- the first of the
season from the Bureau of Reclamation -- has west-side farmers potentially
idling more land and east-side growers looking for additional sources of
water. Growers on the west side of the Valley are forecast to receive 30% of
their allocation of Central Valley Project water, down from 45% promised in
last year's initial forecast. Two years ago, the initial forecast was 5% and
zero in 2009. Farmers were hoping for more water, and the forecast could
change. The Bureau of Reclamation usually makes a formal announcement of
water allocations in mid-February, followed by updates as conditions change.
<more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Fresno Bee
Central Valley Project also curtails water
deliveries - - The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is cutting back on the
amount of water it can deliver this year because of a lack of snowfall in
the Sierra Nevada. On Wednesday, the State Water Project also announced
curtailments in its initial forecast for the year. Agricultural contractors,
municipal and industrial contractors and federal refuges that get water from
the federal irrigation system will be impacted by the CVP plans, but to
different amounts. The allocation reflects precipitation and snowpack in the
Sierra Nevada as of Feb. 1, which the California Department of Water
Resources says is far below normal for the date with the snow water content
statewide at only 37 percent. This allocation is also based on DWR's
February Runoff Forecast, which indicates a critical water year type for the
Sacramento Valley and CVP carryover reservoir storage from last year into
this year. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Central Valley Business
Times
Two Languages, but
a Single Focus on Milk at Meals - - IF the health properties of a
glass of milk are not enough to make consumers drink up, maybe a breakfast
date with the actress Salma Hayek will do the trick. On Friday, the Milk
Processor Education Program, a dairy industry group, will announce the
latest version of the National Milk Mustache “got milk” campaign. The
initiative, called the Breakfast Project, is meant to promote drinking milk
during the first meal of the day. Ms. Hayek will be a bilingual spokeswoman
for the campaign, which will run in English and Spanish on television, in
print and online. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 The New York Times
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Raw milk causes
most illnesses from dairy, study finds - - Unpasteurized milk, touted
as the ultimate health food by some, is 150 times more likely to cause
food-borne illness outbreaks than pasteurized milk, and such outbreaks had a
hospitalization rate 13 times higher than those involving pasteurized dairy
products, a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds.
The survey found 121 outbreaks linked to dairy products in which it was
known whether the milk was pasteurized or unpasteurized (also called "raw").
Of those, 60% were caused by raw milk and 39% by pasteurized milk. "When you
consider that no more than 1% of the milk consumed in the United States is
raw, it's pretty startling to see that more of the outbreaks were caused by
raw milk than pasteurized," says Barbara Mahon, senior author on the paper
and deputy director of enteric diseases at CDC. <more>
Feb. 21, 2012 USA Today
FDA clarifies
‘non-lactating dairy cattle’ - - The U.S. Food & Drug Administration
(FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has become aware that the term,
“non-lactating dairy cattle,” may be confusing and that users could
mistakenly interpret it to mean that drugs approved for use in non-lactating
dairy cattle are safe when used in dry dairy cows, i.e., in cows between two
lactations. The term “non-lactating dairy cattle” includes replacement dairy
heifers, replacement dairy bulls and dairy calves, according to current
animal industry standards and a longstanding FDA practice. These classes of
dairy cattle have not yet, or would never produce, milk for human
consumption. The term non-lactating dairy cattle does not include dry dairy
cows. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
U.S./Korea trade
agreement takes effect March 15 - - United States Trade
Representative Ron Kirk announced the U.S.-Korea trade agreement will take
effect on March 15. U.S. and Korean officials confirmed they had completed
applicable legal requirements and procedures for the agreement’s
implementation. On March 15, almost 80% of U.S. exports of industrial
products to Korea will become duty-free, including aerospace equipment,
agricultural equipment, auto parts, building products, chemicals, consumer
goods, electrical equipment, environmental goods, all footwear and travel
goods, paper products, scientific equipment and shipping and transportation
equipment. Also on March 15, almost two-thirds of U.S. exports of
agricultural products to Korea will become duty-free, including wheat, corn,
soybeans for crushing, whey for feed use, hides and skins, cotton, cherries,
pistachios, almonds, orange juice, grape juice and wine. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Mayor doesn't see
'benefit' to Tulare in high-speed rail plan - - The city of Tulare is
addressing the issue of high-speed rail, something it has delayed taking a
stand on. While the neighboring city of Visalia wants the High Speed Rail
Authority to alter the route to include a Visalia stop, some Tulare council
members say if they have to take a stand, it will be against the project.
The first 140-mile segment of test track for the 800-mile system is to be
built between Bakersfield and Merced at a cost of about $13 billion, with
plans for a station to be built just east of Hanford. That route takes it
west of Tulare through Hanford and Corcoran. "It never touches [the city of]
Tulare and the benefit to the Valley is minimal," Tulare Mayor Wayne Ross
said. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Indiana senators
take up 'right-to-farm' bill - - Activists say a bill requiring
people who file frivolous lawsuits against Indiana livestock farms to pay
the farms' legal fees would make people reluctant to take action, even when
they have legitimate complaints about smells or waste. The measure, which
supporters call a right-to-farm bill, passed the House earlier this month on
a 57-39 vote and goes before the Senate judiciary committee today for a
hearing. It has strong support from the Indiana Farm Bureau and Indiana Pork
Producers, but environmental groups are opposed. Rep. Bill Friend, R-Macy,
said he sponsored the bill because farms need protection from unfounded,
groundless lawsuits filed just to interfere with their business. While
livestock farms have been the subject of most nuisance suits, the bill would
apply to all farms in the state. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Associated Press
‘Fuel Up to Play 60’ report card: Schools improve nutrition and physical activity - - Fuel Up to Play 60’s first “report card” since launching nationally in 2009 shows that schools are making progress in promoting healthier eating habits and increasing physical activity among students, helping to create a healthier school environment. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council (NDC) and National Football League (NFL), with additional partnership support from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. <more> Feb. 22, 2012 DairyBusiness
Pricing/Commodity News
Expert: Transgenic
alfalfa can coexist with neighbors - - Can genetically modified
alfalfa coexist near conventional and organic fields? Yes, with certain
caveats, an expert says. The most likely scenario in which genes could be
transferred is from hay contacting other hay, and hay is usually cut before
flowering occurs and makes gene flow more likely, said Dan Putnam, an
alfalfa and forage specialist from the University of California-Davis. Under
what Putnam calls a "worst-case scenario" in which the crop was allowed to
flower and pollinators were present, there's a 3 percent probability that
genes could be carried as far as 160 feet, he said. When you get to 500
feet, the probability is nearly zero, he said. Under normal circumstances,
there's a minuscule probability of contaminating a neighboring plant, he
said. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Capital Press
Exports, dairy woes
a balance for hay prices - - Hay prices should remain lower this year
than at their peak in 2011, but they'll still be strong by historical
standards, a market expert says. First cuttings of supreme alfalfa are
expected to sell for between $230 and $255 per ton, and as much as $270 a
ton in Central California, said Seth Hoyt, author of the Hoyt Report.
"Historically these are fantastic prices," Hoyt told about 50 growers during
a University of California Cooperative Extension-sponsored workshop here
Feb. 21. "The bottom line is it's softer than last year," he said of the
market. "Let's hope milk prices don't fall too far." A lighter yield in some
areas combined with an alfalfa shortage in the West last year to push hay
prices higher. The cost of supreme alfalfa in California's Central Valley
reached $290 a ton in late July as demand remained strong. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Capital Press
CWT Assists with 2.3 Million Pounds of Butter and Cheese Export Sale - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 17 requests for export assistance from Bongards, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Michigan Milk Producers Association and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 581 metric tons (1.281 million pounds) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese and 449 metric tons (0.989 million pounds) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered February through June 2012. <more> Feb. 21, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
State Water Project allocation is slashed
- - The California Department of Water Resources has reduced its estimate of
the amount of water the State Water Project will deliver this year. DWR on
Wednesday dropped its projected delivery total, or allocation, from 60
percent to 50 percent of the requested amount of slightly more than 4
million acre-feet. “Stubbornly dry conditions this winter give us no choice
but to roll back our water supply estimate,” says DWR Director Mark Cowin.
“We continue to hope, however, that wetter conditions in the remaining
winter weeks will allow us to boost deliveries back up.” DWR says that
precipitation so far this winter has been only about half of normal and the
mountain snowpack is less than a third of normal. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Central Valley Business
Times
Merced Irrigation District to begin taking
water orders - - The Merced Irrigation District said the much
anticipated irrigation season will begin in about two weeks. Water is set to
start flowing into the canals on March 2, and customers will be able to
place orders starting March 5. The price for in-district water is $18.25 per
acre-foot. "There's enough of a demand that we can start the water season
and feel comfortable that we'll have enough water for the whole season,"
said Suzy Hultgren, vice president and secretary for the MID board. "I feel
comfortable with that. We've vetted this for quite some time." Growers have
been split over when they want irrigation season to start. Despite available
groundwater, some farmers, especially those with orchards, would like the
board to have started the season already. Others have expressed concerns the
season could be cut short if started too early. <more>
Feb. 22, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Water Year Off to a Dismal Start, Forces
Recovery of Water Banked in 2011 - - This year’s dry weather
conditions are causing concern for local water managers as surface water
supplies are facing additional reductions. Kern County’s innovative
groundwater banking operations are once again being called on to help offset
these shortages. Fortunately, 2011 was the biggest recharge year for the
local banking projects with 698,000 acre-feet (af), which surpassed the 2005
recharge of 687,000 af. Recharge is the process of allowing the water on the
surface of the ground to percolate through the soil to the water stored
below ground that enable water managers to take advantage of the higher
flows of surface water from State, federal and local water supplies. “The
Agency’s Cross Valley Canal (CVC) played a big role in capturing this water
since it serves as a switching yard for water operations in California,”
said Kern County Water Agency (Agency) Board of Directors President Terry
Rogers. “The CVC had a record-breaking year of transporting 527,000 af in
2011, which surpassed the previous amount of 402,000 af delivered in 2005.”
<more>
Feb. 21, 2012 Kern County Water Agency
Board may restrict runoff from irrigated lands - - Farmers and ranchers in northwestern California could soon face more government restrictions in the form of water runoff controls. The North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is developing a water quality compliance program for discharges from irrigated lands in certain watersheds, including along the Klamath, Scott and Shasta rivers. The requirements would be similar to those currently in place in other regions of California and would not include fees, at least in the beginning, said Mark Neely, the water board's Santa Rosa-based senior engineering geologist. <more> Feb. 21, 2012 Capital Press
Expanding opportunities through FFA - - This is National FFA Week and throughout the nation FFA members are celebrating in various ways. It is a very busy week for Ethan Gieble, he serves as President of the Wisconsin FFA Association this year, he is participating in chapter events across the Badger State while also stopping to take in some of his classes at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he is majoring in agricultural education. Giebel says one reason for the success of agricultural education has been the expansion into science fields, as more ag instructors become certified to teach science courses, more students find an interest in science. He notes a student may not grasp a certain concept but if that concept is explained through an agricultural application they may very well get it. Another interesting statistic Giebel cites: while the state-wide graduation rate in Wisconsin is just under 90 percent, students enrolled in agriculture classes have a graduation rate of 97 percent. <more> Feb. 20, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Changing child labor rules doesn't sit well with
Tulare County farmers - - Like many children, Johnny Westra has chores
to perform at home. But unlike a lot of children, the Tulare 11-year-old's
list of chores goes beyond taking out the trash and cleaning his room. He
lives on his family's dairy. "I get up around 5:30 every morning," Johnny
said. He feeds calves every morning before school. And he does it again
after school. That's not unusual, said his father, John Westra, 41, who
spent his childhood doing similar chores around his father's dairy from the
time he was 5 years old. "It's fun," Johnny noted as he and his family
walked Wednesday around the World Ag Expo in Tulare. But his father and
others in agricultural industries here and across the country are worried
about a U.S. Department of Labor proposal to amend federal child labor in
agriculture regulations to substantially limit what minors can do working on
farms not owned by their parents.
<more> Feb. 17, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Could Congress Support a $20.00 Floor? - -
Increasing milk, cheese and whey supplies are pressuring prices. The lower
milk price has rekindled the idea that Congress should place a milk-price
floor of $20.00 per cwt. Mild winter weather continues to be kind to cows.
Milk production is seasonally improving but at an increased rate over a year
ago. Processing facilities are running at or near capacity in some areas.
This is resulting in milk being diverted in attempts to find manufacturing
capacity. Some of this milk is being sold for as much as $4.00 below the
class price. Debates have surfaced over whether there will be a spring flush
this year. Increasing production at this time may result in steady
production through spring, giving the impression there is no flush.
<more> Feb. 17, 2012 Dairy Today
Mexico becomes first billion-dollar U.S. dairy
export market - - Mexico became the first billion-dollar U.S. dairy
export market in 2011, the culmination of more than 15 years of broad-based
market development efforts. Shipments topped $1.17 billion last year, up 41
percent from 2010 levels, according to trade data from the U.S. Department
of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Mexico is the largest
overseas market for U.S. milk powder, cheese and ice cream, providing a
vital outlet for more than 3 percent of the U.S. milk supply. In the
mid-1990s, U.S. dairy exports to Mexico were valued at about $150 million
per year, and U.S. share of dairy imports was about 20 percent. Most of
those sales were subsidized by the U.S. government. Now U.S. suppliers sell
that much every six weeks, and U.S. import share tops 60 percent. And of
course, all of today’s transactions are commercial sales.
<more> Feb. 21, 2012 U.S. Dairy Export Council press release
Bill extends MILC program; latest estimates updated
- - Vermont’s congressional delegation – U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy and
Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch – introduced legislation to extend the
Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program beyond its expiration date at the
end of fiscal year 2012. The MILC Continuation Act of 2012 would extend MILC
for one year at current levels. MILC payments are triggered when the Class I
price in Boston falls below $16.94/cwt. Currently, the base payment rate is
any positive difference between $16.94 and the Class I milk price at Boston,
times 45%. There is also a “feed cost adjustor,” increasing the payment when
the price of a cwt. of dairy feed rises above its target of $7.35/cwt.
Payments under the program are limited by production: Currently, producers
are eligible to receive payments on up to 2.985 million lbs. per fiscal
year. Set to expire Oct. 1, 2012, the potential payment total also takes a
significant hit in its final month, when payments drop from 45% to 34% of
the difference in the $16.94/cwt. trigger and the actual Boston Class I
price.
<more> Feb. 20, 2012 DairyBusiness
$100,000 reward in Harris Ranch arson - - A
$100,000 has been posted for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of those responsible for a Jan. 8 arson fire at the Harris
Feeding Company near Coalinga that destroyed 14 parked big rigs. Damage was
estimated at more than $2 million. There were no injuries reported. Fresno
County Sheriff Margaret Mims says the arsonists put improvised incendiary
devices beneath tractor trailer rigs that had timers which detonated the
devices.
<more> Feb. 21, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Pegg leads California Farm Bureau National Affairs
staff - - Rayne Pegg has been named manager of the California Farm
Bureau Federation National Affairs and Research Division. She will direct
the organization's National Affairs staff and focus on federal affairs, the
2012 Farm Bill and congressional outreach. Pegg will also retain her role as
director of special state policy projects, with an emphasis on the state
budget. Pegg has been with CFBF since August 2011, when she rejoined the
organization after serving two years as administrator of the Agricultural
Marketing Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C.
She oversaw daily functions of the agency, which purchases U.S. foods for
national feeding programs, administers the National Organic Program,
oversees marketing agreements and administers a number of grant programs.
<more> Feb. 21, 2012 CFBF press release
Brown pins legacy to Calif. high-speed rail plans
- - Critics have called it the train to nowhere and a $98 billion
boondoggle. As concerns mount over the practicality and affordability of
California's plan to build a high-speed rail system, even many former
supporters are beginning to sound skeptical. Not so Gov. Jerry Brown. He has
emerged as the most vocal cheerleader of a project that is as risky as it is
ambitious. Building a first-in-the-nation project would provide a lasting
legacy for the 73-year-old Democratic governor as he moves into the twilight
of a long political career.
<more> Feb. 18, 2012 Sacramento Bee
Indiana to conduct study on raw milk sale - - portion of Indiana’s House Bill 1129, the state chemist’s bill, addresses the labeling of raw milk sold for pets. Dr. Bret Marsh, Indiana State Veterinarian says currently it is illegal in Indiana (along with 20 other states) to purchase raw milk for human consumption. “Our proposal to the amendment to the bill that is being considered by the legislature right now would call upon our Board of Animal Health to complete a study of the issue of farmers selling unpasteurized milk for human consumption,” he says. Marsh says the study would need to be completed by November 1st and the findings returned to the governor and legislative council by December 1st. Because FDA does not allow raw milk to be moved in interstate commerce, one of the functions of this study, Marsh says, is to better understand how the raw milk issue is handled in other states. “Why some states don’t permit it and why some states do permit it and under what conditions they might provide for its sale.” Marsh tells Brownfield they want to reach out and make sure they have thoroughly reviewed the landscape of what is going on in other states. He says, “There may be a model out there that would work well for Indiana.” Marsh reminds, it currently is not legal to sell raw milk in Indiana for human consumption. Feb. 18, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Pricing/Commodity News
U.S. dairy exports reached record volumes in 2011
- - Processors and traders moved 3.24 billion pounds of total milk
solids into export channels last year, 7 percent more than 2010 and 49
percent more than 2009. Overseas shipments were valued at $4.82 billion, up
30 percent from the year before, according to government trade data released
a few weeks ago. With these gains, a growing and significant proportion of
the U.S. milk supply is now sold overseas, notes the U.S. Dairy Export
Council (USDEC). Exports were equivalent to 13.3 percent of U.S. milk solids
production, up from 12.8 percent in 2010 and 9.3 percent in 2009. The ratio
of milk powder, whey proteins, lactose and cheese sold offshore was the
highest ever, a sign of how important exports have become to the U.S. dairy
industry.
<more> Feb. 19, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Got Milk Contracts? Indeed! - - The milk market
is becoming more liquid. Long a backwater of the commodities market, milk
futures and options activity has soared. The number of outstanding contracts
on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange averaged 110,197 in January, up 32% from
a year ago, even as the aggregate number of trading positions among other
raw materials fell, according to exchange data. Since 2007, it has more than
doubled. Piling into the market are farmers and food companies burned by the
collapse in milk prices in 2009. They are looking to protect themselves
after a recent drop in prices, following a surge last year. Their increasing
numbers make it easier to buy and sell futures contracts, known as
liquidity, typically a problem in smaller markets. And that is starting to
arouse the interest of speculative investors.
<more> Feb. 18, 2012 Wall Street Journal
How far will some people go for alfalfa hay? - -
Last year’s drought in the south central U.S. wreaked havoc on dairy
producers like Doug Idsinga, of Portales, N.M. Among other things, it caused
him and others to go all the way to Ontario, Canada, for alfalfa hay. They
are paying $300 a ton for the hay, delivered, and that is contributing to a
potentially disastrous economic situation. The high feed cost is forcing
many New Mexico producers below their break-even cost, Idsinga says,
“especially with the milk prices going down every day.” Things have to
improve or some dairymen will be going out of business, adds his wife,
Beverly Idsinga, executive director of the Dairy Producers of New
Mexico. While alfalfa remains the “queen” of forages — and producers like
Idsinga are willing to go 1,400 miles to get it — there is a point where
people start saying “enough.”
<more> Feb. 21, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Organic Milk Prices March Higher - - The
inflationary wave that swept across U.S. supermarket shelves in 2011 is now
rippling through organic milk: Retail prices of which have risen in some
stores by more than 10% in recent weeks. Organic milk prices are surging
because last year's weather, from the drought in the southern Plains to the
July heat that scorched the Midwest, helped to dent production on many grain
and dairy farms just as demand for organic milk was recovering from the
recession. A 65% rise in the price of organic corn over the past year is
forcing many organic dairy farmers to feed less of it to cows, cutting milk
output further.
<more> Feb. 18, 2012 Wall Street Journal
U.S. triples ethanol exports in year - - The Washington, D.C.-based Renewable Fuels Association reported that 1.1 billion gallons of ethanol — worth about $2.5 billion — were exported to other nations, three times more than was exported in 2010. More than one third of U.S. ethanol exports — about 400 million gallons — went to Brazil, the South American country that has relied heavily on ethanol-based fuels since the 1970s. U.S. ethanol producers benefited from Brazil’s elimination of its 20 percent import duty in 2011, a benefit that may be shortlived. <more> Feb. 14, 2012 pjstar.com
Environmental
News
In dry season, San Joaquin River restoration a sore
point among farmers - - This is the year east Valley farmers have
dreaded. It's one of the driest seasons in the past 100 years, and they must
share precious water with the federal government to restore the San Joaquin
River. It's a tender subject among the 15,000 farmers who irrigate with the
San Joaquin. For 18 years, they fought a losing legal battle against
restoring the dried river and finally agreed to cooperate in 2006. Every
year of the legal fight and every year since the agreement, they have
worried about this kind of dry year during the restoration. The snowpack is
a third of what it should be, and their livelihood is at stake.
<more> Feb. 20, 2012 Fresno Bee
Jim Costa: Rep. Nunes scores with water bill - -
Thumbs up to Congressman Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, for his successful
navigation of his water bill through the House Natural Resources Committee.
Now comes the difficult part of selling it to all of Congress, including the
Democrat-controlled Senate. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water
Reliability Act would dramatically change a number of water policies in
California. It would essentially set aside the Central Valley Improvement
Act and the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act, return water
contracts to 40-year terms, revive the “Bay-Delta Accord” to return water
delivers to communities and irrigation districts and pre-empt a number of
state water standards.
<more> Feb. 20, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Incentives help Sacramento Valley farmers replace
diesel pumps with electric to cut pollution - - A wine grape vineyard in
Galt is helping to clear the air in the Sacramento Valley. The ranch is one
of hundreds that are replacing sooty diesel irrigation pumps with cleaner
electric pumps, part of a regional program to cut diesel emissions in
agriculture, construction and trucking. Carl Maggio, ranch manager at the
Pacific Agri Lands vineyard in Galt, said the property has 10 pumps to draw
groundwater for irrigating the grapes. Three diesel pumps have been replaced
with electric ones, and he's expecting to replace two more this year. "The
cost of diesel is going up," Maggio said. He said regulatory pressure to
reduce diesel emissions is also spurring the move to electric. "We have to
cut emissions. And the electric pumps actually do better." The federal
government is boosting the existing pump replacement program by about $1
million. It is being administered by the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality
District.
<more> Feb. 18, 2012 Sacramento Bee
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Cattle ranchers find themselves alone on the range -
- Tim Koopman is the first of four generations of cattlemen to take a
second job, outside of his Sunol ranch. While both of his adult children own
small beef operations, they too earn their livings from careers other than
ranching. Koopman hopes to continue running his 150-head herd even if the
ranch can't completely sustain them financially. But a number of American
cattle families are throwing in their branding irons, either selling off
their land or planting crops. While the price of beef is at record highs,
the cost of doing business for some is impossible.
<more> Feb. 21, 2012 San Francisco Gate
Livestock production paves way for ripple effect of growth - - If manure smells like money — and in February 2012 the commodity markets say it does — then Sioux County is one of the wealthiest places in America. Truckloads of cows and pigs rumble south every day on Highway 75 on their way to slaughterhouses in Omaha and Dakota City, Neb. Profit flows back into the towns of Rock Valley, Hull, Sioux Center and Orange City. But something more than a livestock boom is going on. There's an industrial revolution in one town here, where commuters travel from 66 ZIP codes to churn out hinges, valves, tractors parts and backhoe buckets. Scientists at local genetics firms sort eggs and sperm to improve herds and clone animals to find cures for human diseases. <more> Feb. 19, 2012 USA Today
Friday, Feb. 17, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
State orders
milk board members to answer PETA lawsuit questions
- - In response to a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals lawsuit, a
state Superior Court has ordered farmers in the Central Valley and elsewhere
on the California Milk Advisory Board to answer questions about how they
market the dairy industry in California. Lawyers for the animal rights group
argue that the milk board has no evidence to support its campaigns that
depict, in a positive light, the health, comfort and safety of the state's
dairy cows. "The milk advisory board continues to tell consumers about the
great standards of care that cows receive," said Martina Bernstein, senior
litigation council for PETA. "There has been absolutely no evidence to that
fact. If they have this evidence, they should be required to show it."
<more> Feb. 17, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
FTC
asked to investigate HSUS fundraising tactics - - HumaneWatch.org, a
project of the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF), has called on
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to open an investigation into the
deceptive fundraising practices of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
A recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request revealed that more than
120 complaints have been filed with the FTC since December 2011 regarding
HSUS. Dozens of the complaints come from Americans who have given money to
HSUS. HSUS's deceptive advertising helps fool the unsuspecting public: a
recent analysis found that more than 85 percent of the animals in HSUS's TV
appeals between January 2009 and September 2011 were cats and dogs, when
just 1 percent of the money donated to HSUS is sent to hands-on pet
shelters, according to HSUS tax returns.
<more>
Feb. 17, 2012 Center for Consumer Freedom news release
New school meal
rule limits milk options -
- Chocolate milk continues to be a hot topic of dietary discussion as the
U.S. Department of Agriculture recently applied specific requirements to
milk for the reimbursable meal program. The USDA rule for reimbursable meals
will put in place provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which
Congress passed in late 2010. The act aims to improve the quality of all
foods and beverages offered in schools and to align school menus with the
most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It requires schools to offer 8
oz. of fluid milk with each school lunch and breakfast but allows only
low-fat and fat-free plain milk and fat-free flavored milk.
<more> Feb.17, 2012 Feedstuffs.com
Brown's budget
can't count on cap-and-trade revenue, analyst says
- - In another blow to the state budget, the state's Legislative Analyst's
Office said Gov. Jerry Brown should not count on $500 million in revenue
from California's controversial cap-and-trade emissions control program to
help balance the budget. Only one-fifth of that sum could be spent without
major hurdles, the nonpartisan office concluded in a report issued Thursday.
The money, to be generated in an auction of permits allowing major polluters
to emit greenhouse gases, can legally be spent only on reducing carbon
emissions, the analyst's office said. Brown wants to spend $500 million of
the revenues toward plugging holes in the state's general fund. But the
Legislative Analyst's Office could identify only $100 million in state
programs that those funds could go toward. Spending the money on anything
beyond those programs would require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature,
which means winning Republican support -- something that has eluded the
Democratic governor since his inauguration.
<more> Feb.17, 2012 LA Times
Vendors, visitors declare Ag Expo in Tulare a success - - Despite a
little rain and mud, vendors and visitors at the 45th World Ag Expo that
wrapped up Thursday said it was a successful show. For three days each
February, the bare ground at the International Agri-Center in Tulare is
transformed into the largest farm equipment show on the planet. With more
than 1,700 exhibitors, the expo draws people from more than 70 countries.
Expo spokeswoman Liza Teixeira said the event appeared to be on track to
equal last year's attendance. About 100,000 people were estimated to attend
the show over its three-day run. And a first for this year's expo was a live
auction of dairy cows from the Airoso Dairy in Pixley. Joey Airoso said that
while most of cows were expected to sell between $3,000 to $5,000, some of
the more prized cows could go for $20,000 to $40,000. "We have some cows
here who are among the best of the best," he said.
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 Fresno Bee
Chipotle demonizes agriculture during Grammys
- - As I watched Taylor Swift tickle the banjo, Chris Brown dance across the
stage, and Adele graciously accept her six Grammy awards on Sunday night’s
program, I wasn’t expecting to be hit with a political agenda. That’s
exactly what happened when Willie Nelson started crooning a sad song to
accompany a very demonizing animation of animal agriculture. This is
Chipotle’s latest campaign and, although the commercial isn’t new, it
certainly garnered a lot of viewership in the evening time slot during the
awards show. Now, it’s time for agriculture to balance out the conversation.
I’ve rounded up a few items to help us do just that.
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 Beef Daily
No wonder South Dakota is recruiting dairies from
other states - - With a major cheese plant about to come in, South
Dakota’s status as a place to dairy has been greatly enhanced. And South
Dakota officials, including the governor, aren’t hesitating to make that
known. This week, they were at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif., on a
recruiting mission. “We’re on a cattle roundup,” says Gov. Dennis Daugaard.
“So, if you’re out there in the world of dairying and you’re looking for a
place to plant your dairy, South Dakota is open for business.”
<more> Feb. 17, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
China’s vice president highlights farm trade in
Iowa visit - - The lowly soybean became the unlikely star of U.S.-China
diplomacy Thursday during a visit here by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping.
Xi, who is expected to take over as China’s president next year, talked at
length of China’s need for the beans, visited a soybean farm and had
officials accompanying him sign agreements for massive shipments this year.
He even took a seat on a John Deere tractor. The visit, part of a highly
scripted weeklong U.S. tour, was meant to highlight how U.S. food exports
such as soybeans represent a bright spot in a relationship that is otherwise
mired in turmoil.
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 Washington Post
Pricing/Commodity News
January U.S. milk production up 3.4% - -
January 2012 milk production in the 23 major states totaled 15.78 billion
lbs., up 3.7% from January 2011, and the largest monthly year-over-year gain
since September 2010. December 2011 revised production, at 15.43 billion
lbs., up about 1 million lbs. from last month’s preliminary estimate, and up
2.7% from December 2010. The number of milk cows in the 23 major states was
8.50 million head, 93,000 head more than January 2011 and 13,000 head more
than December 2011. Production per cow in those states averaged 1,857 lbs.
for January 2012, 46 lbs. more than January 2011.
<more> Feb. 17, 2012 DairyBusiness
Rumors Swirl of a Big U.S. Corn Sale to China
- - There’s some buzz in the grains market. The impending visit of China’s
heir apparent Xi Jinping, along with a huge entourage of agricultural
executives, in Iowa, a major U.S. farm state, has unleashed some traders’
imagination. Dennis Gartman, author of The Gartman Letter, noted this
morning that: “As for grains, with Mr. Xi in country there are and there
will be rumors and rumors of rumors of large sales of U.S. corn to the
Chinese.” Already, China has been the biggest buyer of U.S. soybeans. In
2011, China bought $20 billion, or 14%, of record U.S. agricultural exports,
accounting for nearly one fifth of all U.S. exports to China. China is
likely to increase its imports of corn from the U.S. to meet its growing
domestic demand.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Dairy prices fall in NZ Fonterra's auction - - International milk prices fell in a second straight dairy auction, New Zealand's Fonterra Cooperative Group, the world's biggest dairy exporter, said on Thursday. Fonterra's Global Dairy Trade-Trade Weighted Index, which covers a range of 30 products and contract periods on offer, dropped 3 percent, with an average selling price of $3,545 per tonne. That followed a 0.9 percent fall in the previous auction. All products fell except rennet casein. The index has fallen about 25 percent since hitting a near four-year peak in March last year as global commodity prices retreat. <more> Feb. 15, 2012 Reuters - New Zealand
Environmental
News
House panel OKs bill that would boost Delta water
export, block river restoration - - A bill that would block restoration
of the San Joaquin River and increase the amount of water that can be
exported from the Delta passed out of a House committee Thursday. Rep. Devin
Nunes, R-Tulare, called his legislation a "remarkable north-south compromise
that will protect all water users." Should the bill clear the full House,
however, it is likely to face opposition in the Senate. In a letter
Thursday, Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer warned that the bill
would undermine state and federal water law and is "fraught with legal
controversy that will seriously set back California's ability to resolve its
water challenges." Stockton-based Restore the Delta also opposes the
legislation, writing that Delta agriculture should not be sacrificed to
benefit water users elsewhere in California.
<more> Feb. 17, Stockton Record
Central Valley reps bill would upend water rights
- - Representatives from the Central Valley pushed legislation through a
House committee Thursday that would upend the state's system of water
rights, deploying the federal government to extract water from Northern
California farms, fisheries and cities to send to farmers in the valley. The
action by the House Natural Resources Committee came the same day that the
House voted to require the federal government to usurp California's
governance of its coastline by requiring offshore leasing for oil and gas
drilling.
<more> Feb. 17, 2012 San Francisco Chronicle
EPA posts CAFO permit writers' manual - - The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) posted its revised Permit
Writers' Manual for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), replacing a
2003 version. It provides guidance to state regulatory officials, nutrient
management planning experts, and CAFO owners and operators regarding
requirements of CAFO permits. The agency has described the manual as a
"living document," subject to periodic revisions. For more information about
the Permit Writers' Manual, visit
http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/afo/info.cfm#guide_docs. Feb. 17, 2012
Dairy Profit Update
Ag at
Large: Cow countenance awaits raindrops - - Although California cows are
known for their happiness, a significant portion of the state's cow
population was extremely distressed by mid-January and growing sadder each
day that rain was delayed. While dairy cattle continued to smile, their
cousins being raised for beef were finding familiar grazing sites barren of
grass. Cattlemen who hoped to fatten 500-pound yearlings to 700 pounds on
native grass are probably going to end the season economically saddle sore.
While rain is the answer to the need for grass, a two-week sprouting and
growing period is required after the moisture falls before the grazing
cattle can find anything they can get their teeth into. To complicate
matters, California rangeland is well populated by cattle from other states
as well. Some Texas cattle are here because of earlier drought conditions in
that state. The rangelands have a lot of mouths to feed.
<more> Feb. 17, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Arrests made in NC turkey farm abuse case - -
Six workers employed at a Butterball turkey farm in Hoke County, NC, were
arrested on animal-abuse charges after an undercover video revealed alleged
animal abuse, and a veterinarian at the North Carolina Department of
Agriculture was charged and suspended from her job in connection with the
incident. The arrests stem from an undercover video taken by Mercy for
Animals, an animal rights group. Hoke County law enforcement officials
raided the farm on Dec. 28, 2011 after seeing the undercover video. Ruben
Mendoza was charged with felony theft and misdemeanor animal cruelty. Jose
Garcia was charged with felony identity theft, and Terry Johnson was charged
with misdemeanor cruelty to animals. A representative of the Hoke Country
Sheriff's Department said more arrests are pending.
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 MeatPoultry.com
Diamond Foods shuffles leaders - - Diamond
Foods Inc. is replacing its CEO and chief financial officer after an
internal investigation found that the company improperly accounted for
payments to walnut growers and it needs to restate two years of financial
results. Diamond Foods, which makes Emerald Nuts and Pop Secret popcorn, has
been embroiled in a dispute over the payments for several months. The
company said that its audit committee found that the payments were booked in
the wrong period. The payments -- an estimated $20 million in 2010 and $60
million in 2011 -- skewed the company's financial results.
<more> Feb. 17, 2012 Capital Press
WUD Communications Manager named to Cal Poly advisory panel - - Western United Dairymen’s Communications Manager Mark Looker has been named by Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong to the newly formed Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Journalism Department Industry Advisory Board. The 30-member panel includes alumni and industry professionals representing the department’s concentrations in broadcasting, multimedia, news-editorial and public relations. "As the field of journalism undergoes dynamic changes as a result of technological advances and business pressures, the experienced professionals who serve on the advisory board will help the department remain current and prepare students to enter the profession," said Board Chairman Tracy Campbell, vice president of public advocacy for the California Hospital Association. Looker, a 1976 Cal Poly journalism graduate, also serves on the Cal Poly Agricultural Education and Communication Department Advisory Council. Feb. 17, 2012 Cal Poly Notice
Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Obama
presents $155 billion USDA budget for 2013 - - Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack said President Barack Obama's proposed budget for the USDA is
reflective and must be taken in the context of changes that have occurred in
the past 15 months at USDA. Vilsack called the spending blueprint "an
opportunity to manage change properly." Between 2010 and 2012, USDA's
operating budget was reduced by more than 12 percent, the budget document
says. The president has proposed $155 billion in USDA outlays, of which
about 83 percent, or $128 billion, would be for mandatory programs,
including nutrition assistance, farm commodity programs, and crop
insurance.
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 Western Farm Press
Obama's budget cuts bacteria testing in produce - - President Barack
Obama's proposed budget would eliminate the nation's only program that
regularly tests fruits and vegetables for deadly pathogens, leaving public
health officials without a crucial tool used to investigate deadly foodborne
illness outbreaks. The budget plan the president sent to Congress Monday
would ax the Agriculture Department's tiny Microbiological Data Program,
which extensively screens high-risk fresh produce throughout the year for
bacteria including salmonella, E. coli and listeria. If samples are
positive, they can trigger nationwide recalls, and keep tainted produce from
reaching consumers or grocery store shelves.
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 AP
Mandatory labeling of GMO foods moves close to CA ballot - - Raw or
processed food that’s sold in California would have to have specific
labeling if it’s made from plants or animals with genetic material changed
in specified ways, under a proposed ballot initiative. The measure has been
given the go-ahead to gather signatures to try to qualify for the ballot. If
it makes it to the ballot, is approved by voters and then survives legal
challenges, it would prohibit labeling or advertising such food as
“natural.”
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Organic
milk in short supply with demand rising and organic farmers struggling -
- “Got milk?” is getting to be a difficult question when it comes to
organic. Because even as more consumers are willing to pay premium prices
for organic milk, supermarkets are having trouble keeping it on the shelves
as high feed and fuel prices have left some organic dairy farmers unable to
keep up with demand. “The market has surged faster than supply,” said George
Siemon, CEO of Wisconsin-based Organic Valley, the nation’s largest
cooperative of organic farmers, “and at the same time we had high feed costs
reduce supply, so we had a double hit here.” Organic milk shortages are
nothing new. As the milk — which federal regulations require be from cows
fed organic feed and free from production-boosting synthetic hormones — rose
in popularity during the past decade, there haven’t always been enough
farmers to meet demand.
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 Associated Press
George
W. Bush draws crowd at fundraiser at World Ag Expo - - Nearly 3,000
people, some paying thousands of dollars a ticket, came to hear former
President George W. Bush speak at a charity event Wednesday night during the
World Ag Expo. Bush was the keynote speaker at the Ag Warriors Gala, an
event to benefit a newly formed program training military veterans for
careers in agriculture. "For those who contributed, I thank you from the
bottom of my heart," Bush said. The event was nearly a sellout with ticket
prices ranging from $50 to upwards of $25,000 for a table of 10. The
priciest tickets included a complete dinner, a meet-and-greet with Bush and
an autographed copy of his book "Decision Points."
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 Fresno Bee
Raw
milk-linked outbreak climbs to 71 - - The Campylobacter outbreak related
to raw milk sold from a Pennsylvania dairy continues to climb with more than
70 cases now confirmed in a four-state area. According to the Chambersburg,
Pa., Public Opinion, the illness tied to raw milk from The Family Cow farm
now ranks as the second most severe raw-milk-link outbreak in Pennsylvania
in five years. Health officials reported that raw milk produced at The
Family Cow farm has sickened 71 people across Pennsylvania, Maryland, West
Virginia and New Jersey. At least nine people have been hospitalized.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Amish farmer targeted by FDA raids shuts down raw milk business - - An Amish man who was targeted by federal officials for selling raw milk across state lines – and whose cause was championed by GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul – has shut down his dairy farm. Dan Allgyer closed his rural Pennsylvania business after a federal judge sided with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and ruled that he violated federal law. U.S. District Judge Lawrence F. Stengel on Feb. 3 ordered Allgyer to stop selling unpasteurized milk across state lines, the U.S. Justice Department announced Wednesday. <more> Feb. 15, 2012 MSNBC
Pricing/Commodity News
U.S.
dairy exports at record volumes - - U.S. dairy suppliers capitalized on
strong global markets to achieve record export sales in 2011, boosting
shipments in a year when milk supplies from competing regions increased
dramatically. Processors and traders moved 3.24 billion lbs. of total milk
solids into export channels last year, 7% more than 2010, and 49% more than
2009. Overseas shipments were valued at $4.82 billion, up 30 % from the year
before, according to government trade data released last week. With these
gains, a growing and significant proportion of the U.S. milk supply is now
sold overseas, notes the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). Exports were
equivalent to 13.3 % of U.S. milk solids production, up from 12.8 % in 2010
and 9.3 % in 2009.
<more> Feb. 16, 2012 Dairy Today
Swiss food giant Nestle predicts tough year as it posts stronger than expected 2011 sales - - Nestle SA, the world’s biggest food and drinks maker, managed to brush aside the impact of a soaring domestic currency to post a solid increase in profits in 2011 as sales rose strongly, particularly in developing countries. However, the maker of Nescafe, Perrier, Jenny Craig and Haagen Dazs accompanied its full-year statement on Thursday with a warning that tough times lie ahead. The company based in Vevey, Switzerland reported that its 2011 net profit rose 8 percent to 9.5 billion Swiss francs ($10.35 billion) if the disposal of eye care company Alcon is stripped out of the comparison. The sale last year had boosted Nestle’s 2010 profit to 34.2 billion Swiss francs ($35.8 billion). <more> Feb. 16, 2012 Associated Press – Switzerland
Environmental
News
Nunes
bill aims to restore Central Valley water supplies - - Rep. Devin Nunes
will push legislation today to end water-pumping restrictions in the San
Joaquin Valley related to litigation over the 3-inch fish known as the delta
smelt. The House Natural Resources Committee is expected to consider
possible amendments and then move to a final vote on his bill, HR 1837, the
San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act. If passed as expected in the
Republican-dominated committee, the bill could see House floor consideration
within weeks, the congressman's office said. The bill would restore the law
governing water pumped from the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta to the
way it stood before a 2007 lawsuit by environmental interests triggered
seasonal restrictions on the practice.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
USDA
Invites Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects
- - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking
applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small
businesses to complete a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy
projects. Funding is available from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program
(REAP) authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm
Bill). "Renewable energy development presents an enormous economic
opportunity for rural America," said Vilsack. "This funding will assist
rural farmers, ranchers and business owners to build renewable energy
projects, providing opportunities for new technologies, create green jobs
and help America become more energy self-sufficient."
<more>
Jan. 20, 2012 USDA press release
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Putting a face on McDonald’s food suppliers - - Have you seen the new
McDonald’s TV commercials yet? There are three, and each one features a
different McDonald’s suppliers: a beef cattle producer, a lettuce grower and
a potato farmer. I think they all represent the agriculture industry very
well, and show that farmers do care about the products we produce — fact
that many times gets lost among the clutter of popular media,
anti-agriculture activists and generally misinformed consumers. I’m not sure
McDonald’s can make a locally grown food movement connection, but that’s OK;
it’s a term that’s becoming confusing (and has always been somewhat
unrealistic) anyway.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Animal rights group releases pig farm video - - An animal rights organization released a video Wednesday documenting the conditions for pigs at a farm in northern Iowa. Erica Meier, executive director of Compassion Over Killing, presented the video documenting the conditions at a news conference at the Renaissance Savery Hotel in Des Moines. The video came from Leland-based Hawkeye Sow Centers, a producer for Hormel Foods, she said. <more> Feb. 16, 2012 Des Moines Register
Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Obama budget draws fire from agriculture - -
Agriculture funding is not getting a fair shake in the President’s proposed
2013 budget, according to U.S. farm proponents. In the budget released
Monday, President Obama proposed slashing agriculture subsidies by $32
billion over the next decade, just as Congress is getting set to create the
new U.S. 2012 Farm Bill. Obama's plan includes eliminating the $5 billion a
year in direct payment to farmers, an idea that has support among U.S.
lawmakers, according to Reuters. In negotiations last fall, U.S. Senate and
House agriculture committees identified $23 billion in proposed savings over
10 years. Obama’s proposed 2013 budget is seen by some as unsupportive to
agriculture- one of the top performing sectors in a struggling U.S. economy.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Farm income to drop 11.5 percent in 2012 - -
Farm income will drop sharply from 2011's record high as production costs
rise by more than $10 billion for the second year in a row, the U.S.
Agriculture Department said this week in its first income forecast for this
year. USDA estimated net cash farm income, a measure of solvency, at $96.3
billion, down 11.5 percent from 2011, when it topped $100 billion for the
first time. USDA said it was the smallest decline since 2000 for the
volatile income figure and that net cash farm income would be far above the
10-year average. Production costs are forecast to rise by 3.9 percent, or
$12.5 billion this year, to a record $333.8 billion. USDA said receipts for
crop sales would be on par with 2011.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Optimism about economy, sales prospects reigns at
Ag Expo - - As exhibitors scurried to prepare for Tuesday's opening of
the 2012 World Ag Expo, organizers announced a new high-profile addition to
the line-up. Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich is expected to make an
appearance at 2 p.m.
Tuesday.
He's one of many nationally known figures scheduled to grace the show's
stages this week. Country western star Trace Adkins is performing at a
benefit concert for agricultural education programs Tuesday night and
President George W. Bush will be keynote speaker at a gala Wednesday to
raise money for Ag Warriors, an initiative to funnel returning military
veterans into careers in agriculture. Organizers of the 45th annual show --
the largest annual agricultural exposition in the nation -- are optimistic
about sales prospects for vendors this year. As of Monday the show had 1,471
exhibitors and 1,988 sold exhibit spaces, said expo chairwoman Patty Colson.
It sold out earlier this year than in recent years, which Colson interpreted
as a good sign.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 The Bakersfield Californian
Newt Gingrich gets warm welcome at World Ag Expo
- - Newt Gingrich is struggling to regain his political footing in the
battle to capture the Republican presidential nomination, but none of that
was evident Tuesday during a visit to the World Ag Expo. The former House
speaker from Georgia was treated like political royalty by hordes of people
attending the event. They broke from their routine to shake his hand, seek
his autograph or pose for a picture. Gingrich's stop at the World Ag Expo
was his first of two in the central San Joaquin Valley. Following his
hour-long tour of the World Ag Expo, Gingrich headed to Fresno for a
fundraiser at the home of Ryan and Wendy Turner. Wendy Turner is the
daughter of Fresno Republican and former Secretary of State Bill Jones.
<more> Feb. 14, 2012 Fresno Bee
USA, EU get on same page for organic farms -
- For the first time, organic foods certified in the United States will be
able to be sold in Europe and vice versa under a historic agreement to be
signed today. The pact makes the world's two largest organic markets, $26.7
billion in the United States and $26 billion in the European Union,
functionally equivalent. It will save organic farmers from having to deal
with two different, and sometimes contradictory, sets of rules. The USDA
estimates that the market for United States organics sales to the European
Union could grow more than 300% in the first few years. There are 50
organizations in the United States accredited by USDA to certify farms as
organic. Jake Lewin, chief certification officer at one of them, California
Certified Organic Farmers, says, "For 99% of organic operations, this will
end up with them having to do less paperwork."
<more> Feb. 14, 2012 USA Today
Indiana panel to consider sale of raw milk - - A summer committee will study whether Indiana should allow the sale of raw, unpasteurized milk for human consumption under legislation a Senate committee passed Monday. In the meantime, House Bill 1129 would impose stricter requirements on raw milk sold as pet food. Farmers would be required to prominently label that milk as “not for human consumption.” Experts told the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that raw milk has been showing up in the last few years at farmer’s markets, despite a law prohibiting its sale for human consumption. It is often sold as pet food but purchased for other reasons. <more> Feb. 14, 2012 Louisville Courier-Journal
Pricing/Commodity News
Milk prices:
Farmers reassess effectiveness of risk management - -
California dairy farmers say the
risk management tools they use to protect their profit margins do not work
as well as they should because of a widening disparity between what they
earn for their milk and the price in the federal orders, which is the index
they use to hedge their milk. Frustrated with the inconsistencies of the two
pricing structures and an inability to predict the differential between
federal orders and California milk prices, Fresno County dairy farmer Steve
Nash says he's having second thoughts about continuing to use these
financial tools. "I'm fed up with it and I'm not going to do it anymore," he
said. "I've done this about four, five years and I feel pretty comfortable
with it, but it's just not working."
<more>
Feb. 15, 2012 Ag Alert
NMPF, Processors Supportive of Mandatory Price
Reporting - - The mandatory dairy price reporting announced as final
rule today by the United States Department of Agriculture is fully supported
by the National Milk Producers Federation. “The rule reflects the changes
that NMPF has pushed USDA to adopt,” says Chris Galen, NMPF spokesperson.
“It’s nearly unchanged from the proposed rule issued last July, and does
several things that NMPF has supported.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Dairy Today
Milk Price, Cow Numbers to Decline - - The
USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) is projecting first-quarter 2012
All-Milk prices to decline to the $18.50 to $18.90/cwt. range, down from
$20.03 in the fourth quarter of 2011. For the year, ERS expects the All-Milk
price to average from $18.30 to $19.10/cwt. The midpoint of that range would
be a $1.44 drop from 2011, or a 7% decline. The Class III price is expected
to be in the $16.90 to $17.30/cwt. range in the first quarter of 2012, and
the year’s average to be in the $17.10 to $17.90/cwt. range.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Dairy Today
Dean Foods 4Q Loss Narrows Amid Rebound At Milk
Unit - - Dean Foods Co.'s (DF) fourth-quarter loss narrowed on stronger
sales as the dairy-products company reported a rebound in fluid milk
profits. Shares were up 12% at $12.16 in pre-market trading as adjusted
earnings were better than expected and the company provided first-quarter
and full-year guidance in line with Wall Street estimates. Through the
close, the stock is down 3% this year. The biggest U.S. dairy processor and
distributor by revenue has seen its bottom line struggle in recent quarters
as a weak U.S. economy and higher prices contribute to soft sales, coupled
with increasing costs for raw products from dairy farmers.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Dow Jones Newswires
Pessimism mixed into hay price projections -
- Hay prices should ease this year for producers in the Western states.
That’s the word from Seth Hoyt, hay market analyst, who spoke at World Ag
Expo on Tuesday. While lower hay prices might be viewed with optimism, there
is also an element of pessimism in Hoyt’s prediction. One of the reasons why
hay prices will decline is because dairy producers won’t be able to afford
as much. “I have lowered prices based on what’s going on in the dairy
industry,” Hoyt said. “Right now, we are just producing too much milk,” he
said, which is causing lower milk prices. When dairy farmers experience
economic difficulty, it becomes a problem for hay growers. Dairies are the
main customer for hay in the West, and "a lot of dairies are going into a
negative cash flow situation," he said.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
February 2012 USDA dairy outlook - - USDA’s
February Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook report mirrors last week’s
World Ag Supply & Demand Estimates report, indicating weakening milk prices
in the first half of 2012, with a slight rebound to end the year. USDA’s
2012 price projections are more bullish than current CME futures prices. Cow
numbers in the U.S. dairy herd are currently above a year earlier, but
weakening producer returns should prompt herd size reduction by the end of
2012. Expected higher milk production will lower price prospects this year
for milk. The continued outlook for relatively high feed prices and forecast
lower milk prices in 2012 compared with last year will weaken returns for
dairy producers over the course of 2012, leading to herd reduction. The all
milk price is forecast at $18.00-$18.70/cwt., down from the January forecast
and, as with the Class III and Class IV prices, much lower than the
$20.14/cwt. average posted in 2011. To see the full report, visit www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/LDP/2012/02Feb/LDPM212.pdf.
Feb. 15, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Court halts sale of New Zealand dairy farms, questioning benefits of Chinese investment - - A New Zealand court Wednesday halted the first ever sale of dairy farms to Chinese investors, the latest twist in a saga that’s dividing a country reliant on agriculture for much of its export earnings. High Court Judge Forrest Miller ruled the New Zealand government overstated the economic benefits that the Chinese investors would bring when the government approved the sale of the 16 farms last month. Miller said the government needs to review the sale again using stricter evaluation criteria. <more> Feb. 14, 2012 Associated Press – New Zealand
Environmental
News
Remake of Central Valley water rights moves to
vote - - How water is divvied up in the Central Valley would be remade
under a bill authored by Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, and co-sponsored by
House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, that is expected to get a
floor vote soon in the House. Mr. Nunes says the House Natural Resources
Committee has scheduled a markup on Thursday for H.R. 1837, dubbed the
“Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act.” A markup is usually
one of the last committee votes on a measure before it moves to a floor
vote. “This legislation is a comprehensive regional solution to water
shortages that have been caused by failed government policies, not actual
shortages of water,” says Mr. Nunes. “We have crafted a good bill that not
only restores the flow of water but will ultimately make unnecessary the
construction of a $12 billion canal to bypass the Bay-Delta.”
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Study: Sierra snowfall consistent over 130 years
- - Snowfall in the Sierra Nevada has remained consistent for 130
years, with no evidence that anything has changed as a result of climate
change, according to a study released Tuesday. The analysis of snowfall data
in the Sierra going back to 1878 found no more or less snow overall - a
result that, on the surface, appears to contradict aspects of recent climate
change models.
<more> Feb. 15, 2012 San Francisco Gate
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Why California Almonds Need North Dakota Flowers
(And A Few Billion Bees) - - This is one of those stories that reminds
us that everything really is connected to everything else. Here's the web of
connections: a threat to California's booming almond business; hard times
for honeybees in North Dakota; and high corn prices.
<more> Feb. 14, 2012 NPR
Eating meat, with a side order of conflicting emotions - - Last month, McDonald’s devised a plan to wedge itself into the dense flow of self-promotion and micro-conversations that constitute Twitter. The fast-food giant had hoped to introduce some of the real-life farmers and producers who supply McDonald’s with potatoes, beef and other products under the organizing hashtags of #MeetTheFarmers and #McDStories. But within the hour, the company had a social-media disaster on its hands. Tweeters quickly hijacked the #McDStories hashtag to offer their own anecdotes and propaganda, some of it attacking McDonald’s long history of selling cheap meat to Americans, millions of patties and nuggets a day. One person, under the Twitter handle @MichelleVegan, wrote, “McDonalds scalds baby chicks alive for nuggets.” The Twitter feed for Vegan.com chimed in: “My memories of walking into a McDonald’s: the sensory experience of inhaling deeply from a freshly-opened can of dog food.” Then, of course, PETA entered the fray with a photo of a coil of pink goop, implying that McNuggets were made from “mechanically separated chicken,” an allegation that McDonald’s immediately denied. <more> Feb. 14, 2012 Washington Post
Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Obama reiterates call for farm subsidy cuts -
- President Barack Obama proposed slashing subsidies to the booming
agriculture sector by $32 billion over the next decade, just as Congress
begins the lengthy process of overhauling the expiring U.S. farm law. For
the third year running, Obama proposed sweeping cuts to the U.S. Department
of Agriculture in his annual budget. Congress, however, has yet to come to
an agreement on how to reform the massive subsidies to the sector. Obama's
plan includes eliminating the $5 billion a year in direct payment to farmers
that is disbursed regardless of need, an idea that has some support among
U.S. lawmakers. "In a period of severe fiscal restraint, the payments are no
longer defensible," said the administration, referring to the direct
payments. The plan to cut some $32 billion over 10 years for farm support is
far larger than the $23 billion agreed by Agriculture Committee leaders in
Congress last fall during deficit-reduction talks.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Reuters
Brief shower welcomes visitors to 45th World Ag
Expo - - With water-starved California experiencing one of the driest
winters in recent years, the brief opening day storm was welcomed by the
farmers and ranchers attending the 45th annual World Ag Expo. "It's exciting
to be here, to see what agriculture does for all of us," said Manitou CEO
Dan Miller during opening ceremonies Tuesday for the largest ag show in the
world. "This equipment show is the place to be for us. As our company
becomes more global it's important to spend time with diverse groups and
learn about their needs," Miller said. The 2.6 million-square-foot show
grounds in Tulare was completely filled this year as visitors began pouring
in the gates Tuesday morning. Show chairman Patty Colson said the expo has
300 new exhibitors this year and, for the first time in the history of the
show, all exhibit space was sold prior to January. There is an added
emphasis on livestock and the beef this year with an entire pavilion
dedicated to the industry.
<more> Feb. 14, 2012 Capital Press
Holstein Association hosts meeting on proposal to
move Dairy Genetic Evaluations out of USDA - - The issue of transferring
the production of genetic evaluations out of USDA and into the hands of the
Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding was the focus of a meeting organized by
Holstein Association USA on Feb. 7 in Chicago, IL. Over 30 people
representing some of the dairy producer leadership as well as staff in AI,
DHIA and purebred breeds were welcomed by Holstein President Chuck Worden, a
dairy producer from Cassville, NY. Many of those in attendance have been
involved in discussions and meetings which have been ongoing for nearly
three years in an effort to create a so-called “Dairy Data Alliance.” It has
been proposed that this Alliance that would do the service work of producing
sire proofs which USDA says can no longer be done by the Animal Improvement
Programs Laboratory (AIPL).
<more > Feb. 14, 2012 Dairy Business
High-speed rail leaders hope to 'make things
right' with farmers, property owners - - California High-Speed Rail
Authority leaders acknowledge they have "a lot of damage to undo" with
Valley farmers and property owners along the route of the proposed train
system. As political battles loom in Sacramento over issuing $2.7 billion in
bonds to begin building the system later this year in the Valley, authority
chairman Dan Richard said a new business plan and new leadership are focused
on "what it's going to take to make those things right" and rebuild the
agency's credibility. Richard was joined Monday by authority vice chairman
Tom Richards, a Fresno developer, and board member Michael Rossi, a former
vice president of Bank of America, in a meeting with Fresno County
transportation officials and leaders from the county's cities about the $98
billion train project.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Fresno Bee
Iowa House panel OKs sale of raw milk - - Raw milk could be sold and marketed in Iowa under a bill that unanimously passed through a House subcommittee Monday. Supporters of the legislation, including the two Republicans and one Democrat on the panel, framed it as a question of personal freedom and consumer choice. Opponents said the potential problems of consuming non-pasteurized milk should convince lawmakers to keep it outlawed. Raw milk has not been pasteurized or homogenized. “Iowa’s dairy industries have a long history of building consumer confidence in our milk,” said Mark Truesdell, an attorney and lobbyist with the Iowa Dairy Foods Association. “This would turn it around 180 degrees.” <more> Feb. 13 Davenport Quad-City Times
Pricing/Commodity News
Ken Bolton: Will You Be Able To Pay The Bills?
- - The primary financial stressor facing the dairy industry during late
2008 and throughout 2009 was the challenge to pay the bills with less than
adequate Cash Flow (CF). While related, CF and Profit are distinct and
separate issues. It is possible to experience CF shortages while profitable
and to generate sufficient CF when profit is lacking. The needed level of CF
for a particular business depends on levels of income generated, expense
incurred and whether or not the farm manager can sleep at night. Liquidity
is the financial ability to pay the bills as they come due without unduly
disrupting business operations. The action which most often disrupts
business operations is the selling of production assets to generate cash to
pay for short term production inputs.
<more> Feb. 14, 2012 Dairy Today
USDA: U.S. farm income to drop 11.5 percent in 2012 - - Farm income will drop sharply from 2011's record high as production costs rise by more than $10 billion for the second year in a row, the U.S. Agriculture Department said this week in its first income forecast for this year. USDA estimated net cash farm income, a measure of solvency, at $96.3 billion, down 11.5 percent from 2011, when it topped $100 billion for the first time. USDA said it was the smallest decline since 2000 for the volatile income figure and that net cash farm income would be far above the 10-year average. Production costs are forecast to rise by 3.9 percent, or $12.5 billion this year, to a record $333.8 billion. USDA said receipts for crop sales would be on par with 2011. <more> Feb. 14, 2012 Dairy Herd Management
Environmental
News
Offspring of Calaveras River salmon may be left
high and dry - - In the fall, the Calaveras River hosted hundreds of
Chinook salmon, which swam upstream through Stockton for the first time
since 2006. But the offspring of those fish will be lucky to get out of the
river alive. Virtually dry conditions in Mormon Slough and the Stockton
Diverting Canal have left more than 100 salmon "redds," or nests, without
the water that the fertilized eggs need to survive, a biologist says. One
activist blames the sad ending of this success story on the perpetual delay
of a plan to improve conditions for Calaveras fish.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 The Record
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Chipotle airs new ad, steals Grammys spotlight
- - Some Twitter users watching the Grammys last night declared that it
brought tears to their eyes. I'm not talking about the tribute to Whitney
Houston, but rather a 2-minute ad sandwiched in between two Grammy segments.
Titled “Back to the Start”, the ad featured Willie Nelson covering the
Coldplay song "The Scientist", while on the screen animated scenes of
penned-up farm animals get injected with antibiotics, processed, boxed and
transported into the big city. It also shows a dejected farmer contemplating
the worst until he has an epiphany. After that, the fences flip into open
pastures where the farm animals roam free. The last shot shows a now happy
farmer loading his products on a Chipotle truck. The video, which was the
restaurant chain's first national advertisement in the company's 18-year
history, has actually been making waves on the Internet since last August
when it first went up on YouTube (more than 4.4 million people have viewed
it already).
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Fox News
EDITORIAL: A
knee-jerk reaction to the Chipotle commercial. Think before you hit 'send'-
- By Kayla Jentz - - A certain commercial (Chipotle, cough) aired
during the Grammy's on Sunday, and if you didn't see it there you may have
seen it circulating online the last few months, and if you didn't see it
then you probably saw at least twenty friends Facebooking or Tweeting about
it. Now, I'll agree that it wasn't good for agriculture's image in general.
I'll agree that it takes aim at the practices we use in modern agriculture.
And, I'll be the first to acknowledge that I was upset after seeing it the
first time online a few months ago. And, of course as many of you were, I
was upset after seeing it air nationally during the Grammy's. (I was also
upset after seeing it as a preview to a movie I went to see in the theater,
just to show you the reach of a single ad campaign.)
<more> Feb. 14, 2012 Dairybusiness.com
Night Milk shows promise as aid for insomniacs - - Forget a nightcap – the answer for insomnia may soon be available in a glass of milk. A Chinese-controlled milk powder manufacturer may soon be giving those suffering from sleeping disorders a natural sleep aid. According to TVNZ, the New Zealand-based Synlait Milk collects milk from cows during the night for melatonin, a sleep-promoting hormone. By expressing melatonin in the milk, the product, Synlait Night Milk, can aid those suffering from sleep disorders. <more> Feb. 13, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Monday, Feb. 13, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Valleycrats dying off as partisanship increases
- - The Valleycrat is an endangered species. A storied Central Valley
political hybrid, the moderate-to-conservative Valleycrat stressed regional
loyalty first and foremost. Party labels were secondary. Bipartisan
cooperation was commonplace, particularly on farm and water issues.
Cross-party personal relationships were warm or at least respectful. Now?
Not so much. "That's gone from both parties; there's no question about it,"
said former San Joaquin Valley congressman John Krebs, a Democrat. "Now, the
well is so poisoned." The cost of division, experts agree, could be
significant. The Valley's delegation needs cohesion because it is dwarfed by
larger interests from Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Rancor and distrust
weaken the region's power.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Fresno Bee
World Ag Expo: Vendors aim to share farming's
success - - Valley farmers hauled in record prices last year for some of
their crops in what generally has been described as a good year for farming.
Now, vendors are flocking to this year's World Ag Expo in Tulare in hopes of
harvesting some of that cash. The event is the largest of its kind in the
nation, drawing more than 100,000 visitors to the International Agri-Center.
Interest among vendors and visitors is high as the show prepares to open its
three-day run on Tuesday. Expo officials said the show sold all its
1,400-plus vendor spaces by mid-December. And there is a waiting list of 75
vendors. "We have never had a show sell out this early," Ag Expo chairwoman
Patty Colson said. "In the past, we have been selling vendor spaces up until
the day of the show's opening."
<more> Feb. 12, 2012 Fresno Bee
Down on the dairy farm - - Global dairy
prices are up and demand for milk products looks strong, but profits still
elude many farmers as higher costs for feed, land and regulatory demands
squeeze their margins, according to a new research report. That is certainly
true in California, the nation's leading dairy state, where production costs
are especially high, and the state milk pricing system has set prices lower
than the federal system that prevails in other areas of the country. "It's
not much fun, I'll tell you," said Walt Kessler, a Galt dairy owner. Current
dairy prices don't cover his cost of producing milk, he said. And while he
and other California farmers did see profits in 2011, most dairies are still
trying to recover from record low prices in 2009.
<more> Feb. 12, 2012 Stockton Record
Wisconsin taking farmer to court over raw milk sales - - Sauk County farmer Vernon Hershberger is back in court Monday, accused of crimes stemming from the sale of raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products that people are clamoring to get. He has become the poster child for a controversy that's pitted farmers against state government and has boiled over to other states where raw milk sales are illegal or restricted. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has been trying to stop Hershberger from selling unpasteurized dairy products at his 40-cow farm, but the Loganville farmer has continued to operate his business. <more> Feb. 11, 2012 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
December caps record-setting dairy export year
- - If other U.S. industries could match dairy’s 2011 trade balance, the
U.S. economy might be humming along. The value of December 2011 U.S. dairy
exports topped $400 million for the 10th consecutive month, pushing the 2011
total to a record $4.88 billion. Total 2011 exports were up 29% from 2010,
while total 2011 imports were estimated at $2.934 billion, up 12% from 2010,
yielding a 2011 dairy trade surplus of $1.945 billion. While cheese exports
were up, the higher December dairy product values hid some lower export
volumes, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council. Nonfat dry milk/skim
milk powder exports slipped in December, falling to their lowest level since
July 2010. Exports of total whey proteins were down slightly from November,
and butterfat export volumes in the second half of the year were down 43%
from the first half.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Jim Dickrell: $5 Corn the New Normal - - Corn
growers see good times now, but their markets may be headed to a new
equilibrium as their production costs climb. The bad news is that dairy
producers will have to live with this new normal.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Dairy Today
CWT Assists with 10.7 Million Pounds Export Sales - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 36 requests for export assistance from Bongards, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Upstate-Niagara subsidiary O-AT-KA and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 2,829 metric tons (6.237 million pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese and 2,043 metric tons (4.504 million pounds) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered February through June 2012. <more> Feb. 13, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
EPA to Cut
Millions, Additional Funds Sought for Ag-Related Programs --
The EPA's budget released Monday calls for increases in a variety of
programs that affect agriculture The agency's proposed fiscal year 2013
budget would set overall spending at about $105 million less than 2012
levels, but recommends funding increases of about $46.1 million to support a
variety of agency efforts affecting U.S. farmers. Those areas include: -- A
$12.9 million increase to support the permit program in the National
Pollution Discharge Elimination System to include a new federal requirement
for federal permits to apply pesticides and to develop an electronic
reporting tool. U.S. farm groups have opposed the development of a discharge
permit program for pesticide applicators. EPA officials have said the
program applies only to those applicators who spray directly to waters of
the U.S. to kill mosquitoes and other pests. Farm groups have expressed
concern that the program will subject individual farmers to lawsuits from
environmental groups for applying pesticides to puddles in fields, based on
the legal definition of waters of the U.S.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Progressive Farmer
California farmers slow to adopt conservation tillage - - California
farmers have proven repeatedly they can be quick to adopt new technology.
GPS tractor guidance systems and the compatible variable rate technology
along with drip irrigation are two cases in point. Conservation tillage
advocates contend CT offers much the same advancement as satellite directed
tractors and micro irrigation systems. CT consumes less energy and labor,
thereby reduces costs, reduces environmental impacts, increases soil carbon
content and improves soil tilth, fertility and overall organic matter,
according to CT apostles. However, after more than a decade of one of the
most intensive research efforts, coupled with a media blitz, California
farmers are proving slow-to-reluctant to adopt Midwest-style conservation
tillage (CT) farming practices. Dino Giacomazzi, who began his CT journey in
2003, was the keynote speaker at the Clovis event. He farms 900 acres, all
of it for feed for his 950-head dairy. He double crops wheat and corn using
strip-till. He also grows alfalfa for his family dairy.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Western Farm Press
Work on California water bill exposes D.C. divide
- - Controlling California water can seem like a covert affair on Capitol
Hill. If you're not in the club, you're left in the dark. Republican
lawmakers led by Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, have been quietly
overseeing the rewrite of a huge California water bill since last summer.
The bill could shape everything from the San Joaquin River to Sacramento
Valley water deliveries. But despite the broad-based impact, Democrats feel
shut out. Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, said his staffers have been
"blown off" by GOP offices. Garamendi confronted McClintock at a recent
committee hearing. "He said, when the bill is ready, he'll let us know,"
Garamendi said. "I think it's a very bad way to do legislation, especially
legislation that's so sensitive."
<more> Feb. 10, 2012 Fresno Bee
Don't expect a 'March Miracle' for Sierra
snowpack - - After the driest December in 22 years, and a January that
was merely damp, California weather watchers are hungry for any whiff of
change in the air. So when news seeped out that this winter's cursed La Niña
conditions may at last be weakening, some of those eager observers began to
pine for a repeat of the legendary "Miracle March" scenario of 1991 that
helped California break a long drought. Not so fast, say the forecasters.
The pattern is definitely shifting, but so far there are few signs of really
big storms on the horizon that could salvage the ski season and stave off
drought.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Will winter make a comeback in Valley? - -
Don't be fooled: A few days of warm weather do not an early spring make.
High temperatures that reached the 70s over the past couple of days were
above normal and blossoms are popping on fruit trees, but spring has not yet
sprung. "We're not that far out of bounds. We're not setting any records
yet," said meteorologist Cindy Bean at the National Weather Service in
Hanford. And besides, the warmer, dry weather is on the way out, she said.
The weather service forecast calls for temperatures to dip and rain possibly
starting tonight and getting heavier by Monday.
<more> Feb. 10, 2012 Fresno Bee
Clovis sues Dow, Shell Oil over fouled water
- - Clovis is suing two chemical manufacturing giants over the toxic remains
of a farm fumigant found in drinking-water wells around the community of
nearly 100,000 people. The case will be watched closely by other San Joaquin
Valley cities also suing over the same contamination. Clean-water advocates
fear this powerful and unregulated chemical, which has been linked to
cancer, has been in wells throughout the region for years. The Clovis case
is among at least 11 actions filed against Dow Chemical Co. and Shell Oil
Co., seeking the cleanup of 1,2,3-trichloropropane, or TCP. The chemical was
in farm fumigants last used in the 1980s. The chemicals were injected into
the ground to kill tiny worms called nematodes. TCP has not yet been
regulated because technology does not exist to measure it at extremely low
levels, state officials say.
<more> Feb. 10, 2012 Fresno Bee
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting
now available online - - The state air board has extended the
heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012.
Reports can now be filed electronically at
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The
mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as
agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific
mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by
the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has
other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance
requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG
exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for
instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require
reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays
retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those
fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For
more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your
local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that
provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help
truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and
equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Karen Ross: How California can nurture next
generation of farmers - - California has long been known for its
flourishing agricultural sector. From small, niche farms to large-scale
operations, our state's farms have been critical in creating jobs and safe,
locally grown food for our tables. But we cannot take for granted this rich
history – or our farmers. While California farms provide more than half of
America's fresh food, the average age of Golden State farmers is approaching
60, with nearly 20 percent older than 70. Worrisomely, recent analysis
indicates that relatively few heirs are willing to take over their
relatives' farms. These trends help explain why California, together with
other agricultural states, risks a major sell-off of farmland over the next
few years.
<more> Feb. 12, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
The busy dairy dollar - - Consider the
economic impact that dairy farmers create with their products. In Wisconsin,
that impact is huge. The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board has released a video
that tells the story of a dollar bill as it moves through the economy. “The
‘Dairy Dollar’ video helps illustrate how something as simple as buying a
piece of cheese or a gallon of milk impacts not only the dairy industry, but
local Wisconsin businesses and communities,” says Patrick Geoghegan, senior
vice president of corporate communications for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing
Board.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
McDonald’s wants end to gestation stalls - -
McDonald’s Corporation has announced that it will require its U.S. pork
suppliers to phase out the use of sow gestation stalls. In a statement,
McDonald’s says gestation stalls are not a sustainable production system for
the future. The fast-food giant is asking its suppliers to submit plans—by
this May—to phase out the use of gestation stalls. At that point, McDonald’s
says, it will determine its next steps. The Humane Society of the United
States (HSUS) has put heavy pressure on McDonald’s to make the move. In a
conference call with reporters, HSUS president Wayne Pacelle said the
announcement makes it clear there is no future for gestation crates in the
pork industry.
<more> Feb. 13, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Where's the Beef? Less of It in Texas - - A severe drought in the southern Great Plains is fueling a massive cattle drive north that is pushing beef prices higher and threatening to alter the country's production of red meat. Surrounded by parched prairies and dry watering holes, ranchers in Texas and Oklahoma have deeply culled their herds and helped cut the national cattle population to the lowest level in decades. They have found greener pastures in states such as Iowa and Nebraska, but land there is more valuable for corn than cattle, and some owners are hesitant to take on more livestock. The question now is whether the move northward is permanent or will reverse once the drought—by most measures the worst since the 1930s Dust Bowl—finally ends. One fear in the beef industry is that cattle supplies will struggle to rebound across the Great Plains, from Texas to the Dakotas, when the rains return, as many ranchers may have exited from the business for good. <more> Feb. 11, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Friday, Feb. 10, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Robust testing for BSE (Mad Cow Disease) in
California and U.S. - - There was some confusion this week about bovine
spongeform encephalopathy (BSE), or, as it’s commonly known, mad cow
disease. Humans who are exposed to it by eating infected animal tissues–the
only way it can be contracted–develop a disease called Variant
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (VCJD), which is frequently confused with
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a neurological illness that is not
associated with VCJD. California and the United States have a robust
surveillance system in place for BSE. In 2011, the California Animal Health
and Food Safety Laboratory at UC Davis tested about 8,000 animals from seven
western states, with the vast majority coming from California. Nationwide,
about 70,000 tests have occurred since 2009. None were positive for BSE.
Just three Americans are known to have contracted VCJD, and none of those
cases came from consumption of U.S. beef. To address confusion about
suspected CJD in two residents of Marin County, the health department there
issued the following statement
<read more>. Feb. 10, 2012 CDFA blog
California farmers fight for immigrant
guest-worker program - - California and Southern farmers renewed their
case Thursday for some kind of an agricultural guest-worker program, but
they're sailing against the wind. Make that a hurricane. Buffeted by
campaign-season currents and the inherent complications around immigration,
the farmers this year face excruciatingly long odds as they seek a
guest-worker goal that's eluded them since at least 1995. Still, they lobby
on. "You have to be optimistic, don't you?" said Modesto-area farmer Paul
Wenger, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation. "Stranger things
have happened."
<more> Feb. 9, 2012 Fresno Bee
Hanford dairy to create own creamery - -
Local dairy farmer Noel Rosa thought it was ridiculous. There are so many
cows in the area, but if you want to go to a dairy and get fresh milk, you
can't. Instead, at the grocery store, there's no way of knowing where the
milk you buy came from, how long it took to get there or who exactly
produced it. "We thought it was crazy," said the third-generation dairyman,
who runs MF Rosa Dairy on Second Avenue with his brother Rolland. So the
Rosa brothers decided to do something unprecedented in Kings County in an
age of huge, impersonal milk processing. They're starting a mini-creamery,
for their own cows, to distribute their own milk directly to retailers.
<more> Feb. 9, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
California
cap-and-trade money should be spent carefully, analyst says -
- California's experiment in combating global warming by creating a
cap-and-trade program could generate more than $12 billion a year in
revenue, but officials can't rely on that windfall to fix the state's fiscal
problems, according to a new report. The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's
Office said the amount of money generated by auctions of credits allowing
polluters to release greenhouse gases would vary wildly, from less than $1
billion to $14 billion in some years. The market-based system is intended to
drive down the amount of greenhouse gases discharged in California by making
it increasingly expensive to pollute. Gov. Jerry Brown has his eyes on the
first batch of cash, though his plans are still vague. He's suggested
spending $1 billion of the money generated by the first auction, scheduled
for August, on renewable energy development and infrastructure. He also
wants to put about $500 million toward the state's general fund and has
spoken about using future revenues to help finance a controversial
high-speed rail line linking Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
<more> Feb. 10, 2012 LA Times
US, China set farm discussion for Xi visit to Iowa - - U.S. and Chinese officials will discuss agricultural trade issues next week in Iowa during China's Vice President Xi Jinping's visit to the premiere corn and soybean-producing state, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Thursday. China became the No. 1 customer for U.S. farm exports last year with purchases of $20 billion, or 14 percent of all ag exports. China is the world's largest importer of soybeans and cotton. Analysts say it could become a major corn buyer in the near term. There are hopes the visit by Xi will bring additional purchases. The first U.S.-China Agricultural Symposium, set for Thursday in Des Moines, is to discuss food safety, food security and sustainable agriculture but also could air trade disputes. <more> Feb. 9, 2012 Reuters
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy exports help spur U.S. ag export record
- - Updated with USDA’s December estimates, U.S. ag exports reached a record
$136.3 billion in calendar year 2011, with dairy contributing about $4.8
billion to the total. A rise in both U.S. agricultural export value and
volume helped the cause. Grains were the biggest contributor to the overall
record, reaching an all-time high of $37.7 billion, a $9.2 billion increase
over 2010. Cotton experienced the biggest year-to-year increase, up 44% from
2010, reaching a record $8.5 billion. Dairy and beef exports also set
records in 2011, reaching $4.8 billion and $5.4 billion, respectively. The
volume of beef shipments also surpassed the 2003 levels, the last year
before a detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Washington
State disrupted U.S. trade. According to USDA, every $1 billion in
agricultural exports supports 8,400 American jobs, meaning that U.S. farm
exports helped support more than 1 million U.S. jobs in 2011. The latest
export data is available via the Global Agricultural Trade System at
http://www.fas.usda.gov/data.asp
Feb. 10, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack on
Record U.S. Farm Exports for Calendar Year 2011 - - Agriculture
Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement regarding data released
today showing U.S. farm exports reached a record $136.3 billion in calendar
year 2011: "The data released today by USDA represents a record-breaking
calendar year for farm exports, demonstrating—once again—that American
agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation's economy. We saw a rise in
both the value and volume of U.S. agricultural exports worldwide in 2011, as
international sales rose $20.5 billion over the previous record set in
calendar year 2010. Total agricultural exports for calendar year 2011 were a
robust $136.3 billion. These figures indicate how demand for the American
brand of agriculture continues to soar worldwide, supporting good jobs for
Americans across a variety of industries such as transportation, renewable
energy, manufacturing, food services, and on-farm employment.”
<more> Feb. 10, 2012 USDA press release
USDA Raises Corn Export Outlook - - Dry
weather in South America is putting renewed pressure on U.S. corn supplies,
raising the specter inventories could again run low. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture on Thursday cut its forecast for domestic stockpiles ahead of
this year's harvest, by 5.3%, to 801 million bushels. U.S. export demand is
projected to climb as foreign buyers turn to the world's largest grower of
corn to make up for a disappointing South American crop. For much of the
winter, dry conditions in South America have underpinned corn prices, with
the USDA's monthly crop report to a large degree confirming what traders
already knew. Traders were "let down by the data and looked to book profits
following the run-up in prices," said Richard Feltes, vice president of
research at R.J. O'Brien.
<more> Feb. 10, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Lee Mielke: Milk production, feed costs predicted
to rise - - The Agriculture Department raised its 2012 milk production
forecast in this week's World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates
report after lowering it slightly a month ago. Look for output to hit 199
billion pounds, up 500 million pounds from last month's projection. Milk cow
numbers were raised for much of the year as USDA's Cattle report indicated 1
percent more dairy cows on January 1, 2012. However, producers are holding 1
percent fewer heifers for addition to the dairy herd, which is expected to
push cow numbers lower later in the year. Milk per cow forecasts were raised
as data for the last quarter of 2011 was higher than expected. Mild weather
in much of the country is supporting increased early year yields. 2011
output was put at 196.2 billion, up 200 million pounds from last month's
projection and compares to 2010's 192.8 billion.
<more> Feb. 10, 2012 Capital Press
Substantial MILC Payments Coming? - -The National Milk Producer Federation (NMPF) is estimating dairy producers who sign up for the United States Department of Agriculture Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program could receive substantial payments March through July. The estimates are based on yesterday’s future prices. NMPF estimates the March MILC payment could be 53¢/cwt in March; 79¢/cwt in April; 78¢/cwt in May, 64¢/cwt in June; 45¢/cwt in July, and dime in August. If producers have not already done so, they must sign up to receive March payments by next Tuesday, February 14th. <more> Feb. 10, 2012 Dairy Today
Environmental
News
UC Davis
scientist named to EPA ag air emissions review panel - -
Dr. Deanne Myer, UC Davis, has
been named to the EPA’s Scientific Advisory Board Animal Feeding Operations
Emission Review Panel. The 19-member panel will conduct a peer review on two
EPA documents looking at development of emissions methodologies for dairy
operations, as well as swine and broiler operations. The panel will meet
March 14-16 in North Carolina. Feb.10, 2012 EPA Notice
PG&E issues Greenhouse Gas Request for Offers - -
PG&E has issued its first Greenhouse Gas Request for Offers (GHG RFO) for
allowances and/or offset credits. The goal of the GHG RFO is to procure GHG
allowances and/or offset credits that are eligible for compliance under the
cap-and-trade regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board as
part of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Copies of the GHG
RFO Protocol and related information and materials are now available on
PG&E’s website at http://www.pge.com/rfo.
PG&E will host a Participants’ Webinar on February 15, 2012 from 10 a.m. to
12 p.m. To register for the Webinar, complete the Webinar Registration Form
and return it to GHGRFO@pge.com by
February 10. Offers in response to the GHG RFO are due on March 8, 2012 at
1:00 PM PPT. For information or questions about PG&E’s GHG RFO, please
e-mail
GHGRFO@pge.com.
It was pretty dry before that 'Miracle March' in
1991 - - The last storm was a dud, and February might fizzle -- as
November, December and January did. But, don't despair, there have been
drier seasons in just the last 20 years. Local meteorologist Steve Johnson
took a harder look at the numbers and discovered Fresno's season thus far is
the 22nd driest in the last 134. In his mountain of impressive research,
this is what jumped out at me: Fresno was drier at this point in the
2006-2007 season. And the city was even drier in the 1990-1991 season --
third worst on record. Reader and water engineer Lance Johnson of Shaver
Lake says he remembers that 1991 season well. Storms never arrived that
year, either. Until March when storm and after storm pounded California for
weeks. It was dubbed "Miracle March."
<more> Feb. 9, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Fed study shows raising Shasta Dam is feasible
- - Raising Shasta Dam to boost the state's water supply is feasible and
economically justified, but could displace businesses and flood the
remaining sacred grounds of a Native-American tribe, according to a study by
the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The additional storage would provide water
for California's rapidly growing population and help alleviate water
shortages. Lake Shasta, at the northern end of the state, is the starting
point for the federally run Central Valley Project. The system of 21
reservoirs, canals and aqueducts funnels water to 3.2 million acres of
farmland and supplies water to about 2 million Californians. "The water
supply in California was built for 20 million people 50 years ago and now
there are 38 million people, so we're going to have to do something to fix
the aging infrastructure," Pete Lucero, spokesman for the Bureau of
Reclamation, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
<more> Feb. 9, 2012 North County Times
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting
now available online - - The state air board has extended the
heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012.
Reports can now be filed electronically at
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The
mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as
agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific
mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by
the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has
other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance
requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG
exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for
instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require
reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays
retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those
fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For
more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your
local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that
provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help
truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and
equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Ag
social media training sessions on tap - - Four one-day sessions at which
farmers will learn techniques behind creating and posting blog posts, photos
and videos, as well as using social media tools like Facebook and Twitter
will be held soon in California. The social media sessions are sponsored by
the California Agricultural Communications Coalition made up of more than
200 state commodity organizations. The coalition has launched a website
www.knowacaliforniafarmer.com to help bridge the gap between consumers
and farmers. RSVP to
sharlene.garcia@adfarmonline.com Space is limited to 25 attendees per
session and is first-come, first-served. The sessions will run from 8:30
a.m. to 4 p.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be included. The dates and
locations are: Santa Rosa – February 28, Courtyard by Marriott; San Luis
Obispo – March 1, Courtyard by Marriott; Lodi – March 26, Hampton Inn &
Suites; Temecula – March 29, South Coast Winery Resort. Feb. 10,
2012 CACC Notice
Got protest? Music mogul Simmons mad over milk
- - Music mogul Russell Simmons wants New York’s governor to pull the
plug on milk from cows. The hip-hop impresario writes in a letter to Andrew
Cuomo that milk should no longer be the state’s official beverage. Simmons,
a vegan who has taken on several animal rights causes with People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals, says milk from cows is less healthy than milk
from rice, almonds or soy. He tells The Associated Press he knows dairy is
big business in New York but says other industries could spring up in its
place. Simmons and Cuomo go way back. They’re both from Queens, and they
worked together a decade ago to help soften New York’s strict drug laws.
Cuomo spokesman Matt Wing said the governor’s office would not comment.
<more> Feb. 10, 2012 The-Leader
An Animated Ad With a Plot Line and a Moral - - When Chipotle Mexican Grill, the fast-food marketer, began thinking about ways to promote improvements to the country’s food supply, it decided to skip the graphic photos of jampacked chicken coops and other unsettling farm practices. Instead, Chipotle took a more upbeat approach, creating an animated film with puppets to show a family farmer switching first to factory farming, then back to the sustainable approach of turning animals out to pasture. After showing the film, called “Back to the Start,” first online and then in movie theaters, the company decided to turn it into its first national commercial. The two-minute ad will be shown on Sunday’s Grammy Awards telecast, and viewers will be urged to download, via iTunes, the song that accompanies it — a Willie Nelson rendition of “The Scientist” by Coldplay. <more> Feb. 9, 2012 New York Times
Thursday, February 9, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Rare
Brain Illness Kills San Rafael Woman; 2nd Marin Case Diagnosed - - A
Marin County resident has died from – and another infected with – a brain
disease related to what is sometimes incorrectly referred to as ‘mad cow
disease.’ The woman who died was identified by the Marin Independent Journal
as 59-year-old Aline Shaw of San Rafael. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease causes a
dementia that progresses more rapidly than others such as Alzheimer’s
disease or vascular dementia. Patients eventually go into a coma and die.
The variant form of CJD is the human version of bovine spongiform
encephalophathy, commonly known as ‘mad cow disease.’ Human get the variant
version of CJD when eating the meat of animals infected with BSE. <more>
Feb. 9, 2012 CBS San Francisco
California Farm Bureau President Calls for Practical, Effective Immigration
Solutions - - Focusing on the lack of a workable, effective program
to allow immigrant workers to earn legal authorization to work on U.S. farms
and ranches, the president of the California Farm Bureau Federation told
Congress today that without such a program, passage of a proposed
employment-verification rule would severely disrupt harvests of locally
produced food. California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger testified in
Washington, D.C., at a hearing of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on
Immigration Policy and Enforcement. Congress has been considering a proposal
to require all employers to check employees’ work status with a database
known as the E-Verify system. Farmers rely on an immigrant work force and
say many of their employees might not qualify to work under E-Verify, even
though the employees have worked in this country and become part of their
communities. <more>
Feb. 9, 2012 Dairy Today
Idaho
Senate committee OKs animal cruelty bill - - The Idaho Senate ag
committee today accepted a bill that would add a felony provision for animal
cruelty to state law, a day after a House committee rejected similar
legislation. The Senate bill, which is being pushed by the Idaho Cattle
Association, would make a third conviction for animal cruelty a felony in
Idaho. Other major farm groups have remained non-committal on the issue
until now and are coming out in support of the bill. The Idaho Dairymen's
Association supports the Senate bill, which was introduced by Stan Boyd,
executive director of the Idaho Wool Growers Association. Boyd said the
legislation is carefully crafted to specifically define what animal cruelty
is and protect normal industry practices. <more>
Feb. 9, 2012 Capital Press
Farm
bill: 'Safety net' for farmers could be reshaped in 2012 - - In light
of budgetary concerns, higher crop prices and the reluctance of the U.S.
Congress to continue direct crop payments, agricultural analysts say crop
insurance and risk management will be central to the debate leading up to
the next farm bill. "Risk management is the new driver in the farm bill in
creating a safety net, but it takes on different definitions for different
commodities. Some see it as the true panacea and others see it as
augmenting," said Jack King of the California Farm Bureau Federation
National Affairs Division. "That's really where Congress is focusing." Last
November, the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction failed to reach
agreement to achieve $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction during the next 10
years. Now, farm bill programs face increased scrutiny. <more>
Feb. 8, 2012 Ag Alert
Milk
wars: Two dairies compete to serve El Paso schools - - The pursuit of
a milk contract with the Ysleta Independent School District has snowballed
into a cutthroat competition between two dairies that are trying to stay
afloat in the El Paso school milk market. Every year, thousands of pounds of
milk, cheese and yogurt are produced and delivered to area school districts,
amounting to millions of dollars in profits for local dairies. But the
competition has become so fierce that one dairy company alleges its
competitor is trying to run it out of El Paso for good. To survive
financially, GH-Dairy, whose brand name is Sarah Farms, and Dean Dairy
Holdings LLC, better known as Price's Creameries, are constantly trying to
outbid each other. Both competitors agree that competition is healthy for
the market. <more>
Feb. 9, 2012 El Paso Times
US-China Ag Symposium is Feb 16th in Iowa - - The first of its kind ag meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials will take place in Iowa next week. As agricultural trade issues between the U.S. and China continue – the meeting is designed to try and resolve those. One of the biggest concerns is the continued restrictions and barriers on the sale of U.S. beef in China. U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says this upcoming meeting is another step in the right direction, “We continue to talk to the Chinese about reducing barriers. We’ll have an ag symposium in Iowa with Vice President Xi as well as Minster Han, who is the Chinese agricultural minster, to develop a stronger relationship in this area and hopefully that’ll lead to more market opportunities as well.” <more> Feb. 9, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Pricing/Commodity News
USDA
pares down estimates for 2012 milk prices - - It was inevitable.
After a tough time in Class III futures trading the past couple of weeks, it
was just a matter of time before the prognosticators began to ratchet down
their estimates for 2012 milk prices. Thursday morning, in its monthly World
Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, the U.S. Department of
Agriculture revised its estimates downward. The USDA now predicts that Class
III prices will average $16.70 to $17.40 this year, down from the range of
$17.10 to $17.90 that the agency had predicted in early January. The
all-milk price is now expected to average $18 to $18.70 this year rather
than a range of $18.30 to $19.10 predicted last month. <more>
Feb. 9, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Farm
Export Boom Has Been Huge...Looking Ahead, Count On Volatility - -
Wells Fargo agricultural economist Michael Swanson has been around the block
a few times having joined the bank as a senior economist in 2000 and logging
4 years at Land O Lakes. The San Francisco based bank remains the nation’s
top ag lender. Last week a Wells Fargo economic forecast session was held in
Visalia that drew over 125 to hear Swanson discuss the ag and dairy economy
especially as it relates to world trade. “People look at rising population
as a key factor in trade. But it is rising incomes that make the
difference. Ag trade has really increased and right now California farmers
have never had such a big contribution to their income from foreign buyers
compared to the domestic market.” <more>
Feb. 8, 2012 Sierra2TheSea
Experts
say beef prices will likely rise for 2 years due to smallest cattle herd in
60 years - - Consumers should expect higher beef prices for the next
two years due to the smallest cattle herd in 60 years, and it’s unclear
whether costs will drop in later years because growing demand could keep
supplies tight even as ranchers breed more animals. Experts said retail
prices for beef could climb as much as 10 percent a year in 2012 and 2013,
and the increase could be even greater if demand from other countries
increases. Last month the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported the U.S.
herd had declined to 90.8 million cattle, 2 percent less than the previous
year and the lowest inventory since 1952, when there were 88.1 million.
Ranchers have sold more of their cattle in recent years to meet increased
costs for feed, fuel and other expenses. The soaring feed costs come amid
heightened demand for corn to produce ethanol and to meet a growing export
market. <more>
Feb. 9, 2012 Associated Press
World Food Prices Rose Most in 11 Months - - Global food prices rose 1.9 percent in January, the biggest gain in 11 months as the cost of oilseeds, dairy and grains increased, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said. An index of 55 food items climbed to 214.3 points from a restated 210.3 points in December, the Rome-based FAO said on its website today. All commodity groups in the index advanced, according to the UN agency. Costlier food is driving up living costs in China, home to about a fifth of the world population. Chinese inflation unexpectedly accelerated in January on the back of food prices, which rose 10.5 percent last month compared with a year earlier, up from 9.1 percent in December, the country’s National Bureau of Statistics reported today. <more> Feb. 9, 2012 Bloomberg News – France
Environmental
News
Rules, money blocking dam projects,
officials say - - Congressman Tom McClintock, R-Granite Bay, is
calling for relaxation of "1970s-era" environmental laws that he says are
blocking construction of much-needed dams in California and throughout the
western United States. McClintock represents the 4th Congressional District
that was redrawn last year to include Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne
counties. He noted that most major dams in the region and in the Western
U.S. were built more than 50 years ago. He is also chairman of the House
Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power that held an oversight hearing
Tuesday in Washington at which representatives of western farmers and some
water agencies said they agree that easing environmental rules could get
dams built. <more>
Feb. 9, 2012 The Record
New
study underscores need to communicate with consumers - - Agricultural
illiteracy is an issue that has plagued the dairy industry for years. Too
often, consumers are uninformed of the facts and form generalized
perceptions that are often incorrect. Researchers from the University of
Wollongong in Australia believe nutrition education may be the solution to
changing consumer attitudes and reversing mistaken beliefs. A team of
researcher questioned two groups of people with no prior education on dairy
products. The report, published in the November issue of the BMC Public
Health journal, stated that most people do not associate dairy with health
benefits other than bone health. The current study at the University of
Wollongong helps prove “that nutrition education may improve attitudes
toward dairy products and may thus be an important target for public health
campaigns seeking to increase intake of this food group,” according to the
BMC Public Health paper. Feb. 8, 2012 Dairy
Herd Network
Diamond
Foods fires CEO, CFO after internal audit - - Diamond Foods Inc. is
replacing its CEO and chief financial officer after an internal
investigation found that the company improperly accounted for payments to
walnut growers and it needs to restate two years of financial results. The
news, announced late Wednesday, sent shares of the San Francisco-based
company plummeting more than 43 percent in after-hours trading. Diamond
Foods, which makes Emerald Nuts and Pop Secret popcorn, has been embroiled
in a dispute over the payments for several months. The company said that its
audit committee found that the payments were booked in the wrong period. The
payments - an estimated $20 million in 2010 and $60 million in 2011 - skewed
the company's financial results. Diamond Foods placed its CEO Michael Mendes
and Chief Financial Officer Steven Neil on administrative leave. <more>
Feb. 8, 2012 Associated Press
Western
innovator: Dairy profits on pampered cows - - At Horizon Organic's
dairy, cows move at their own pace from the barns to the pastures and
finally to the rotary milking parlor, where they calmly chew their cud as
they ride the carousel. "This calmness and contentedness is the output of
everything we do on the dairy, all the love and care," said Ron Schnur,
Horizon's vice president of dairy supply and operations. Contented cows have
been the backbone of Horizon production for more than 20 years, the farm
managers said. "It's all about cow comfort; the cows pay our bills," said
Greg Heidemann, Horizon's director of dairy operations. The leading brand of
organic milk on the market, Horizon is produced by more than 600 family
farms in 23 states. <more>
Feb. 9, 2012 Capital Press
Visalia Biofuel Maker Will Double Jobs - - Edeniq is expanding in the Visalia Industrial Park expecting to turn on its new pilot cellulosic ethanol plant in March. ”We plan to double employment here this year” says Scott Janssen,company CFO. Some 60 employees work at their new Shirk Ave facility now. Edeniq has a $25 million grant from the US Department of Energy to retrofit a pilot processing plant that can make fuel from various biomass feedstocks including wood, switchgrass and corn stover - the corn stalk. They also have significant private funding from a number of well-known cleantech venture capital groups. The pilot plant that broke ground last May has the capacity to make 50,000 gallons of biofuel a year based on which feedstock is used. <more> Feb. 3, 2012 Sierra2TheSea
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Patterson reconsiders: He's now exploring a run against Jim Costa - -
Last November, former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson said running against
incumbent Democrat Jim Costa in the newly created 16th Congressional
District was "a fool's errand." Today, Patterson said he's reconsidered that
pronouncement -- and the accompanying decision not to challenge Costa.
"After doing quite a bit of homework and looking at the makeup of the
district, I actually think there is an opportunity to beat Mr. Costa,"
Patterson said. The about face comes after several prominent Republicans --
including Patterson -- considered and then rejected a Costa challenge. As of
now, the only Republicans stepping up to challenge the longtime Fresno
lawmaker are local attorney Brian Whelan and dairyman and business owner
Johnny Tacherra of Burrel. <more>
Feb. 7, 2012 Fresno Bee news blog
Valadao
advances toward party support - -
Republican state Assemblyman David Valadao advanced a step in the
National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee's "Young Guns" program,
the committee said Tuesday. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, and two
other Republican congressmen created the "Young Guns" program to elect
Republicans to the House of Representatives. Last fall, the committee
promoted Valadao to "On the Radar" status in the program. Now he's moved to
become a "Contender" candidate, the third step of four to getting Republican
party support. Valadao, who represents the current 30th District in the
state Assembly, is running for the newly drawn 21st Congressional District,
which in Kern County looks like the current 20th District. <more>
Feb. 7, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
Newt
Gingrich coming to Valley next week - - Republican presidential
candidate Newt Gingrich is coming to the Valley next week for a private
Fresno fundraiser and a visit to the World Ag Expo in Tulare. Gingrich
California Finance Chair Eric Beach said the delegate-rich state is playing
into the former House speaker's strategy against the front-runner, former
Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. "This is the way that we present our case
against Romney -- especially in the Central Valley, which has always been a
Republican stronghold," Beach said. But west-side farmer Mark Borba, who has
donated to Romney, and local Republican activist Tal Cloud, who has given a
small donation to Gingrich, both said Tuesday that Gingrich faces an uphill
climb raising money here next week. <more>
Feb. 7, 2012 Fresno Bee
Grassley: Farm bill needed soon - - Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), a
veteran member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said Tuesday that he’s
pleased the Chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee has announced a
series of hearings on the 2012 Farm Bill. Last week Chairwoman Debbie
Stabenow (D-MI) announced plans to hold four committee hearings on the 2012
Farm Bill. The first will be next Wednesday, February 15, on energy and
rural economic growth. The committee reviews conservation policy on February
29, local food production and nutrition March 14 and risk management and
commodities on March 21. “I think we can’t move too fast on the farm bill
because in an election year, it’s difficult to get things done,” said
Grassley. “These may be the only four hearings the committee will hold prior
to marking up an actual farm bill,” said Grassley. “If we don’t’ get a farm
bill done by June, there won’t be a farm bill, and that’s why I’m very
pleased Chairwoman Stabenow is speeding up these hearings.” <more>
Feb. 7, 2012 Agriculture.com
Raw
milk seller: 'We're taking this seriously' - - Bottling began Tuesday
at The Family Cow farm after an 11-day shutdown after people became sick
from drinking the farm's raw milk. The line opened with a hotter wash and a
pledge to test milk more often. "I still have a little pain in my heart,"
farm owner Edwin Shank said. "People who still hurt or those who were sick
put a little damper on our enthusiasm. We're definitely taking it very
seriously." The Family Cow sells 130,000 servings of raw milk a month from
Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley. More than 3,000 families
subscribe to the farm's e-mailed newsletter. The outbreak of
campylobacteriosis sickened more than 40 people who drank raw milk bottled
on the farm around Jan. 16. Seven cases were confirmed in Maryland, West
Virginia and New Jersey. Many non-residents drive to Pennsylvania to
purchase the untreated milk, which cannot be sold legally in their state. <more>
Feb. 8, 2012 Chambersburg Public Opinion
Saputo CEO sees global opportunity - - Montreal's Saputo Inc., Canada's leading milk processor and the 12th biggest worldwide, wants to become "a little more aggressive at being an international player," CEO Lino Saputo Jr. said Tuesday. That means it will look for acquisition and export growth in North America and from its major low cost milk platform in Argentina, he told analysts. "We have the financial depth and a new senior management structure that's going to make international expansion more feasible and a top priority," he added. Saputo, best known for mozzarella and other cheeses, milk, yogurt, grocery products and snack cakes sold under such brands as Armstrong, Baxter, Dairyland, Dragone, Nutrilait, Stella, Frigo and Vachon, has become a multinational with operations in Canada, the U.S., Germany and Argentina. <more> Feb. 8, 2012 Montreal Gazette – Canada
Pricing/Commodity News
Farmers
Plan Biggest U.S. Crop Boost Since 1984, Led by Corn: Commodities - -
U.S. farmers will plant the most acres in a generation this year, led by the
biggest corn crop since World War II, taking advantage of the highest
agricultural prices in at least four decades. They will sow corn, soybeans
and wheat on 226.9 million acres, the most since 1984, a Bloomberg survey of
36 farmers, bankers and analysts showed. The 2.5 percent gain means an
expansion the size of New Jersey, as growers target fields left fallow last
year and land freed up from conservation programs. Crop prices, some of
which reached the highest averages ever in 2011, bolstered the economies of
Midwest growing states, sent net farm income up 28 percent to $100.9 billion
and pushed the value of farmland to a record $2,350 an acre, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture estimates. Global food costs are down 11 percent
from a peak a year ago as grain output rises from China to Canada, United
Nations data show. <more>
Feb. 7, 2012 Bloomberg News
Jim
Dickrell: ‘Boom or Bust’ Corn Price Outlook - - 2012 could be a
really good year for corn producers or a really bad year for corn producers.
Livestock producers, who buy corn, will see the flip-side of either the good
or bad scenario. "There are tight corn fundamentals going into 2012, and the
stocks-to-use ratio, currently at 6.69, is in dangerous territory," says
Sterling Liddell, vice president of food and agriculture programs at
Rabobank, based in St. Louis, Mo. Globally, he says, the corn stocks-to-use
ratio is 14%, but that’s as tight as it has been for the past eight or nine
years. 2012 corn prices will likely depend on the weather, both here and in
South America, and whether Europe can come out of its debt crisis. <more>
Feb. 8, 2012 Dairy Today
Modified Crops Tap a Wellspring of Protest - - Silent in flannel shirts and ponytails, farmers from Saskatchewan and South Dakota, Mississippi and Massachusetts lined the walls of a packed federal courtroom in Manhattan last week, as their lawyers told a judge that they were no longer able to keep genetically modified crops from their fields. The hearing is part of a debate that is coming to life around the country, in courtrooms and Occupy sites, in boardrooms and online, with new petitions, ballot initiatives and lawsuits from California to Maine. Last year, according to the Department of Agriculture, about 90 percent of all soybeans, corn, canola and sugar beets raised in the United States were grown from what scientists now call transgenic seed. Most processed foods (staples like breakfast cereal, granola bars, chicken nuggets and salad dressing) contain one or more transgenic ingredients, according to estimates from the Grocery Manufacturers Association, though the labels don’t reveal that. <more> Feb. 8, 2012 New York Times
Environmental
News
Feds make $6.8 Million available for Valley
water projects - - Water infrastructure projects in the Central
Valley will receive $6.8 million in federal funds from the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation, with the Madera Water Bank alone getting $1.5 million for
further construction of a groundwater facility that will store up to 250,000
acre feet of water for the region, says Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno. The Madera
Water Bank broke ground last year. “Reclamation’s announcement shows they
are thinking outside the box to guarantee an adequate water supply for our
Valley,” says Mr. Costa. “This funding is critical to make our projects more
reliable and efficient, especially the Madera Water Bank.” <more>
Feb. 8, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Freak for Greek - - When it comes to food trends and fads, Greek yogurt is a rising star across the country. Popular brands, such as Chiboni and Fage, are capitalizing on consumers growing preferences towards thicker and more substantial yogurts. The difference in taste and texture is setting this dairy product apart from more familiar yogurts. Last August, National Public Radio reported that sales of Greek yogurt in the U.S. were expected to reach $1.5 billion in 2011, an increase of 2,500 percent from five years earlier. Against this backdrop, it seemed appropriate that the one Super Bowl commercial for a dairy product was Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt. “The thick and creamy texture is refreshing from the watery yogurt I grew up eating,” said John Ricketts, a college professor in Nashville, Tenn. “It is more filling and I feel satisfied after eating a carton of it. I don’t feel like I’m on a diet and starving myself.” <more> Feb. 8, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Lean margins
challenge dairymen - -
Feed and fuel costs are keeping margins lean for dairymen in California and
the Pacific Northwest. Cost of production is high and it's anyone guess
what feed prices will be this year, said Ray Souza, a Turlock, Calif.,
dairyman. "I think right now most dairymen are in a negative cash flow.
There's a real feed crisis in California," he said. Hay inventories are
down, and the driest January on record brought beef cattle down from the
mountain ranges. Cattlemen are biting into lower quality hay dairymen feed
to replacements and dry cows, he said.
<more> Feb. 7, 2012 Capital Press
Child labor controversy grows like grassfire - - Following uproar in the agriculture sector and pushback from Congress, the Department of Labor (DOL) has decided to revisit the language of a proposed rule regarding children who work their family’s farm. The DOL’s proposal would have changed the parental exemption statute that governs children under 16 years of age who work on a farm owned by their parents or guardian. The new rule would have only allowed the exemption on farms “wholly owned” by the parents. Now, the DOL’s “re-proposal” of the rule will revert back to the original language of farms “substantially owned” by the parents or guardian. During a hastily-called Wednesday afternoon press conference, DOL officials (who refused to be identified by name) said the re-proposal “reflects the (department’s) careful attention to public comments and its conclusions that it is appropriate to provide the public with further opportunities to participate in the regulatory process. <more> Feb. 7, 2012 Delta Farm Press
Ex-GOP Sen. Sam
Aanestad to run for Northern CA House seat - - Former Republican Sen.
Sam Aanestad has decided to enter the race for a vacant Northern California
congressional seat, setting the stage for a same-party showdown with
Republican Sen. Doug LaMalfa. Aanestad's newly retained campaign spokesman,
former California Republican Party Communications Director Mark Standriff,
confirmed today that the former legislator will be a candidate in the 1st
Congressional District. Rep. Tom McClintock, R-Elk Grove, will be Aanestad's
campaign chairman, Standriff said. GOP Rep. Wally Herger, who now represents
the area, announced last month that he will not run for re-election in the
district, which runs from Yuba City to the Oregon border. Herger, of Chico,
endorsed LaMalfa shortly after announcing his own retirement plans.
<more> Feb. 7, 2011 Sacramento Bee
Dairy’s shining moment during Super Bowl XLVI - - A promised ad from the
California Milk Advisory Board only showed up in a few media markets.
Meanwhile, a Dannon commercial aired across the nation to capitalize on the
growing interest in Greek yogurt. Last week, the California Milk Advisory
Board announced that it would be sponsoring a Super Bowl commercial.
The commercial did appear in several California media markets, but not
nationally. Up until late Friday night, CMAB officials tried to negotiate a
national buy for the ad. "Over the years, we have run spots nationally
during the game or during the pre-kickoff or post-game segments of the
broadcast and have negotiated an affordable price to do so," CMAB
spokesperson Jennifer Giambroni told Dairy Herd Network. But a national buy
did not work out this time. That left just one national ad for dairy during
the Super Bowl — a Dannon commercial for Greek yogurt.
<more> Feb. 7, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Nicks
celebrates Super Bowl title with milk ad - - New York Giant wide
receiver Hakeem Nicks became the 16th Super Bowl winner to star in his own
Milk Mustache ad in USA Today. The ad copy reads, "Nice finish. Victory
tastes sweet, but training for next year starts at breakfast the next
morning. So, fuel up to play 60. And remember, it's just not breakfast
without milk." To see the champ's new Super Bowl Milk Mustache ad and
behind-the-scenes photos from his shoot
<click here>.
Feb. 7, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Japan's Bid to Join Asian Trade Pact Faces a Leery U.S. - - Japan's push to enter a broad Asia-Pacific trade pact faces one of its toughest challenges this week: acceptance from Washington. Opposition from American manufacturers and unions, combined with doubts about Tokyo's ability to deliver on promises, could create obstacles. Japanese trade officials are set to meet their counterparts in Washington on Tuesday to seek approval to join a small but expanding group of nations negotiating to create a regional free-trade bloc. The pact, known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, is a key element of President Barack Obama's effort to boost U.S. exports. It is also a centerpiece of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's economic platform. <more> Feb. 7, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Pricing/Commodity News
Robin
Schmahl: Increased Production Spells Trouble for Dairy Prices - - Milk
checks will be smaller in the coming months as cheese and butter prices
decline. While traders anticipate lower prices, it’s up to demand to keep
this from happening. Cash cheese and butter prices do not yet appear to have
established a bottom. Cash trade has been able to remain steady for a day or
two, giving traders hope that the trend may be changing. The downtrend
resumes, however, dashing any bullish hopes. The recent decline of nearly
$1.00 in closer-month Class III futures is now being met with the cries of,
“Prices just cannot go down any further,” and “Prices just have to come
back.” Most of us certainly would like to think these cries will be met as
our livelihoods are at stake. But, the market is not a respecter of persons
and it does not care about profitability or longevity. It is affected by
supply and demand. High prices cure high prices and low prices cure low
prices.
<more> Feb. 6, 2012 Dairy Today
CWT
Assists with 7.2 Million Pounds of Dairy Export Sales - - Cooperatives
Working Together (CWT) has accepted 35 requests for export assistance from
Bongards, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Foremost Farms, Land O’Lakes,
Upstate-Niagara subsidiary O-AT-KA and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a
total of 1,707 metric tons (3.763 million pounds) of Cheddar cheese and
1,547 metric tons (3.411 million pounds) of butter to customers in Asia,
Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered
February through June 2012. In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in
making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 17.0
million pounds and butter totaling 14.4 million pounds to 14 countries on
four continents.
<more> Feb. 7, 2012 Dairy Today
New
Zealand: Milk price inquiry hangs in balance - - Consumers worried about
the price of milk will find out this month whether a parliamentary
investigation into the high-profile issue will resume or get the can. The
retail price of milk has become a hot topic, with a Consumer NZ survey last
year of 1000 people finding 91 per cent thought they were paying a high
price compared with other supermarket staples, while 79 per cent wanted an
inquiry into dairy pricing. Yesterday Nosh grocery stores announced it would
drop its price to $1 a litre for the month, saying current margins are too
high and challenging competitors and others in the supply chain to come on
board. Last year Parliament's commerce committee, then chaired by Lianne
Dalziel, launched a broad-based inquiry with an overarching question of
whether people were paying too much for milk and whether the market was
operating effectively at all levels.
<more> Feb. 7, 2012 Auckland New Zealand Herald - New Zealand
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and environmental compliance risk. <more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
Conservation Program
Helps Dairymen Stay in Business While Protecting Water Quality - - In
2009, Bill Van Ryn, operator of both an organic and a conventional dairy in
California’s Central Valley, faced a serious hurdle: His dairies faced new
regulatory requirements to develop and implement Waste Management Plans for
water quality work. Without the plans and work, his dairies would be shut
down. Van Ryn had lots of company. Fourteen hundred other dairies in the
Central Valley faced the same mandate. Van Ryn had been working toward a
goal of making his dairies “closed loop systems” that contained and reused
all their water. The new regulations had similar goals as Van Ryn’s—protect
the creeks and other water bodies. However, the new mandate came at a very
difficult financial time for dairy producers, many of whom were dancing on
the edge of being able to stay in business. Through a collaborative
agreement, Western United Dairymen (WUD) worked with the California Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to find both technical and financial
ways to help keep the milk flowing and the water clean on Central Valley
dairies.
<more> Feb. 7, 2012 NRCS Press Release
Feb. 14
Workshop to Explore San Joaquin River Monitoring Programs - -
A Forum Workshop "Who's Watching
the San Joaquin River" is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. at the Stanislaus Ag Center, Modesto. Speakers from federal and state
agencies plus agriculture and water coalitions will describe how each takes
the "pulse" of the San Joaquin River, measuring everything from temperature
and flow to chemicals and fish. The event, sponsored by the Coalition for
Urban/Rural Environmental Stewardship (CURES) with EPA Region 9, features
keynote speakers Pamela Creedon of the Regional Water Board and Alexis
Strauss of US EPA Region 9. Also featured are presentations from key
agencies and entities performing water monitoring on the river, including
the San Joaquin River Restoration Program. A key discussion point for all
speakers will be how water monitoring programs in the San Joaquin River
basin can be organized for better accessibility and data analysis. A poster
session featuring programs within the Basin will also take place at the
event. Registration information for this free event is available at
http://www.curesworks.org/sjRiverForum.asp Jan. 31, 2012
CURES Press Release
EDITORIAL: Delay water bond bill, and trim out the pork - - The longer
the state delays making crucial fixes to its crumbling water infrastructure,
the more costly it will get. Unfortunately, the $11.1 billion water bond on
the November ballot has so much pork in it that voters are likely to kill
it, and that will set back the effort for years. There's a movement to delay
the water bond. Gov. Jerry Brown doesn't want it competing with his
tax-increase measure, which is also on the November ballot. Putting the
governor's reasoning aside, there is a legitimate reason that the water bond
should be delayed. The current bond was hijacked by the politicians to put
billions into their pet projects as their cost of supporting it. This
measure is too important to be bogged down with unneeded projects.
California must meet its water needs with a targeted water bond that the
voters can trust.
<more> Feb. 6, 2012 Fresno Bee
New
tool developed for mapping water use and drought - - Farmers and water
managers may soon have an online tool to help them assess drought and
irrigation impacts on water use and crop development, the result of work by
two U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists. Agricultural Research Service
scientists Martha Anderson and Bill Kustas have developed an
“evapotranspiration” (ET) and drought modeling system at the ARS Hydrology
and Remote Sensing Laboratory in Beltsville, Md. The modeling system will
help forecasters monitor ET and drought conditions across the United States
and overseas.
<more> Feb. 7, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
Innovative flavors could make milk even cooler - - Milk consumption has
been on a steady decline. Today, the average person in the United States
drinks 9 fewer gallons of milk on an annual basis than he or she did in the
early 1970s. Despite the trend, producers, restaurants and marketers have
found a way to make milk more appealing, and that is through flavored milk —
traditional chocolate and some not-so-traditional flavors like coffee,
orange and root beer. “There is something about chocolate milk that makes it
much more fun,” said Tamara Browning, a mother of one-year-old twins from
Lebanon, Tenn. “My children refuse to drink plain milk, but love chocolate.
We buy nearly three times as much flavored milk as we do regular.”
<more> Feb. 6, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Grape
growers offer a bunch of grants to teachers - - Thirty-four teaching
grants worth up to $750 each are being offered to teachers in the table
grape growing regions of California’s San Joaquin and Coachella valleys by
the California Table Grape Commission. The “Innovation in Teaching”
education grants are to support what the commission sees as innovative
classroom projects in the areas of math, science, agriculture, California
history and healthy eating. Examples of previously funded projects include a
school garden, a portable star lab, GPS devices for mapping the campus,
cooking and music lessons for students with special needs, and a river
exploration field trip, the Fresno-based organization says.
<more> Feb. 7, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Wal-Mart plans simple label to identify healthier foods - - Wal-Mart is unveiling a simple icon that it says will help consumers make a snap decision about whether a food is healthy, without delving into the nitty-gritty of the nutrition label. The move by the nation's biggest retailer to label some food products as "Great For You," being unveiled Tuesday, could be a significant development in the fight against obesity because of the company's enormous influence in the marketplace, over both consumers and food vendors eager to sell into the Wal-Mart supply chain. There have been fumbles in the past. In 2009, major food makers backed off a plan to label foods as “smart choices” after the Food and Drug Administration, which has been working on a standard system for such logos, noted that many competing nutrition symbols could be confusing. At the time, some food makers were criticized for trying to market items such as mayonnaise and sugary cereals as “smart choices.” <more> Feb. 7, 2012 MSNBC
WUD
Convention News
Visit our convention website - -
Click
here for details
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen members - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information. Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Airosa Dairy 100th Anniversary Sale Feb. 16 at
World Ag Expo - - In honor of the 100th Anniversary of Airosa Dairy, a
world-class consignment sale will be held at World Ag Expo in Tulare on Feb.
16 at 4 p.m. The sale will feature some of the best genetic opportunities
that the Holstein, Red & White and Jersey breeds have to offer. In total,
there will be 100 lots of Holsteins and 15 Jerseys. Before the sale, guests
are invited to view the cattle and enjoy California hospitality at Air-Osa
Dairy, 11275 Road 96, Pixley, on Feb. 14 and 15 at 3 p.m. The pre-sale
social and cattle viewing will begin at 2 p.m. the day of the sale in the
Entertainment Pavilion on the World Ag Expo grounds located at 4450 S.
Laspina St., Tulare. Following the sale, dinner will be provided and
entertainment will feature country music singer Michael Peterson. Visit
www.airosadairy.com for more information and to see the full sale catalog.
Date District Social Dinner Location
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
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Edited
by Mark Looker
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Monday, Feb. 6, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
California Court Rebukes PETA on Subpoenas -
- Superior Court Judge John Connelly last week issued a sharp rebuke to
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), reports Michael Marsh,
CEO of Western United Dairymen (WUD). Connelly filed a ruling and order in
the case of PETA v. Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of
Food and Agriculture (CDFA). PETA had objected to claims made by producers
in advertising by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) that dairy
families care for the livestock that support them and their dairies. While
not yet completely dismissing the PETA action as frivolous, the court
reprimanded the vegan activist organization. Writing in the Feb. 3 edition
of WUD’s "Weekly Update," Marsh says that PETA terrorized California dairy
families last fall by deploying a cadre of process servers across the state
to enter farms armed with subpoenas. The subpoenas sought detailed
proprietary and confidential records pertaining to the producers’ on-farm
animal welfare practices.
<more> Feb. 6, 2012 Dairy Today
NCBA wants EPA to pull CAFO reporting rule -
- The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is calling on the EPA to
pull it proposed CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) Reporting
Rule. The proposed rule requires all cattle operations meeting the
regulatory definition of a CAFO to report a long list of information about
their operations to EPA, including the exact location of the production
area. NCBA deputy environmental counsel Ashley Lyon says the rule is not
only a serious overreach of EPA’s authority under the Clean Water Act, it
could also put the nation’s food system at risk. “This information will be
uploaded to EPA’s web site on an easily-searchable database—and that is
accessible across the globe,” Lyon says.
<more> Feb. 6, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Organic market offers steady diet for dairy
farmers - - Jack Downton's prediction could make his friends in
conventional dairy farming jealous. "The sixth generation of Downtons is
going to be farming here," said the fourth-generation farmer who converted
his family's 320-acre spread to an organic dairy in 2006. "This is probably
the best business move I ever made." As increasing numbers of conventional
dairy farms fold from the pressures of unpredictable markets and variable
prices, organic dairy farmers enjoy a cushion of financial assurance and
rising demand for their product. "Stable prices can help keep the family
farm stay stable," said Peter Miller, regional manager for Organic Valley, a
Wisconsin-based milk cooperative whose dairy products are sold at grocery
stores. "I know pretty much how much my paycheck is going to be, so that's a
big difference," said Tina Henning, who operates an organic dairy farm near
Tunkhannock with her husband, Stephen.
<more> Feb. 5, 2012 Scranton Times Tribune
Raw milk remains popular despite warnings, 38 ill
in latest outbreak on East Coast - - An outbreak of bacterial infections
on the East Coast illustrates the popularity of raw, unpasteurized milk
despite strong warnings from public health officials about the potential
danger. Even presidential candidate Ron Paul has joined the cause of
consumers looking to buy unprocessed “real foods” straight from the farm,
saying government shouldn’t deny them that choice. An outbreak of
campylobacter illness is a reminder of the potential hazards, however. Raw
milk from a dairy in Pennsylvania is now linked to 38 cases in four states,
and the farm has temporarily suspended sales. Campylobacter can cause
diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever and can be life-threatening if
it spreads to the bloodstream.
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Associates Press
Land owners howl about proposed bullet train
tracks - - If you want to build a rail line between Anaheim and San
Francisco, people are going to have to get out of the way. Literally. The
proposed California High Speed Rail line would require a lot of land,
meaning thousands of California families and businesses will have to move if
the project is ever built. At completion, the project calls for 800 miles of
track crossing through 18 counties. The state authority planning the project
doesn't know at this point how much private land it needs or what property
acquisition will cost, but it plans to buy whatever parcels are necessary at
fair market value. Using preliminary and alternate rail alignments, The
Orange County Register traced the proposed track through three counties
(Fresno, Kern and Merced) and partway through a fourth (Los Angeles) and
found some 2,000 affected properties with roughly 1,300 different owners.
Many of the affected property owners are people and businesses you've never
heard of. Some, however, are high profile: land developers and campaign
contributors, big businesses and Central Valley farms. Many are sure to be
unhappy about losing their land.
<more> Feb. 5, 2012 Orange County Register
Denham tries to ban high-speed rail funding - - A key House panel late Thursday gave the back of its hand to California's embattled high-speed rail program. In another sign of high-speed rail's political travails, the House committee writing a massive transportation bill included an amendment that prohibits new federal funds from going to California's proposed $98 billion project during the five-year life of the bill. "I want to make sure that the money that comes to California goes to highway funding," Rep. Jeff Denham, a Republican, said in an interview. The amendment is symbolic, as the underlying bill does not authorize any high-speed rail spending. <more> Feb. 3, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
CME will protect farmers' hedges - - CME
Group Inc. launched a fresh effort to rebuild market confidence damaged by
the collapse of MF Global Holdings Ltd., creating a $100 million insurance
fund to protect farmers and ranchers. The Chicago-based exchange operator
was among those responsible for overseeing MF Global and faced widespread
criticism from clients and lawmakers when the brokerage failed. Funds in
customer accounts have been frozen amid a probe of the collapse, and
investigators are still looking for an estimated $1.2 billion. CME's
establishment of the fund, which will be a permanent fixture of its markets,
underscores the tricky balance the company must maintain between running a
profitable business and regulating major participants of its markets.
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Stats on corn called flaky - - Farmers and
analysts are expressing fresh skepticism about Agriculture Department data
on the corn market in the wake of the latest figures, which stunned traders
and sent prices on another wild ride. A high-ranking USDA official last week
faced sharp questions at an agriculture forum in Chicago over government
estimates of how much corn is stockpiled around the U.S. and how much is
being grown in the fields. Farmers and traders rely on USDA data to help
determine the price of corn, the nation's largest crop and a vital driver of
the rural economy. The figures are also closely watched world-wide, because
the U.S. is by far the largest corn exporter, growing about 36% of the
world's corn last year. Unexpected changes in the data can also add to
market volatility, making it harder for farmers to hedge their production
and plan for the future.
<more> Feb. 6, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Australia - Farmers slam govt response to milk
inquiry - - Dairy farmers have accused the federal government of having
no regard for their future, despite two major Senate inquiries into the
supermarket milk price wars. A report from a Senate inquiry into a decision
by the Coles, Woolworths and Aldi supermarket chains to drop their Homebrand
milk price to $1 a litre sided with the supermarkets. It said the price cut
had been a win for consumers and had not badly affected Australia's dairy
industry.
<more> Feb. 6, 2012 Sydney Morning Herald
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and environmental compliance risk. <more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
Dry winter raises concerns about available water
- - News this week that the Sierra snowpack is less than half of average
has raised worries about how much water will be available this year for
communities and agricultural operations. But dairy owner Ron Koetsier is
optimistic that the second half of this dry winter could still turn around —
and he figures the World Ag Expo starting Feb. 14 in Tulare may bring rain.
"We're banking on that," he said, explaining that more often than not rain
has fallen on the world's largest farm show. Koetsier said he depends on
large amounts of water for the 1,200 milking cows on his dairy north of
Visalia and the 375 acres of feed crops he grows. Experts say a whole lot of
rain over the next few months is needed to make up for a winter that
generated no rain or snow in the Valley in December and only a small amount
in January.
<more> Feb. 4, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Solving the Delta's identity crisis - - In
the latest installment of "Invisible Valley," the saga of a region nobody
pays attention to, a survey shows 78 percent of Californians don't know what
the Delta is. Or where it is. Or who it is. Mind-boggling. Seventy-eight
percent of the lotus-eaters in this state haven't got a clue the Delta even
exists. Even as they drink it, fill their swimming pools with it and live on
food that couldn't have grown without it. How's this possible? The Delta is
a 1,000-square-mile giant. Twenty-five million people - from Napa to San
Diego - rely on it. Isn't anybody curious where their water comes from? No,
according to the survey.
<more> Feb. 5, 2012 Stockton Record
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
Idaho Supreme Court to hear dairy case - -
The Idaho Supreme Court will hear arguments in several cases this week,
including an appeal in a lawsuit over the death of 100 dairy calves. The
lawsuit was brought in Twin Falls County by Jesus Hurtado and John Reitsma,
who claimed that the Land O'Lakes milk replacer they used to feed their
calves was defective and caused the death of over 100 of the animals. The
jury found in their favor and awarded damages, but now Land O'Lakes is
appealing. Land O'Lakes contends that the lower court improperly allowed
expert testimony and that the plaintiffs failed to prove their damages and
that the company had any liability. The high court will hear the case on
Wednesday. Feb. 6, 2012 Capital Press
School officials unsure if new nutrition
standards will change eating habits - - Kings County school officials
have mixed reactions to new standards recently announced by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture that aim to create healthier school meals. They
say local schools already offer students healthy choices. The new guidelines
could cost districts more money, officials say, and lead to more food being
wasted while not significantly improving the daily eating habits of
children. The new standards, set to affect lunch menus starting next school
year, require increased availability of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
and require school districts to offer only fat-free or low-fat milk. The
standards will also place calorie limitations based on age and reduce levels
of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium found in meals.
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pomegranate perfection - - Necessity, the old adage goes, is the mother of invention. But if you ask John Ferreira, fear works just as well. After selling his dairy herd a few years back, he planted 32 acres of pomegranate trees off Eight Mile Road north of Stockton, banking on the promise of a new processing plant to buy his fruit. But plans for the juice plant faltered, even as the harvest of his first crop began to loom. "I started to see there wouldn't be a facility to process this fruit or even purchase it," Ferreira said. "So I was going into panic mode." Instead of writing off the 2-year-old orchard and his time and investment, Ferreira decided to double down, juice the pomegranates himself and build his own retail juice business. <more> Feb. 5, 2012 Stockton Record
Friday, Feb. 3, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Senate Ag Committee plans Farm Bill hearings
- - Senate Ag Committee chair Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) scheduled four
Farm Bill hearings in February and March. Hearings and topic areas include:
Feb. 15 – energy and economic growth; Feb. 29 – conservation; March 14 –
local markets and nutrition; and March 21 – risk management and commodities.
Other hearing details will be announced later. Visit
http://ag.senate.gov. Feb. 3,
2012 Dairy Profit Update
EPA Misses Deadline on Dioxin Guidelines - -
The Environmental Protection Agency missed a deadline to release federal
guidelines on the dangers of excess dioxin chemicals in the food supply and
environment, giving ammunition to critics that hope the agency will change
course. The EPA was scheduled to release standards in January that would for
the first time set a maximum human-exposure level for dioxins. The delay
comes after criticism by food and chemical industries that have argued the
EPA is using flawed science and will scare Americans about the food they
eat.
<more> Feb. 1, 2012 Wall Street Journal
USDA makes rural development grants to Central
Valley - - Ten companies or organizations in the Central Valley are
getting grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the government
says will mean more jobs and a stronger rural economy. Agriculture Deputy
Secretary Kathleen Merrigan says the Central Valley’s recipients are among
298 in 44 states and Puerto Rico to receive business development assistance
through the “Value-Added Producer Grant” program. In the Central Valley,
grants total just under $1.5 million and include Rosa Brothers Milk Company
Inc. in Hanford receiving $300,000. “These projects will provide financial
returns and help create jobs for agricultural producers, businesses and
families across the country," says Ms. Merrigan. "This funding will promote
small business expansion and entrepreneurship opportunities by providing
local businesses with access capital, technical assistance and new markets
for products and services."
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Brown
names Brian Leahy new DPR Director - - Gov. Jerry Brown has appointed
Brian Leahy, 55, of Sacramento, as director at the California Department of
Pesticide Regulation. Leahy has served as assistant director for the
California Department of Conservation since 2006. He was a partner at
EcoFacilitation in the Netherlands in 2006, and served as executive director
for the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts from 2004
to 2006. He was executive director at the California Certified Organic
Farmers from 2000 to 2004. Leahy was owner and operator of Cherokee Ranch
Inc. from 1980 to 2003 and also a farm operator for Ackerlund Farm
Incorporated from 1992 to 1993. Leahy earned a Juris Doctorate degree from
Creighton University School of Law. This position requires Senate
confirmation and the compensation is $142,965. Leahy is a Democrat. Feb. 3,
2012 Gov. Brown Press Release
House panel nixes truck weights pushed by farmers
- - Dairy farmers lost an effort in Congress Thursday to allow bigger
milk trucks on some highways, including major routes from New York through
Pennsylvania. In a defeat for its Republican chairman, the House
Transportation Committee struck a provision from a five-year highway bill
that could have enabled more trucks carrying milk from Northern New York to
pass through Pennsylvania on the way to New York City or other big markets.
The panel agreed instead to a study on the issue. Cooperatives that bargain
with plants on behalf of farmers had pushed for the higher weight limits,
saying inconsistencies between Pennsylvania and neighboring states make
hauling more time-consuming and expensive for farmers who already struggle
to make a living.
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Watertown Daily Times, NY
High-speed rail tapped state funds for unusual
lobbying contract - - In an extremely unusual use of taxpayer money, the
leaders behind California's $99 billion high-speed train quietly hired a
lobbyist to sway the Legislature -- the same politicians who appointed them
to build the project in the first place. Documents filed this week show the
California High-Speed Rail Authority last year paid $161,103 to one of the
country's biggest public relations firms to lobby the state's politicians as
they consider spending $2.7 billion to launch the polarizing bullet train
project..
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Mercury News
Latest illnesses point to raw milk's popularity
- - An outbreak of bacterial infections on the East Coast illustrates the
popularity of raw, unpasteurized milk despite strong warnings from public
health officials about the potential danger. Even presidential candidate Ron
Paul has joined the cause of consumers looking to buy unprocessed "real
foods" straight from the farm, saying government shouldn't deny them that
choice. An outbreak of campylobacter illness is a reminder of the potential
hazards, however. Raw milk from a dairy in Pennsylvania is now linked to 38
cases in four states, and the farm has temporarily suspended sales.
Campylobacter can cause diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever and
can be life-threatening if it spreads to the bloodstream.
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Capital Press
Washington dairy labor trial resolution awaits union appeal - - While the two-year labor battle at a Washington state dairy remains on hold pending the union's legal appeals, the farmer vows to see that justice is served. Dick Bengen, who owns the Ruby Ridge Dairy with his wife, Ruby, said his workers have rallied behind him. He has approximately 40 employees on the 2,240-acre farm, which has 1,900 cows. Bengen said he feels an obligation to other farmers to see the conflict through to its conclusion. Several workers sued the Ruby Ridge Dairy in 2009, claiming they were fired for union activities, denied lunch breaks and threatened by the Bengens. The Bengens countersued in February 2011, alleging the United Farm Workers union encouraged employees to breach their contracts and commit wrongful acts and denying the claims made by the union and the workers. <more> Feb. 2, 2012 Capital Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Rabobank sees strong growth in the global dairy
market - - The global dairy market will offer strong growth prospects in
the coming five years, according to a new report from Rabobank. Yet, the
growth will be uneven across the world. Emerging markets in China, India and
Southeast Asia are expected to account for more than 80 percent of the
market growth volume. “Tapping into emerging market growth will present a
particular challenge for many of the world's dairy processors, most of which
are domiciled in, and still focused on, the (European Union) and U.S.
markets," said Tim Hunt, global dairy strategist for Rabobank.
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Australia - Grocery giants free to milk farmers -
- The supermarket giants have been given the green light to continue with
aggressive discounting, as the Federal Government yesterday paved the way
for more to come. The Government's final response into two major Senate
inquiries into cheap milk has shelved further review into competition and
consumer law and deferred the issue to the consumer watchdog - which has
already given the discounting the go-ahead. It comes just days after Coles
and Woolworths stepped on to a new battlefield, slashing prices of fruit and
vegetables as farmers warned any attempt to drive down farm-gate prices
could be fatal for the industry.
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Bowen Hills Courier-Mail – Australia
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and environmental compliance risk. <more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
New USDA energy website launched - -
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of a USDA
energy website that will provide stakeholders fast and efficient access to
USDA energy efficiency and renewable energy data. Today's announcement
builds on the Secretary's commitment to develop a modern and efficient
service organization as outlined in USDA's Blueprint for Stronger Service
announced last week. "Improving and modernizing access to USDA energy data
and resources is essential in today's highly competitive rural business
environment," said Vilsack. "Farmers, ranchers and small businesses across
the country will benefit from easier navigation and retrieval of energy and
renewable energy investments data and funding opportunities." USDA's energy
website provides access to all USDA energy resources, including:
agricultural, forestry, economic, and social data.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 USDA press release
With meager snowpack, time is running out for
rebound - - This week's announcement that California's Sierra Nevada
snowpack is a meager 15 inches in some places came as no surprise. Resorts
are suffering as skiers turn up their noses at man-made snow. And farmers
are bracing for a tough summer. The dry winter is much the same across the
West. And water managers say time is running out on a rebound. Paltry snow
means big worries this summer for farmers in San Joaquin County and the
Valley who depend on snow melt delivered through aqueducts to irrigate the
most prolific agricultural region in the nation. The only good news: last
year's heavier-than-normal snow fall means water storage levels don't
reflect recent conditions.
<more> Feb. 3, 2012 Stockton Record
Calif. commission rejects striped bass
regulations - - Officials with the California Fish and Game Commission
have rejected changes to striped bass regulations, which farmers had sought
to gain more access to water. Commissioners voted Thursday not to increase
fishing quotas or decrease size limits for striped bass in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The vote was a victory for fishermen, who had
argued that higher quotas would eventually eradicate the bass population.
The proposed changes, introduced by the Department of Fish and Game, stem
from an April settlement over a 2008 lawsuit. In voting not to make any
changes, commissioners determined that the current rules satisfied terms of
the agreement. In the suit, a group of San Joaquin Valley water districts
had said the striped bass harmed native fish species, including threatened
salmon. Feb. 2, 2012 Associated Press
Westlands Water District suing feds for $1billion
- - Westlands Water District is suing the federal government for $1
billion, claiming the Interior Department failed to deliver a court-ordered
cleanup of salty irrigation drainage. About a dozen years after an appellate
court upheld the cleanup order, bad water trapped below the ground surface
still slowly poisons west Valley farmland. The swath of compromised land is
two-thirds the size of Los Angeles. "We're tired of waiting," said Westlands
general manager Thomas Birmingham. "We've been paying for drainage service
for decades. The land is sustaining irreparable harm." The suit was filed
last month in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. Interior
officials declined comment on pending litigation.
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 Fresno Bee
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
See the Super Bowl ‘Milk Mustache’ ad - - For
16 years now, a Milk Mustache ad has graced the pages of USA Today just
prior to the Super Bowl. This year’s installment features Wes Welker, wide
receiver for the New England Patriots, and Hakeem Nicks, wide receiver for
the New York Giants. The winner of Sunday’s game will appear in his own solo
Milk Mustache ad in USA Today on Monday. Today’s ad copy reads, "This
Sunday, we're pouring it on. The biggest game of our lives deserves the best
breakfast. Milk's got the nutrients we need to start our day off right, and
to fuel up to play 60. But sharing the trophy? That's another story." To
see the full ad, click here. Feb. 3, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Dino Giacomazzi: How Smart Is Your Phone? - -
In 1968, in the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, director Stanley Kubrick
brought to life a future in which HAL, a computer, believed itself to be
alive. While 2011 passed without humans traveling to Jupiter, 2012 is
starting to look a lot like a science fiction movie. Smartphones have put
powerful computing capabilities into the hands of regular people, and dairy
producers are no exception. A smartphone is a device that combines the
features of a cell phone with those of a personal digital assistant (PDA). I
used to carry around a cell phone and a Palm Pilot. It was a great day in
2002 when Handspring combined the two into the Palm Treo.
<more> Feb. 1, 2012 Dairy Today
Humane Society welcomes Hormel decision to phase
out tight confinement for pregnant pigs - - Hormel Foods Corp.’s
company-owned farms are phasing out the use of small metal crates for
confining pregnant hogs by the end of 2017 — a move welcomed Thursday by the
Humane Society of the United States, which had pushed for the change. The
Humane Society has been campaigning across the country for an end to the use
of gestation crates, saying they severely restrict the animals’ movements.
Hormel — the maker of Spam canned meat, Cure 81 hams and Black Label bacon —
is the society’s latest claimed success. Six weeks ago, the world’s largest
pork producer, Smithfield Foods Inc., said it would stop using gestation
crates at its facilities by 2017.
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 Associated Press
World Dairy Expo gaining ‘show’ recognition - - EXPO Magazine listed World Dairy Expo as #12 in its listing of the Top 25 Fast-Growing Shows of 2011. The ranking concentrates on performance metrics, conferences and expos that implement new strategies, innovative ways of showcasing exhibitors, blockbuster growth and use of new media and technology. Eight metrics are used to compare trade shows, including square foot size, square foot growth, attendee size, attendee growth, exhibitor size, exhibitor growth, revenue growth and attendees per square foot. Trade Show News Network (TSNN) recently listed World Dairy Expo #30 in the 2010 TSSN Top 250 US Trade Show list, and Dairy Expo honored at the 2011 TSNN Event Excellence Awards as one of the 20 fastest-growing shows by net square footage in the United States 2008-2010. Another professional industry group, Trade Show Executive publication ranked the Expo as #23 on Trade Show Executive’s Gold 100 Shows in 2010. “Market Fresh” is the theme for the 2012 World Dairy Expo, scheduled for Oct. 2-6. For more information <click here>. Feb. 3, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
No
Certainty that Farm Bill Will Pass This Year - - Speakers at the Top
Producer Seminar in Chicago this week were far from certain that a new farm
bill will be passed this year. Michael Dykes, director of global affairs for
Monsanto, believes getting a farm bill passed this year will be difficult.
For one thing, Congress is facing a very short session of less than 100
days. And with "open" rules in the House of Representatives that do not
limit the number of amendments that can be offered by any member, the debate
could go on for some time. "It’s not at all clear that what you have coming
out of House ag committee will be the bill you get coming out the other end
of the House debate," he says.
<more>
Feb. 2, 2012 Dairy Today
Farm
groups call for a farm bill this year - - After meeting for two days in
Washington this week, leaders of a number of farm organizations have issued
a statement calling on Congress to pass and the President to sign a strong
farm bill yet this year. Producer-leaders the organizations met to discuss
policy priorities, to hear the perspectives of key policymakers and to work
toward consensus on the future of U.S. farm policy. “What was confirmed in
our meeting is that we are committed to work together to come up with a
viable farm policy.”
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
House
Transportation Committee removes truck weight reform language - - The
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted today to remove
truck weight reform language from the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs
Act, also known as the highway bill. Following the vote, NMPF President &
CEO Jerry Kozak issued this statement: "We are disappointed by the
committee’s vote today to remove the truck weight reform language from the
highway bill under consideration in the House Transportation Committee. As
dairy farmers and members of dairy cooperatives, we are affected every day
by transportation policies that do not reflect the needs and demands of
today’s commercial environment.”
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 NMPF Press Release
Feds to reconsider rules for child labor on farms
- - The federal Labor Department Wednesday backed away from a proposal
that could have kept some youths younger than 16 from working on the family
farm, saying it will take more time to consider changes to the so-called
“parental exemption” on farm child labor. Farm groups and the chairwoman of
the Senate Agriculture Committee, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., hailed the
move, which resulted in part from pressure brought by lawmakers, farmers and
agricultural organizations. But some, including New York Farm Bureau, warned
that other parts of the regulation that were not held up could discourage
youths from farm work. With the final regulations in limbo, the Labor
Department said the parental exemption will apply to children whose parents
are partial owners in a farm, partners in a farm ownership or officers in a
corporation that owns a farm, so long as the ownership interest is
“substantial.”
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 Watertown Daily Times
Colorado lawmakers consider nation’s toughest restrictions on trans-fats at schools - - The nation’s leanest state is taking aim at junk food in school cafeterias as it considers the nation’s toughest school trans-fat ban. A Colorado House committee was scheduled to hear a bill Thursday to forbid any trans-fat in school food — not just the food served through regular cafeteria lunches. That would mean vending machines, after-school bake sales and popular “a la carte” items on lunch lines such as ice creams or pizza would have to be produced without artery-clogging trans fats. Several states already limit trans-fat in school cafeterias, but none has a trans-fat ban that extends before and after school. Delaware and California, for example, both ban school food with trans-fat, but not at all after-school activities. <more> Feb. 2, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Changing industry makes milk data reporting
harder - - At a time when calls for dairy market transparency are
growing louder, concentration in dairy industry production, sales and
manufacturing may actually make some data reporting illegal, according to
the February 2012 issue of California Dairy Review. That data is often vital
in milk pricing formulas. Confidentiality rules and disclosure guidelines
for reporting California and USDA dairy cost data are designed to protect
producers’ and processors’ individual data and market share information.
With market share for a small number of manufacturers growing, some
California data, including production data for cheddar and Monterey Jack
cheese, and data collected for 40-lb. block cheddar cheese sales used to
determine the f.o.b. cheese adjuster in the Class 4b pricing formula,
probably already violate the rules and guidelines. The California Department
of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Dairy Marketing Branch received a waiver to
publish that data in 2012, but new solutions will be needed in 2013. In
addition, the same disclosure rules apply to the release of the 2012
Manufacturing Cost Study data – instrumental in determining the cheese make
allowance in the Class 4b pricing formula. CDFA said it would work with the
California dairy industry to address these issues and come up with
alternative solutions. Feb. 2, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Corn Prices May Decline in Next Decade on Yields,
CBO Says - - Corn prices that averaged $6 a bushel last year are headed
for a decline as production in the U.S., the world’s top grower and
exporter, catches up with demand, according to congressional analysts. The
average cash price will fall to $4.54 in the 2013 marketing year beginning
Sept. 1, then rise to $4.82 by 2022, the analysts from the Congressional
Budget Office said today in a document used as part of a government-wide
estimate of federal spending during the next decade. Corn futures closed
yesterday at $6.3175 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade.
<more> Jan. 31, 2012 Bloomberg Businessweek
New Zealand - Milk boom continues - -
Fonterra's bumper season continues, with January likely to topple December
as a record-breaking export month. Director of global sales Tim Deane said
last month was shaping up to beat December's 246,000 tonnes of dairy
exports, as strong milk production continued. The December record meant New
Zealand's biggest company shut an export container door every 2.7 minutes
that month. Fonterra farmers at meetings around the country this week were
told production was still tracking about 10 per cent up on last season.
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 Business Day - New Zealand
Reducing farm risk
topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will be the topic of
four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and Orland in February.
The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management techniques designed
to create more consistent milk income and minimize production costs and
environmental exposure. Accounting and financial hedging experts will be on
hand to answer questions and provide “news you can use” on all things risk
management. Dairy producers will also share their success and challenges in
using various risk management techniques. UC specialists will show how
nutrition management can reduce monetary and environmental compliance risk.
<more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
Meager Sierra snow worries CA officials, farmers
in state that depends on snowmelt for water - - California’s Sierra
Nevada snowpack measured a meager 15 inches in some places, officials
announced Wednesday, bearing bad news to a state that depends on snowmelt to
meet the water needs of 25 million people and more than a million acres of
farmland. Resorts are suffering as skiers turn up their noses at manmade
snow, especially after last year’s prolific powder. And paltry snow means
big worries this summer for farmers in the state’s Central Valley who depend
on snowmelt delivered through aqueducts to irrigate the most prolific
agricultural region in the nation. The arid great valley provides most of
the nation’s table grapes and 80 percent of the world’s almonds, in addition
to 400 other crops. The movement from annual crops like tomatoes and
broccoli to permanent crops like tree nuts and grapes has farmers struggling
in drought years to keep them alive.
<more> Feb. 1, 2012 Associated Press
Water problems ahead if rain, snow don't come
- - The snowpack in the Sierra and northern mountains not only provides
recreation for thousands of skiers and snowboarders, but it also provides
one third of the water used in California's cities, industry and the state's
huge agricultural enterprises. The state's storage reservoirs are running at
110 percent of normal to date - a figure Roos said gives California "a
cushion," but unless the weather changes in the next month or so, Roos sees
problems ahead. Rainfall and snow on what the Department of Water Resources
calls its Northern Sierra Index - mostly tributaries to the Sacramento River
- is running at half normal.
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 San Francisco Gate
Grappling with the water bond - - An $11
billion water bond facing voters on the November ballot likely will be
rewritten, downsized or delayed two years – or even all three — to reflect
political realities and a weak economy, says the leader of the Senate.
Confronting voters with a big borrowing package like the water bond – nearly
as large in real dollars as the borrowing that financed the State Water
Project more than 50 years ago — may not be prudent, given that Gov. Brown
is pushing his tax initiative to raise $7 billion annually for schools and
public safety over the next five years. At least two other tax-increase
plans to raise billions of dollars in new revenue also remain active. But
the governor’s plan takes precedence. “The tax initiative comes first,”
Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, said Wednesday.
<more> Feb. 1, 2012 California Water Wars
California's best-kept secret? - - Nearly
four out of five Californians do not know what the Delta is, despite the
fact that the estuary of 1,000 square miles provides drinking water for
cities from San Jose to San Diego. Asked in a new statewide poll to share
what, if anything, they know about the Delta, 585 of the 750 people surveyed
in late January said they hadn't heard about it or didn't know about it.
That's 78 percent. "I have not heard about it," one respondent said. "If it
is the bill about weapons control, it is (expletive). Every person in the
world should have the right to keep and bear arms." Said another: "It is the
oil line from Canada to the United States," likely a reference to the
Keystone pipeline in the news lately.
<more> Feb. 2, 2012 Stockton Record
Merced Irrigation District has wells ready amid
record dry winter - - While a handful of regional water districts have
approved early irrigation seasons, the Merced Irrigation District Board
continues to rely on groundwater pumping to help farmers through the dry
winter months. Not all irrigation districts have the luxury of pumping large
amounts of groundwater, said Hicham Eltal, Merced Irrigation District's
deputy general manger of water resources. "The difference is that MID owns a
network of groundwater wells. We can provide sufficient water at a moment's
notice. If there's a demand, we turn on the wells." The only catch:
groundwater provided by MID during the winter is expensive. During the
off-season, groundwater can cost as much as $33 an acre-foot (about 326,000
gallons). When the board approves the start of the irrigation season, both
groundwater and water flowing from Lakes Yosemite and McClure will cost
$18.25 an acre-foot.
<more> Feb. 1, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Surplus water stored from last year will help
offset impacts of dry winter, experts say - - Last year, Kings County's
growers were basking in the glow of two consecutive wet winters. This time
around, it looks like there won't be much relief in what is shaping up to be
one of the driest winters on record. The heavy Sierra Nevada snowpack that
farmers rely on for irrigation water just hasn't materialized. Dry weather
will continue. No storms are expected until at least mid-February, said
Brian Ochs, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Hanford
office. "It's going to be basically a warm and dry pattern," Ochs said.
"There's a good chance it will remain drier than average out through at
least the end of April."
<more> Feb. 1, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
ARB ag truck 2011 mileage reporting now available online - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Ex-football players to help tell dairy’s story
- - Depending on which team you follow, it may be as exciting — if not
more so — to have a former National Football League player on hand at an
event rather than a current player. That is a distinct possibility now that
Dairy Management Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff program,
has formed a partnership with the NFL Alumni Association. The partnership
was announced at the DMI annual meeting in November. George Martin, former
defensive end for the New York Giants and now executive director of the NFL
Alumni Association, calls it “a win-win relationship.” He says it will allow
the former players to make a positive impact on their communities through
the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, which is sponsored by the National Dairy
Council and the National Football League to promote good nutrition and
exercise among schoolchildren.
<more> Feb. 1, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
World Ag Expo keeps on growing - - Driven by a surging agricultural sector, the 45th World Ag Expo opens Feb. 14 with 300 new exhibitors and a raft of farmers and ranchers who have money to spend after a record income year. This year's show chairman, Patty Colson, said all exhibit spaces on the show ground's 2.6 million square feet were filled weeks ago. A total of 1,441 exhibitors will bring their products and services to the Tulare show, which is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors during its three-day run. Besides featuring the latest innovations in equipment and technology, the show offers a variety of seminars on current agriculture issues and international trade plus demonstrations of the latest in production methods. Registering online for tickets at www.WorldAgExpo.com will save $2 off the $12 admission price. Tickets can be printed at home or mailed. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 to 4 on Thursday. <more> Feb. 2, 2012 Capital Press
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Labor Department to re-propose parental exemption portion of agricultural child labor regulations - - The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division today announced that it will re-propose the portion of its regulation on child labor in agriculture interpreting the "parental exemption.” The public, especially farming and ranching communities, criticized the farm labor rules proposed in Sept. 2011 that would have prevented many young people from working on family farms. “I am glad the Department of Labor heard my concerns and the concerns of so many families in Michigan and decided to re-evaluate this rule,” said Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.). “Of course there should be safeguards to protect children from dangerous situations, but there needs to be an understanding that many children in rural communities learn about safety by helping their family on the farm.” According to the Department, a new “parental exemption” rule is expected to be proposed this summer. Today’s announcement only applies to that portion of the new farm labor rules that considers the “parental exemption.” The re-proposed rule reverts back to prior regulations, said Labor Department officials today, and uses broader language used before the 2011 proposals that include parents who are partial owners of an agricultural operation instead of only including whole owners. <more> Feb. 1, 2012 Agri-Pulse
Students Receptive to Lower-Calorie Flavored Milk - - School children showed a favorable response to lower-calorie flavored milk products, according to research funded by the Dairy Research Institute®, which is primarily funded by the dairy checkoff program. The study demonstrated that elementary students who consumed reformulated flavored milk, which contained less than or equal to 150 calories (8-ounce serving), were as likely to drink most of their milk as students who were provided flavored milk containing slightly more calories and sugar. These findings, published in January’s Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlight the industry’s ongoing efforts to provide innovative products that meet children’s taste requirements, while satisfying increasingly stringent school nutrition guidelines. <more> Feb. 1, 2012 Dairy Today
Study says Glass of milk a day boosts brain power - - Milk: it does a brain good. At least that's the finding of a new study that suggests drinking a glass of milk a day could boost your brain power. In the study published in the January issue of the International Dairy Journal, researchers at the University of Maine found that adults who consumed more dairy products scored "significantly" higher on memory and other cognitive tests than those who drank little to no milk. Those with high milk intake were five times less likely to fail the test compared to non milk drinkers. For their study, researchers put more than 900 men and women ages 23 to 98 through a series of brain and cognitive challenges that tested their visual-spatial, verbal and working memory tests. Those who scored the highest across all eight tests also consumed the most milk and dairy products, researchers said. <more> Feb. 1, 2012 New York Daily News
First lady Michelle Obama to promote access to healthy food at future Calif. market site - - Northgate Gonzalez Markets may be the biggest Southern California supermarket chain you’ve never heard of. That’s set to change after first lady Michelle Obama visits the site of the grocer’s future store in Inglewood on Wednesday to showcase efforts being made to draw grocers to low-income neighborhoods. Obama, who is on the second day of her two-day visit to the Los Angeles area, is making the stop as part of her “Let’s Move!” campaign to boost healthy food and fitness. Part of the campaign includes promoting initiatives such as the $264 million California FreshWorks Fund, which finances grocery businesses willing to open in areas spurned by traditional supermarkets. <more> Feb. 1, 2012 Associated Press
Jim Dickrell: Immigration Reform 2013 - The Lobbying Onus Is on Dairy Producers - - The bad news, if it’s even news, is that national, comprehensive immigration reform isn’t going to happen this year. That was the consensus of a panel of two former congressmen and a former assistant secretary of the Department of Labor speaking at the Colorado Farm Show in Greeley last week. Participating were Bob Beauprez, a rancher and former congressman from Colorado’s 7th District; John Salazar, Commissioner of Colorado’s Department of Agriculture and former member of Congress; and Leon Sequeira, a former assistant secretary of the Department of Labor in the George W. Bush Administration. “If you’re pushing for a comprehensive bill, it’s not going to happen this year because it gets wrapped around the axel of endless debate,” says Beauprez. That’s primarily due to 2012 being an election year. Politicians like nothing better than to have an issue like immigration reform to harangue their opponents and mobilize their base of support. <more> Jan. 30, 2012 Dairy Today
Making sure cheese is wholesome and safe - - As part of its mission to protect the food supply and consumers, The California Department of Food and Agriculture educates about the health risks of consuming cheese produced by unlicensed manufacturers and sold through underground operations. Licensed, safe and wholesome cheese is regularly sold in retail stores and is authenticated by state labeling requirements. Please view the video link for an entertaining look at this issue. <see video here> Jan. 31, 2012 CDFA blog
Pricing/Commodity News
U.S. cheese production increased 1.7% last year - - Total cheese production in the United States in December was 929 million pounds up 2.4 percent from December of 2010. Italian-type cheese production increased 3.5 percent from a year ago to 409 million pounds while American-type production was 1.2 percent higher at 371 million pounds in December. Wisconsin cheese production increased 3.5 percent in December to 230.2 million pounds. California cheese production increased 2.7 percent to 195.5 million pounds. American cheese production in the Golden State was 1.8 percent lower at 50.13 million pounds including a 0.1 percent decline in cheddar output to 27.78 million pounds. Italian output increase 5.7 percent to 127 million pounds. <more> Feb. 1, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Jim Dickrell: Exports' Basis - - Conventional wisdom suggests that if you increase dairy exports, the increased demand will raise prices as well. But that might not be true, says Marin Bozic, University of Minnesota dairy foods marketing economist. In the short term, heightened demand will increase prices if supply is not sufficient, he says. But in the long run, price increases will encourage more production. Once demand is met, prices return to normal levels and the cost of producing milk is again the long-term price. There is also evidence that reliance on exports increases price volatility within the domestic market. <more> Feb. 1, 2012 Dairy Today
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and environmental compliance risk. <more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
ARB extends ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline to March 30 - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
PG&E issues Greenhouse Gas Request for Offers - - Today Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) issued its first Greenhouse Gas Request for Offers (GHG RFO) for allowances and/or offset credits. The goal of the GHG RFO is to procure GHG allowances and/or offset credits that are eligible for compliance under the cap-and-trade regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as part of AB 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Copies of the GHG RFO Protocol and related information and materials are now available on PG&E’s website at http://www.pge.com/rfo. PG&E will host a Participants’ Webinar on February 15, 2012 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Pacific Prevailing Time (PPT). Participants in the GHG RFO with general questions must submit them to GHGRFO@pge.com by February 8. To register for the Webinar, complete the Webinar Registration Form and return it to GHGRFO@pge.com by February 10. Offers in response to the GHG RFO are due on March 8, 2012 at 1:00 PM PPT. For information or questions about PG&E’s GHG RFO, please e-mail GHGRFO@pge.com.
Cotton makes a comeback with Tulare County farmers - - After years of declining cotton prices and large numbers of farmers opting to grow other crops, cotton has been making a soft comeback. In fact, the white fiber is doing so well that in mid-November, Mid-Valley Cotton, Tipton — a cotton gin that closed in late 2006 — re-opened. "Just as the cotton industry had its little slump, we didn't have enough acreage to support four gins" in Tulare County, said Stan Creelman, manager of Mid-Valley Cotton Growers, Inc., a Tulare-based cotton growers' cooperative. In its heyday, when cotton was one of the county's top agricultural crops, the Tipton gin -where seeds, leaves and dirt are removed from the cotton, and the fibers are bailed before being shipped of to be made into thread -processed more than 40,000 500-pound bails a season, Creelman said. <more> Jan. 31, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Russian farmers importing Virginia Holstein bulls to help dairy industry - - They’re studs abroad, playing the field. The next wave waits in Virginia, preparing to board a ship, cross an ocean and hit a desperate mating scene. It’s an enviable mission, at least from the perspective of the Virginia Holstein bulls dispatched to help the Russian dairy industry by doing what bulls do best. “It’s a new version of detente,” said Travis Hill, Virginia’s deputy secretary of agriculture and forestry. Twenty-nine black-and-white aspiring sires have set hoof in Russia, part of the first export of live Virginia Holstein bulls to that country, Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) announced last week. Thirty more will head there in April. <more> Jan. 30, 2012 Washington Post
Tulare World Ag Expo shaping up - - A small city is taking shape on the 200-acre International Agri-Center complex grounds on the outskirts of Tulare and exhibitors and their equipment are already arriving for the area's biggest event of the year. Hotels and other forms of accommodation from Bakersfield to Fresno are booked solid for the influx of at least 100,000 visitors to the 2012 World Ag Expo on Feb. 14-16, according to tourism and ag show officials. The show, held annually for the past 44 years, is particularly serious business for Tulare. "It's our ground hog day. It's how we know winter is over. It's very important to the survival of all the area's hotels," said Helder Piedade, general manager for LaQuinta Inn & Suites. <more> Jan. 31, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Widespread abuse alleged at two pig farms - - Aiming to pressure two of the largest U.S. producers of pork, one of them a Walmart supplier, into changing how they treat pigs, the Humane Society of the United States on Tuesday said it had staged undercover operations that revealed atrocious conditions. Alleged abuses against the animals include the use of extremely confined crates as well as the cutting off of tails and testicles with no painkillers. "Lame pigs, pigs with gross abscesses, torn ears and noses, and ripped genitals and piglets sickened by 'greasy pig' disease were not seen by veterinarians," the group said in a statement released along with what it said was undercover video. The allegations focus on two pig farms in Goodwell, Okla., one owned by Seaboard Foods and the other by Prestage Farms. <more> Jan. 31, 2012 MSNBC
Organic Farmers Ask Courts to Prevent Monsanto Lawsuits - - California organic farmers are among those facing off against biotech giant Monsanto in a federal courtroom today. The growers say Monsanto's genetically engineered seeds -- and its powerful patents -- threaten their family farms. In a video from Monsanto, scientists in white lab coats monitor delicate test tubes, and tend pristine greenhouses. But organic farmers say Monsanto's genetically modified crops can contaminate their fields. And they don't want Monsanto to sue them if patent-protected crops accidentally sprout up on their farms. So they've filed their own federal lawsuit in a New York court, asking for future protection against legal action by the company. "It is a threat, and it is a serious threat." <more> Jan. 31, 2012 The California Report
WUD
Convention News
Visit our convention website - -
Click
here for details
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen members - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information. Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Airosa Dairy 100th Anniversary Sale Feb. 16 at
World Ag Expo - - In honor of the 100th Anniversary of Airosa Dairy, a
world-class consignment sale will be held at World Ag Expo in Tulare on Feb.
16 at 4 p.m. The sale will feature some of the best genetic opportunities
that the Holstein, Red & White and Jersey breeds have to offer. In total,
there will be 100 lots of Holsteins and 15 Jerseys. Before the sale, guests
are invited to view the cattle and enjoy California hospitality at Air-Osa
Dairy, 11275 Road 96, Pixley, on Feb. 14 and 15 at 3 p.m. The pre-sale
social and cattle viewing will begin at 2 p.m. the day of the sale in the
Entertainment Pavilion on the World Ag Expo grounds located at 4450 S.
Laspina St., Tulare. Following the sale, dinner will be provided and
entertainment will feature country music singer Michael Peterson. Visit
www.airosadairy.com for more information and to see the full sale catalog.
Date District Social Dinner Location
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Other Dairy News Sources
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Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
State bill would end future ethanol subsidies
- - A bill backed by Western United Dairymen that would end future state
subsidies for corn-based ethanol is in the California Senate after sailing
through the Assembly. The bill by Assemblyman David Valadao, R-Hanford,
would bar any funding from the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle
Technology Program for corn conversion after July 1, 2013, when current
funding is set to expire. "We're thrilled that (the state bill) looks like
it's headed for passage, and we hope once it does pass that the governor
signs it quickly," said Michael Marsh, CEO of Western United Dairymen. "It's
just another one of the legs in that stool that we're trying to knock out to
bring some relief to producers from an increase in corn prices."
<more> Jan. 31, 2012 Capital Press
Hilmar Cheese Co. expanding, adding 100 jobs
- - Many long-standing companies throughout the county have closed their
doors in recent years, but one corporation isn't only surviving the tough
times -- it plans to expand its facilities and work force. Hilmar Cheese
Co., a private corporation founded in 1984, plans to add an administration
building in a field south of its visitor center, across August Avenue.
Officials expect the move to generate about 100 jobs in addition to the
estimated 770 positions already at the Hilmar facility and 330 positions at
the company's Dalhart, Texas, site. The Hilmar area has the lowest
unemployment rate in Merced County at 9.9 percent -- much of that because of
Hilmar Cheese.
<more> Jan. 30, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Is Kings County an ag terrorism target? - -
After 9/11, concerns were raised about an al-Qaida style attack on Kings
County — maybe poisoning the water supply or contaminating milk tanks. Now
the focus is on a slightly different scenario — violence inspired by animal
rights supporters. On Jan. 8, on a feedlot at beef titan Harris Ranch near
Interstate 5 in Coalinga — not far from Kings County — 14 tractors and
several cattle-hauling tractors were burned. Anonymous animals rights
activists claimed responsibility, saying they were striking a blow against
factory farming. As authorities continue to investigate, farm groups are
saying the arrest and prosecution of those responsible must be a high
priority. Local leaders say they’re wondering what could be targeted for a
similar attack in Kings County. The first answer seems obvious — nearly 200
dairies dotting the county landscape with tens of thousands of cows.
<more> Jan. 30, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Flavored milk ban could reduce overall milk
consumption - - The International Dairy Foods Association backs the
government’s drive to highlight the importance of dairy products in school
meals, but has expressed concern about banning flavored milk. Last week, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture came out with updated standards for school
meals. The government requires schools to offer eight ounces of fluid milk
with each school lunch and breakfast. But it has banned all milk products
that are not low-fat or fat-free plain milk and fat-free flavored milks. “We
applaud the strong support of dairy as a vital component of a healthy diet
and appreciate the priority attention USDA has given to improving the foods
and beverages served in our nation’s schools,” says Connie Tipton, IDFA
president and CEO. “However, we are disappointed that USDA has placed limits
on milk varieties ahead of constraints on competing beverages widely
available today.”
<more> Jan. 30, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Schoolkids can still get their chocolate milk -
- Dairy groups are pleased USDA's new standards for school meals continue to
stress the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products, but they say
they won a real victory when USDA left flavored milk on the menu. Chocolate
is the big kahuna when it comes to children's milk-flavor preference, said
Chris Galen, senior vice president of communications at National Milk
Producers Federation. "We knew it would be a battle to keep chocolate milk
in any form," he said. "We're glad it was not booted out."
<more> Jan. 31, 2012 Capital Press
Capital-area matchmakers link would-be farmers
with plots of land - - Putting farmers onto underused land was once a
matter of creating homesteads. Now it has entered the computer age, with
nonprofits using the Internet to match farmland with growers. The need,
advocates say, comes in part from an aging farm population. California
farmers age 65 or older outnumber farmers under 35 by 9 to 1, said Liya
Schwartzman, Central Valley coordinator for California FarmLink, one of
those nonprofit groups. "In many cases, their children don't want to go into
farming," she said. "We need more beginning farmers right now."
<more> Jan. 31, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Brown rejects high-speed rail cost estimate of $100 billion - - California's high-speed rail project will cost far less than the state's current estimate of nearly $100 billion and environmental fees paid by carbon producers will be a source of funding, Gov. Jerry Brown said in an interview aired in Los Angeles on Sunday. The Democratic governor's remarks suggested Brown may make substantial changes to the rail plan before seeking legislative approval this year. "It's not going to be $100 billion," Brown said on ABC 7's Eyewitness Newsmakers program. "That's way off." It was the California High-Speed Rail Authority's own business plan – a document embraced by Brown's administration – that said the project could cost $98.5 billion over 20 years. Brown supported the project in his State of the State address and said further revisions to the plan would be released within weeks. <more> Jan. 30, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Lawsuit claims CWT uses herd retirement to fix
milk prices - - Joe Sonneker is the prototype of a Midwestern dairy
farmer. Layered in flannel and a tan Carhartt jacket, his hulking physique
bespeaks a man who has spent nearly his entire 64 years performing chores, a
student of hard labor since he was old enough to carry feed. "I guess I
never thought of doing anything else, really," he says. On a January
afternoon, he trudges through snow on his farm in Melrose, a small town 100
miles northwest of Minneapolis. More than a century ago, Sonneker's
grandfather cleared the 160-acre lot and started the small dairy farm that
would be passed down for generations. But when Sonneker opens the door to a
barn once used to milk cows, all that's left is cement and the lingering
smell of manure. Three years ago, Sonneker sold his entire herd to be
slaughtered through a program euphemistically titled "herd retirement."
Orchestrated by Cooperatives Working Together—a collective of America's
biggest dairy co-ops, including Arden Hills-based Land O'Lakes—herd
retirement slaughtered more than 500,000 dairy cows between 2003 and 2010
for one purpose: raising the price of milk. It was a booming success. An
independent analysis projects the dairy industry profited $11.7 billion off
herd retirement. But critics point to the tremendous waste.
<more> Jan. 31, 2012 City Pages
December milk COP lower, but 2011 up - - A
tiny decline in feed costs pushed U.S. national average December 2011 total
costs to produce 100 lbs. of milk down to the lowest monthly level since May
2011, according to USDA’s Economic Research Service. However, the
preliminary 2011annual average was nearly $2/cwt. higher than a year
earlier, and came in just below the high-cost year of 2008. Compared to the
previous month, December 2011 total costs declined just 20¢/cwt.; all feed
costs were down 6¢ (purchased feed down 7¢; homegrown feed costs up 1¢);
total operating costs (including feed) declined 12¢; and allocated overhead
costs (including labor) declined about 8¢. <more>
Jan. 31, 2012 Dairy Business
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will
be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and
Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management
techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize
production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial
hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you
can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share
their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC
specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and
environmental compliance risk.
<more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
Feb. 14 Workshop to Explore San Joaquin River
Monitoring Programs - - A Forum Workshop "Who's Watching the San Joaquin
River" is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at
the Stanislaus Ag Center, Modesto. Speakers from federal and state agencies
plus agriculture and water coalitions will describe how each takes the
"pulse" of the San Joaquin River, measuring everything from temperature and
flow to chemicals and fish. The event, sponsored by the Coalition for
Urban/Rural Environmental Stewardship (CURES) with EPA Region 9, features
keynote speakers Pamela Creedon of the Regional Water Board and Alexis
Strauss of US EPA Region 9. Also featured are presentations from key
agencies and entities performing water monitoring on the river, including
the San Joaquin River Restoration Program. A key discussion point for all
speakers will be how water monitoring programs in the San Joaquin River
basin can be organized for better accessibility and data analysis. A poster
session featuring programs within the Basin will also take place at the
event. Registration information for this free event is available at
http://www.curesworks.org/sjRiverForum.asp Jan. 31, 2012 CURES
Press Release
Dry winter in Calif reduces Sierra Nevada
snowpack - - State water officials say recent storms have not made up
for this year's dry winter, leaving California's snowpack at below average
levels. The Sierra Nevada snowpack is a key source of California's water
supply. Officials said Monday that snowpack water content was just 38
percent of average, compared to the 19 percent they measured in early
January. Department of Water Resources Director Mark Cowin says he is still
hoping a normal weather pattern will boost reservoir levels in the coming
months. Water managers estimate they will deliver 60 percent of the amount
requested by contractors this year, largely because reservoir levels remain
high after last year's heavy rain and snow. The department is set to conduct
its second snow survey of the season on Wednesday in the 400-mile-long
mountain range. Jan. 30, 2012 Associated Press
ARB extends ag truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline to March 30 - - The state air board has extended the heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting deadline to March 30, 2012. Reports can now be filed electronically at http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/reportinginfo.htm. The mileage report is required for diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks. AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their 2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative. The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly Update
Stories Of Interest
SNEAK PEEK: Sunday's Super Bowl ad for dairy
- - When a mom objects to the noise coming from her daughter’s bedroom, she
tells the birthday revelers to “take it down a notch.” There in the midst of
it all is a bovine party animal which turns to the birthday girl and says,
“Thanks for hanging me out to dry there, Madison.” Madison is shown holding
an ice cream cone. The 30-second commercial will air during next Sunday’s
Super Bowl. The commercial is part of the “Make Us Part of Your Family”
national advertising campaign by the California Milk Advisory Board.
<see video> Jan. 31, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Dairy Leader
Program application deadline March 9 - -
March 9, 2012 is the deadline to
apply for Western United Dairymen’s highly successful California Dairy
Leaders Program. Designed to train the next generation of California’s dairy
leaders, the leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to
developing a better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing,
and environmental issues facing the industry. Eligible participants must be
actively involved in milk production, able to spend the necessary time in
class as well as studying resource materials, and able to commit to travel
to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC. The year-long
program kicks off in the spring. The program will cover in depth
environmental issues, state and federal legislative processes, dairy pricing
and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and promotion, and
public relations skills. Participants will develop and enhance their
leadership skills through workshops on communications, business etiquette,
negotiation skills, time management, and team building. Instructors are
recognized experts in their field.
<more> Jan. 30, 2012 WUD News
Enriched skim milk good for gout, study suggests
- - If you have gout, drinking enriched skim milk may help reduce the
frequency of painful flare-ups, new research suggests. The new study
included 120 patients who had experienced at least two flare-ups in the
previous four months. They were divided into three treatment groups that
consumed either lactose powder, skim milk powder or skim milk powder
enriched with glycomacropeptide (GMP) and G600 milk fat extract (G600).
Gout, a common form of arthritis, is caused by uric acid buildup in blood.
Often, the big toe is the first place where gout strikes. Previous research
has shown a higher risk for gout among people who consume fewer dairy
products, and earlier work suggested that GMP and G600 tone down the
inflammatory response to gout crystals.
<more> Jan. 29, 2012 USA Today
Grower to lay off more than 2,100 seasonal workers - - In a move experts said is part of an ongoing trend, local fruit and vegetable grower Sun Pacific Farming Cooperative, Inc. will permanently lay off more than 2,100 employees based at its Bakersfield facility in favor of a seasonal workforce provided entirely by farm labor contractors. The layoffs will take place on or about March 12. The company, which operates facilities in Kern and Tulare counties, alerted the county to the layoffs in a Jan. 12 Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice, as is legally required for employers laying off large numbers of workers. "We don't have a need to employ 2,100 people year-round," said Sun Pacific Chief Financial Officer Toby Maitland-Lewis in an interview earlier this month. "What we've done is make a decision to lay off all of our seasonal employees, primarily because we don't have the amount of acreage we've had historically." <more> Jan. 30, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
WUD
Convention News
Visit our convention website - -
Click
here for details
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen members - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information. Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Airosa Dairy 100th Anniversary Sale Feb. 16 at
World Ag Expo - - In honor of the 100th Anniversary of Airosa Dairy, a
world-class consignment sale will be held at World Ag Expo in Tulare on Feb.
16 at 4 p.m. The sale will feature some of the best genetic opportunities
that the Holstein, Red & White and Jersey breeds have to offer. In total,
there will be 100 lots of Holsteins and 15 Jerseys. Before the sale, guests
are invited to view the cattle and enjoy California hospitality at Air-Osa
Dairy, 11275 Road 96, Pixley, on Feb. 14 and 15 at 3 p.m. The pre-sale
social and cattle viewing will begin at 2 p.m. the day of the sale in the
Entertainment Pavilion on the World Ag Expo grounds located at 4450 S.
Laspina St., Tulare. Following the sale, dinner will be provided and
entertainment will feature country music singer Michael Peterson. Visit
www.airosadairy.com for more information and to see the full sale catalog.
Date District Social Dinner Location
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Monday, Jan. 30, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Dairy Leader
Program application deadline March 9 - -
March 9, 2012 is the deadline to
apply for Western United Dairymen’s highly successful California Dairy
Leaders Program. Designed to train the next generation of California’s dairy
leaders, the leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to
developing a better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing,
and environmental issues facing the industry. Eligible participants must be
actively involved in milk production, able to spend the necessary time in
class as well as studying resource materials, and able to commit to travel
to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC. The year-long
program kicks off in the spring. The program will cover in depth
environmental issues, state and federal legislative processes, dairy pricing
and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and promotion, and
public relations skills. Participants will develop and enhance their
leadership skills through workshops on communications, business etiquette,
negotiation skills, time management, and team building. Instructors are
recognized experts in their field.
<more> Jan. 30, 2012 WUD News
Consumer Expectations in the Marketplace focus of
Feb. 7th Ag Board meeting - The California State Board of Food and
Agriculture will discuss consumer trends within the retail and food service
sectors at its upcoming meeting on February 7th in Sacramento. The meeting
will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the California Department of Food and
Agriculture, 1220 ‘N’ Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.
California’s marketing orders, agreements, councils and commissions have
been invited to attend and participate in this interactive meeting. Speakers
will include: Bill Bishop, Brick Meets Click, a nationally recognized food
retail consultant; Greg Drescher, Culinary Institute of America, who leads
the organization’s strategic partnerships and initiatives; Fedele Bauccio,
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of the Bon Appétit Management Company
a national onsite food service provider with more than 400 cafés in 31
states; and Marion Standish with the California Endowment who works to
create broad and sustainable efforts to reduce public health disparities in
local communities. Jan. 30, 2012 CDFA press release
Food stamp bills seek to restrict junk food -
- Ronda Storms is a Republican state senator from Florida. She is also a mom
who buys the groceries for her family of four. A few months ago, Storms, 46,
started noticing that some fellow shoppers were using federal food stamp
money to purchase a lot of unhealthful junk. And it galled her — at a time
when Florida was cutting Medicaid reimbursement rates, public school funding
and jobs — that people were indulging in sugary, fatty, highly-processed
treats on the public dime. "If we're going to be cutting services across the
board," she said, "then people can live without potato chips, without
store-bought cookies, without their sodas."
<more> Jan. 29, 2012 Los Angeles Times
Egg producers hope legislation goes over easy
- - An animal welfare group, which has often crossed swords with farmers,
and U.S. egg producers have joined forces in support of improving national
standards to house the nation's estimated 280 million egg-laying hens. A
bill introduced in Congress last week mandating the gradual adoption of the
so-called enriched colony system was embraced by the Association of
California Egg Farmers, whose members have struggled to understand how to
meet the intent of Proposition 2, which was approved by state voters in
2008. That initiative, brought to the ballot by the Humane Society of the
United States, does not specify what space is required but says that hens
should be able to lie, sit, stand, turn and extend limbs without touching
other birds or the cages' walls.
<more> Jan. 29, 2012 Stockton Record
Some Cattle Ranchers Worry About Proposed Ear-Tag
Rules - - In Dan Gattis’ Georgetown pasture, cows and their newborn
calves have bright yellow ear tags with identification numbers. “I can take
that knife and pull that ear tag out,” said Mr. Gattis, a former state
representative, gesturing at a knife in his belt. For more permanent
identification, he brands each cow with his ranch’s 4G symbol and that cow’s
specific number. Ear tags can also be ripped off by brush, he said, pointing
out one cow that had lost its “earring.” Nonetheless, more ear tags may be
on the way for ranchers in Texas and across the nation. Proposed rules from
the United States Department of Agriculture would require ear tags for adult
cattle moving across state lines. In Texas, a proposal discussed this week
by the Texas Animal Health Commission would require adult cattle — 18 months
or older — to have ear tags whenever their ownership changes.
<more> Jan. 27, 2012 New York Times
Madera County joins high-speed rail opponents
- - The ranks of local government agencies in the central San Joaquin
Valley that have turned their backs on California's proposed high-speed rail
system is growing. The latest to join the chorus is Madera County, where the
Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 on Tuesday to reverse its earlier conditional
support. Supervisors cited a rising price tag, a growing lack of confidence
in the state High-Speed Rail Authority, and frustration with the selection
of a route through the county that disrupts more agricultural acreage than
their preferred option.
<more> Jan. 27, 2012 Fresno Bee
Rail chief defends plan during visit to Valley - - Despite a growing chorus of critics, the incoming head of the California High-Speed Rail Authority board remains confident that "the fundamentals of high-speed rail in California are strong" and that the central San Joaquin Valley is the place to start construction later this year. Dan Richard, appointed to the authority board last summer by Gov. Jerry Brown, told a Fresno Chamber of Commerce audience Friday night that the Valley is a crucial backbone to connecting Los Angeles and San Francisco rail service. He added that he opposes shifting $3 billion in federal money from the Valley to start construction in other parts of the state. Earlier Friday, Richard -- who lives in the Bay Area community of Piedmont -- spent time visiting with farmers in Kings County, a hotbed of opposition in the Valley. <more> Jan. 27, 2012 Fresno Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
Class III prices stabilize in face of negative
news - - Class III prices stabilized last week in the face of an
onslaught of negative news. The release of the 2011 Milk Production report
highlighted this sentiment, as year-over-year milk production for all 50
states increased by 1.8 percent. December production grew at an astounding
2.5 percent for all 50 states over November. Production per cow rose to 57.9
pounds per day, an increase of 1.6 percent. Couple this with the Heifer
Inventory Data, which posted a gain of 80,000 milking cows, and the future
for Class III market looks bleak in the near term (of course, total U.S.
Cattle Inventories dropped to a 60 year low – down 2.1 percent versus
expectations of a 1.5 percent decline – after drought scorched pastures in
the South this past summer).
<more> Jan. 30, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
CWT adds butter for export aid - -
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted 17 requests for export
assistance from Bongards, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Land O’Lakes,
Upstate Niagara subsidiary O-At-Ka and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a
total of 2.840 million lbs. of cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese and
10.955 million lbs. of butter to customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East
and North Africa. The product will be delivered January through June 2012.
After reviewing several market fundamentals, CWT determined that it should
begin assisting member cooperatives in making sales of butter overseas.
CWT’s strategic plan, approved by the CWT Committee last year, called for
funds to be budgeted in 2012 for that purpose. In 2012, CWT has assisted
member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and
Gouda cheese totaling 13.2 million lbs. and butter totaling just less than
11 million lbs. to 12 countries on four continents. Jan. 30, 2012 Dairy
Profit Update
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will
be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and
Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management
techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize
production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial
hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you
can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share
their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC
specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and
environmental compliance risk.
<more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
ARB extends ag truck 2011 mileage reporting
deadline to March 30 - - The state air board reported this week that
they do not have their heavy-duty diesel truck electronic reporting tool
ready, so the reporting deadline has been extended to March 30, 2012. The
original deadline was January 31, 2012. The mileage report is required for
diesel trucks signed up with the air board as agricultural or “AG” trucks.
AG trucks are required to stay under specific mileage thresholds, and their
2011 mileage must be reported to air board by the deadline. Besides the AG
provision, the diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that
lengthen some or all of the compliance requirements. If dairymen or others
have trucks not covered under the AG exemption (because they exceed the
mileage thresholds or did not report, for instance) they may still be
covered by other exemptions that also require reporting. An example would be
the small fleet exemption that delays retrofit requirements for fleets with
three or fewer trucks. Owners of those fleets may have to report this month
depending on the age of the trucks. For more information call the diesel
hotline at (866) 634-3735 or contact your local WUD field representative.
The air board offers several programs that provide grants, loans and loan
guarantees, vouchers, or rebates to help truck and equipment owners with the
purchase of cleaner diesel trucks and equipment. Jan. 27, 2012 WUD Weekly
Update
Stories Of Interest
The white stuff: Drinking just one glass of milk
a day could boost your brain power - - Drinking just one glass of milk a
day could boost your brain power, say scientists. A study found that milk
drinkers were five times more likely to succeed in tasks testing memory and
brain function compared to non-milk drinkers. It is now thought that, in
addition to the many established health benefits of dairy, such as building
stronger bones, the potential to stave off mental decline may benefit an
ageing population. Scientists from University of Maine in the U.S. say that
although more research is needed, people should be encouraged to increase
their milk intake.
<more> Jan. 30, 2012 London Mail - United Kingdom
UC will teach farm conservation in Valley - -
Hoping to encourage the use of conservation practices, the University of
California has launched a new organization that could potentially save
farmers time and money, and reduce their impact on the environment.
University officials, farmers, scientists and agriculture professionals
gathered Friday in Clovis to outline the goals of the newly formed
Conservation Agriculture Systems Institute. Based out of the West Side
Research and Extension Center in Five Points, the institute will help
farmers understand conservation practices, including reduced tilling, the
use of cover crops and center pivot irrigation. Farmers using the practices
say they have seen positive benefits. Dino Giacomazzi, a Hanford dairy
operator, said that by plowing less in his corn and wheat fields, he has
improved the quality of his soil and reduced his costs. "It holds water and
nutrients better, and I end up using less fertilizer and less water,"
Giacomazzi said. "And by using the tractor less, we are reducing diesel
emission particulates."
<more> Jan. 27, 2012 Fresno Bee
California fuels rule sparks controversy - -
Just as it pioneered curbs on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light
trucks a decade ago, California is championing standards that could
transform the fuel that goes into their tanks. But its new rule, which
requires lowering the amount of carbon in fuel sold in the state, has become
embroiled in a fierce public battle and has been barred from being enforced.
In light of tight state budgets, litigation over California’s program and a
strong lobbying campaign against them, the question is whether the ambitious
climate policy will get off the ground. “To us, it’s the most credible and
powerful mechanism we can put in place,” said Dan Sperling, a member of
California’s Air Resources Board and director of the Institute of
Transportation Studies at University of California-Davis.
<more> Jan. 29, 2012 Washington Post
Sen. Feinstein: Proposals to drain Hetch Hetchy
won't work - - The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park has
been a vital source of clean water for San Francisco Bay communities for
almost 100 years. Through its energy-efficient gravity flow system, it pipes
some of the cleanest water in California to 2.6 million people and thousands
of high-tech companies that rely on its purity. Nevertheless, every so often
an effort emerges to remove the O'Shaughnessy Dam and drain the reservoir.
<more> Jan. 29, 2012 Fresno Bee
California water projects circling the drain -
- California's efforts to deal with its chronic water crisis are again in
upheaval as lawmakers prepare to pull an $11 billion water bond off the
November ballot even as Governor Jerry Brown revives the controversial idea
of a canal to route Northern California water to the state's arid south. The
water bond, which would fund a variety of projects around the state ranging
from dams to watershed protection, was painstakingly crafted under former
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to balance the needs of agricultural and
residential water users and address environmental concerns. But the bond
measure was bumped from the ballot in 2010 due to fears that recession weary
voters would reject it.
<more> Jan. 27, 2012 Reuters
Cactus may offer cure for poisoned Valley cropland - - The prickly pear cactus may not sound like a trendy cash crop, but it could become a phenomenon among farmers on the arid west side of the San Joaquin Valley. The cactus can grow in the west-side's salty soils, drink briny water and live just fine in very dry times. But the real attraction: As it grows, the cactus slowly absorbs and cleans up a chemical villain in the soil -- selenium. Selenium in irrigation drainage widely killed and maimed wildlife during the 1980s at Kesterson Reservoir on the Valley's west side. Before that, selenium was known only as an essential natural element in animals and people -- in small doses. <more> Jan. 30, 2012 Fresno Bee
WUD
Convention News
WUD
Convention Hotel reservation deadline Jan. 28 - - To make your hotel
room reservations for Western United Dairymen’s annual convention Feb.
22-24, 2012, call the Pechanga Resort at (888) 732-4264. Identify yourself
as part of “WUD Annual Convention 2012” to receive the discounted rate,
starting at $129. DEADLINE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012.
Visit our convention website - -
Click
here for details
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen members - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information. Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
Friday, Jan. 27, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Winton
dairy defies odds to see birth of triplet heifers - - When Kenny
Fischer's friends found out, "they said what are you doing here? You should
be in Vegas." Over the weekend in Winton, Fischer's Tierra Buena Ranch
defied the odds with the unlikely birth of triplet heifers. "It is
uncommon," Fischer said. "The odds of having triplet females is one in 2
million. The odds of having triplet females that all survive is 1 in 8
million." Amid a chorus of moos, Fischer, co-owner of the 2,500 cow dairy,
looked on while the three girls got a mid-morning snack at the calf barn.
"These three are obviously not sick," he said. "They look really good.
You're always concerned when they're underweight because they're a lot more
susceptible to not doing well." Calves usually weigh between 70 and 100
pounds. But twins and triplets can weigh significantly less. While these
triplets came in around 45 to 50 pounds each, Fischer said the heifers
haven't suffered any complications.
<more> Jan. 26, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Supreme Court rejects GOP challenge to redistricting - - A Republican
effort to overturn the state Senate district maps made by the nonpartisan
Citizens Redistricting Commission has been rejected by the California
Supreme Court. “After reviewing the pros and cons of each of these proposed
alternatives in light of the constitutional scheme and criteria, we conclude
… that the Commission’s certified map is clearly the most appropriate map to
be used in the 2012 state Senate elections…,” the decision says. A
Republican-backed proposed ballot referendum would scuttle the Citizens
Commission’s efforts to assign district lines.
<more> Jan. 27, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Massachusetts farm's milk not a threat, state finds - - A local herd of
cattle was not actually infected with a rare bacteria as previously
suspected, according to state regulators who have lifted a ban on milk sales
at Twin Rivers Farm in Ashley Falls. The state Department of Public Health
acknowledged in a terse statement Thursday that the initial diagnosis of the
farm’s owner as having contracted brucellosis, which is what prompted the
farm’s initial quarantine, was incorrect. Neither the DPH nor the state
Department of Agricultural Resources have any further health concerns at
this time, according to the statement. As to what led health officials to
diagnose brucellosis in the first place, officials were silent. The
statement acknowledging negative test results from the farm contained no
other information and a spokeswoman didn’t return calls for further comment.
<more>
Jan. 27, 2012 Berkshire (MA) Eagle
Some Wash. wheat farmers throw support behind required labeling of genetically modified foods - - Some Washington state wheat farmers have thrown their support behind legislation requiring labeling of genetically modified foods, giving food safety advocates fresh hope that lawmakers also will get behind the bill. They haven’t been receptive to the idea in the past, and lawmakers at the national level and in more than a dozen states have rejected similar proposals in the past year. But in an unusual pairing, a handful of Washington wheat farmers have joined so-called “foodies” to back the latest bill, fearing exports will be hurt if and when genetically modified wheat gains federal approval. The U.S. exports half of its wheat, and in Washington, the only bigger export is Boeing Co.’s airplanes. <more> Jan. 26, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy
Replacement Numbers Down 1% - - The United States Department of
Agriculture released its estimate of beginning of the year cattle numbers
this afternoon. Most notably, dairy replacement heifers totaled 4,527,000
head on January 1, or 41,000 fewer than a year ago. That’s a 1% decline. Of
that number, 3,029,900 are expected to calve this year, 26,000 head fewer
than in 2011.For the full cattle report,
click here. Jan. 27, 2011 Dairy Today
Strong
week for corn, beef exports - - USDA reports soybean export sales for
the week ending January 19 were lower than expected while corn, wheat,
soybean meal, and soybean oil were within pre-report estimates. Physical
shipments of corn and soybeans were more than what’s needed weekly to meet
USDA projections for the 2011/12 marketing year but wheat fell short of its’
mark. Net beef sales totaled 19,600 tons. The listed purchasers were Mexico
(5,100 tons), Canada (3,000 tons), Japan (3,000 tons), Vietnam (2,500 tons),
and South Korea (1,800 tons).
<more> Jan. 26, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
LEE
Mielke: Expert tallies average cow's 'income,' 'deductions' - - Most
Americans are collecting information to fill out federal and state tax forms
and they'll be comparing their 2011 income to the year before. Dairy Profit
Weekly's Dave Natzke discussed how much income the nation's 9 million dairy
cows made last year in Friday's DairyLine. "Every year about this time I
calculate what the average dairy cow earned the year before, based on the
simple average annual milk price and milk production per cow," Natzke said.
"Based on gross income, at least, our dairy cows had more earning power in
2011." According to preliminary estimates from USDA, annual gross income per
cow improved for a second straight year, according to Natzke. Milk
production per cow was up about 186 pounds from the year before, to about
21,335 pounds. More importantly, the 2011 U.S. milk price was up about $3.88
per hundred pounds from the year before, averaging $20.14 per hundredweight.
<more> Jan. 27, 2012 Capital Press
Anxiety in New Zealand as Chinese buy dairy farms - - Chinese investors
are buying New Zealand farmland for the first time as economic ties with the
Asian powerhouse grow ever deeper, sparking considerable anxiety in a
country where livelihoods are heavily reliant on agriculture. New Zealand's
government Friday approved the sale of 16 dairy farms to a company
controlled by the Shanghai Pengxin Group, run by wealthy property developer
Jiang Zhaobai. Pengxin hasn't revealed how much it is paying but says its
total investment will be more than 200 million New Zealand dollars ($164
million). New Zealand's center-right Prime Minister John Key has defended
the sale, pointing out that less than 1 percent of the country's farmland
has been sold to foreign investors.
<more> Jan. 27, 2012 Associated Press
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will
be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and
Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management
techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize
production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial
hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you
can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share
their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC
specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and
environmental compliance risk.
<more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
Next congressman could be caught in the middle - - It looks like Tracy’s next congressman will have to pick a side in the Central Valley’s version of North versus South. The North is San Joaquin County and above, and the South is the West Side of Stanislaus County and below. The North relies on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to provide its $1 billion-a-year agriculture industry with its literal lifeblood — water. That means the idea of a peripheral canal to pump water around the Delta is an economic nonstarter. The South relies upon the Delta for its water as well, but receives much of its wet stuff via canals and aqueducts. The people there would greatly benefit from a peripheral canal, which promises to increase the quality and quantity of water available to the south and west sides of the valley. <more> Jan. 27, 2012 Tracy Press
Stories Of Interest
Dairy
Family Celebrates 100 Years of Dairying at World Ag Expo - - The Airoso
family will celebrate its 100th anniversary of dairying in California with a
dairy consignment sale at World Ag Expo in Tulare on February 16. The sale,
which will showcase some of the best genetic opportunities that Holstein and
Jersey breeds have to offer, is the first-ever dairy sale at World Ag Expo.
In total, 85 Holsteins and 15 Jerseys will sell next month in World Ag
Expo's Entertainment Pavilion. A preview will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed
by the auction at 4:00 p.m. After the conclusion of the sale, dinner will be
served followed by live entertainment by Michael Peterson and Chaparral. The
Airoso family, who came to the United States from Portugal's Azores islands
in 1912, began by milking a small heard by hand in the early 1900s. "My
great grandfather came to this country in 1912 along with his four sons and
settled near Corcoran, California where they began milking 150 cows by
hand," said Joey Airoso, the sale's host. "We've developed a passion for
breeding great cows that last with high production and good components." All
proceeds from the sale's first lot, Air-Osa Passion for AG-Red, will be
donated to the Ag Warriors program which will benefit veterans in search of
long-term careers in agriculture. Jan. 27, 2012 World Ag Expo press
release
Start-ups look for a shortcut from farm to table - - Silicon Valley
start-ups are trying to re-create the milkman. A host of new tech companies
are creating ways to buy food directly from local food producers, cutting
out grocery stores and some of the middlemen. They are also providing new
services to educate consumers about what they are eating, down to the
growing conditions of a carrot. Founded by alumni from tech giants like
Google Inc., the companies are using the same sorts of online tools that
changed how people rent an apartment or find a date to make it easier to buy
locally grown food. They are part of a growing class of start-ups targeting
food and eating, from sites that deliver celebrity-chef meals to your door
to a business that aims to turn roofs into vegetable patches.
<more> Jan. 26, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Handcuffed for decades, farmers eager to kill wolves attacking livestock after protections end - - John Koski is itching to pick up his rifle after losing dozens of cows to hungry wolves on his farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula — and it appears he’ll soon get his chance. A legal shield that has protected gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region for nearly four decades will disappear Friday when the animal leaves the federal endangered species list. With that milestone, a primal struggle that was waged in this rugged backcountry for more than a century will resume, although in a more restrained fashion. <more> Jan. 26, 2012 Associated Press
WUD
Convention News
WUD
Convention Hotel reservation deadline Jan. 28 - - To make your hotel
room reservations for Western United Dairymen’s annual convention Feb.
22-24, 2012, call the Pechanga Resort at (888) 732-4264. Identify yourself
as part of “WUD Annual Convention 2012” to receive the discounted rate,
starting at $129. DEADLINE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012.
Visit our convention website - -
Click
here for details
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen members - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information. Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
EPA
delay on milk rule no joke to GOP - - President Barack Obama tried for a
little humor during his State of the Union speech with a crack about the
Environmental Protection Agency regulating milk as if it were crude oil, but
Republicans weren't laughing. Obama was touting his administration's work at
getting rid of pointless regulations that create billions of dollars in
costs to businesses and individuals. "We got rid of one rule from 40 years
ago that could have forced some dairy farmers to spend $10,000 a year
proving that they could contain a spill — because milk was somehow
classified as an oil," Obama said. "With a rule like that, I guess it was
worth crying over spilled milk." Republicans reacted to the line by saying
that Obama's record of cutting regulations is weak and that they had to push
and prod his administration even to address the milk issue.
<more> Jan. 26, 2012 Omaha World-Herald
Democrat Running in Competitive California District - - One month after
losing their top candidate, Democrats have at least one replacement to run
for one of California’s most competitive districts. John Hernandez, CEO of
the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, announced his candidacy
Monday for the new 21st district in the Central Valley. Democrats were left
without a candidate when state Sen. Michael Rubio announced Dec. 27 that he
would not run because of family considerations. That left Assemblyman David
Valadao (R) as the lone candidate in a district that President Barack Obama
would have carried in 2008 by 5 points and that has a 10-point Democratic
voter registration advantage.
<more> Jan. 26, 2012 Roll Call
IDFA:
School meal regulation good, but gets ‘incomplete’ grade - - The
International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) commended USDA for highlighting
the nutritional role that dairy products play in the final regulations
governing the reimbursable school meal program. At the same time, the
association expressed concern that restrictions on flavored milk could
reduce overall milk consumption in schools in favor of less healthy
alternatives. The USDA rule for reimbursable meals will put in place the
provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which Congress passed in
late 2010. The act aims to improve the quality of all foods and beverages
offered in schools and to align school menus with the most recent Dietary
Guidelines for Americans. It requires schools to offer eight ounces of fluid
milk with each school lunch and breakfast, but only low-fat and fat-free
plain milk and fat-free flavored milks are allowed.
<more> Jan. 26, 2012 Dairy Business
Kansas
bill would help cooperate hog, dairy interests - - The House Agriculture
Committee eased into highly controversial territory Wednesday by assessing
legislation designed to weaken obstacles to establishment of corporate hog
and dairy operations in Kansas. Debate 20 years ago on the subject, which
produced the current mechanism allowing voters to challenge county
decisions, produced protest rallies at the Statehouse. A handful of
lobbyists and legislators recalled those days when neighbors were pitted
against neighbors on the issue. "This has been one of the most controversial
issues to come before the agriculture committees," said Raney Gilliland,
with the Kansas Legislative Research Department. "It does involve family
farms versus other types of agriculture."
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Topeka Capital-Journal
Corcoran anti-rail campaign hopes to go viral - - The organizers of a
new strategy to protest high-speed rail say they’re hoping what happens in
Corcoran doesn’t stay in Corcoran. The Save Our Homes campaign, the
brainchild of Kings County Supervisor Richard Valle, got its start in
Corcoran on Saturday with a rally at the Amtrak station. Participants are
hoping other towns pick up the torch and stage similar gatherings at
landmarks in other cities. “It’s my commitment to continue to oppose this
project,” Valle said.
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
NFFC
letter to seek temporary $20/cwt. milk price minimum - - The National
Family Farm Coalition (NFFC) is asking other dairy organizations to sign on
to a letter asking Congress to establish a minimum floor price of $20/cwt.
for all U.S. produced milk used to manufacture dairy products. According to
a circulating e-mail, the letter will recommended the $20/cwt. floor price
remain in place until Congress adopts a new dairy bill which establishes a
minimum price covering dairy farmer operating costs. Existing Class I
differentials would be added to the floor price to establish the Class I
price. <more>
Jan. 26, 2012 Dairy Business
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will
be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and
Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management
techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize
production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial
hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you
can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share
their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC
specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and
environmental compliance risk.
<more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
State’s flood protection plan goes to Central Valley Flood Protection Board on Friday - - The state’s $17 billion plan to protect the Central Valley from flooding goes to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board on Friday. It’s the first step in a process that the Department of Water Resources predicts will result in the plan being adopted by June. The DWR, which wrote it, claims its work has resulted in “the most comprehensive flood management planning effort ever undertaken in California.” But expert critics say it misses the point. <more> Jan. 26, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Stories Of Interest
Future
is bullish for Ag graduates - - My email in-box lit up last week after
Yahoo! published a story claiming that college degrees in agriculture are
useless. It certainly is a counterintuitive statement. Across our country,
farming is hotter than ever. Agricultural exports broke records in 2011, and
demand for local production of food made available through farmers’ markets
and other venues is an exciting trend that I firmly believe is here to stay.
<more> Jan. 26, 2012 CDFA blog
The
veggie burger's new dream: Be more like meat - - The veggie burger has a
new mantra: Be meatier. Makers of meat substitutes, such as vegetarian
turkey and fake sausages, are working to more closely mimic the taste and
texture of the real thing. They're also tinkering with mouth feel, the
sensation a food creates when chewed. Their goal is to win over more of the
group marketers call "flexitarians"—health-conscious adults, mostly in their
20s and 30s, who share many characteristics of vegetarians, with one big
exception: They eat meat sometimes. A new fake hot dog from Turtle Island
Foods Inc., the maker of Tofurky products, has "more bite," says company
president Seth Tibbott. The "all-American flame grilled" veggie burger from
Boca Foods, part of Kraft Foods Inc., has a new formulation meant to provide
more of a "natural hamburger flavor," says Tricia White, vice president of
research, development and quality for the brand.
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Bill
Gates pushes ‘green revolution’ for small farms in developing world - -
After years that have seen riots over rice shortages in Asia and record low
world reserves of staple crops such as wheat,
software-billionaire-turned-philanthropist Bill Gates argues that there is a
simple solution. Grow more food. In a new push for the Gates Foundation, the
Microsoft chairman is focusing on basic research on crops such as cassava
that hold little interest for the world’s agriculture multinationals but
which are important for family farmers in some developing nations.
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Washington Post
World Ag Expo Show Grounds Mapped by GPS in Preparation for 45th Annual Show - - World Ag Expo has precisely mapped nearly all of its 2.6 million square feet of show grounds using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The new technology has replaced the antiquated method of physically measuring and marking spaces for more than 1,400 exhibitors since 1968. Topcon Precision Agriculture (TPA), a global innovative positioning technology provider for precision farming, has provided its Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) survey equipment to map the grounds of the world's largest annual agricultural exposition. Since World Ag Expo began in 1968, spaces have been marked by volunteers who spent weekends measuring spaces by hand. The new method will considerably reduce the amount of time and labor required to prepare for the annual show. Jan. 26, 2012 World Ag Expo press release
WUD
Convention News
WUD
Convention Hotel reservation deadline Jan. 28 - - To make your hotel
room reservations for Western United Dairymen’s annual convention Feb.
22-24, 2012, call the Pechanga Resort at (888) 732-4264. Identify yourself
as part of “WUD Annual Convention 2012” to receive the discounted rate,
starting at $129. DEADLINE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012.
Visit our convention website - -
Click
here for details
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen members - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information. Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
NMPF applauds new school meal standards - -
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) praised USDA’s updated school
meal standards that continue to stress the nutritional benefits of low-fat
and fat-free milk and dairy products. A final version of those standards was
released Jan. 25 by USDA, following more than a year of public comment and
review. NMPF submitted comments to USDA last April focusing on the nutrient
package of milk and dairy foods, which will continue to be a core component
of school meals, with fluid milk being offered at all meals. “The updated
nutrition standards require that low-fat or fat-free milk remain a part of
every school meal,” said NMPF president and CEO Jerry Kozak. “That’s
essential, given that milk is the single largest contributor of nutrients in
kids’ diets. A single glass of milk delivers a very affordable package of
nine essential nutrients important to good health, including calcium,
potassium, phosphorus, protein and vitamins A, D and B12.”
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Dairy Business
School lunches to become healthier, include more
fruits, veggies, whole grains - - Schoolchildren’s favorite lunch — the
ubiquitous frozen pizza — is about to get healthier. First lady Michelle
Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are expected to announce
Wednesday that most school meals, including pizza, will have less sodium,
more whole grains and more fruits and vegetables as sides. The popular
pizzas will still be on school lunch lines but made with healthier
ingredients. Mrs. Obama and Vilsack were making the announcement at an
elementary school in Alexandria, Va., with celebrity chef Rachael Ray. The
new rules, the first major nutritional overhaul of school meals in 15 years,
won’t be as aggressive as the Obama administration had hoped.
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Associated Press
What did President Obama say about dairy farmers
last night? - - Dairy farmers were the object lesson in a portion of
President Obama’s State of the Union address Tuesday night devoted to
government regulation. “We got rid of one rule from 40 years ago that could
have forced some dairy farmers to spend $10,000 a year proving that they
could contain a spill, because milk was somehow classified as an oil,” Obama
said. “With a rule like that, I guess it was worth crying over spilled milk.
<more> Jan. 25, 2011 Dairyherd.com
Immigration, Energy, Trade in State of the Union
- - Read some of the agricultural highlights delivered by President
Barack Obama during his State of the Union Address on Jan. 24 in Washington,
DC.
<more> Jan. 24, 2012 Ag Web
Congressmen unveil compromise bill on size of hen
cages - - Four congressmen on Tuesday introduced a bill that would carry
out a compromise on cages for laying hens. The bill would roughly double the
minimum floor space per hen — now 67 square inches for most U.S. egg
producers — but fall short of the space that had been sought by the Humane
Society of the United States. That group and United Egg Producers announced
the compromise last year. Under the bill, most of the nation would phase in
the changes over 18 years, but California farms would have to comply over
nine. The bill won support from J.S. West & Cos. of Modesto, a major egg
producer. Eric Benson, president and chief executive officer, said it is
preferable to state-by-state rules.
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Modesto Bee
Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch Announces
Vacancies on the Milk Inspection Advisory Committee - - The California
Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing vacancies on the
Milk Inspection Advisory Committee. This seven member committee includes
representatives of dairy producers (2), milk products plants (3), Approved
Milk Inspection Services (1) and the public generally (1). Except for those
representing Approved Milk Inspection Services and the public, members shall
be persons licensed or permitted under the authority of Division 15 of the
California Food and Agricultural Code. CDFA is accepting applications for
all members of this committee. The committee advises the CDFA secretary on
regulatory and food safety issues pertaining to milk production and
processing. Committee members receive no compensation, but are entitled to
payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the
Department of Personnel Administration. The committee convenes at least once
annually, but may meet more frequently as needed. Initial terms of service
range from 1 to 3 years, with 3-year terms thereafter. Individuals
interested in being considered for an appointment to the committee should
send a letter of interest and a brief resume by Friday, Feb. 24 to the CDFA
Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch, Attention: Kristen Dahl, 1220 N Street,
Sacramento, CA 95814 or
Kristen.dahl@cdfa.ca.gov Jan. 25, 2012 CDFA Notice
Iowa Senate likely to debate controversial animal
agriculture bill - - Iowa lawmakers are taking a scaled-back run at
combating those who get a job or other access to an agricultural production
facility under false pretenses so they can secretly film livestock-related
activities or commit other acts not authorized by the owner. State Sens. Joe
Seng, D-Davenport, and Tim Kapucian, R-Keystone, have scrapped
more-controversial legislative proposals that stalled last session in favor
of a new version that creates a crime of "agricultural production facility
fraud" and provides that anyone who conspires with, aids and abets or
conceals a person who commits the offense can also be held criminally
liable. The amended version of House File 589 could come before the Iowa
Senate as early as today, but an opponent said he will seek to defer debate
if that happens so senators could consider any changes.
<more> Jan. 24, 2012 Sioux City Journal
South Korea a model for long-term U.S. dairy
export market development - - Over the last 15 years, U.S. dairy
suppliers have turned South Korea from a minor buyer with favorable
demographics into one of the United States’ biggest and most loyal
customers, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council’s January 2012 Export
Profile. U.S. dairy exports to South Korea were on track to hit $240 million
in 2011 – nearly 10 times their value in 1995. South Korea became the No. 2
U.S. cheese market in 2008 (passing Canada and Japan) and has been gaining
on market leader Mexico ever since. The United States is the No. 1 seller of
cheese, whey and lactose to Korea. With the U.S.-South Korea Free Trade
Agreement set to go into effect in early 2012, U.S. suppliers are poised to
parlay that market advantage into even greater volume and value. Such
success does not occur overnight.
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Dairy Business
Voters may be asked to kill High-Speed Rail - - Californians might get the chance to derail the state’s high-speed rail project if a proposed initiative gets on the ballot. The proposed amendment to the state Constitution forbids the state from paying for high-speed rail unless the people pass a new constitutional amendment specifically altering this prohibition. An estimate by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst and the governor’s Director of Finance says the state could save up to $650 million annually from not using state bond funds to support high-speed rail. <more> Jan. 25, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Pricing/Commodity News
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will
be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and
Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management
techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize
production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial
hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you
can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share
their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC
specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and
environmental compliance risk.
<more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
New government restrictions for Fonterra? - - The government of New Zealand wants to loosen Fonterra’s hold on the dairy industry. A proposed amendment to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA) would require Fonterra to sell up to 5 percent of the co-op’s milk to other milk processors in the country at a regulated price. The increase from the current 3 percent would hopefully encourage more independent processors to get into the market; more processors should mean increased competition and reduced retail dairy product prices. The proposal also calls for the New Zealand Commerce Commission to monitor Fonterra’s milk pricing. <more> Jan. 25, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental
News
Dairy water rules on North Coast provide options
- - Following what participants called a collaborative effort between
government regulators and dairy farmers, the North Coast Regional Water
Quality Control Board unanimously approved a new program last week for how
dairy farmers deal with waste discharges from their livestock. The board
approved a three-tier permitting program to address water quality from the
region's approximately 150 dairies and 50,000 cows. Those dairies are
located mainly in western Humboldt and Sonoma counties, and also in
Siskiyou, Del Norte, Mendocino and Marin counties. Adoption of the rules
comes after months of discussion and input from stakeholders that began in
early 2010 through meetings with agency representatives and interested
parties. In developing the regulations, regional water board staff inspected
a number of the region's dairies, a process that Humboldt County dairy
farmer David Renner said allowed regulators "to get a handle on what the
operations are like."
<more>
Jan. 25, 2012 Ag Alert
EPA gives million to clean Central Valley's air
- - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday announced a $5
million investment in the San Joaquin Valley to try to solve some of the
most pressing issues in what is one of the most polluted regions in the
country. An additional $16 million in grants also was announced to help curb
diesel emissions and to improve air quality and public health throughout
California. EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld, who began a tour of
the Valley on Tuesday, made stops in Stockton and Modesto, and at UC Merced.
He noted that the Valley has some of the nation's worst air quality.
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
After giving crops a midwinter drink, canals to
empty once more - - Irrigation canals will start to shut down this week
after temporarily providing critical relief because of this winter's
late-arriving rain. Water deliveries will end Thursday in the South San
Joaquin Irrigation District, which had started them Jan. 15. The Modesto
Irrigation District plans to supply water through Friday, ending a 2½-week
run. The Turlock Irrigation District plans to go through Saturday, a total
of 10 days. The Oakdale Irrigation District will continue to make its large
wells available to farmers until the regular irrigation season starts, if
needed.
<more> Jan. 24, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Regional water planning faces uncertain future - - With state bond funds nearly exhausted, regional water management groups face an uncertain future for planning and projects intended to address water needs in specific parts of the state. During the past decade, Integrated Regional Water Management Planning groups have used a multi-dimensional planning approach to water planning. The regional water planning groups cover more than 80 percent of the state and address the water supply needs of nearly 100 percent of California's population. Supporters say the effort aims to bring everyone who holds a piece of the water supply puzzle together to create better long-term solutions. Water specialists say that in the past, water entities maintained a narrow focus on particular service areas and functions, sometimes competing against each other to solve similar problems. <more> Jan. 25, 2012 Ag Alert
Stories Of Interest
Researchers keep looking for the magical compound
in milk - - Maybe calcium isn’t the key to weight loss after all. There
could be a multitude of factors in dairy products — or just one magical
compound — that is responsible. That is the conclusion from a study
published this month in the Nutrition and Metabolism journal. Researchers
found that a high-calcium diet containing nonfat dry milk reduced weight
gain in obese mice better than high calcium alone. In fact, high calcium by
itself didn’t really help, and may have made matters worse.
<more> Jan. 25, 2012 Dairy Herd Management
$1.5M endowment to benefit Fresno State ag students - - A $1.5 million endowment to the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences is expected to pay in-state tuition in perpetuity for seven recipients annually, Fresno State University officials announced Tuesday. The gift comes from longtime philanthropists and Fresno State alumni Rodger and Margaret Jensen and is intended for students of the Jordan College majoring in agricultural business or plant science. Recipients will be known as Jensen Scholars. Charles Boyer, dean of the college, said the scholarships will be "life-changing for students who may not otherwise be able to achieve their dreams of higher education." Jan. 25, 2012 Fresno Bee
WUD
Convention News
WUD
Convention Hotel reservation deadline Jan. 28 - - To make your hotel
room reservations for Western United dairymen’s annual convention Feb.
22-24, 2012, call the Pechanga Resort at (888) 732-4264. Identify yourself
as part of “WUD Annual Convention 2012” to receive the discounted rate,
starting at $129. DEADLINE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012.
Visit our convention website - -
Click
here for details
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information. Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
California
Dairy Industry Headline News
A news service of Western United Dairymen
1315 K Street, Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 527-6453.
Visit us at
www.westernuniteddairymen.com
Edited
by Mark Looker
Story to share?
Contact Mark here
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
US
Supreme Court blocks California law on euthanizing downed livestock - -
The Supreme Court on Monday overturned a California law that would require
euthanizing downed livestock at federally inspected slaughterhouses to keep
the meat out of the nation’s food system. California strengthened
regulations against slaughtering so-called “downer” animals after the 2008
release of an undercover Humane Society of the United States video showed
workers abusing cows at a slaughterhouse. In a widely expected decision, the
high court ruled that the state’s 2009 law was blocked from going into
effect by federal law administered by the Agriculture Department’s Food
Safety and Inspection Service. Federal law “precludes California’s effort
... to impose new rules, beyond any the FSIS has chosen to adopt, on what a
slaughterhouse must do with a pig that becomes non-ambulatory during the
production process,” said Justice Elena Kagan, who wrote the court’s
unanimous opinion. Under California law, the ban on buying, selling and
slaughtering of downer cattle also extended to pigs, sheep and goats.
<more> Jan. 23, 2012 Associated Press
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
Tulare's J.D. Heiskell given family business award - - More than 125
years of hard work, business ingenuity and good management peaked for the
Hillman family Thursday when their business, J.D. Heiskell & Co., was given
the 2012 California Family Business of The Year Award by the Institute for
Family Business. "I think it stands out as it recognizes our business and
how the family contributes to it," said Pat Hillman, whose grandfather, J.D.
Heiskell, was the founder. The Tulare-based feed business got top honors out
of a pool of 52 other family-owned businesses for the prestigious award,
said Lori Few, Institute for Family Business program events coordinator. She
described the business as "a landmark to other family businesses on what to
strive for and what to do to be successful." The institute, which is part of
a collaborative with the Craig School of Business at California State
University, Fresno, exists to support and encourage family business.
<more> Jan. 23, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
Massachusetts dairy eyed in milk scare - - Sales at a small dairy in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts have been halted while state health officials
investigate the possibility that its raw milk may be contaminated with a
rare, infectious bacteria. The Department of Public Health is investigating
the first human case of brucellosis in more than two decades after Robert
Kilmer, the owner of Twin Rivers Farm, was diagnosed with the bacterial
infection last week. Until testing of his farm's herd and milk is completed,
the state is asking consumers to discard any milk from Twin Rivers they may
have on hand. The milk, which is unpasteurized, is only available for sale
at the Rannapo Road farm and isn't distributed in stores.
<more>
Jan. 22, 2012 Pittsfield Berkshire Eagle
California State Holstein Convention Sale Jan. 26 in Petaluma - - The
2012 California State Holstein Convention Sale is Thursday, Jan. 26 at the
Petaluma Fairgrounds, Herzog Building. The social begins at 5:30 p.m.,
followed by dinner and the sale at 7:00 p.m.
<Click here> for a sale catalog and more information.
Pricing/Commodity News
Your
cows made more milk money in 2011. Did you? - - Annual gross milk income
per cow improved for a second straight year, but feed and other operating
costs took a bigger bite out of the bottom line. Using USDA’s monthly milk
production and price estimates, DairyBusiness Communications editors
returned to their Excel spreadsheets to calculate the “average” gross income
from milk sales generated annually, based on production per cow and the all
milk price in major dairy states. Based on those preliminary estimates the
“average” U.S. cow produced about 21,335 lbs. of milk in 2011, up from
21,149 lbs. in 2010, a 186-lb. gain. USDA’s preliminary 2011 all-milk price
was $20.14/cwt., up $3.88/cwt from 2010. The result: an $859 increase in
gross income per cow, with an estimated $4,297 generated in milk sales in
2011, compared to about $3,438 in 2010, and just $2,641 in 2009.
<more> Jan. 24, 2012 Dairy Business
New
Zealand: Milk price monitoring under plans to rein in Fonterra - -
Competition watchdog the Commerce Commission will annually monitor milk
pricing in New Zealand under a raft of Government proposals announced today
to rein in Fonterra's market power and restore public confidence in the milk
market. Primary Industries Minister David Carter said Fonterra, which
controls about 90 per cent of the raw milk market in this country, would
also be required to publicly disclose information about how its sets its
milk price, and the farmer-owned dairy cooperative would have to sell 200
million litres more milk a year at a regulated price to other dairy
companies. Carter said the government consultation on its preferred options
would be in the form of a draft Bill and draft set of regulations. The draft
Bill would also include changes to enable Fonterra to move to its proposed
Trading Among Farmers (TAF) scheme should it choose to.
<more> Jan. 24, 2012 Business Day - New Zealand
Fonterra Exports Break Records in December - - Fonterra has broken its
record for the highest export month with 246,000 tonnes of dairy products
loaded on ships during December, boosting New Zealand’s economy by $1.3
billion for the month. In March 2011 Fonterra shipped 229,000 tonnes of
product, but continued growth in global demand for dairy products combined
with record milk production early on in the current dairy season has led to
another spike. In December, Fonterra closed the door on an export container
every 2.7 minutes -- 546 containers a day. Fonterra's exports account for
more than a quarter of all New Zealand exports.
<more> Jan. 24, 2012 Dairy Today
Reducing farm risk topic of February dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and environmental compliance risk. <more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Environmental
News
Judge
denies California attempt to reimplement low carbon fuel standard - - On
Monday, Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill denied the California Air Resources
Board's (CARB) motion to stay the decision he issued on December 29, 2011
that had halted the enforcement of the California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard
(LCFS) regulation because that regulation is unconstitutional. On Friday,
January 20, 2012, CARB filed papers asking the Court to reverse its decision
and allow the state to continue implementing the LCFS in 2012. Judge O'Neill
ruled that CARB "improperly seeks to relitigate issues this Court resolved
in its order granting the preliminary injunction and orders on the summary
judgment motions." He further noted that CARB sought not to preserve the
"status quo" but rather to "allow enforcement that imposes higher
restrictions than had been imposed previously" without citing any authority
to show why the Court would have jurisdiction to grant that type of relief.
<more> Jan. 24, 2012 Feedstuffs.com
ARB extends ag
truck 2011 mileage reporting deadline to March 30 - -
The state air board reported this
week that they do not have their heavy-duty diesel truck electronic
reporting tool ready so they are going to extend the reporting period to
March 30, 2012. The deadline was originally Jan. 31, 2012. All diesel trucks
that have been signed up with the agency as agricultural or "AG" trucks, and
are staying under specific mileage thresholds, must report their 2011
mileage to ARB by the March 30, 2012 deadline. Besides the "AG" provision,
the ARB diesel truck regulation has other special provisions that lengthen
some or all of the compliance requirements. Also if dairymen or others have
trucks not covered under the Ag exemption (because they exceed the mileage
thresholds, did not report, etc.) there are other exemptions that require
reporting also. An example would be the small fleet exemption that delays
retrofit requirements for fleets with three or fewer trucks. Those fleets
may also have to report this month depending on the age of their trucks.
Information is available on the ARB’s diesel hotline 866-634-3735 or by
contacting your local WUD field representative. The ARB offers several
programs that provide grants, loans and loan guarantees, vouchers or rebates
to help truck and equipment owners with the purchase of cleaner trucks and
equipment. Jan.24, 2012 WUD news
EPA's
valley visit signals hope, officials say - - A top U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency official will travel to the Central Valley this week to
discuss reducing diesel emissions as well as a strategic plan for meeting
tough federal air goals. The visit by regional administrator Jared
Blumenfeld coincides with news the valley will receive $5 million of $21
million the EPA is allocating statewide to fund cleaner locomotives, school
buses, trucks, ships and agricultural irrigation pumps. "We believe a lot of
the work we've done is paying off in terms of the level of attention the EPA
is paying to the valley," said Sayed Sadredin, executive director of the San
Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
<more> Jan. 23, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
Water
debate renewed after Fresno State report - - Some would argue that the
work of farmers is about done when it comes to saving water in California.
They point to a recent report estimating that new conservation efforts would
trim a mere 1.3 percent from total water use. Others still see plenty of
wasted water — as much as a sixth of the farmers' supply — that would be
better used to restore rivers. Farmers and environmentalists have renewed
the debate over water conservation in light of a new report from the Center
for Irrigation Technology at California State University, Fresno. The report
said most of the excess water on farms runs off into streams or seeps into
groundwater basins, where it is available to other users. If one farm
reduces its use, the thinking goes, these other folks lose out.
<more> Jan. 23, 2012 The Modesto Bee
USDA
offers REAP energy project funds - - USDA is seeking applications to
provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to
complete a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
Funding is available from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. The Rural Energy for America Program
(REAP) is designed to help reduce energy costs and consumption. For 2012,
USDA has approximately $25.4 million budget authority available to fund REAP
activities, which will support at least $12.5 million in grant and
approximately $48.5 million in guaranteed loan program level awards.
<more> Jan. 24, 2012 Dairy Business
LOIS HENRY: Water agencies brawl over 'use it or lose it' rule - - The gloves have definitely come off in the latest round over the Kern River. Kern Delta Water District had put the rest of the water world on notice last spring that it planned to use all of its remaining Kern River water rights in a series of new projects, such as groundwater recharge, etc. It recently circulated its environmental impact report for comments and, boy howdy, did it get 'em -- from both barrels. In a blistering 45-page letter, the City of Bakersfield called Kern Delta's environmental report misleading, illusory, vague and "nothing but a sham process." <more> Jan. 23, 2012 Bakersfield Californian
Stories Of Interest
Hilmar
Cheese accepting scholarship applications for ag majors - - Hilmar
Cheese Co. is accepting applicants to its 10th annual scholarship program.
College scholarships are available to high school seniors and college
students with an agricultural major and living in the counties where the
company is located — Merced and Stanislaus counties; and Dallam and Hartley
counties, Texas. The company also offers scholarships to children of
employees and to the children of the dairy farm families who ship their milk
to Hilmar Cheese. Selection of recipients is based on academic performance,
financial need, community activities and future ambitions. The scholarship
program was created to reflect Hilmar Cheese’s continued support of higher
education and its commitment to employees, dairy farm families and the
California and Texas agricultural industries, the company said in a news
release. Qualifying students are encouraged to apply now through March 15.
For more information about Hilmar Cheese’s scholarship program, visit the
About Us section, Community Responsibility page at
www.hilmarcheese.com.
Jan. 24, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Animal
scientists have a major contention with Yahoo! - - Last week Yahoo! came
out with an article, "College Majors That Are Useless", which listed three
agricultural-based majors in its top five list. Little surprise, it ruffled
many feathers within the agriculture community. In fact, by mid-day on
Thursday, a Facebook page – “I studied agriculture and I have a job” – was
up and running. AgCareers.com, an agriculture job placement service,
released a response with data of its own, illustrating the varied and
numerous opportunities ag majors and careers provide. Also, the American
Society of Animal Science (ASAS) has stepped forward, pointing out that
students in animal science programs learn skills that are vital in food
production and animal and human health. Enrollment in animal science majors
is increasing, and job opportunities for animal science majors continue to
expand, ASAS points out.
<more> Jan. 23, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Alex Hildebrand: Champion of the Delta - - Alex Hildebrand, the courteous south Delta farmer and engineer who campaigned relentlessly against a peripheral canal and still drove a tractor well into his 90s, died early Monday. He was 98. Not only did Hildebrand influence California water policy with his arguably unsurpassed knowledge of the Delta, but he was always willing to explain to beginners the complex hydrology of the West Coast's largest estuary. And until the end, he remained determined to save it. <more> Jan. 24, 2012 Stockton Record
WUD
Convention News
WUD
Convention Hotel reservation deadline Jan. 28 - - To make your hotel
room reservations for Western United dairymen’s annual convention Feb.
22-24, 2012, call the Pechanga Resort at (888) 732-4264. Identify yourself
as part of “WUD Annual Convention 2012” to receive the discounted rate,
starting at $129. DEADLINE: SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012.
Visit our convention website - -
Click
here for details
Practical workshops, guest speakers on tap at WUD
convention - - A full lineup of practical workshops, celebrity speakers
and insights by dairy industry professionals await those attending WUD’s
annual convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and casino in
Temecula. The convention kicks off Wednesday Feb. 22 with a day of workshops
on subjects ranging from margin management to labor and water quality
updates. On Thursday, speakers will discuss marketing opportunities,
environmental responsibility, hunger and nutrition and lessons learned in
the on-going struggle with animal activists. Thursday’s banquet features a
keynote address by Los Angeles Dodgers legend Steve Garvey. Friday is set
aside for WUD members and invited guests as they hear legislative updates
from Gary Conover, WUD’s director of government relations, and Charlie
Garrison, WUD’s legislative advocate in Washington DC. The convention wraps
up with the district delegate business meeting. To download the complete
convention and registration form,
please click here. Jan.24, 2012 WUD News
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information. Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Tue, Jan 24 9 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Fraternal Hall,
Hanford
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
WUD convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, CA --Click here for details
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Other Dairy News Sources
Dairy Producer Blogs That We Like
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Monday, Jan. 23, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Supreme Court eviscerates California
slaughterhouse law - - California’s tough requirements governing
operations of slaughterhouses have been chopped by the U.S. Supreme Court,
which says federal law preempts the state’s regulations. “The FMIA [Federal
Meat Inspection Act] expressly preempts [California’s] application against
federally inspected swine slaughterhouses,” the Supreme Court says in a
ruling favoring the National Meat Association, which sued to prevent the
state law from applying to swine slaughterhouses. “The clause prevents a
state from imposing any additional or different - even if non-conflicting -
requirements that fall within the FMIA’s scope and concern slaughterhouse
facilities or operations,” the nation’s highest court says in a unanimous
ruling. The Supreme Court says the state law “substitutes a new regulatory
scheme” for the one used by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.
<more> Jan. 23, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Central Valley Dairy Producer Appointed to Dairy
Council of California Board - - Fresno dairyman Dan Souza has been
appointed to the Dairy Council of California Board of Directors by Karen
Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Souza,
who grew up working on the dairy farm his father started in 1949, attended
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before joining the family business. The original
farm, Joe Souza Dairy, milks 2,500 cows, and Dan later started his own
operation, Big De Farms, which milks 1,000 cows. Souza’s previous industry
involvement included serving on the boards of Challenge Dairy and Danish
Creamery and then California Dairies Inc., when the two businesses merged to
become California’s largest milk processing cooperative and second largest
in the U.S.
<more> Jan. 23, 2012 Dairy Today
WUD
Convention Hotel reservation deadline Jan. 28 - - To make your hotel
room reservations for Western United dairymen’s annual convention Feb.
22-24, 2012, call the Pechanga Resort at (888) 732-4264. Identify yourself
as part of “WUD Annual Convention 2012” to receive the discounted rate,
starting at $129. DEADLINE: JANUARY 28, 2012.
Will U.S. ag bubble pop? - -A few economists
and agriculture market watchers have started warning the U.S. agriculture
industry that the ag/farm bubble may be about ready to burst. Most recently,
Ernie Goss, Creighton University economist, warned that Iowa’s ag economy
would likely be hit because of the European recession and growth in farmland
has slowed. However, the good news amid the bad is that Goss does not expect
the ag economy to be worse than the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. He makes a
distinction between what happened in the 80s and what is happening now. In
the 1980s, more people bought farmland on credit while interest rates were
high.
<more> Jan. 20, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Farmers welcome higher milk prices - - In
2011, the highest milk prices ever recorded — more than double compared to
the lows of 2009 — are allowing dairy farmers to pay down debt, improve
their facilities and relax a little while preparing for the next
unpredictable roller-coaster ride. "It's a different world all right," said
dairyman Don Dimock of Dimock Farms LLC of Peru. "It's been a lot more
enjoyable, that's for sure." Always unstable, prices for the perishable
product that can't be stored by farmers until prices improve now can
fluctuate month to month, making it extremely challenging to manage farm
finances. "Costs have been up some too, but there's been some profit, so it
makes it a lot easier," Dimock said. "It's allowed a lot of us to do some
catching up that's badly needed."
<more> Jan. 22, 2012 Plattsburgh Press-Republican
Consumers’ thirst for organic milk exceeds supply
- - Shoppers searching for organic milk might find the product is
evaporating from supermarket shelves. Grocery stores are seeing slim
inventories due to a nationwide shortage as the supply of organic milk fails
to meet rising demand. The trend prompted Hannaford Supermarkets to post
signs alerting customers. “The shelves may not be as full as customers are
used to,” spokesman Eric Blom said, acknowledging some Hannaford stores have
periodically run out. “This is something that’s impacting all retailers.”
<more> Jan. 21, 2012 Boston Herald
South Korea lifts 8-year ban on imports of Canadian beef - - South Korea has lifted an eight-year ban on imports of Canadian beef. Seoul imposed the ban after mad cow disease was found in a Canadian cow in 2003. Canada has since been recognized as a “controlled risk” country for beef by the World Organization for Animal Health. Canada filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization over the South Korean ban in 2009. South Korea’s Agriculture Ministry says the ban was lifted on Friday. But it says Seoul will only allow imports of Canadian beef from cattle younger than 30 months old. Younger cows are deemed less susceptible to mad cow disease. <more> Jan. 21, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will
be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and
Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management
techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize
production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial
hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you
can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share
their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC
specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and
environmental compliance risk.
<more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
U.S. milk production up 1.8% in 2011 - -
December milk production in the 23 major states totaled 15.43 billion lbs.,
up 2.7% from December 2010. November revised production at 14.74 billion
lbs., was up 2.2% from November 2010. The November revision represented an
increase of 3 million lbs. (<0.1%) from last month's preliminary production
estimate. Production per cow in those states averaged 1,818 lbs. for
December, 27 lbs. more than December 2010. Milk cow numbers in the 23 major
states was 8.49 million head, 99,000 head more than December 2010, and
12,000 head more than November 2011. Compared to a year earlier, cow numbers
in major dairy states posted the largest gains in: California (+30,000
head); Texas (+15,000); New Mexico (+13,000); Washington (+11,000); Michigan
(+9,000); Colorado (+8,000); Arizona and Idaho (+7,000); and Florida
(+6,000). Most Midwest states had steady to lower cow numbers. <more>
Jan. 23, 2012 USDA
CWT assists with 4 million lbs. of cheese exports
- - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 18 requests for export
assistance from Bongards, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold and United
Dairymen of Arizona to sell 4.015 million lbs. of cheddar and Monterey Jack
cheese to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Central
America. The product will be delivered January through June 2012. So far in
2012, CWT assisted member cooperatives in making export sales totaling 10.4
million lbs. of cheese – equivalent of 101 million pounds of milk – to 10
countries on three continents. Jan. 23, 2012 Dairy Profit Update
Greek yogurt on a marathon-like growth spurt; NY farm country is a main beneficiary - - Chobani is making Greek yogurt as fast as Americans are eating it. Its plant here in upstate New York farm country already pumps out 1.5 million cases of the thick yogurt every week, and pallets are stacked four stories high in the chilled warehouse. But like other Greek yogurt makers, Chobani is expanding. Greek yogurt now accounts for a quarter of the total yogurt market after a dizzying growth spurt that is especially apparent here in the heart of upstate New York. The nation’s No. 1 and No. 2 Greek yogurt brands — Chobani and Fage, respectively — are both expanding plants within 60 miles of each other, and another company is building a plant in western New York. The expansions come as the big U.S. yogurt makers are focusing on Greek products, too. <more> Jan. 22, 2012 Associated Press
Environmental
News
Energy Conservation workshop Jan. 25 at
Stanislaus County Agricultural Center - - NRCS and East Stanislaus
Resource Conservation District will host an energy conservation workshop
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm., Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Stanislaus County
Agricultural Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. This free public workshop
will cover new opportunities with the NRCS to address energy on the farm and
ranch. Highlights and focus topics include: energy audits; on-farm energy
conservation practices and techniques; possibilities for on-farm energy
production; new tools for carbon use; conservation and more. For more
information contact your Utility Services Provider or your local NRCS office
in San Joaquin, Stanislaus or Merced County. Jan. 23, 2012 NRCS
Release
Wash. Official refutes dairy study concerns -
- A recent voluntary program to evaluate the best ways to reduce air
pollution from Yakima Valley dairies was paid for by the dairy industry,
which opponents of large-scale animal operations say is big conflict of
interest. During a 10-month pilot program, the Yakima Regional Clean Air
Agency scored the management practices of 15 local dairies in an effort to
identify ways to reduce emissions from some 60,000 cows. The program was
largely paid for by $30,000 from the state Dairy Products Commission. Funded
by assessments on dairies, the Dairy Products Commission's purpose is to
build demand for milk and other dairy products through promotions, consumer
education and "issues-crisis" management programs, according to its website.
<more> Jan. 20, 2012 Yakima Herald-Republic, WA
It takes alfalfa to make ice cream - - When Khaled Bali looks at ice cream he thinks about alfalfa. The connection is not quite clear for some people, said Bali, irrigation adviser and director of the Imperial County Cooperative Extension. Alfalfa feeds cows, which produce the milk used to make ice cream people consume, he said with a grin. The agency Bali leads works in conjunction with the University of California Desert Research and Extension Center, which this year is celebrating its centennial. This year 129,568 acres of alfalfa were grown in the Imperial Valley, according to an Imperial Irrigation District report. This figure almost doubles the amount of wheat, which is the second-most grown crop. “Alfalfa is grown here 365 days a year,” said Bali, and uses most of the irrigation water in the Valley and the state. Water use in the state is about 4 million acre-feet, he said, and currently there is a need to come up with ways to use water more efficiently. <more> Jan. 22, 2012 Imperial Valley Press
Stories Of Interest
Farms, cities have cooperative relationship with
Spain's high-speed rail - - On a crisp fall Saturday morning, Luis
Valciente and Mercedes Martin enjoy the quiet of their farm about 20 miles
northeast of Seville. The retired husband and wife bought their patch of
land in 1987, several years before Spain's first high-speed trains started
running between Madrid and Seville. "It's very tranquil, which is what we
like after all these years," Martin says through an interpreter. Without
warning, a loud "swoosh" briefly interrupts the couple's conversation with a
reporter. Within seconds, the noise subsides, and the couple picks up the
chat, unruffled, right where they left off. It's one of Spain's AVE
high-speed trains rushing from Madrid to Seville on tracks about 100 feet
from the rear of the couple's modest home. The high-speed tracks -- a
portion of the nation's first high-speed rail line that opened in 1992 --
are next to older conventional rail tracks just over the back fence.
<more> Jan . 21, 2012 Fresno Bee
World Dairy Expo seeks 2012 award nominations
- - Outstanding dairy leaders from across the global dairy industry are
being sought for World Dairy Expo’s annual recognition awards. “We’re
encouraging people to nominate people who have demonstrated exceptional
leadership,” says Mark Clarke, General Manager. “It adds to the excitement
of Expo as we recognize and honor the best leaders within the dairy
industry.” Nominations will be accepted through February 15, in the
following four categories: Dairy Woman of the Year; Dairyman of the Year;
Industry Person of the Year; International Person of the Year.
<more> Jan. 23, 2012 Dairy Business
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
WUD
Convention Hotel reservation deadline Jan. 28 - - To make your hotel
room reservations for Western United dairymen’s annual convention Feb.
22-24, 2012, call the Pechanga Resort at (888) 732-4264. Identify yourself
as part of “WUD Annual Convention 2012” to receive the discounted rate,
starting at $129. DEADLINE: JANUARY 28, 2012.
Flight Suggestions for Western United Dairymen - - WUD has received questions regarding travel coordination for the WUD Annual Convention from Northern California. The Pechanga Resort recommends either the San Diego or Ontario airports. Each is about 50 miles from the hotel. To Fly in Tuesday or Wednesday - Southwest Airlines is offering web-only specials from Sacramento Airport to Ontario as low as $59 one-way, with a return cost as low as $81 (for a round-trip cost of $140 + tax). Flights out of SFO are coming in around $410 + tax round-trip. Please visit www.Southwest.com for more information.Ground Transportation from Airport Taxis are available, but a shuttle (van) is the most economical way to get to and from the airport. The cost is around $95 each-way from Ontario, and $125 each-way from San Diego. The price should be the same for 1-3 people (but the vans can accommodate up to 7 people, so if you know others whose flights are arriving at the same time, perhaps it may be possible to get a better per-person price). Advance shuttle reservations are recommended! <more> Jan. 23, 2012
Dairy Meetings
Friday, Jan. 20, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
E. coli found in calf area of Kerman dairy -
- Samples collected in November from a Kerman-area raw milk dairy's calf
area tested positive for E. coli, and two of the samples matched the
bacteria strain that infected five children last year, state health
officials said Friday. In a letter to Organic Pastures made public Friday,
the California Department of Public Health said 10 of the environmental
samples taken at the Fresno County dairy tested positive for E. coli. The
samples were taken from cow manure, water, soil and other surfaces. But
Organic Pastures owner Mark McAfee disputed the number of positive test
results. "The only positives were the two," he said Friday. In addition,
the dairy's calf-raising area is separate from its milk production area,
McAfee said.
<more> Jan. 20, 2012 Fresno Bee
Jerry Brown says November water bond vote might
need to be delayed - - Gov. Jerry Brown said on Thursday he wants the
Legislature to authorize billions more in bond sales to fund the state’s
bullet train, but suggested lawmakers consider moving a $12-billion water
bond off the November ballot. “I think they've got to take a hard look at
that one,” Brown said of the water measure, which is schedule to go before
voters this fall. The governor clarified that the ambitious water project he
outlined in his State of the State address Wednesday was not the same as the
bond already on the ballot. Brown said “we do not need tax money” to pay for
his plan. “The big water users will pay for having water reliability.” He
said lawmakers should reconsider the bond measure and decide if it “really
fits with what is absolutely needed” to improve the state’s water system.
<more> Jan. 19, 2012 Los Angeles Times
Commentary: Unity critical for dairy policy
reform this year - - I was trying to be open-minded. After all, the
much-ballyhooed Congressional Super Committee had just gone down in flames
and the whole Farm Bill debate was back to square one. On Dec. 22, I sat in
on a phone conference called by proponents of the Federal Milk Marketing
Improvement Act of 2011, who were asking everyone, including me, to take a
second look at their proposal. While listening, it became increasingly
obvious to me that “this just isn’t going to fly.” Requiring processors to
pay minimum prices based on the national average cost of production would
essentially guarantee a profit for many farms. That, in turn, would lead to
inefficiency and possible over-production — something that would not go over
very well with the general public. Most businesses in this country can only
dream of having their costs covered up front.
<more> Jan. 20, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
After immigration crackdown, Ga. and Ala. farmers unsure about crop size amid labor concerns - - It’s unclear whether farmers in Georgia and Alabama will face a shortage of workers due to tough new laws targeting illegal immigration, but some producers said they have begun changing their plans for planting and harvesting this year’s crops. Some farmers said they might reduce the number of acres they plant or shift to less labor-intensive crops, while others are bracing for higher labor prices and have turned to new recruiting tools to attract workers. “We’re expecting some shifts, but it’s a bit too early to tell,” said Charles Hall, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. Georgia and Alabama have approved laws that have tough enforcement provisions that farmers say are scaring migrant workers away from the states. <more> Jan. 20, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Reducing farm risk topic of dairy workshops - - Reducing farm risk will
be the topic of four workshops scheduled for Chino, Tulare, Modesto and
Orland in February. The workshops will focus on a variety of risk management
techniques designed to create more consistent milk income and minimize
production costs and environmental exposure. Accounting and financial
hedging experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide “news you
can use” on all things risk management. Dairy producers will also share
their success and challenges in using various risk management techniques. UC
specialists will show how nutrition management can reduce monetary and
environmental compliance risk.
<more> Jan. 20, 2011 WUD News
Down week for dairy - - Dairy markets
continued their downward trend on Friday; cash cheese barrels declined 1.25
cents to close at $1.5025 per pound while blocks dropped another 4 cents to
finish at $1.505. Class III futures for the first half of the year slipped a
little but June through December contracts added a couple of cents each. For
the week, cash cheese barrels lost 4.75 cents, blocks dropped 9 cents and
butter declined 4.25 cents. Class III futures, January slipped a penny while
February fell 66 cents, March dropped 70 cents, April lost 60 cents and the
July contract is 18 cents lower.
<more> Jan. 20, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
More dairy cows culled in 2011 - - USDA
estimated 261,900 culled dairy cows were slaughtered under federal
inspection in December 2011, up 9,100 from November 2011, but 2,900 less
than December 2010. January-December 2011 dairy cow slaughter was estimated
at 2.914 million head, up 107,000 from 2010. Jan. 20, 2012 Dairy Profit
Update
Increased Milk Production, Lower Exports Will
Depress Dairy Prices in 2012 - - Pressured by higher milk production and
lower export prospects, dairy prices are expected to fall in 2012, USDA’s
Economic Research Service (ERS) said Jan. 19 in its “Livestock, Dairy and
Poultry Outlook.” Despite a forecast of a small reduction in herd size from
2011, higher milk per cow will raise milk production in 2012, ERS said.
Exports on both a fats and skims-solids basis are lowered for 2012. The
result is lower prices in 2012 than in 2011 for the major dairy products and
consequently for the All-Milk price. The 2012 All-Milk price is forecast at
$18.30 to $19.10 per cwt. That’s an increase from December’s level and due
mostly to strong whey prices, ERS said.
<more> Jan. 20, 2012 Dairy Today
Lee Mielke: Dairy stars in export picture - - Whey is the bright spot in the domestic and global dairy market, according to FC Stone dairy economist Bill Brooks. Speaking in the Jan. 17 DairyLine radio program, Brooks said there was positive news on the grains side of things for dairy producers as corn and soybean meal futures prices are down so that will be a reprieve on feed costs but not so good for those farmers who sell corn. Cheese prices haven't seen a lot of change and have bounced around some, Brooks said. Prices attracted buyers but that hadn't moved futures prices much. Milk prices are below what they were a year ago, he said, but costs are still high so they're not real excited about selling. <more> Jan. 20, 2012 Capital Press
Environmental
News
Don Curlee: Water transfers are nothing new -
- Borrowing and lending irrigation water between farmers is a historic
practice in California that has spilled over to include urban and industrial
water users as well. When radical environmentalists and other water
watchdogs get wind of water being transferred out of agricultural use, they
tend to hit the panic button. In other words, they look long and hard for
somebody to sue, preferably somebody with deep pockets. But in the
agricultural community, transferring water from one user to another is
really little more than neighborliness.
<more> Jan. 19, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Court tosses San Joaquin Valley air pollution
control plan - - A federal appeals court has shot down the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of an air pollution cleanup plan
for the San Joaquin Valley. “We should not silently rubber stamp agency
action that is arbitrary and capricious in its reliance on old data without
meaningful comment on the significance of more current compiled data,” says
the decision Friday by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San
Francisco. “We hold that EPA’s failure to even consider the new data and to
provide an explanation for its choice rooted in the data presented was
arbitrary and capricious.” The court says the EPA needs to conduct its
approval process anew. It says the EPA “stands on shaky legal ground”
because its approval relied on “significantly outdated data.”
<more> Jan. 20, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
California Expects $1 Billion From Carbon Trading
- - There might be more money in the first year of California’s
cap-and-trade program than expected. Governor Brown’s 2012-2013 budget
includes $1 billion in revenue from the state’s cap-and-trade program,
ramping up this year as part of California’s 2006 climate legislation, known
as AB 32. That might seem surprising since 90% of initial permits to emit
greenhouse gases will be given away to industry. But number-crunchers at the
Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) says that selling just ten percent of
allowances at auction could generate that much cash. The price for an
emission allowance has not been set, but projections range from $10-$40 per
credit, which means that the state might garner even more than $1 billion in
the bargain.
<more> Jan. 19, 2012 KQED news
EPA overreaches on manure regulations, farm
groups say - - National farm groups complained Thursday that the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency has gone too far by asking for more
information about basic operations on large-scale animal farms that might
pollute water supplies. But New York farmers already share much of that
information with state regulators. The EPA closed out a public comment
period on the proposed rules, which would require farmers to share more
information about their businesses — a move the EPA agreed to in a
settlement with the Natural Resources Defense Council and other
environmental groups. Large-scale farms, called concentrated animal-feeding
operations, include large dairy farms, which pose an environmental challenge
in dealing with manure. A dairy farm with more than 700 cows, for instance,
is considered a large CAFO by the EPA, and a farm with as few as 200 cows is
a medium CAFO.
<more> Jan. 20, 2012 Watertown Daily Times
District sets list of air quality goals - - After a challenging year for air quality in the San Joaquin Valley, officials on Thursday approved a list of goals for 2012, including more air-quality stations, cleaner vehicles and new alternatives for burning agricultural waste. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District says pollution has declined 80 percent from factories and businesses, and 60 percent from mobile sources such as cars and trucks since 1980. Still, the Valley is out of compliance with federal air-quality standards, and it remains one of the dirtiest air basins in the nation. <more> Jan. 19, 2012 Stockton Record
Stories Of Interest
Hands-on ag experience helps make their lessons
memorable - - A half-mile-long raised dirt driveway splits 33 acres of
zinfandel grapes from a field of pinot noir. But when ag teacher Ken
Moncrief looks at the divider, he sees connections. Dozens of Central Valley
High students from ag and science classes helped edge the strip with native
shrubs and grasses recently. For them, the three-day hands-on ag experience
made lessons memorable. Wildlife organizations overseeing the project spread
awareness while creating a corridor for migrating birds. Farmer Jim
DeMartini will get a bevy of beneficial insects with the brush. Much like in
nature, all the different needs and solutions intertwined — a kind of
educational ecosystem.
<more> Jan. 19, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Judge rules raw almonds must be treated - - A federal judge has again upheld U.S. Agriculture Department rules requiring treatment of raw almonds, in the latest blow to San Joaquin Valley organic farmers. The mandatory pasteurization or chemical treatments protect consumers from salmonella. The requirement to apply them is well within the Agriculture Department's power, a federal judge ruled this week. D.C.-based U.S. District Judge Ellen Segal Huvelle's decision is a victory for the Modesto-based Almond Board of California, which administers the agricultural marketing order by which the industry regulates quality control, research and advertising. The board recommended new safety rules in 2006 following incidents of salmonella contamination, and the Agriculture Department subsequently put them in place. <more> Jan. 19, 2012 Fresno Bee
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Obama Ag
Anti-Trust Effort Now Over
- - By Bill Bishop - - The Obama administration brought in a team in
the Departments of Agriculture and Justice that promised to take on the big
companies that control the food market. They held hearings across the
country and collected tens of thousands of comments. But nothing ever
happened and now the last of those who promised action has left. The AP is
reporting that J. Dudley Butler will resign as head of the Grain Inspection
Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). Reporter Christopher Leonard
quotes two unnamed sources familiar with the situation. Butler was one of a
group of anti-trust officials President Obama brought on in the early days
of his administration. This included Butler and Department of Justice
officials Philip Weiser and Christine Varney. All three said they would
investigate and break up monopolies in the food business. The investigations
took place — the Departments of Justice and Agriculture held hearings all
over the country, attended by thousands of farm and ranch families — but no
actions were ever filed. And now all three have left the administration.
<more> Jan. 19, 2011 Dailyyonder.com
More
customers turn to dairy alternatives - - Total retail sales of soy milk,
almond milk, rice milk and other plant milks reached $1.33 billion in 2011,
according to Dairy Alternative Beverages in the U.S., a recently released
report from market research firm Packaged Facts. Recent decades have seen an
incremental but steady decline in dairy beverage consumption: the average
per-capita consumption of cow's milk fell from 24.3 gallons per person in
1994 to 20.8 gallons per person in 2008, according to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) data. Many consumers are increasingly turning either to
non-caloric beverages or to non-traditional beverages with novel nutritional
characteristics or benefits-the latter a positive trend for the dairy
alternative beverages market. <more>
Jan. 19, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Humane
Society: California best, South Dakota worst for animals - - It's
official: California is a land of bunny-huggers. For the third year in a
row, California has earned higher marks than any other state in a survey
that looks at everything from the treatment of farm animals to the keeping
of pet bears. No state came near the maximum score of 66 in the survey from
the Humane Society of the United States, which the animal advocacy group
says is a reflection of how far there is to go before animals are properly
protected. That's especially true if you happen to be a beast living in
South Dakota, which scored a measly eight points on the Humane Society's
scale -- the lowest of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
California came away with 46 points, based in part on its Farm Animal
Cruelty Protection Act, which bans long confinements of animals on factory
farms.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Los Angeles Times
The
Media Sharpens The Humane Society’s Claws - - Mass media can pick sides
or create caricatures on any issue. It’s not always intentional but it moves
the role of reporter from umpire to advocate, which puts the burden on the
public to separate the straight story from the spin. The latest case study?
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), an animal rights group that
has been leveraging the media in its advocacy campaigns for years. Advocates
know if they can engage your emotions, you are closer to taking action. If
they also suggest the action and it happens to be “donate now,” it’s
lucrative, too. A group called “The Humane Society” has a big advantage in
the media. People like pets and have strong emotional connections to them.
It’s easy to get a reaction from an audience through pictures of cute (or
abused) animals. Moreover, it’s hard to appear “against” an animal
protection group. Unfortunately, having a media “untouchable” isn’t in the
public’s best interests.
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 Big Journalism
New
York billboards attack cheese - - A pro-vegan activist organization
wants to remove cheese from a New York school district’s student lunches,
but dairy nutrition leaders are fighting back. The Physicians Committee for
Responsible Medicine (PCRM) erected billboards around Albany, N.Y., blaming
cheese for obesity. PCRM president Neal Barnard also wrote a letter to
members of the Albany city school board, asking the city to cut down on
dairy products served in schools to help students reduce the risk of
childhood obesity. Barnard said more than 59% of New York’s residents – and
63% of Albany County’s residents – were either overweight or obese. He
linked cheese and school lunches for the obesity, saying cheese had high
levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. The American Dairy
Association & Dairy Council (ADADC) responded, questioning both PCRM’s
qualifications, as well as its nutrition information.
<more> Jan. 19, 2012 Dairy Business
More
punitive measures for illegal border crossers - - For years, the majority of
illegal immigrants from Mexico caught by the Border Patrol were
fingerprinted, photographed and sent back fairly quickly, while repeat
border-crossers and those with criminal records were charged with federal
crimes or officially deported. Since 2009, though, Customs and Border
Protection has been gradually rolling out the Consequence Delivery System,
which aims to stiffen punishment of undocumented immigrants. The program’s
measures include sending people far away from where they entered the United
States so it’s tougher to reconnect with their smugglers, putting them
through immigration court, sending them to prison and working with Mexico to
prosecute smugglers. The program is key to a new national strategy for
dealing with illegal immigration that’s expected to be released this month.
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 U-T San Diego
Gov. Jerry Brown defends high-speed rail in State of State speech - - The two sides of Gov. Jerry Brown's political persona have come into clear view this month. Two weeks ago, it was the austere and pragmatic Brown, as he released his slash-away state budget. But on Wednesday, during his State of the State address in the Assembly chamber, he gave a glimpse of his idealistic, visionary side, providing a full-throated defense of California's high-speed rail plan despite the pummeling it's taken in recent months. Brown took on critics in his most forceful language to date, noting that naysayers have been wrong about some of the great infrastructure projects of the past. <more> Jan. 19, 2012 San Jose Mercury News
Pricing/Commodity News
New
Zealand - Auction dairy price rise 'solid result in fickle world' - -
Signs of global dairy price stability in Fonterra's latest online auction is
a solid result in an uncertain world, says BNZ economist Doug Steel. The
average price for a basket of products in the latest auction increased 1.5
per cent having fallen by 0.7 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively in the
previous two events. The quantity of product sold in the auction totalled
31,026 tonnes, with an average winning price of US$3701 ($4609) a tonne.
Dairy products account for about a quarter of all merchandise exports.
<more> Jan. 19, 2012 Auckland New Zealand Herald
USDA:
2012 milk production, export decline may pressure prices - - Editor’s
note: USDA’s monthly Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook report, issued, Jan.
19, largely mirrors the Jan. 12 World Ag Supply & Demand Estimates
report, previously summarized by DairyProfit Weekly. Following is a look at
the Jan. 19 report. (See table for quarterly and annual milk price
forecasts.) The forecast 2011/12 season-average corn price was lowered 20¢
on each end of the range, to $5.70-$6.70/bushel. Prices received by
producers remain below cash bids, limiting upward potential in the
season-average farm price. Forecast soybean meal prices were raised this
month by $10/ ton on each end of the range, to $290-$320/ton.
<more> Jan. 19, 2012 Dairybusiness.com
U.S.
beef slaughter, imports influenced by multiple factors - - USDA’s
monthly Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook report, issued, Jan. 19,
indicates beef domestic and global beef demand combined with smaller
inventories – as well as the drought and higher feed prices – are impacting
U.S. beef slaughter and imports. While 2011 dairy cull cow slaughter totals
were about 121,000 higher (up 4%) than the year before, overall weekly
federally inspected “other” cow slaughter – mostly beef cows – through the
week of Dec. 31, 2011 was almost 5% above the same period a year earlier,
and was more than 14% above same period in 2009. Total annual commercial cow
slaughter has been observed at current levels only one time since 1987 – in
1996, also a drought year. <more>
Jan. 19, 2012 Dairy Business
Fallout from Valley dry spell could affect beef prices - - For nearly two months, Valley farmers and ranchers have been praying for rain to grow native grasses and give the region's parched soil some much-needed moisture. And while their prayers may be answered this week with a storm that could bring up to an inch of rain to the Fresno area by Friday, it does not mean their worries are over. "It is the start of a possible solution, but in a way we are just starting from scratch in terms of grass production," said Kevin Kester, president of the California Cattleman's Association and a rancher in Parkfield, southwest of Coalinga. "There are a lot of places that are completely dried up." <more> Jan. 18, 2012 Fresno Bee
Environmental
News
NCBA
identifies biosecurity concerns with EPA proposed CAFO rule - - The
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) filed comments on Jan. 19 with
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposed Clean Water Act
(CWA) Section 308 CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) Reporting
Rule. NCBA Deputy Environmental Counsel Ashley Lyon said the proposed rule
reaches beyond the agency’s authority and could put the nation’s food system
at risk of increased terrorist attacks. “EPA should pull this rule. The
agency needs to redirect its focus on working with states and other partners
to attain already publicly available information that would allow them to
work towards their goal of improved water quality,” said Lyon. “This can be
done in a way that does not put our food system at increased risk.”
<more> Jan. 19, 2011 Cattlenetwork.com
Delta
solar farm could get green light under new law - - A Delta farmer's plan
to build a 120-acre solar array might yet bear fruit, if growing actual
crops on his land is as hopeless as he claims. San Joaquin County
supervisors this week declined to take the unusual step of canceling Michael
J. Robinson's contract under the Williamson Act, a state program that
preserves farmland. But they did decide that the 20-megawatt solar farm -
said to be the first of its kind for San Joaquin - is compatible with the
county's General Plan. That allows Robinson to seek an easement for his
solar panels, thanks to a new state law written last year by state Sen. Lois
Wolk, D-Davis.
<more> Jan. 17 Stockton Record
Western Kansas dairy at risk of losing key permit - - A large western Kansas dairy with a history of problems will have to close if it's unable to successfully appeal the revocation of a crucial permit. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment gave notice to international milk producer Ceres Agrar GmbH last week that the agency intends to terminate the water pollution control permit for its Cimarron dairy in Gray County. Terry Medley, the agency's livestock waste management section chief, said the company was developing a plan of action to bring the dairy into compliance and has indicated it will appeal by the Feb. 4 deadline. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the state could force the dairy to get rid of its herd, which could number as high as 9,050 cows. <more> Jan. 17, 2012 Associated Press
Stories Of Interest
Ongoing Research
Analyzes Formulas, Mother's Milk - - Soy-based baby formula nourishes
millions of America's infants. Now, U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA)-funded scientist Jin-Ran Chen is taking a close look at the effects
that soy formula, cow's-milk formula, and mother's milk have on bone
development in infants. Very little is known about the short- and long-term
effects of soy formula on bone health, according to Chen. A series of
studies, conducted by Chen and his co-researchers, are helping to fill in
the knowledge gap. One early investigation provided a comprehensive
comparison of bone formation in piglets that were fed either sow's milk or
formulas based on either soy or cow's milk. The scientists chose pigs as the
animal model because the pig digestive system is generally regarded as being
closest to that of humans, Chen noted.
<more> Jan. 19, 2012 USDA Agricultural Research Service
The
Latest DIY Craze? Say Cheese (and Other Dairy) - - A.J. Simone, a
23-year-old account executive at a furniture chain, had tried pickling,
canning and bread-making. The next frontier for him: making cheese. "The
first time I pressed cheese into a pre-formed mold, it was really
satisfying," says Mr. Simone, of Queens, N.Y. He now makes ricotta and
dabbles in South Asian paneer. Mozzarella, chèvre, yogurt and butter are
joining home-made pickles, preserves, bread and beer as do-it-yourself
projects that even nonprofessional cooks will try. Dairy DIYers include
connoisseurs of artisanal foods, as well as back-to-basics crafters like Mr.
Simone. "In the past it's been more of the elite foodies," says Carol
Blindauer, senior vice president of health and wellness at the National
Dairy Council in Chicago. Now she sees a broader group of people trying it
out.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Wall Street Journal
College Majors That Are Useless - - If you're considering going back to school in hopes that you'll graduate to more opportunities, there are certain degrees that you might want to avoid. Consider the National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) 2012 Job Outlook study, which surveyed almost 1,000 employers on their future hiring plans. Many areas of study, such as fashion design and the performing arts, didn't even make the list. On the other hand, majors like business had 83 percent of the surveyed employers saying they planned to recruit them. Close seconds were accounting and computer and information science majors with nearly 60 percent of surveyed employers planning to recruit them. At the other end of the spectrum are degrees that are either so specific they can't be applied in a variety of fields, or those linked to careers with virtually little to no projected job growth. Want to make sure you don't pick a dud of a degree? Check out our list of most useless degrees. Useless Degree #1 – Agriculture <more> Jan. 19, 2012 Yahoo News Disagree with this story? Then Like ”I Studied Agriculture & I Have A Job" on Facebook
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Perchanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Olivier becomes
latest Republican to decide against Costa challenge
- - Clint Olivier, a first-term Fresno City Council member who late last
year said he was exploring a congressional run against incumbent Democrat
Jim Costa, today said he was ending his candidacy. Olivier, 36, said in a
written statement that the "difficult decision was made after much prayer
and contemplation. As we face the possibility of more painful cuts to city
services this year," his statement continued, "I feel the need to dedicate
100% of my time and effort to finding innovative ways to get the City of
Fresno through this critical period. Doing so will leave me no time for a
grueling congressional campaign." Olivier is the latest in a long line of
name Republicans to either reject or abandon a run for the newly created
16th Congressional District, which includes about half the City of Fresno,
as well as parts of Fresno and Madera counties, and all of Merced County.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Fresno Bee
Kraft
Foods to cut up to 1,600 positions, close 2 management centers in spinoff
plans - - Kraft Foods Inc. will cut 1,600 positions in North America as
it prepares to split its business in two. The Northfield, Ill.-based food
company said Tuesday that it plans to eliminate the positions throughout the
U.S. and Canada during the coming year. The cuts will be made among its
sales, corporate and other business units. About 20 percent of the job
eliminations are currently open positions. Kraft has roughly 127,000
employees worldwide, including 46,500 in North America. The company
announced in August that it would split into two independent companies: a
global snacks business and North American grocery business. Kraft said the
moves are needed to help the businesses run more effectively.
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 Associated Press
Kraft
Tries an Aged Cheese Marketing Campaign - - Kraft Foods is reviving a
vintage marketing recipe with a campaign that promotes five Kraft cheese
products together as well as separately. The campaign, now under way,
carries the theme “Make something amazing,” with Kraft advising consumers
that they can fix outstanding meals and snacks when they use the five
products: Kraft Singles, Kraft grated parmesan, Kraft shredded cheeses,
Kraft Natural Slices and a newcomer, Kraft Fresh Take. The campaign has a
budget estimated at more than $50 million, which executives at Kraft Foods
are calling the largest single investment in the last decade in their cheese
and dairy products.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 New York Times
Vilsack defends USDA consolidation plan - - U.S. Agriculture Secretary
Tom Vilsack is defending his department's decision to close 131 Farm Service
Agency offices, arguing it will help other offices stay afloat. Despite some
pushback from farmers who say their nearest working FSA office would be more
than an hour away, Vilsack said offices slated for closure were within 20
miles of other offices, which was a criteria set by Congress.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Capital Press
Ag secretary announces $308 million in aid for disaster-stricken states - - The nation’s top agriculture official is expected to announce Wednesday more than $300 million in emergency assistance to 33 states and Puerto Rico to help them recover from an unusually intense year for natural disasters across the U.S. Utah and Missouri will receive the most disaster aid, together taking in $109 million, or more than one-third of the $308 million in aid from Department of Agriculture watershed and conservation emergency funds, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack told The Associated Press ahead of a formal announcement later Wednesday. <more> Jan. 18, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
November U.S. dairy export value highest of year - - The value of
November 2011 U.S. dairy exports topped $400 million for the ninth
consecutive month, pushing the value of year-to-date (Y-T-D) 2011 dairy
product exports to nearly $4.5 billion. At $438 million, November
2011 exports were the highest of the year, up 7% from October 2011 and up
42% from November 2010. At $309 million, November 2011 imports were up 24%
from October 2011 and up 17% from November 2010.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Dairy Business
Understanding the surprise in USDA's corn stocks estimate - - The corn market was surprised by the USDA’s final 2011 corn production estimate and the estimate of Dec. 1, 2011, corn stocks. The March 2012 futures price declined by $0.52 per bushel in the two sessions following the release of the reports. At 9.642 billion bushels, Dec. 1 corn stocks were 425 million bushels smaller than those of a year ago and the smallest in 5 years, but were about 240 million bushels larger than the average of the reported trade guesses. Those guesses were in an extremely wide range of 500 million bushels. Three of the 15 analyst guesses reported by Dow Jones were 9.55 billion bushels or larger, so not everyone was surprised by the USDA estimate. <more> Jan. 18, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Environmental
News
State
of the State Address Calls for Action on Water, Delta Fix in 2012 - -
Calling water a “huge issue” California must tackle, Gov. Jerry Brown today
delivered a State of the State address that called for agreement this year
on a plan to fix the Delta to meet the dual goals of ecosystem restoration
and water supply reliability. In a 20-minute address before a joint session
of the Legislature, the governor cited water as one of eight priority issues
he intends to advance in 2012. He described the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan
as an “enormous project” that will require time and political will to
complete and voiced the state’s commitment to identify basic elements of the
project by this summer.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Association of California Water Agencies
Should
California build a Delta water canal it rejected in the 1980s? - - Gov.
Jerry Brown is moving ahead with plans to build a water diversion canal or
tunnel through the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta, saying the project is
essential for reducing conflicts over fish and ensuring reliable water
deliveries. Worried about environmental impacts and water rights, many
residents in the Delta and Northern California oppose the project. Should
California build a Delta water canal it rejected in the 1980s?
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Low-till agriculture gets its day in California - - Central Valley
farmers are slowly getting hip to the idea that tilling land before planting
seeds may not always be necessary. Conservation tillage has long been in
vogue in places such as the Midwest and South America. Now in California,
leaving land undisturbed between planting and harvesting cycles has started
to catch on. Advocates say conservation tillage is an array of practices
aimed not only at saving farmers money, but also enriching the soil and
improving air quality.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
New
tool for cleaning up soils and waterways - - A U.S. Department of
Agriculture scientist working in the Central Valley has discovered what may
be an effective tool for cleaning up soils and waterways in parts of the San
Joaquin Valley: a drought-tolerant cactus. Ancient seas once covered the
west side of the valley, and those seas left behind marine sediments, shale
formations and deposits of selenium and other minerals in the soil. Crops
grown there need to be irrigated, but the resulting runoff, when it contains
high levels of selenium, can be toxic to fish, migratory birds, and other
wildlife that drink from waterways and drainage ditches. Selenium runoff is
subject to monitoring by regional water quality officials.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 USDA
California farmers eagerly await rain - - Rain can't come soon enough for California farmers and ranchers, who are counting the hours in anticipation of Thursday's forecast arrival of meaningful showers. A nearly bone-dry fall/early winter season has been accompanied by periodic freezing conditions in December and this week. Hard freezes have already caused crop damage in some California fields, but agriculture industry officials say a good soaking – and the accompanying warmer temperatures – will go a long way toward easing landowners' anxieties. <more> Jan. 18, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Stories Of Interest
The
Changing Face of Farming - - Officials say the average farmer in
California is nearly 60 years old - and nearly 20 percent are older than 70.
They say without an influx of younger and more ethnically diverse farmers,
the state's $37 billion industry will suffer. We discuss the graying of the
agriculture industry in a broadcast from our Sacramento studios.
<listen
here> Jan. 13, 2012 KQED radio
Select
Sires’ Jersey Sire Program Sets Record with More Than 1 Million Units of
Semen Sold - - Select Sires’ Jersey sire program hit a new record with
the sale of more than 1 million units of semen in 2011. The milestone is a
result of Select Sires’ commitment to the growth and development of the
Jersey breed. This record-breaking achievement can also be credited to
Select Sires’ passion for providing its customer-owners with the genetics
and services they need to achieve their goals.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Dairy Today
National Dairy Shrine Award Applications due March 15 - - National Dairy
Shrine is again seeking nominations for its most prestigious awards: Guest
of Honor, Pioneer, Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder, Progressive Dairy
Producer, and Graduate Production Award. The Guest of Honor is given to a
contemporary dairy leader for outstanding accomplishments and contributions
to the dairy industry. It has been awarded every year since 1949 when Dean
H. Kildee was named the first Guest of Honor. Each year, three to four
living or deceased Pioneers of the dairy industry are honored by National
Dairy Shrine for their service and leadership in the dairy industry.
<more> Jan. 18, 2012 Dairy Today
Ag scholarship deadline nears for local students - - The deadline to apply for the 2012 E.M. Tharp "We Believe in Growing" scholarship is Friday. Two $10,000 scholarships, handed out over four years at $2,500 annually, are given to graduating high school seniors seeking college education in an agriculture field. Students from Tulare, Kern, Kings, Fresno and Madera counties can apply. To be considered, students must submit an application, two letters of recommendation, a high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores. Applications can be downloaded at www.worldagexpo.com/General-Info/EM-Tharp-Scholarship.htm. Completed applications must be sent to the International Agri-Center, "We Believe in Growing" Scholarship, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare, CA 93274. Jan. 16, 2012 Visalia Times-Delta
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Perchanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Dairy Meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Wed, Jan 18 11 12:00 noon Benji's Bakersfield
Wed, Jan 18 8 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Heritage Complex,
Tulare
Mon, Jan 23 1 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Rolling Hills
Casino, Corning
Tue, Jan 24 9 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Fraternal Hall,
Hanford
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
WUD convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, CA --Click here for details
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Other Dairy News Sources
Dairy Producer Blogs That We Like
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Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Harris Ranch arson puts focus on animal rights
law - - Harris Ranch and a federal courthouse in Boston present
competing faces of the animal rights movement. One side is peaceful. The
other, decidedly, is not. Both can feel the weight of the law and the sting
of being called a terrorist. At the giant Harris Ranch in western Fresno
County investigators are trying to solve the Jan. 8 arson that damaged 14
tractors and several cattle-hauling trailers. Anonymous animal-rights
activists claimed responsibility for the fire, which ranch owner John Harris
called a terrorist action. The Harris Ranch arson was clearly a crime,
however it happened. But in a new lawsuit, animal advocates with a far
different tactical approach contend that Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein
and other lawmakers went too far the last time Congress addressed animal
rights activism, in 2006.
<more> Jan. 15, 2012 Fresno Bee
State ethanol bill approved by Assembly
Transportation Committee - - Legislation that would restrict the use of
corn as a resource if an ethanol plant were constructed using state bond
money, passed out of the state Assembly Transportation Committee recently on
a unanimous vote, 14-0. There was no opposition voiced to
AB523 by Assemblyman Dave Valadao (R-Hanford.). Jan. 17, 2012
USDEC and NMPF Raise Concerns about Impact of
Administration’s Reorganization Proposal on U.S. Trade Policy - - Two
dairy organizations expressed concerns today about the potential impact on
U.S. dairy exports of a proposal to consolidate government agencies.
President Obama announced last Friday his proposal to reinstate the Office
of the President’s authority to reorganize the government. His first
proposed use of that authority would be to consolidate six agencies dealing
with trade and commerce into one. The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and
the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) praised the Administration’s
effort to ensure that agencies involved in efforts related to trade are
operating in the smoothest and most coordinated way possible.
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 U.S. Dairy Export Council
Jim Dickrell: Dairy’s ‘Go It Alone’ Animal ID -
- The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has had it with the beef
industry’s infighting over national animal identification. Last month, NMPF
sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging USDA to move forward
with a national program, even if it means enacting dairy specific
requirements. Reading between the lines, the letter seethes with
frustration. Last week, I asked Jamie Jonker, NMPF V.P. of scientific and
regulatory affairs, about that sense of futility. “National Milk and our
member producers have a desire to move animal ID forward, and right now
we’re lumped together with the beef side,” he says. “Dairy and beef have
different production systems, and USDA needs to consider rules that are not
necessarily the same for both. That’s a long way of saying that, yes, we are
frustrated.”
<more> Jan. 16, 2012 Dairy Today
USDA to measure economic well-being of American
Farms - - The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
will spend the next several months contacting farmers and ranchers across
the nation to conduct the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS).
The results of this survey will serve as a baseline for numerous federal
policies and programs that affect U.S. farms and farm families. “ARMS is our
primary tool for gauging the financial condition and production practices on
American farms and ranches,” said Vic Tolomeo, Director, USDA-NASS
California Field Office. “By participating in this survey, California
farmers and ranchers directly impact the decisions that affect them, their
families and their operations.” NASS conducts ARMS jointly with USDA’s
Economic Research Service. In an effort to obtain the most accurate data,
the federal agencies will reach out to nearly 35,000 producers nationwide,
including approximately 2,400 in California in late December through
mid-April. Agricultural producers will be asked to provide data on their
operating expenditures, production costs and household characteristics.
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 NASS press release
Jerry Brown vows to push forward with high-speed rail - - Less than 24 hours after the chief administrator of California's troubled high-speed rail project resigned, Gov. Jerry Brown this morning defended the $98.5 billion project and said he will push it forward. The resignation of Roelof van Ark, the chief executive officer of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, and an announcement the same day of the planned installation of Brown adviser Dan Richard as chairman of the rail board, were viewed by many as an effort by Brown to recast the project ahead of legislative hearings this year. "I'm putting my own stamp on state government, slowly but surely," the Democratic governor told reporters after an event in Elk Grove. He said Richard "knows his material." The Legislature is highly skeptical of the project, and public opinion has turned against it, according to a recent Field Poll. <more> Jan. 13, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Pricing/Commodity News
November U.S. hay, dairy cattle exports remain
strong - - November U.S. alfalfa hay exports topped 155,000 metric tons
for the third consecutive month, with Japan the leading market for the
month, according to USDA’s Foreign Ag Service. November 2011 U.S. exports
totaled 157,203 metric tons, the second-highest monthly total of 2011, and
bringing the year-to-date (Y-T-D) total to 1.448 million metric tons,
compared to 1.443 million metric tons for all of 2010. Japan remains the
leading annual U.S. alfalfa hay market, importing 63,376 metric tons in
November, bringing its 2011 Y-T-D total to 537,179 metric tons, about 37% of
the U.S. Y-T-D total.
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 Dairy Business
End of Blenders' Tax Credit to Shave 25¢ Off Corn
Price - - On Jan. 1, 2012, the 45-cents-per-gallon tax credit given to
gasoline blenders who use ethanol in their formula, along with import
tariffs on ethanol, expired without much fanfare. The subsidy had been under
heavy attack from livestock groups, petroleum marketers and grocery
manufacturers. The Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) will continue to put a
floor under ethanol production, and thus corn demand, but corn prices will
still suffer. Matt Roberts, agricultural economist with The Ohio State
University, thinks the long-term average impact of eliminating the blenders'
credit will be a negative 25 cents per bushel on corn. "In short crop years,
ethanol plants will ration more quickly," he says. "The top will be taken
out of the market."
<more> Jan. 16, 2012 Ag Web
U.S., World Cheese Growth Slowing - - U.S.
cheese sales growth, the real driver of milk prices over the last 40 years,
is slowing to almost a snail’s pace. But in a delicious ironic way, the
demand for whey, the waste product of cheese manufacturing, is now growing
by leaps and bounds. What that means, of course, is that cheese prices could
start to sag while prices for whey could rise.
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 Dairy Today
Farmers expect costs up more than income: Reuters survey - - Farmers expect another year of rising income and even higher costs, and plan to boost their plantings of soybeans and corn this year, according to a Reuters survey released on Wednesday. Farmers said they expect to increase their corn plantings by 6 percent, soybean acres by 2.5 percent and wheat acres by 7.1 percent, according to a random survey of 462 farmers and ranchers at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, which concluded this week. Farmers expect a slight increase in income this year but are bracing for higher farm costs due to rising fuel and fertilizer prices. <more> Jan. 13, 2012 Reuters
Environmental
News
Conservation tillage jumps in Central Valley
- - Central Valley farmers, especially those in the San Joaquin portion of
the Valley, are switching to conservation tillage at a furious pace an
annual survey of farmers finds. The increase is good news for the Central
Valley, as the region continues to struggle with a sluggish economy and some
of the dirtiest air in the country, says the organization Sustainable
Conservation. Between 2008-2010, Central Valley farmers switched to
conservation tillage on nearly 1 million acres used to grow row crops like
corn and wheat silage according to a new study published Tuesday by an
alliance of university, farming and environmental leaders.
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Farmers hope for rain amid freeze threat - -
Valley farmers in the midst of battling a freeze likely will get some relief
in the form of rain later this week. Fresno and the Valley can expect more
overnight subfreezing temperatures tonight, beginning in the late evening
and lasting through mid-morning, according to a freeze warning from the
National Weather Service. Widespread subfreezing temperatures are a threat
to citrus crops and any vegetable crops that are in the ground now, said
Ryan Jacobsen, executive director of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. But the
storm system forecast for the Valley this week would keep the cold out and
provide needed rainfall, he said. "We definitely need some precipitation and
snow in the mountains."
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 Fresno Bee
Kettleman City set to receive $8 million in state
water funds - - Kettleman City is poised to get $8 million from the
state to eliminate tainted drinking water problems that have stalled new
businesses and added to a shroud of health worries there. People in the
Kings County town of 1,400 have been concerned about the water, air and soil
for two decades. Some suspect the West's largest hazardous-waste landfill --
just a few miles from town -- has poisoned their environment. But state and
federal agencies have not been able to link the landfill and residents'
health problems, which have included pneumonia, cancer and heart ailments.
Most recently there was a series of birth defects and infant deaths. The $8
million will buy a little peace of mind.
<more> Jan. 14, 2012 Fresno Bee
Judge orders Wash. dairy to improve operations - - A federal judge has ordered an Eastern Washington industrial dairy to conduct groundwater monitoring and empty its wastewater lagoons each year after finding the dairy caused or contributed to contamination in the area. U.S. District Judge Lonny R. Suko issued the order Thursday requiring Nelson Faria Dairy in Royal City to take a number of steps, including installing wells to monitor groundwater contamination, tracking the application of manure on neighboring fields, and emptying and testing lagoons. The community action group CARE, Community Association for Restoration of the Environment, had claimed the dairy violated the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws and failed to abide by the terms of a deal that was reached with the dairy's previous owners to improve operations. <more> Jan. 13, 2012 Associated Press
Stories Of Interest
China struggles to meet surging demand for dairy
- - Despite a major safety scandal in 2008, China's demand for milk is
surging as people grow wealthier, but the country's poorly kept and often
undernourished dairy herds are struggling to keep pace. Mass milk
consumption has grown rapidly in China over the past three decades and today
yoghurts and dairy smoothies -- particularly with an Asian twist, such as
green tea or peanut flavours -- are hugely popular. More than three years
after the melamine scandal dealt a major blow to confidence in the dairy
industry, the country's appetite for milk continues to grow.
<more> Jan. 16, 2012 Agence France-Presse – China
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Perchanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
World Ag Expo Celebrates 45 Years of Excellence
- - World Ag Expo will celebrate 45 years of excellence Feb. 14-16, 2012 in
Tulare, Calif. The largest annual agricultural exposition of its kind, World
Ag Expo touts more than 1,400 exhibitors who display cutting-edge
agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of show
grounds. An estimated average of 100,000 individuals from 70 countries
attend the Expo each year to learn about the latest advances in agriculture.
More than 40 seminars will be offered in beef, dairy, hay and forage,
international trade, irrigation and general agriculture categories. Seminars
presented by professionals in the industry provide attendees with valuable
information to improve their operations.
<more> Jan. 16, 2012 Dairy Today
California Ag Summit to explore global food
trends and energy - - Significant issues influencing California’s food
and agriculture industry will be explored at the second annual California Ag
Summit on Jan. 27 at the University of California, Davis. The summit is
intended for farmers, ranchers and other individuals affiliated with food
and agriculture, and will feature thought-provoking presentations on global
food trends, energy and social media. Serving as keynote speaker is John
Hofmeister, retired president of Shell Oil Company, founder and CEO of
Citizens for Affordable Energy, and author of “Why We Hate the Oil
Companies.”
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 Western Farm Press
Farmers feud over egg rules - - The feathers
are flying over a deal the egg industry cut with the Humane Society of the
United States to regulate how farms care for their laying hens. The egg
industry's dominant trade group wants the cage regulations to apply to all
egg farms nationwide, and one way to do that is to write the rules into the
next farm bill. Other farm groups are trying to head off the rules, fearing
they could set a precedent for regulating the treatment of hogs, cattle and
other livestock. "You have to look at the precedent it sets. It's going to
be Congress mandating a livestock production practice," said Colin Woodall,
vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen's Beef
Association.
<more> Jan. 17, 2012 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Debate over branding has ranchers lamenting loss of enduring symbol of the West - - One of the West's most enduring symbols is fading like a red-hot branding iron cools to ashen gray. With concerns over disease and global trade trumping tradition, federal regulators want ranchers to swap the old-fashioned cattle brand for electronic ear tags to quickly and reliably identify livestock that is shipped across state lines. Ranchers from Livermore to Laytonville accept the inevitability but lament the passing of a ritual older than America -- the smell of trampled sagebrush and burned hide, the sound of whinnying horses, songs around campfires and friendly boasts among friends. <more> Jan. 11, 2012 San Jose Mercury News
Dairy Meetings
Friday, January 13, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
High-speed rail
project's chief, board chairman resigning - - The chief administrator
of California's high-speed rail project, who endured withering criticism of
the project under his watch, announced his resignation Thursday. Roelof van
Ark's departure comes as Gov. Jerry Brown, exerting increasing influence
over the project, prepares to try to push it through the Legislature this
year. Lawmakers are highly skeptical of the project, and van Ark's
relationship with many of them had soured. Minutes after van Ark's
announcement at a California High-Speed Rail Authority board meeting in Los
Angeles, board Chairman Tom Umberg said he, too, will step down.
<more> Jan. 13, 2012 The Sacramento
Bee
Dairy policy reform
about to begin - - Dairy policy reform could get under way as early
as February, once congressional agricultural committees re-convene and take
up the next Farm Bill. Congressman Collin Peterson, ranking member of the
House Agriculture Committee, told Agri-Talk radio on Thursday that he and
his colleagues plan to begin discussion of the Farm Bill next month and will
try to get the bill done by May or June.
<more> Jan. 13, 2012 Dairy Herd
Network
Greek Yogurt a Boon for New York State - - Sales of Greek yogurt are booming, benefiting from a perception that the food is healthier than regular yogurt and other snacks. Greek yogurt has certainly been healthy for the economy in New York. Two of the leading brands, Chobani and Fage, have their main production plants in upstate New York and are expanding their operations. Alpina Foods, the United States arm of a major South American dairy company, is building a $20 million plant in Batavia to make Greek yogurt topped with granola. And state economic development officials are said to be negotiating with another major food maker to set up a dairy products plant in the same area, creating the possibility for what one executive called a “yogurt cluster.” <more> Jan. 13, 2012 New York Times
Pricing/Commodity News
Calif. Ag Dept.
denies dairy hearing - - The California Department of Food and
Agriculture on Friday afternoon denied a petition for a hearing on Class 4a
milk pricing formulas for milk that is used to manufacture butter and nonfat
dry milk powder. California Dairies Inc. had petitioned the department to
take another crack at its Class 4a pricing formula, stating further
adjustments are warranted. Following a hearing this summer, the department
raised the manufacturing cost allowance, or make allowance, effective Sept.
1. But the department denied the petition, stating the current pricing
formulas have not been in effect long enough to provide enough additional
information to warrant a hearing at this time.
<more> Jan. 13, 2012 Capital Press
Lee Mielke: Eyes
turn to USDA forecast - - The big question in everyone's mind is what
lies ahead in 2012. The Agriculture Department revealed what they see in
their crystal ball via their monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand
Estimates report. The department lowered its milk production forecast
slightly for 2011 due to lower expected cow numbers for the fourth quarter,
but the forecast for 2012 was unchanged from last month. The 2011 estimate
was put at 196 billion pounds, down 100 million pounds from the December
estimate, and 2012 output remains projected at 198.5 billion pounds.
<more> Jan. 13, 2012 Capital Press
USDA grains report
has big impact - - Wow, what a difference a report makes. Wednesday
night, Class III was actively traded and prices held firm. At 7:30 a.m. CST
Thursday, the USDA released its quarterly report and it was a big giant
bear, sharp-clawed bear of a report for the grain markets. At the release
time, grain futures were closed but milk futures were open. Milk almost
instantly flipped form positive to negative in price. Corn was quickly
called to open limit-down as it began trading there on OTC desks all around.
It takes a big move in grains to have a same-day impact on milk, and we saw
that in sentiment and trade activity yesterday.
<more> Jan. 13, 2012 Dairy Herd
Network
USDA says corn surplus should stay low next fall, offering little relief from high food prices - - The government said Thursday that it expects no real change in next fall’s tight corn supply, a factor that promises little relief from high food prices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that there will be 846 million bushels of corn on hand at the end of the summer. The forecast was mostly unchanged from last month’s estimate. The surplus would satisfy demand for less than 25 days. A 30-day supply is considered healthy. A low supply of corn pushed food prices higher last year because corn is a key ingredient in everything from soda to cereal to animal feed. <more> Jan. 12, 2012 Associated Press
Environmental
News
South San Joaquin Farmers Affected By
Critical Conditions - - The South San Joaquin Irrigation District,
which covers Manteca, Ripon and Escalon, said it will be releasing a round
of water for farmers Sunday. Typically, water is not released until March
for irrigation, but because conditions are so dry, farmers need water now.
Farmers like Bob Holmes will be taking his round of water now. Holmes said
his forage crop is supposed to be lush, green and twice as high than what it
is. Holmes said his forage crop is critical to feed his dairy cattle. Dairy
farmers, as well as those who grow alfalfa, forage crops and almonds, are
all affected by dry conditions.
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 KCRA news
Lack of snow raises concerns about drought - - The word 'drought' makes a lot of people across Kern County nervous. We all rely on the water throughout the dry summer months to continue life as we know it. And, the lack of rain and snow this winter might make you wonder...how are our water reserves? We have seen nearly two months with no measurable precipitation. There is still plenty of winter left, but we are half way through our wettest months with nothing falling in the bucket. People in our water community say the biggest concern or worst case is when we are in dire need of water as a community in order to continue life as normal, and we are not looking too bad this year. “We are coming off of three years of continuous drought, since about early 2007. Last year was one year that we were able to replenish all of the reserves account. The farmers were able to put water in the ground, " said Curtis Creel. <more> Jan. 12, 2012 KGET news
Stories Of Interest
World
class golf course beckons at WUD convention - - A world class golf
course awaits those attending WUD’s annual convention Feb. 22-24 at
the
Perchanga Resort and Casino in Temecula. Journey at Pechanga is ranked
fourth as “Best New Course You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine. The ranking
includes all new courses in the USA. The course offers hotel guest rates:
Weekday: $89 and Weekend: $99, as well as Twilight Weekday: $49 and Twilight
Weekend: $59. For reservations call 866-991-7277 or visit their website at
http://www.journeyatpechanga.com/Plan.aspx
Dairy Meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Tue, Jan 17 7 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Farm Bureau,
Fresno
Wed, Jan 18 11 12:00 noon Benji's Bakersfield
Wed, Jan 18 8 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Heritage Complex,
Tulare
Mon, Jan 23 1 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Rolling Hills
Casino, Corning
Tue, Jan 24 9 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Fraternal Hall,
Hanford
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale
fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort,
Petaluma
WUD convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, CA --Click here for details
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Thursday, January 12, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
California slips to
No. 9 in worldwide economic rankings - - California, long considered
to have the world's eighth-largest economy, has slipped to ninth place,
according to the Palo Alto-based Center for the Continuing Study of the
California Economy. Blame it on Brazil. With a fast-growing, $2.1 trillion
economy, Brazil has slipped past California ($1.9 trillion) into eighth
place, according to the center's calculations from the latest World Bank
economic rankings. California was once as high as seventh but was later
surpassed by Italy, which remains No. 7, just ahead of Brazil and just
behind No. 6 Great Britain. The United States, of course, is first at $14.5
trillion, followed by China at $5.9 trillion, Japan at $5.5 trillion,
Germany at $3.3 trillion and France at $2.6 trillion.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 Capitol Alert
American Farm
Bureau Federation sides with Iowa group on elimination of direct payments
- - The American Farm Bureau Federation meeting in Honolulu has voted to
adopt an Iowa proposal that would recommend the end of direct payments to
farmers as part of the new farm bill to be written this year. The Iowa Farm
Bureau’s county delegates shook the agricultural world in August 2010 when
they voted to recommend the end of direct payments, which in 2010 put $495
million into the hands of Iowa farmers. The 2011 American Farm Bureau
Federation convention in Atlanta declined to follow the Iowa resolution,
largely because of resistance from Southern delegates. But during the year,
it became increasingly evident that direct payments, which have long been a
target of opponents of farm subsidies, were vulnerable as Congress looks for
ways to reduce the federal budget deficit.
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 Des Moines
Register
USDA: Farmers
produced less in 2011 - - Unfavorable planting and growing conditions
during 2011 crimped U.S. farm production, leading to a smaller crop than in
2010, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says Thursday. Depending on
location, producers in the United States battled everything from drought and
above normal temperatures to heavy rains and lowland flooding which led to
decreased production of corn, soybeans, cotton and wheat. It’s the first
time such a year-to-year decrease has occurred in all four commodities since
the 2002 crop year, the National Agricultural Statistics Service report
says.
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 Central Valley
Business Times
Raw milk supporters
speak out - - Despite objections inside and outside the courtroom, an
Amish raw milk farmer was fingerprinted, photographed and booked Wednesday
in the basement of the Sauk County Courthouse in Baraboo. A crowd of
supporters rallied outside the building just before Loganville dairy farmer
Vernon Hershberger appeared in court to face charges filed last month by the
state Department of Justice. "It's not like (raw milk) is being forced on
me," said Deb Jacobs, who lives east of Madison and leases a portion of a
cow that Hershberger cares for on his farm. "I seek it out. I've done the
research."
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 Baraboo News
Republic
Longtime California
Rep. Jerry Lewis to retire - - Rep. Jerry Lewis, who has represented
an inland Southern California district in Congress for more than 30 years,
will not seek reelection in 2012, he announced Thursday. “After months of
consultation with loved ones and family, my wife Arlene and I have decided
to retire from public life,” Lewis, a Republican, said in a statement. “We
are deeply grateful to so many who have provided their support over the
years. I have worked hard to justify that support. Thank you all and may God
continue to bless America.”
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 Politico
Antibiotics for livestock vital to feed world - - The world body in charge of fighting animal diseases called for action against widespread abuse of antibiotics in livestock farming, which leads to drug-resistant bacteria, but warned on Wednesday that a ban would leave the world short of protein. "The use of antibiotics is today essential to ensure sufficient animal production to feed the planet. Without antibiotics there would supply problems of animal protein for the human population," Bernard Vallat, director of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) told a news conference. Antibiotics are widely used in cattle, pigs and poultry to prevent or cure diseases and in many regions to boost output as several of them have side-effects that increase growth speed. Scientists say overuse of antibiotics can allow resistant strains of bacteria to become dominant, undermining the efficacy of the drugs. <more> Jan. 11, 2012 Reuters – Paris
Pricing/Commodity News
MILC payment change
deadline Jan. 13 - - According to analysis released by NMPF today,
there are MILC payments forecasted for February (2 cents), March (7 cents)
and July (2 cents). Producers have until Friday, January 13th to make a
change with their local FSA office to start their 2012 MILC payment in
February if they desire to do so. Please note that a month with no payment
does not count against the volume cap (2,985,000 pounds), but a month with
even a very small payment does. Jan. 12,
2012 WUD news
USDA boosts
predictions for 2012 milk prices - - Whey continues to be the “little
engine that could.” Rising whey prices are part of the reason why the U.S.
Department of Agriculture has boosted its estimate of Class III milk prices
for the coming year. According to the “World Agricultural Supply and Demand
Estimates” report released this morning, Class III prices are expected to
average between $17.10 and $17.90 this year, which is a slight upward
revision from December’s estimate of $16.90 to $17.70.
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 Dairy Herd
Network
Strength of NDM,
dry whey boost 2012 price outlook slightly - - Milk production
forecasts in USDA’s World Ag Supply & Demand Estimates (WASDE) report,
released Jan. 12, are virtually unchanged from a month earlier. However,
based on the strength of nonfat dry milk and dry whey, 2012 milk price
projections were raised from last month. Total 2011 milk production is
forecast at 196.0 billion lbs., down 100 million lbs. from last month’s
estimate, due to lower-than-expected cow numbers for the fourth quarter of
the year; 2012 production is forecast at 198.5 billion lbs., unchanged from
the December forecast. If realized, 2011 production would be 1.65% more than
2010 actual production; 2012 production would be up 1.28% from the 2011
forecast.
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 Dairy Business
USDA: corn 12.36
billion bushels, soybeans 3.06 billion - - USDA reports 2011 U.S.
corn and soybean production totals were above pre-report expectations, but
still down significantly from 2010. USDA pegs the 2011 U.S. corn crop at
12.358 billion bushels, at the high end of trade estimates but down 89
million bushels from 2010 and, for the sake of comparison, 734 million
bushels below 2009. The average yield was 147.2 bushels per acre, compared
to 152.8 the previous year and 164.7 two years prior. One of the reasons for
the declines was the implied acreage loss.
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 Brownfield Ag
News
2011 milk
production estimate trimmed - - USDA World Agricultural Supply and
Demand Estimates trimmed the milk production number for 2011 by 100 million
pounds thanks to lower cow numbers in the fourth quarter. Total production
is now projected to be 196 billion pounds. The Class III price for 2011 is
pegged at $18.37, Class IV is $19.04 and the all milk price is put at
$20.14. The 2012 milk production estimate is unchanged from last month at
198.5 billion pounds. The cheese price estimate is pegged at between $1.655
and $1.735; 2-cents lower than the December estimate. Butter price estimate
unchanged from last month at $1.605 to $1.715. Nonfat dry milk estimate is a
penny higher than last month and dry whey is 7-cents higher. As a result,
the Class III price estimate for 2012 was raised 20 cents to $17.10 to
$17.90, Class IV estimate is a dime higher ranging from $16.45 to $17.35 and
the all milk price average is 20 cents higher projected to be between $18.30
and $19.10 this year. Jan. 12, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
New Zealand - Weak US prices impact on dairy - - A combination of weaker United States dairy prices and the higher New Zealand dollar against the US currency have hurt New Zealand dairy prices in recent weeks. The ASB commodities index, released yesterday, showed that prices eased in New Zealand dollar terms during the Christmas and New Year period. Dairy, meat and forestry all registered falls in New Zealand dollar terms in the past month, largely on the back of a stronger dollar. In US dollar terms, only dairy prices had registered a fall compared with four weeks ago. <more> Jan. 12, 2012 Otago Daily Times - New Zealand
Environmental
News
Environmentalists Urge State To Push Cow
Power - - Renewable energy advocates are urging California utility
regulators to help “cow power” achieve the same prominence as wind and solar
energy.
<listen> Jan. 11, 2012 Capital Public
Radio
A Few May Lose Big as Delta Changes: How to
Contain the Cost - - Here’s the bad news for Delta farmers: A new
report concludes that the worst climate impacts on the Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta could affect a relatively small number of people — the farmers
whose land is below sea level and protected by a vast system of levees.
Maintaining and repairing those levees falls on local reclamation districts,
which can’t necessarily count on state or federal bailouts in the event of
catastrophic flooding in the future. It can be expensive if a levee
breaks. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) studied the
economic impacts of changes to the fragile Delta ecosystem and has produced
some recommendations that are not likely to warm the hearts of some Delta
landowners.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 KQED News
Hearings on Delta's future - - Writing a plan that will govern the Delta for the rest of this century, The Delta Stewardship Council will hold two public hearings to gather comments on a recently released environmental impact report. The first meeting is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday in Stanislaus County at the Ceres Community Center, 2701 4th St. The second meeting is at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Clarksburg in the Delta Middle School, 52870 Netherlands Road. To read the report, visit deltacouncil.ca.gov. Comments can be sent to eircomments@deltacouncil.ca.gov. Jan. 12, 2012 Stockton Record
Dino Giacomazzi:
Take Your Office Anywhere - - One of my late father’s favorite
expressions was, "You can’t run a dairy from the office!" While I agree with
the premise of this statement, today’s dairy business is far more
complicated. Maybe the modern version of this little life lesson should be,
"You can’t run a dairy from the office, but you can take the office with
you." It is now possible to do most of your office tasks out in the field,
corral, truck or coffee shop. A laptop, netbook, tablet or smartphone are
all you need to get started. The next step is to get all your devices
talking to each other.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 Dairy Today
Poultry giant JS
West shows off larger chicken cages - - In the parking lot of Merced
High School, about 25 students gather around a metal cage filled with rubber
chickens. The teenagers -- some wide-eyed, others sporting glazed looks --
listen as C.J. Brantley, spokesman for poultry giant JS West Milling Co.,
describes the cage. "This is a scaled-down model of our commercial barn," he
tells the teens. "As you can see, there's plenty of space to move. They can
move around. They can move in every direction." The presentation is part of
an agriculture earth science class curriculum in which students study
perspectives both critical and supportive of industrial agriculture.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Welty: Fresno State
faces $11 million cut if state tax plan fails - - Fresno State would
have to ax $11 million later this year from its already bare-bones budget if
a state tax measure proposed for the November ballot fails, President John
Welty said Wednesday in a sobering message to the university community. That
cut -- amounting to about 5% of the university's budget -- would come on top
of the $5.4 million cut the campus absorbed in December and would be
"impossible" to take, Welty said. Gov. Jerry Brown has proposed raising
taxes on the wealthy and increasing the sales tax by a half-cent to raise
about $6.9 billion a year. If voters reject the tax plan in the November
election, it will trigger a $200 million cut each to the California State
University and University of California systems at the end of this year.
<more> Jan. 12, 2012 Fresno Bee
A Fine for Not Using a Biofuel That Doesn’t Exist - - When the companies that supply motor fuel close the books on 2011, they will pay about $6.8 million in penalties to the Treasury because they failed to mix a special type of biofuel into their gasoline and diesel as required by law. But there was none to be had. Outside a handful of laboratories and workshops, the ingredient, cellulosic biofuel, does not exist. In 2012, the oil companies expect to pay even higher penalties for failing to blend in the fuel, which is made from wood chips or the inedible parts of plants like corncobs. Refiners were required to blend 6.6 million gallons into gasoline and diesel in 2011 and face a quota of 8.65 million gallons this year. <more> Jan. 10, 2012 New York Times
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Farm leader: Arrest
of animal terrorists must be high priority - - As authorities
continue to investigate the arson attack on Harris Ranch Beef Co. in
Coalinga, the California Farm Bureau Federation said the arrest and
prosecution of those responsible must be a high priority. "The terrorists
who attacked a beef production company in California this week must be
arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law," California Farm
Bureau President Paul Wenger said. "We know the local authorities are
working hard to find the attackers and we offer our full support." Wenger
also said animal-welfare groups should become involved in helping to resolve
the case.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 California Farm
Bureau Federation
Livestock groups
welcome end of ethanol policies - - When the clock struck midnight on
Dec. 31 to usher in 2012, not everyone was singing "Auld Lang Syne."
Livestock and poultry producers—particularly those in California—were
singing goodbye to ethanol subsidies and tariffs. The start of the new year
brought the end of a federal tax credit, created more than 30 years ago,
which many political observers thought was untouchable because of the
strength of the Midwest voting bloc in Congress. The policies included a 46
cent-per-gallon subsidy to oil companies for blending ethanol into gasoline
and a 54 cent-per-gallon tariff on ethanol imports that made it economically
infeasible for other countries to produce ethanol for export to the United
States. Livestock and poultry organizations called elimination of these
policies a "a good first step" in reducing high corn prices that have hurt
dairy and poultry farms, which rely heavily on corn to feed their animals.
Ethanol producers said the subsidy and tariff had served their purpose in
helping to establish a viable ethanol industry in the United States and they
did not protest their expiration.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 Ag Alert
Republicans propose
halting sale of high-speed rail bonds - - A California lawmaker has
proposed legislation that would halt the sale of $9 billion in
voter-approved bonds for the Golden State's embattled high-speed rail
project. Backed by a clutch of Republican lawmakers, Assemblywoman Diane
Harkey (R-Dana Point) said the deficit-plagued state could not afford a
"shiny new toy" while it cuts services to balance its books. Her bill,
dubbed the "Lemon Law for High Speed Spending," would prevent bond sales to
fund the 520-mile system between San Francisco and Los Angeles. She cited
the project's $98.5-billion price tag -- triple the initial projection of
$33 billion when voters approved the bonds in 2008 -- and a string of
negative assessments, including one from an independent review panel that
recommended the Legislature not approve issuing the bonds to partly pay for
the first section of track in the Central Valley.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 Los Angeles Times
Tulare County
supervisors unanimously oppose high-speed rail plan - - Tulare
County's supervisors started the new year by striking a blow to California's
high-speed rail plan by voting not to support it. The five supervisors — as
well as members of the public who addressed the board Tuesday during the
board's first meeting of 2012 — didn't hold back in expressing their
opinions on the rail project. "I'm against it in every shape and form,"
Supervisor Mike Ennis said. He went on to say that California is "broke" and
can't afford to take on a project with an estimated cost that has ballooned
to nearly $100 billion and could see its costs rise further.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 Visalia
Times-Delta
Tuna, meat labeling disputes highlight WTO control - - You might have missed this while you were busy taking the kids to school and preparing for the holidays, but last fall, two U.S. food labeling programs suffered serious legal setbacks that threaten to confuse consumers and thwart the intentions of the “dolphin-safe” tuna and “country-of-origin” labels. The details are complicated, but in September and November, two dispute panels for the World Trade Organization in Switzerland sided in part with Mexico and Canada on complaints against the voluntary dolphin-safe label and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s mandatory country-of-origin labeling (COOL). Mexico argued that U.S. dolphin-safe standards are misleading and discriminate against the controversial fishing techniques that Mexico employs to catch tuna. Canada argued that the COOL program discriminates against imported cattle and hogs. Reactions to the WTO rulings have ranged from tranquil to concerned to downright outraged. <more> Jan. 10, 2012 Washington Post
Pricing/Commodity News
Class III prices
could average $17 this year - - Milk prices will still be good this
year, but not as good as last year. That is the word from Bob Cropp,
professor emeritus and dairy marketing specialist at the University of
Wisconsin. Cropp estimates that Class III milk prices will average $17 this
year, compared to 2011’s average of $18.37. The all-milk price will average
$18.70 this year, he estimates, compared to $20.10 in 2011.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 Dairy Herd
Network
New Zealand -
Fonterra to cut wholesale milk prices - - The price of milk should be
set to drop after Fonterra announced it would cut wholesale domestic milk
prices at the end of the month. The price cut marks the end of a freeze on
wholesale milk prices started in February last year, which was put in place
to shield New Zealanders from any further increases in international prices.
A spokesman for the dairy giant would not reveal how much wholesale prices
would be cut, except to say the company expected local prices to come down
''slightly''. ''Ultimately it is the retailer that sets the retail price for
milk for New Zealand consumers,'' the spokesman said.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 Business Day -
New Zealand
Environmental
News
Modesto Irrigation District keeps alive
proposal to sell water to San Francisco - - The idea of selling water
to San Francisco stayed alive Tuesday at the Modesto Irrigation District
board meeting, despite protests from people who want to keep it for farming
or fish. Directors voted 4-1 to have district staff complete negotiations on
an initial sale of about 2,200 acre-feet of Tuolumne River water per year.
The detailed agreement, including the price and duration, is expected to
return to the board for a final vote in several weeks. San Francisco
ultimately could buy as much as 25,000 acre-feet a year, about a seventh of
what the MID delivers to its farmers. Despite assurances that the sales
would not leave farmers short of water, many of the 80 or so people in the
boardroom objected.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Turlock Irrigation District agrees to early
water release for farmers starting Jan. 19 - - Farmers in the Turlock
Irrigation District will get rare winter deliveries thanks to a board vote
this morning. Directors approved refilling the canals to deal with the
severe lack of rain so far this season. Deliveries will start Jan. 19 and
likely last about 10 days, depending on the weather. Farmers will pay $15
per acre-foot but will not have this water counted against their 2012
allotments. The Modesto Irrigaton District, which like the TID taps the
Tuolumne River, already has started to fill its canals for what is expected
to be two weeks of deliveries.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 The Modesto Bee
EDITORIAL: Moderate winter plagues Valley
air quality - - It's hard to gripe about weather that allows you to
wear shorts in January -- a fashion statement that many in California have
been embracing. For people who like mild weather, the numerous sunny days of
late have been a blessing, but the lack of wind and rain comes with some
downsides. A big one is dirty air, which is a particular health threat for
children and people with asthma and other respiratory diseases. On Tuesday,
Fresno's air was among the dirtiest in the country. The dangerously high
levels of particulates this winter should spur officials to heed
long-standing calls from air-quality advocates to look seriously at
agricultural sources of pollution and tractor-trailer rigs, as well as
fireplace soot. While burning bans may be the least painful to enforce, they
may not be enough to ensure healthy air.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 Fresno Bee
Dry Start To Winter Means Early Start For
Crop Irrigation - - Calling it rare but necessary, olive grower Jeff
Aguiar is applying a winter irrigation to his 350-acre grove. Dry weather
has prompted Aguiar and other California farmers with trees and vines, as
well as winter crops like wheat, to call on local irrigation districts for
water deliveries. "I've been irrigating the past couple of days," Aguiar
said last week. "The way January is starting out, it looks like this month
will be dry, also. It's pretty rare to have to irrigate this early in the
year." Although state water officials stress that a number of months remain
in the traditional rainy season and reservoir storage remains good,
irrigation districts throughout California have said they're watching the
water supply situation closely and adjusting operations in response.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 Ag Alert
University of California kicks off ‘Conservation Agriculture Systems Institute’ - - A diverse group of public and private sector agricultural professionals are joining the University of California to form the Conservation Agriculture Systems Institute (CASI), an organization that will be formally launched at a public meeting Jan. 27 in Clovis, Calif. The institute merges two existing university programs – the Conservation Tillage and Cropping Systems Workgroup and the California Overhead Irrigation Alliance – into a single, broad-based initiative. CASI’s aim is to bring together farmers, business leaders, public agency representatives, university, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and environmental group membership to chart long-term goals for sustainable agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley and to develop appropriate conservation agriculture production systems that will achieve these goals. <more> Jan. 10, 2012 Western Farm Press
Demand growing in
Central Valley for local ag efforts - - Against the backdrop of his
farmhouse, David Silveira slowly walks through dozens of vegetable rows --
leeks, kale, baby bok choy, carrots, shallots, peas, lettuce -- of more than
60 crops. "I think many of our members enjoy the garden aspect of it," says
the 46-year-old farmer. "A lot of them even told us, 'I used to grow a
garden until you came along and this is much better. We get the benefits
without the work.'" This morning, he's overseeing four employees as they
chop stalks of broccoli with knives that gleam in the winter sun. The
workers load boxes of the vegetable into the back of an old gray pickup to
be delivered to people's homes the next day. Silveira started Rancho Piccolo
CSA outside Merced about six years ago. He's part of a growing group of
Central Valley farmers who have decided largely to bypass wholesalers and
deliver boxes of all-organic crops directly to customers.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
LOIS HENRY: The
copper plague is now hitting water wells - - We all know that
methamphetamine has brought a number of "joys" to our community, not the
least of which is an uptick in copper thefts. Addicts will take it from
wherever they can find it, even stripping hot electrical wires from
operating water wells. Yikes! That's a 440- to 480-volt risk they're taking
in the middle of the night while most likely high and using the equivalent
of oven mitts and barbecue tongs to do their dirty work. All for a couple
bucks worth of metal. About 30 of North Kern's 90 wells were hit recently by
copper thieves. Repair costs range from $3,000 to $5,000 per well, he said.
<more> Jan. 11, 2012 The Bakersfield
Californian
Congressional
investigators find third-party audits of food facilities ignore FDA guidance
- - Congressional investigators looking into an outbreak of listeria
in cantaloupe linked to 30 deaths last year found that third-party auditors
who gave Colorado’s Jensen Farms a “superior” rating just before the
outbreak largely ignored government guidance on food safety. A bipartisan
report released Tuesday by the House Energy and Commerce Committee quotes a
representative of an auditing company that graded the facility two months
before the outbreak as saying audits are not intended to help clients
improve food safety standards. Retailers often rely on such audits to make
sure food they buy is safe.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 Associated Press
China - Nestle Boosts Milk Production in China After Scandal Hurts Rival Mengniu - - Nestle SA (NESN) will spend 2.5 billion yuan ($396 million) with a local Chinese government and investors to boost output in its biggest China dairy district after tainted milk from competitor China Mengniu Dairy Co. hurt consumer confidence. The investment over the next five years will be used partly to create a dairy farming institute in Shuangcheng city, northeastern China, allowing the Swiss company to help farmers produce better quality milk and modernize methods, Nestle Greater China Chairman Roland Decorvet said. The company, the world’s largest foodmaker, also plans to expand capacity by investing as much as 600 million yuan in the next two-to-three years, said Heiko Schipper, managing director for Nestle Food & Beverage in Greater China. <more> Jan. 10, 2012 Bloomberg News – China
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
FDA begins
milk-residue survey - - The long-anticipated drug-residue-sampling
survey by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has begun. According to the
National Milk Producers Federation, the survey will involve 900 milk samples
from dairy producers who have had a cull dairy cow residue violation in the
past, as well as another 900 milk samples from dairies at large. The idea is
to see if there is a correlation between drug residues that may be showing
up in the carcasses of cull cows with those that may be showing up in milk.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 Dairy Herd
Network
FDA changing course
on antibiotics in livestock - - Only 20% of the antibiotics sold in
the U.S. are given to people who are sick with bacterial infections, such as
ear and urinary tract infections and pneumonia. Most of the penicillin,
tetracycline and other antibiotic drugs used in this country are given to
livestock that are perfectly healthy. Farmers have been putting these
medicines in animal feed since the 1950s. They say the drugs help protect
herds from infectious diseases and help animals grow faster. But for at
least 40 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been concerned
that the widespread practice may be fueling the growth of human pathogens
that are no longer vulnerable to doctors' front-line drugs.
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 Los Angeles Times
USDA plan to shut 259 offices wins praise for cost-cutting but raises food safety concerns - - The U.S. Agriculture Department announced Monday it will close nearly 260 offices nationwide, a move that won praise for cutting costs but raised concerns about the possible effect on food safety. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the goal was to save $150 million a year in the agency’s $145 billion budget. About $90 million had already been saved by reducing travel and supplies, and the closures were expected to save another $60 million, he said. The plan calls for 259 offices, labs and other facilities to be closed, affecting the USDA headquarters in Washington and operations in 46 states. Seven foreign offices also will be shut. <more> Jan. 9, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Analysts expect corn supply cuts, lower S. American crops - - U.S. corn stockpiles at the beginning of December were nearly 7 percent smaller than a year earlier after ethanol producers ramped up to record levels and the 2011 harvest fell short of expectations, according to grain market analysts. Nationwide corn supplies totaled 9.39 billion bushels as of Dec. 1, based on a survey of 17 analysts conducted by Thomson Reuters ahead of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s quarterly Grain Stocks report, scheduled for Jan. 12. A year earlier, there were 10.06 billion bushels on hand. <more> Jan. 9, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Environmental News
Assemblywoman won't let canal bill circle drain - - Alyson Huber will try one more time. The El Dorado Hills assemblywoman, who announced last month that she will not run for re-election, has reintroduced a bill that would require lawmakers to vote before a peripheral canal or tunnel can be built. Identical legislation in 2010 failed to pass out of committee. It was never even voted on; a motion to pass the bill was not seconded. The many opponents to Huber's bill - including urban water districts from Santa Clara to San Diego, and large agricultural districts in the southern San Joaquin Valley - say the Legislature already did its job when it passed the 2009 water package and established the stewardship council. <more> Jan. 10, 2012 The Record
Animal rights
activists take credit for burning of Harris Ranch cattle trucks - -
Animal rights activists are behind the burning of cattle trucks at the
Harris Ranch truck lot early Sunday, according to a statement from the
purported arsonists. The statement, released Monday, describes how the fire,
which heavily damaged 14 tractors and several trailers, was set and says the
attack was aimed at "the horrors of factory farming." Spokeswoman Nicoal R.
Sheen of the Animal Liberation Press Office, which released the statement,
said the office doesn't take part in illegal actions but distributes
communiqués from those who do. Fresno County sheriff's spokesman Chris
Curtice said detectives are looking into the claim. He would not comment
further except to say "that was one of the directions they were looking into
anyway."
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 The Fresno Bee
Quadruplet heifers
in Calif. - - Mid-Valley Veterinary Hospital's Michael Karle, DVM,
sent me an email last week about one of his Orland, Calif. dairies that
experienced a quadruplet heifer birth. Karle says that Zuppan Dairy owner
John Zuppan had a cow that gave birth to live heifer quadruplets. The
four-year old cow had quadruplets on December 6, 2011. All four heifer
calves were born alive, healthy and at term without assistance. See the
video news coverage
here.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 Dairy Herd
Network
Groceries hire
companies to score foods' nutritional value - - Walk into one of 143
King Soopers supermarkets in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, and
you'll find nutritional rating numbers on the shelves, right next to the
prices. Since October, the grocery store chain, a division of Kroger, has
included nutrition ratings by NuVal, one of the nation's largest rating
companies. "It's been very well-received by our customers," said Kelli
McGannon, a spokeswoman for King Soopers. The company, she said, also has
begun staffing its stores with dietitians to help consumers understand NuVal,
and to help with other dietary concerns. A growing number of grocers are
signing up to have the foods they sell evaluated and ranked for nutritional
content at a time when government officials are studying whether more
regulations are needed on packaging.
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 USA Today
India - Most Indian
Milk Adulterated - - Whether you are in New Delhi or in rural Bihar,
you may want to think twice before you have a glass of milk: it’s likely to
be adulterated. A recent study by India’s food safety regulator found that
68.4% of milk samples examined didn’t meet its standards. While most samples
had been diluted with water, skimmed milk powder or sweeteners, some
revealed more unpleasant surprises. Detergent, hydrogen peroxide and even
urea are just some of the substances you may have ingested last time you had
milk.
<more> Jan. 10, 2012 Wall Street
Journal – India
China ships in
dairy cows as demand for milk, products rise - - China is importing
more dairy cows to try and beef up its transition to larger scale farms, as
the industry attempts to boost production and quality following a deadly
scandal. China plans to nearly double milk production to 64 million tonnes
by 2020, as part of a long-term plan by the Ministry of Agriculture to
improve nutrition for the world's largest population. Its 7 million cows now
produce about 38 million tonnes. The dairy industry has a long way to go,
after 300,000 babies were sickened and at least six killed in 2008 after
farmers and middlemen mixed poor quality milk with melamine, a chemical
formed from coal, to cheat protein tests.
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 Reuters – China
Beef Checkoff may jump to $2 in California - - Members of the Golden State's largest beef producers' organization want to raise the fees that pay for promoting their industry within California. The board and membership of the California Cattlemen's Association voted overwhelmingly during their recent winter meeting to support an increase in the Beef Checkoff from $1 to $2 for each head of cattle sold in the state. Proceeds from the checkoff fund the California Beef Council, whose 42 members are appointed by the governor and represent the beef, dairy, range and feeder sectors. The council operates under the 1985 Farm Bill, which initiated the checkoff nationwide. <more> Jan. 10, 2012 Capital Press
Monday, January 9, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
White House Turns
Down Raw Milk Petition - - The Obama administration delivered its
official response last week to the 6,078 signors of a petition on
WhiteHouse.gov who requested federal-level legalization of all raw milk
sales. The response indicated that the White House continues to support the
current regulation of raw milk sales, which allow states to determine
legality but prohibits its sale across state lines. The response was written
by Doug McKalip, White House senior policy adviser for rural affairs, who
said the administration recognizes the importance of letting consumers
control their own food choices. The 143 illness outbreaks associated with
raw milk since 1987, however, underscore the dangers of its consumption.
"This administration believes that food safety policy should be based on
science," McKalip wrote. "In this case, we support pasteurization to protect
the safety of the milk supply because the health risks associated with raw
milk are well documented."
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 Food Safety News
Dan Walters: It's
time to kill California's bullet train boondoggle - - It's one thing
for politicians, ordinary citizens, lawyers or even media pundits to say
that California's bullet train project is fatally flawed and should be
scrapped before it becomes a hopeless money pit. Bullet train zealots
dismiss those naysayers as uninformed or biased, and even reject milder
criticism from the Legislature's budget analyst. But when the California
High-Speed Rail Authority's own "peer review" committee of transportation
experts says the project is half-baked and should be put on hold, Gov. Jerry
Brown and the Legislature should pay heed. And that's exactly what happened
last week.
<more> Jan. 8, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Obama's immigration
proposal gives hope to some in limbo - - Like many other spouses of
undocumented immigrants, Gina Pope constantly worries that her husband
suddenly could be deported and that she would be left to raise their two
children by herself. Pope, a U.S. citizen, wants to apply for him to get a
green card but knows that would mean his traveling to his native Peru, with
the risk of not returning for months or years. Now, after more than a decade
of waiting for the immigration rules to change, Pope is cautiously
optimistic that her husband, who owns a residential construction business
and has a temporary work permit, may finally be able to become a legal
resident. President Obama proposed a new rule last week that would allow
certain illegal immigrants with U.S. citizen spouses or parents to stay here
while they apply for hardship waivers, the first step for many before they
can submit applications for legal residency. Without waivers, illegal
immigrants can be barred from reentering the U.S. for up to 10 years.
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 Los Angeles Times
GOP presidential candidates wade into politically tricky territory of food stamp spending - - Politicians normally shy away from saying they want to cut food stamps, but this year’s Republican presidential candidates are using domestic food aid as an example of a welfare state gone awry. Supporters of the program say it is one of the most reliable safety nets for families who suddenly find themselves unable to pay for food, and politically the program has proved almost untouchable over many decades. More than 45 million people received the benefit last year at a $75 billion cost to the government, a record number as the economy has flailed. <more> Jan. 9, 2012 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
CDI seeks
California Class 4a price adjustments - - Just weeks after the
California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) denied a dairy producer
hearing petition to consider adjustments to the California Class 4b milk
price whey factor, the leading dairy processing cooperative in the state
requested a hearing to consider modifying the Class 4a minimum price
formula. In its Jan. 3 request, California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) is proposing
an increase in the “make allowance” – the amount processors can deduct from
the minimum milk price paid to producers – to cover manufacturing costs for
butter and nonfat dry milk. CDI also asked that the “f.o.b. adjuster” for
butter be lowered.
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 Dairy Profit
Update
2012 CWT sales announced; 2011 recapped
- - The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) 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 6.380 million lbs. 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.
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 DairyBusiness
Environmental News
MID not ready yet for vote on sale of
Tuolumne River water - - The Modesto Irrigation District is
approaching a critical juncture in its history with a decision on whether to
sell Tuolumne River water to the city and county of San Francisco on an
ongoing basis. For many decades, the response to that suggestion has always
been a firm and flat "no." In the past several months, however, behind the
scenes that "no" has turned into a "maybe."
<more> Jan. 7, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Dry season threatens farmers, return of
salmon to San Joaquin River - - Even though the wetter half of
California's winter is still ahead, it's hard to ignore the historic dry
spell taking shape. The statewide snowpack is 15% of average for early
January. This winter is mirroring the terrible 1976-1977 season -- the
driest time on record. "I never recall a year when there were zero storms
for this length of time," said Randy McFarland, local historian and
spokesman for many water districts. "I have the sense we're seeing history
in the making." A history-making dry year could mean no water releases this
summer from Millerton Lake for the restoration of the San Joaquin. All eyes
will be on the river in late December when officials are scheduled to
reintroduce long-dead salmon runs.
<more> Jan. 7, 2012 Fresno Bee
Record air pollution hammers Calif's ag
heartland - - This is the time of year when residents who often live
with the nation's worst pollution often can draw a breath of fresh air. But
this winter has not been kind to people who want to play outside in
California's Central Valley. A dry December and January has stagnated air
across California, but nowhere is the situation more serious than between
Modesto and Bakersfield, where nearly every day dirty air has exceeded
federal health standards. It's the worst air quality recorded in a dozen
years, and it's the unhealthiest kind_ microscopic, chemical-laden particles
that can get into lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream to create health
risks in everyone, not just the young and infirm.
<more> Jan. 7, 2012 Associated Press
Delta smelt attorney goes before Supreme
Court - - Damien Schiff, the attorney known in the San Joaquin Valley
for arguing against delta smelt, will be carrying the conservative flame
today when the U.S. Supreme Court considers what could become the year's
hottest environmental case. For the 32-year-old Schiff, a senior staff
attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, the hour-long oral argument will
be his first appearance before the famously aggressive questioners of the
nation's highest court. But for homebuilders, farmers and major
corporations, the case called Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency
resonates well beyond one man's ambitions or even the wetlands protections
specifically at issue. Business groups reckon the case can help roll back
federal regulations along a broader front.
<more> Jan. 8, 2012 Fresno Bee
Keeping Central Valley Crops and People
Safe From Floods: A Costly Proposition - - Now that the state’s
revamped Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (big PDF) is out for public
perusal, the question is whether the political will — and the cash — will be
there to make it happen. The Sacramento and San Joaquin river basins run
through the valley and can overflow their banks threatening more than a
million people and an estimated $69 billion in assets, according to the
report. The current flood management system has been in place for about a
hundred years and was designed specifically to keep water from the rivers
off the land so that people could grow crops. Now the system has varied uses
including conservation of habitat, water supply and water quality. The old
system really isn’t up to the job anymore and almost everyone agrees that it
will take a serious investment to bring it up to snuff.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 KQED Climate Watch
More farmers trying to cut down on tilling of soil - - "Let it be" is the mantra of some Central Valley farmers when it comes to turning up the soil. A recent survey found an increase in farming practices that seek to keep much of the soil's structure and nutrients in place. This can cut down on the number of passes a tractor makes across each field, reducing dust and exhaust that can contribute to the valley's air pollution. It also can help keep soil from eroding. The survey was done by the Conservation Agriculture Systems Institute, made up of government, academic and environmental partners. It looked at land in nine counties, including Merced and San Joaquin, that was planted in grain, tomatoes, cotton, dry beans and melons. One part of the survey looked at practices that seek to leave at least 30 percent of the previous year's crop residue in place. Researchers found that this kind of tillage was done on 14 percent of the total acreage in 2010, up from 10 percent in 2008. <more> Jan. 6, 2012 The Modesto Bee
Innovative flavors could make milk even
cooler - - Milk consumption has been on a steady decline. Today, the
average person in the United States drinks 9 fewer gallons of milk on an
annual basis than he or she did in the early 1970s. Despite the
trend, producers, restaurants and marketers have found a way to make milk
more appealing, and that is through flavored milk — traditional chocolate
and some not-so-traditional flavors like coffee, orange and root beer.
According to milkdelivers.org, people love choices. Providing flavoring
options for consumers increases the excitement for and consumption of milk.
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Women's ag group
holds state convention in Visalia - - For more than 35 years the
California Women for Agriculture have focused on education, advocacy and
legislation surrounding the state's plethora of farms and ranches. In 2012,
their mission continues. At their annual convention held in Visalia over the
weekend, women leaders from across the state met to share ideas and talk
about what they expect for the future of agriculture in California. Guest
speaker Scott Vernon, a professor of agricultural education and
communication at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo,
reminded the more than 100 women that they have been tasked with taking
their message to the masses.
<more> Jan. 9, 2012 Visalia
Times-Delta
Arson suspected in
Harris Farms truck lot fire - - The Fresno County Sheriff's Office
said arson could be responsible for a fire early today that damaged 14
tractors and several trailers in the Harris Farms truck lot in Coalinga. The
fire started shortly before 4 a.m. in the truck storage area on Highway 145
and Interstate 5, according to the sheriff's office. Multiple tractor
trailer rigs were fully engulfed in flames when deputies and fire personnel
arrived. The fire was extinguished in 45 minutes. Mike Casey, vice president
of risk management and human resources for Harris Farms, said the company
doesn't expect any interruptions in its daily operations as a result of the
fire. The full cost of the damages is not known at this time. Harris Farms
is one of the largest family-owned agribusinesses in the nation. It is
California's largest cattle feeder, beef processor and beef marketer. Anyone
with information on the fire is asked to contact the Fresno County Sheriff's
Office at (559) 488-3111 or CrimeStoppers at (559) 498-STOP.
<more> Jan. 8, 2012 Fresno Bee
2 more dead birds in Hong Kong test positive for deadly H5N1, raising health fears - - Hong Kong authorities say two more dead birds have tested positive for a dangerous strain of bird flu, adding to health worries in the city. Agriculture officials said Friday that two black-headed gulls found separately about a week ago in rural areas had H5N1 avian influenza. The birds are common visitors in winter. Last month, a Chinese bus driver who tested positive for H5N1 died in a city bordering Hong Kong. Also, workers in Hong Kong slaughtered nearly 20,000 birds at a market after two dead birds, one a chicken, were found to have the dangerous strain. <more> Jan. 6, 2012 Associated Press – China
California
Dairy Industry Headline News
A news service of Western United Dairymen
1315 K Street, Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 527-6453.
Visit us at
www.westernuniteddairymen.com
Edited
by Mark Looker
Story to share?
Contact Mark here
Friday, Jan. 6, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Industry will fight for cellulosic tax credits
- - The federal ethanol blenders’ tax credit for grain-based ethanol expired
without protest from the ethanol industry at the end of 2011. But the head
of the Renewable Fuels Association—Bob Dinneen—says the industry will work
to ensure that tax credits for cellulosic ethanol will continue past the end
of 2012. “We think that the production tax credit and the depreciation that
is now allowed for cellulose needs to continue,” Dinneen says. Extension of
the cellulosic tax credits will send an important signal to the marketplace
and encourage investment in the next generation of ethanol technology,
Dinneen says.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
FDA places some restrictions on the use of
cephalosporins - - Effective April 5, some restrictions will be placed
on the use of antibiotics known as cephalosporins in livestock. The U.S.
Food and Drug Administration announced the restrictions on Wednesday, saying
it was concerned that using the drugs in ways beyond those specified on the
label may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in
humans. Yet, the FDA’s impending rules are less restrictive than the total
ban on extra-label use of cephalosporins the agency had considered in 2008
and places responsibility for prudent use of antibiotics in the hands of the
veterinarian.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Jerry Brown proposes folding high-speed rail into
new agency - - Gov. Jerry Brown reiterated his commitment to
California's high-speed rail project today, but he also proposed additional
oversight, seeking to fold the troubled High-Speed Rail Authority into a new
state agency. The annual spending plan proposed by the Democratic governor
this afternoon includes continued funding for the Rail Authority's
operations, but it doesn't yet include bond proceeds to start construction
in the Central Valley. "The Authority's funding plan is under review by the
Department of Finance," according to a budget summary. "After the review,
the Administration will propose a plan for the initial train segment."
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Capitol Alert
Obama rule would let undocumented stay in U.S.
during application - - The Obama administration will announce Friday a
proposed new regulation that would allow certain undocumented immigrants to
remain in America while applying for legal status -- a step aimed at keeping
families intact and one that may also shore up the president's support with
Latino voters. As it stands, people living in the U.S. illegally who leave
the country to apply for a green card face years of separation from family
members. Depending on how long they've lived in America, once they leave
they are barred from returning for up to 10 years.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Los Angeles Times
Costa: High-speed rail needs federal review - - The federal Government Accountability Office should review the feasibility of the California high-speed rail project, Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, and other congressional Democrats said this week in a letter. "We all agree that transparency and oversight are critical to any major infrastructure project," Costa said in a statement. "This letter simply asks that the [GAO] conduct a comprehensive analysis that puts the facts, not politics, first." The letter urges the GAO to consult with expert witnesses "whose views were left out of previous reviews." <more> Jan. 6, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Pricing/Commodity News
Wow, milk futures beat gold in 2011 - - Class
III milk futures did pretty good last year because the year started off slow
and built to a nice level. According to CNN Money, they gained better than
any other commodity — better than gold, crude oil, pork bellies, corn and
other food futures — during 2011. Milk futures reportedly rose 35.7 percent
last year. Prices did start very low in 2011, according to Greg Scheer,
dairy analyst with Doane Advisory Services in St. Louis. On Jan. 3, 2011,
January Class III futures were at $13.19, while a year later on Jan. 3,
2012, January futures were at $15.15.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Mielke: Reports celebrate good year for
production, prices - - With Auld Lang Syne playing in the background,
the Dec. 29 CME Daily Dairy Report said 2011 saw record-high milk
production, record high exports and record prices. Milk production is
expected to come in around 196.1 billion pounds, up 1.7 percent from 2010,
with most of the growth in the West. Butter production was up 17 percent in
the first 10 months of the year, while nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder
was up 7 percent. Cheese production was up just 1.6 percent, a smaller
increase than in recent years, according to the DDR, but still on pace for a
new all-time high.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 Capital Press
CWT Export Assistance Sets New Performance
Benchmark in 2011 - - In 2011, Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
helped member cooperatives make 280 export sales totaling 92.4 million
pounds of cheese, a new benchmark for the Export Assistance program. That
total was nearly 20 million pounds higher than exports achieved in 2010,
when CWT assisted with 241 export sales totaling 73.9 million pounds of
cheese. CWT continued to play a significant role in exports of American-type
cheese in general, and Cheddar cheese specifically.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 Dairy Today
Conflicting reports on seed corn shortage - - There have been conflicting reports this week on whether a shortage of seed corn could affect farmers’ planting intentions this spring. The Wall Street Journal says an estimated 25 to 50 percent drop in 2011 U.S. seed corn production could create problems for farmers who are planning to plant more acres to corn in 2012. However, officials of both Monsanto and Pioneer say their seed supplies will be adequate to meet the increased demand. <more> Jan. 6, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Environmental
News
Modesto Irrigation District water sale might
advance next week - - The board of the Modesto Irrigation District could
take steps next week toward selling water to San Francisco. The board
Tuesday will consider directing the MID staff to continue negotiations with
the city on an initial sale of up to 2,200 acre-feet from the Tuolumne
River, spokeswoman Melissa Williams said Thursday. A vote on the deal would
come later. The board also could vote Tuesday to pursue the environmental
study required for the potential sale of up to 25,000 acre-feet. This study
already has been done on the initial sale.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Modesto Bee
Reclamation Announces Additional Water Available
for California’s Central Valley Project South-of-Delta Contractors - -
The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that current hydrologic conditions
in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, export and operational capability at
the C.W. “Bill” Jones Pumping Plant (Jones Pumping Plant), and storage
conditions at San Luis Reservoir have provided an opportunity to make
available otherwise non-storable Section 215 water for water service
contractors south of the Delta who enter into a “Temporary Water Service
Contract for Surplus Water” with Reclamation. The federal share of San Luis
Reservoir, which totals about 965,000 acre-feet, filled on January 2, and
current Central Valley Project (CVP) water demands in the South-of-Delta
service area are less than the operational and export capability at the
Jones Pumping Plant.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Timothy Quinn: State can't wait to upgrade its
water system - - When the economy is stalled and the headlines are awash
with bad news, the conventional wisdom is that the public is not inclined to
support big projects. But a recent survey suggests that may not be the case
when it comes to fixing California's water system. Though jobs and economy
are clearly dominant issues today, voters remain concerned about the state's
water supply and agree California should make major investments to upgrade
and modernize our water supply system, according to a statewide survey
conducted by Field Research on behalf of the Association of California Water
Agencies. The survey found that three in four voters, 75 percent, are
concerned about water.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Kings County drought resolution could be brought
back - - Kings County may be headed for another drought, county
officials said Tuesday, prompting them to consider an official declaration.
The driest December on record, tied with 1989's rainfall, has prompted
county supervisors to consider bringing back a drought declaration suspended
last year because of two wet winters in a row.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Panel vindicates Delta scientists accused of bias
- - Two government biologists who were excoriated last fall by a federal
judge accusing them of arguing dishonestly for tougher environmental
regulations in the Delta did nothing wrong, according to an independent
panel of experts. The charges leveled by former U.S. District Judge Oliver
Wanger were mostly unfounded, according to the scientific panel.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 Contra Costa Times
Judge: Washington dairy contaminated water - - A federal judge has ruled that an Eastern Washington industrial dairy that has been the subject of air and water pollution complaints for years consistently applied excessive amounts of manure to neighboring fields, causing or contributing to groundwater contamination in the area. The community action group CARE, Community Association for Restoration of the Environment, claimed that Nelson Faria Dairy violated the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws and failed to abide by the terms of a deal that was reached with the dairy's previous owners to improve operations. The dairy in Royal City, about 45 miles northeast of Yakima, has more than 3,000 cows and consists of four large barns, several lagoons and multiple feedlots. <more> Jan. 5, 2012 Associated Press
Stories Of Interest
WUD seeks
Administrative Assistant - - Western United Dairymen is seeking
applicants to fill a full-time administrative assistant position that will
be available due to retirement of the predecessor. The candidate should have
expertise in written and verbal communications and record keeping. The
position reports directly to the CEO and provides liaison with the board of
directors. Computer skills required. BA or BS preferred, agriculture
background a plus. To download the job description,
please click here. For more information or to apply, call Kathleen at
(209) 527-6453. Posted Jan. 5, 2012
Banner Year for U.S. Registered Holsteins - -
Holstein Association USA is excited to report that 2011 was an exceptional
year for U.S. Registered Holsteins. Enthusiasm for the Holstein breed is
high and growing, evidenced by the 360,149 Holsteins that were registered,
as of December 31, 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.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 Dairy Today
Jan. 27 California Ag Summit looks at new
realities facing consumers and producers - - Presentations on the new
realities faced by producers and consumers will be the focus of the second
annual California Ag Summit on Jan. 27 at the University of California,
Davis. Stimulating speakers will lead three individual sessions on current
topics of interest to the agricultural community. During the event luncheon,
participants will hear from keynote speaker, John Hofmeister, retired
president of Shell Oil Company and founder and chief executive of Citizens
for Affordable Energy. Hofmeister is one of the world's leading experts on
energy and climate. Following the keynote address, comedian Jack Gallagher
will return as lunchtime entertainment.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 WUD news
Wisconsin Dairy industry is economic powerhouse
- - There’s still a good reason why Wisconsin is called the Dairy State —
it’s a $27 billion annual industry that provides more than 146,000 jobs.
Studies have shown that a single dairy cow generates more than $20,000 in
annual economic activity, and a 250-cow Wisconsin dairy farm spends about
$675,000 each year. Throw in multiplier effects on related industries, and
the evidence is as clear as a milk mustache — there’s plenty of moola in the
bovine business. The industry is in a recovery mode after the disastrous
year of 2009. Milk prices for 2011 averaged about $20 per hundredweight.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 La Crosse Tribune
Australia - Worries for dairy as port shutdown
looms - - The dairy industry has urged a swift end to the row
threatening to cripple Melbourne's port next week, saying ongoing disruption
will endanger Australia's reputation for reliable exports. The Maritime
Union of Australia and stevedores DP World remained locked in talks last
night in an effort to advance enterprise negotiations that stalled last
month. The MUA is planning to begin a 24-hour strike at DP World's Melbourne
terminal tomorrow night. The company plans to retaliate with a lockout for
the following 24 hours, prolonging a shutdown that will affect about 16
ships and 20,000 containers.
<more> Jan. 6, 2012 Surry Hills Australian – Australia
Bracing for the Fake Sugar Rush - - At the
Whole Foods Market in Silver Spring, Md., the self-serve coffee counter
offers four types of milk and nearly every imaginable alternative to
granulated sugar. There's unrefined sugar, evaporated cane juice, agave
nectar—and a no-calorie sugar substitute called Truvia. The green packets
are tucked behind the cash register; if you want it, you have to ask. That's
because they have a way of disappearing. "People take a lot more than they
need," says Liz Burkhart, a Whole Foods spokeswoman. Truvia's maker,
agricultural giant Cargill Inc., of Minneapolis, is aware that consumers
often stock up on Truvia packets at coffee bars and in restaurants. Zanna
McFerson, vice president and business director for Cargill Health and
Nutrition, says Cargill is developing a dispenser that would limit the
number of packets a consumer can take at once.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Wall Street Journal
California cantaloupe farms regroup after
listeria outbreak - - A tragedy 1,300 miles away changed a way of life
in this Central California farm town that proudly calls itself the
Cantaloupe Center of the World. This would normally be the season when
farmers plan the summer crop that in good years is valued at nearly $200
million, according to the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board. Instead,
they are cutting acreage devoted to the fruit and scrambling for ways to
reassure a nervous public that cantaloupes are safe to eat. In the fall, the
deadliest food-borne illness outbreak in the United States since 1924 was
traced to listeria-tainted cantaloupe in Colorado. Thirty people died and at
least 146 became ill, with cases spread over 28 states.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Los Angeles Times
Ag license plate program benefits ag education - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is encouraging purchase of a California special
interest license
plate
that will support agricultural education and leadership programs. This
initiative creates a continuous funding stream, through annual license plate
renewals, for programs dedicated to the agricultural education of school
children and the next generation of California farmers and ranchers – from FFA and 4-H to Ag in the Classroom and other youth agricultural programs. As
the April 2012 deadline approaches to reach the 7,500 registration goal (the
minimum number of paid registrations needed to initiate the program) less
than 1,500 plates have been reserved. Plates can be reserved online at
https://secure.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/calagplate/
Dairy Meetings
WUD 2012 winter district member meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Mon, Jan 9 12 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Old Spaghetti Factory, Riverside
Wed, Jan 11 4 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Cabral Ag Center, Stockton
Tue, Jan 17 7 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Farm Bureau, Fresno
Wed, Jan 18 11 12:00 noon Benji's Bakersfield
Wed, Jan 18 8 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Heritage Complex, Tulare
Mon, Jan 23 1 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Rolling Hills Casino, Corning
Tue, Jan 24 9 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Fraternal Hall, Hanford
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort, Petaluma
WUD convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, CA --Click here for details
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Other Dairy News Sources
Dairy Producer Blogs That We Like
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Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
Citing
Drug Resistance, U.S. Restricts More Antibiotics for Livestock - -
Federal drug regulators announced on Wednesday that farmers and ranchers
must restrict their use of a critical class of antibiotics in cattle, pigs,
chickens and turkeys because such practices may have contributed to the
growing threat in people of bacterial infections that are resistant to
treatment. The medicines are known as cephalosporins and include brands like
Cefzil and Keflex. They are among the most common antibiotics prescribed to
treat pneumonia, strep throat, and skin and urinary tract infections.
Surgeons also often use them before surgery, and they are particularly
popular among pediatricians. The drugs’ use in agriculture has, according to
many microbiologists, led to the development of bacteria that are resistant
to their effects, a development that many doctors say has cost thousands of
lives.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 New York Times
AVMA
agrees with cephlasporin restrictions - - On Wednesday the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration announced a rule limiting the extralabel use of the
antimicrobial cephlasporins in cattle, hogs, chickens and turkeys. This is
actually a revised version of a stricter rule first published then withdrawn
in 2008. Dr. Christine Hoang Assistant Director of the Scientific Activities
Division with the American Veterinary Medical Association says the 2008 rule
was much too restrictive while this one is consistent with AVMA policy. “We
believe there should be a limited prohibition on extralabel drug use such
that it protects public health and animal welfare.”
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
Quadruplet Calves Born On Glenn County Dairy - - Dozens of baby cows are
born on North State dairy farms every day, and the majority of them will
grow up and live their lives in relative obscurity. But one Glenn County
farmer has a tale for the ages. Quadruplets, all milk-producing heifers,
were born on the farm on December 6. Action News reporter Rick Carhart
visited Zuppan Dairy in Orland and brings us the story.
Click to view the video. Jan. 5, 2012 KHSL-TV
Michael Rubio bows out of 21st District House race - - Bakersfield
Democrat Michael Rubio last Tuesday pulled out of a budding Valley
congressional race, a move that potentially clears a path to Congress for
Hanford Republican David Valadao. "It's David's district to lose now," said
Joel Nelsen, president of Exeter-based California Citrus Mutual. "The
Democrats are going to have to scramble to find a viable candidate." That
candidate could be former state Sen. Dean Florez, who has been contemplating
a run in the newly constituted 21st Congressional District for months but
has taken no steps toward making it a reality -- including raising money.
Both Rubio and Valadao have formed federal campaign committees. Florez still
hasn't.
<more> Dec. 28, 2011 Fresno Bee
Two
Milk Bottlers To Open In Tulare - - Now there are two local family dairy
farmers who want to open micro size milk bottling operations in Tulare
County in the New Year. It may not be surprising that direct marketing of
locally grown food is happening here in the nation’s number one dairy
producing county. The place is swimming in milk. But almost all products are
shipped out in commodity size quantities including millions of pounds of
cheese, milk powder, giant vats of sour cream and cottage cheese, mostly for
the food service industry. And not one drop of fluid milk. Of course a
couple of local dairies do produce world class artisan cheese on a small
scale. But now it seems fresh milk, presented in old fashion glass bottles,
will have her day.
<more> Dec. 29, 2011 Sierra2theSea
Valley
dairy operators turn back clock with glass bottles, home delivery - -
The milkman is making a comeback. A Tulare County dairy operator is planning
to open a creamery this summer to bottle his own milk, and he'll do home
delivery. "The way it is now, our milk gets consolidated with everyone's
milk," said Ron Locke of Top O' The Morn Farms in Tulare. "But we want to be
able to showcase our dairy and the attention we give to producing a quality
product." While the idea may seem like a throwback, it's one that's getting
more attention as Valley dairy operators tap the growing interest in local,
high-quality foods and try to create new sources of revenue.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Fresno Bee
1 of the top 3 Iowa caucus finishers has a dairy background - - Of the top three finishers in Iowa’s GOP caucus Tuesday night, only Ron Paul has a dairy background. Paul grew up on a Pennsylvania dairy farm. He later worked at a family-owned dairy-processing facility. “Ron Paul’s first job was making sure no dirty bottles made it to the filling crates,” according to this biographical account. “He was paid a penny per bottle; when they were old enough, the Paul boys — all five of whom shared one bedroom — took over the summer milk routes to give the drivers some time off.” <more> Jan. 4, 2012 Dairy Herd Network
Pricing/Commodity News
Milk
futures: Better than gold - - The commodity which enjoyed the biggest
gain in price last year can be answered with a simple question: Got milk?
That's because milk, not gold, oil, or any of the more popular futures
contracts, enjoyed about a 35.7% rise in price in 2011 to close at 18.77
cents per pound. That compares to an 11.7% rise in the price of gold and a
10% rise in crude oil prices. It also blows away the more modest gains of
the higher profile food futures, like pork bellies, corn and coffee. But
before you rush out to the nearest grocery store to buy every drop of milk
in an effort to build your retirement nest egg, a clarification: Milk
futures are not for the type of milk consumers bring home in gallon jugs.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 CNN Money
Corn
Seed Shortage Sows Farm Belt Woes - - As farmers across the U.S. prepare
to plant this year's corn crop, they are running up against an unexpected
obstacle: a lack of seed. By some estimates, U.S. production of corn seed
was down 25% to 50% ahead of this planting season. Output of corn seed,
which is grown from specialized plants, was sliced by drought conditions
across the Midwest and the Great Plains last year. The shortage of seed
threatens to scuttle what some expect to be the biggest planting of corn in
the U.S., the world's largest producer, since World War II. Early forecasts
have been calling for up to 95 million acres to be sown with corn this
spring, a 3.4% increase from 2011.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Wall Street Journal
U.S.
Dairy Export Council Recognized for Work to Boost Sales of Gouda Cheese to
Mexico - - Idaho Lieutenant Governor Brad Little recently presented the
U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) Mexico office with an “Idaho Valued
Partner” Award for its work to develop the market for U.S. gouda cheese in
Mexico. The award recognized the success of Glanbia Foods, of Twin Falls,
Idaho, one of several U.S. companies seeing increased sales in the market.
USDEC market development programs, which are supported by U.S. dairy
producers through their checkoff program, help build overseas demand for
U.S. dairy products.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Dairy Today
Shortages in organic milk lead to price increases - - Strong demand for organic milk will keep prices high enough to provide sufficient incentive for dairy farmers to produce more, according to one of the largest U.S. organic dairy cooperatives. Grocery chains including Publix Super Markets, Inc., faced organic milk shortfalls over the past three months after extreme summer heat and soaring feed costs led to lower production. In November, organic milk sales fell 8.8 percent from the same month a year earlier, to 8.3 million pounds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. <more> Jan. 4, 2012 Dairy Herd Management
Environmental
News
Dairy
Farm Audits Reduce Energy Costs 10% to 35% - - With the national
energy inflation rate at 10% and business costs continuing to climb, the New
Year is a good time to maximize farm energy efficiency and minimize monthly
utility bills. 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. The Innovation Center and U.S. Department of
Agriculture NRCS are focused on helping dairy producers learn about those
opportunities. 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> Jan. 5, 2012 Dairy Today
Central Valley farmers to get early water delivery - - Farmers starved
for rain this winter soon will get water from canals that usually shut down
for the season. The Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts are preparing
to refill their canals with Tuolumne River water and deliver it to farmers
for perhaps two weeks. The water will help dairy farmers grow winter feed
crops, and fruit and nut growers get their trees ready for bloom in late
winter and spring. It's not an unprecedented move — the MID last did it in
2000, the TID in 2007 — but it does underscore just how dry it has been
since November.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Modesto Bee
Merced-area's farmers not panicking yet over dry winter - - A dry start to the winter season has many California growers concerned, but Merced County farmers may have reason to remain optimistic. Fear of another drought remains real, but many think it's not quite time to panic. "The one thing that makes our situation better than, say, Fresno County, is our irrigation districts," said University of California Cooperative Extension adviser Scott Stoddard. "Potentially (a dry year) could be detrimental to us, but because we had a wet winter last year and because of our superior irrigation on the west side, this year it looks like the county will be OK for water." <more> Jan. 5, 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Stories Of Interest
WUD seeks
Administrative Assistant - - Western United Dairymen is seeking
applicants to fill a full-time administrative assistant position that will
be available due to retirement of the predecessor. The candidate should have
expertise in written and verbal communications and record keeping. The
position reports directly to the CEO and provides liaison with the board of
directors. Computer skills required. BA or BS preferred, agriculture
background a plus. To download the job description,
please click here. For more information or to apply, call Kathleen at
(209) 527-6453. Posted Jan. 5, 2012
Passing: Kenneth Hill, 79 - - Kenneth Ronald Hill passed away on
December 31, 2011, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family. He served in
the Navy during the Korean War. Returning to Illinois in 1955, he attended
the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana receiving a BS in Animal Science
and later a Masters degree in Animal Nutrition from New Mexico State
University in Las Cruces. After twenty-two years in the livestock industry,
he left the cattle business to go into teaching. Starting out in Corcoran in
1971, he later moved to Hanford High where he spent his career teaching Ag
Science and later the social sciences including his great love Economics.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Hanford Sentinel
Diamond settles over health labels - - A California walnut company has
agreed to pay $3.45 million to settle a class action lawsuit that accused it
of false advertising. Diamond Foods of San Francisco has struck a deal with
walnut consumer Elliot Zeisel of New York, who claimed the company misled
consumers by promoting the "heart health" attributes of walnuts. The
controversy stems from a statement on Diamond's walnut packages that claimed
"the omega-3 in walnuts can help you get the proper balance of fatty acids
your body needs for promoting and maintaining heart health." In February
2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration sent a warning letter to
Diamond, alleging the company violated food labeling rules by marketing
walnuts as if they were intended to treat a medical condition.
<more> Jan. 5, 2012 Capital Press
MJC
dedicates huge ag center on west campus - - Cattle and sheep soon will
tread on the dirt floor of a huge new building at Modesto Junior College.
But Wednesday's dedication of the Agriculture Center for Education had some
elegant touches — a string quartet at the entrance, miniquiches at the hors
d'oeuvres table. More than 150 people gathered at the west campus to
celebrate the opening of the $15.9 million center, funded by Measure E of
2004. The most imposing part is a 74,410-square-foot pavilion that will have
livestock shows and other activities that help prepare young people for
farm-related careers.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Modesto Bee
Ag license plate program benefits ag education - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is encouraging purchase of a California special
interest license
plate
that will support agricultural education and leadership programs. This
initiative creates a continuous funding stream, through annual license plate
renewals, for programs dedicated to the agricultural education of school
children and the next generation of California farmers and ranchers – from FFA and 4-H to Ag in the Classroom and other youth agricultural programs. As
the April 2012 deadline approaches to reach the 7,500 registration goal (the
minimum number of paid registrations needed to initiate the program) less
than 1,500 plates have been reserved. Plates can be reserved online at
https://secure.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/calagplate/
Dairy Meetings
WUD 2012 winter district member meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Thu, Jan 5 6 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Pentecost Hall, Stevinson
Mon, Jan 9 12 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Old Spaghetti Factory, Riverside
Wed, Jan 11 4 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Cabral Ag Center, Stockton
Tue, Jan 17 7 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Farm Bureau, Fresno
Wed, Jan 18 11 12:00 noon Benji's Bakersfield
Wed, Jan 18 8 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Heritage Complex, Tulare
Mon, Jan 23 1 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Rolling Hills Casino, Corning
Tue, Jan 24 9 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Fraternal Hall, Hanford
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort, Petaluma
WUD convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, CA --Click here for details
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
Commodity Price Information
Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
The
400,000 Cell Count Mess - - The clock has officially started ticking on
the European Union 400,000 somatic cell count export certification
requirement. If you haven’t heard by now, the marketing requirement went
into effect this past Sunday, Jan. 1, though dairy farms will have until May
1 to comply. The new standard has been under discussion since June 2009. In
fact, on Jan. 20, 2010, USDA had announced the industry would have to meet
the new standard by Feb. 1 of that year. The announcement caused such an
uproar that the agency retracted the requirement and spent the next 22
months crafting the new requirements.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Dairy Today
FDA
Prohibits Extralabel Use of Cephalosporins - - The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) earlier today issued an order that prohibits the
extra-label use of cephalosporin drugs in livestock, including dairy cattle,
at unapproved dose levels, frequencies or routes of administration. FDA says
it is taking the action to preserve the effectiveness of cephalosporin drugs
for treating diseases in humans. Prohibiting extralabel use in livestock
species reduces the risk of cephalosporin resistance in certain bacterial
pathogens, says the agency. In addition, FDA prohibits using cephalosporin
drugs in cattle, swine, chickens or turkeys that are not approved for use in
that species. It also prohibits use of the drug for disease prevention.
<more> Jan. 4, 2011 Dairy Today
CA
Dairy Council fights battle on flavored milk in schools - - By sharing
its nutritional expertise in public forums and establishing partnerships
with like-minded health professionals, Dairy Council of California is
helping turn back a tide that threatens to sweep flavored milk out of
California school meal programs. In just the past few months, Dairy Council
efforts helped persuade the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
board to vote to preserve chocolate milk’s place in the cafeteria, and
prospects for achieving the same result appear good in other regions.
Recently the Los Angeles Unified School District banned the beverage,
several Bay area schools did the same, and suddenly school districts
throughout California have felt the pressure to eliminate the beverage.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Dairy Today
Huge
shakeup in Valley congressional race - - By Jim Boren - - It
would have been one of the most competitive (and expensive) congressional
battles in the San Joaquin Valley in decades. The wide-open 21st
Congressional District had two young, but savvy candidates running for a
seat that would not have been impacted by the baggage of an incumbent. But
Democrat Michael Rubio, 34, of Bakersfield. has pulled out for personal
reasons, apparently leaving the seat to Republican David Valadao, 34, of
Hanford. Rubio, a state senator, decided against running because his second
child was born with Down syndrome. "My family needs me more than Congress
does," Rubio wrote on his website.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Fresno Bee
Industry Wary of Dioxin Guidelines - - Farmers and the food industry are
asking the Obama administration to ease coming federal guidance that will
advise consumers to minimize their intake of dioxins, chemicals that may be
harmful at certain levels. The standards would, for the first time, set a
limit on how much dioxin Americans can be exposed to and still be safe. The
Environmental Protection Agency is expected to release the guidelines in
January. Dioxins are a byproduct of paper, metal and cement production, but
the primary source of exposure for people is food. Meat and dairy products
in particular absorb the chemicals, which are ubiquitous in the environment
and get into what livestock eat, especially if the animals graze. When
ingested at high levels, dioxins are linked to human reproductive problems,
acute skin conditions and cancer.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Wall Street Journal
Lawmaker proposes revote on high-speed rail funds - - As legislators prepare to return to the Capitol this week, one lawmaker is proposing legislation that would allow voters a do-over on the $9 billion in state bonds they authorized for California’s high-speed rail project. State Sen. Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from Richvale, has pledged to introduce a bill that would authorize a revote, citing an independent review panel’s report Tuesday that recommends the Legislature not approve issuing billions of dollars in bonds to partly pay for the first section of track in the Central Valley. On almost every aspect of the project, including capital costs, ridership projections, private-sector participation and future funding sources, the report gave a thumbs down. <more> Jan. 3, 2012 Los Angeles Times
Pricing/Commodity News
California December 4a/b prices down - - California’s December 4a milk
price is $16.59/cwt., down $1.11 from November 2011, but $1.78 more than
December 2010. The 4b price is $15.14/cwt., down $2.05 from November 2011,
but $1.97 more than December 2010. With December’s prices, the 2011 average
4a price is $18.82/cwt., up $4.01 from 2010; the 2011 4b average is
$16.37/cwt., up $3.20 from the year before. Jan. 4, 2012 Dairy Profit
Update
Dryness threatens S. America crops, ignites corn rally - - Hot, dry conditions plagued major crop growing regions of Argentina and Brazil over the past two months, igniting a rally in Chicago’s grain markets and posing the threat of further shrinkage in global corn supplies after the U.S. harvest fell short of expectations. As dry weather persisted through the holidays, analysts including Dan Basse downsized expectations for South America’s crops. Basse, who’s president of AgResource Co. in Chicago, recently cut his projection for Argentina’s corn harvest by 23 percent, to 23 million metric tons. His figure is also 21 percent below the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s forecast. <more> Jan. 3, 2012 Dairy Herd Management
Environmental
News
Survey
shows lack of snow in Sierra Nevada - - The first Sierra Nevada snow
survey of the winter found more grass than snow in some locations, yet state
officials said the dry conditions are not yet a reason to worry about water
supplies. The survey conducted Tuesday found the water content of the
mountain snowpack at just 19 percent of average for the date, one of the
lowest readings ever recorded for this time of year. But it remains early in
winter, and officials at the state Department of Water Resources said there
is still plenty of time to catch up.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 The Sacramento Bee
Making Hay While the Sun Shines: A Flap over Solar Panels in Farm Country - - Farmer Tom Barcellos bristles at the idea that putting solar panels on his land is “paving it over,” as some critics have contended. Harvesting electrons, he says, is not the same as pouring concrete to build houses or a shopping center. Solar isn’t permanent: he can simply pull out the posts holding up the panels when he wants to plow the land under again. In the meantime, using a small part of his farm to generate power for the grid is a good way to bring in some guaranteed income, helping him weather the ups and downs of drought and crop prices. But on Barcellos’s farm, the ground closest to a PG&E substation is considered “prime” farmland. That means he has to get permission from county supervisors to take his land out of the Williamson Act, which gives farmers a tax break for keeping prime farmland in agriculture. <more> Jan. 3, 2012 KQED Climate Watch
Stories Of Interest
McDonald’s Features Real Ranchers In New Campaign - - A new McDonald’s
ad campaign for 2012 features the real people who raise lettuce, potatoes
and beef for the chain’s famous Big Macs and Quarter Pounders.
Self-proclaimed “Beef Snob,” Steve Foglesong, an Illinois rancher and cattle
feeder as well as former National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president, is
featured in the ads. What a great opportunity to share the positive
agriculture story with the masses. McDonald’s is a huge supporter of
American agriculture, and its new campaign highlights the great partnership
we have with the company.
<more> Jan. 4, 2012 Beefmagazine.com
World Dairy Expo Expands Trade Show - - A new Trade Center is being unveiled to provide dairy producers additional indoor exhibits to discover the latest innovations, technologies and services for their home operation. The new space will offer 130 booths to accommodate the ever-growing demand for exhibit space from existing exhibitors and new companies currently unable to get a booth space at Expo. The Trade Show has been at capacity for many years. “World Dairy Expo management is optimistic that the Alliant Energy Center will expand over time.” says Sales Manager, John Rozum. “The demand for indoor space has become so high that it was decided to take action and add a new temporary space for 2012.” <more> Jan. 4, 2012 Dairy Today
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012
State/Federal
News and Politics
After
Three Decades, Tax Credit for Ethanol Expires - - A federal tax credit
for ethanol expired on Saturday, ending an era in which the federal
government provided more than $20 billion in subsidies for use of the
product. The tax break, created more than 30 years ago, had long seemed
untouchable. But in the last year, during which Congress was preoccupied
with deficits and debt, it became a symbol of corporate welfare. Fiscal
conservatives joined liberal environmentalists to kill it, with help from a
diverse coalition of outside groups. In the United States, most ethanol is
produced from corn. The demise of the subsidy is all the more remarkable
because it comes at the peak of the political season in Iowa, where corn is
king.
<more> Jan. 2, 2012 New York Times
Farewell to
2011 – and the ethanol subsidy --
By Michael
Marsh, CEO, Western United Dairymen - -
Dec. 31, 2011the clock will tick
down and the ball will drop in Times Square to the delight of New Year’s Eve
revelers. The clock will likewise tick down on a couple of federal laws to
the delight of livestock operators nationwide. An estimated $6 billion in
annual federal subsidies provided to oil companies for blending ethanol into
gasoline will expire. The U.S. tariff on imports of foreign ethanol into our
country will drop by the wayside as well. Some Washington observers and
ethanol manufacturers thought this could never occur with a president from
the Corn Belt. Others noted that with a secretary of agriculture hailing
from Iowa, the demise of these rules was unlikely. The fix was in! But, not
so fast! U.S. senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer heard the call
from dairy farmers in California that the ethanol deal needed to die. By
artificially promoting ethanol and thus corn demand, the subsidies had
pressed California livestock operations to the tipping point and operations
were, after a global recession, struggling to get back on track. It is
likely the subsidies also hindered development of next-generation biofuels
produced from something other than food.
<more> Dec. 30, 2011 WUD Weekly Update
US
opens market to imported ethanol - - For the first time in more than
three decades of generous U.S. government subsidies for the domestic ethanol
industry, coupled with a steep tariff on imports, the United States market
will be open to imported ethanol as of Jan. 1, 2012, without protectionist
measures. The adjournment of the 112th Congress means both the US $0.54 per
gallon tax on imported ethanol and a corresponding tax credit of US $0.45
per gallon for blenders, the VEETC (Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit),
will expire as expected on Dec. 31.
<more> Dec. 27, 2011 Western Farm Press
FDA
Backs Off Withdrawing Certain Antibiotics from Livestock Use - - The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration has decided not to withdraw penicillin and
tetracyclines in animal feed, backing off the agency's initial intention to
do so. The news was not announced, but was published in the Federal Register
just before the holidays. In 1977, FDA first announced its intention to
withdraw the animal drug approvals -- penicillin outright and the
subtherapeutic use of tetracycline -- citing microbial food safety concerns,
but now the agency is planning to "focus its efforts for now on the
potential for voluntary reform and the promotion of the judicious use of
antimicrobials in the interest of public health," according to the notice.
The Keep Antibiotics Working coalition criticized the move. "[The decision]
is just the latest evidence that the Obama Administration fails to take
seriously the risk of resistant infections that occur due to the overuse of
antibiotics in animal agriculture," according to Steven Roach, the Public
Health Program Director at Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT), a member of
the coalition.
<more> Dec. 24, 2011 Food Safety News
Jerry
Brown names Debra Bowen's husband to Conservation post - - Gov. Jerry
Brown has appointed Mark Nechodom, a senior adviser to the undersecretary
for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the husband of Secretary of State
Debra Bowen, to be director of the California Department of Conservation,
Brown's office announced today. Nechodom, 56, replaces Derek Chernow, the
acting director Brown fired last month. Like Brown, Nechodom is a Democrat.
He was previously acting director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Office of Environmental Markets and senior climate policy adviser for the
U.S. Forest Service. The position, which requires Senate confirmation, pays
$136,156 a year.
<more> Dec. 28, 2011 Capitol Alert
CDC, FDA say 4 cases of bacterial infection in babies not related, infant formula not tainted - - Four cases of infants sickened by a rare bacteria sometimes linked to powdered formula, including two who died, are not related and parents can continue using the products to feed their babies, two federal agencies announced Friday. Scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration tested various types of powdered infant formula and distilled water, known as nursing water, and found no cases of contamination by Cronobacter sakazakii. <more> Dec. 30, 2011 Associated Press
Pricing/Commodity News
Dairy
profitability remained elusive in December - - Feed high cost was the
grinch that stole December. The milk-feed profitability ratio was a
disappointing 1.88 in December, according to the Dec. 30 “Agricultural
Prices” report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It’s not until the
ratio reaches 3.0 that it is considered profitable to buy feed and produce
milk. The ratio was below 2.0 for most of 2011. It peaked at 2.14 in March.
<more> Jan. 3, 2012 Dairy Herd Management
High
hay-prices-hurt-beef, dairy producers - - Hay prices in New Mexico and
the West are climbing and there's no end in sight at least through May. The
high cost of hay is hurting not only horse owners, but dairy and beef
producers. "Our producers are even going to Canada to buy hay," said Beverly
Idsinga, executive director of the New Mexico Dairy Association. "You know
it is bad when they have to go that far." Hay prices are a boon, however, to
the state's alfalfa producers who are pulling in their best prices in years.
Some are getting double what they were paid a year ago for a ton of hay.
Poor alfalfa production, low forage supplies and increased demand from
livestock and dairy producers all hit the hay market at the same time.
<more> Dec. 28, 2011 The New Mexican
With drought causing hay shortage, NM scientists working on alfalfa that grows with less water - - With much of the Southwest struggling with drought, many ranchers and dairy farmers are having difficulty finding enough hay for their livestock and making tough choices: pay up to twice as much as last year and ship it in from hundreds of miles away or do without and sell off some of their herd. Farmers, ranchers and scientists say a perfect storm has turned hay into gold this year. Scientists at New Mexico State University are trying to help by using genetic analysis and traditional plant breeding practices to come up with more drought-tolerant varieties of alfalfa. The research is important because two-thirds of hay produced in the U.S. is grown in drought-prone areas of the Great Plains or the western U.S., said Ian Ray, the professor who runs NMSU’s alfalfa breeding and genetics program. <more> Jan. 2, 2012 Associated Press
Environmental
News
California Low-Carbon Fuel Standard is Blocked by U.S. Judge - -
California’s low-carbon fuel standard was blocked by a federal judge who
found that it discriminates against out-of-state corn ethanol and crude oil
and violates the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. “The point of the
LCFS is to penalize the differences between the California and the Midwest
ethanol,” U.S. District Lawrence J. O’Neill in Fresno, California, said
today in one of three orders siding with agriculture and oil-industry groups
and denying a request by the California Air Resources Board to rule in its
favor. The judge agreed with the farmers that California’s method of
assigning a higher so-called carbon intensity score to ethanol produced in
the Midwest, which is otherwise chemically and physically identical to that
produced in California, because of factors such as electricity used to
produce it and transportation, discriminates against interstate commerce.
<more> Dec. 29, 2011 Bloomberg
Westlands moves closer to water transfer - - The Bureau of Reclamation
has determined that an environmental impact statement is not required for
the approval of the partial assignment of 4,000 acre-feet of Oro Loma Water
District’s Central Valley Project water service contract to Westlands Water
District. The draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant
Impact were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy
Act. The Bureau of Reclamation plans to provide the public with an
opportunity to comment on both drafts during the 30-day public review
period.
<more> Dec. 22, 2011 The Business Journal
Lack
of rain will continue; MID ponders early release - - The year will bow
out weatherwise with dry eyes tonight, continuing a spell of sunny days and
inconsequential clouds through most of next week. The lack of rain is
worrisome enough that the Modesto Irrigation District will consider an early
burst of irrigation water to farmers at its Jan. 10 meeting, said MID
spokeswoman Melissa Williams. "We have had growers contacting us. Almonds
and grain crops are the biggest concern," Williams said. The last time the
MID let early water flow was in January 2000. Such a release likely would
last about two weeks, starting within a week or so of the board decision,
she said. The regular irrigation season is slated to start March 24.
<more> Dec. 31, 2011 The Modesto Bee
MID board could discuss San Francisco water sale Jan. 10 - - The Modesto Irrigation District board has tentatively set a Jan. 10 discussion on proposed water sales to San Francisco. It would be the first time that the full board discusses the sales, which would involve Tuolumne River water that the MID plans to free up thanks to conservation projects on its canal system. The board could vote at a later meeting on the first sale of about 2,200 acre-feet. It could take place quickly because San Francisco has completed the required study of environmental impacts. <more> Dec. 22, 2011 The Modesto Bee
Report backs
California farmers’ efficient use of water-
- Over the years, growers—particularly those who farm in the arid West—have
gotten a bad rap as water-wasters. Nowhere are the voices louder than in
California, which has faced droughts over the past three decades as well as
escalating competition among water users. Many environmental groups
criticize the state’s agriculture for using what they perceive as wasteful
irrigation practices. Many of these same groups contend that if the state’s
farmers would just conserve a tad more, it would free up a lot more water
for environmental or municipal uses. A new report counters most of those
critics by finding that by and large, California agriculture is efficient in
its use of irrigation. It also finds that even if growers adopt the latest
technology, it would free up little additional water.
<more> Jan. 3, 2012 The Grower
Dry and drier – snow pack well under average - - Lack of moisture-rich storms through most of December has resulted in a Sierra Nevada snowpack that is well below average for this date, according to measurements by the Department of Water Resources Tuesday. The DWR conducted the winter's first snow survey Tuesday, with emphasis on a manual survey near Echo Summit. This and other manual and electronic surveys up and down the state determine the amount of water in the early winter snowpack. Manual and electronic readings Tuesday record the snowpack’s statewide water content at 19 percent of the January 3 average. That is only 7 percent of the average April 1 measurement, when the snowpack is normally at its peak before the spring melt. <more> Jan. 3, 2012 Central Valley Business Times
Stories Of Interest
9th
Street in Fowler looks to be big cheese - - Bill Boersma, one of the
first dairy farmers in the Valley to become a cheese maker, has launched a
new company in Fowler: 9th Street Cheese. The pioneering cheese maker is
churning out his award-winning blue cheese and making a push into the
Hispanic cheese market. Although he is still an owner of Bravo Farms, which
he founded 12 years ago in Traver, Boersma is not involved in the day-to-day
operations. At Bravo, he crafted several types of cheese, including a
rich-flavored raw milk cheddar that was made on the farm.
<more> Dec. 23, 2011 Fresno Bee
Mobile
classroom gets job done - - For a decade or more, there's been a
concerted effort to build a large ag science center/museum in the Northern
San Joaquin Valley. Initially, the plan was to put it in south Modesto, near
the Stanislaus County agricultural center. In 2007, proponents decided
Modesto Junior College's West Campus was a better location, in part because
of its visibility and easy access off Highway 99. There have been estimates
it will cost $20 million or more and will include colorful, high-tech
exhibits to teach children and city-dwellers about farming, about the
variety of crops grown in our Valley and about all that goes into producing
the food we all eat. While building the ag science center remains a dream
and a goal, in the past year, the people involved in this non-profit effort
got things rolling in a slightly different direction.
<more> Dec. 27, 2011 Merced Sun-Star
China
dairy producer says it destroys tainted milk - - China's biggest milk
producer destroyed a batch found to have excessive levels of a
cancer-causing toxin, in another safety scare for the country's dairy
industry. Mengniu Dairy Group said in a statement seen on its website Monday
that the problem was discovered before the milk containing high levels of
aflatoxin was sold to the public. "Mengniu would like to express our sincere
apologies to consumers," the company said, adding none of the tainted
products had made their way into the market. "We will draw a big lesson from
this incident and will work harder to meet all national and corporate
standards on quality in the future," it said.
<more> Dec. 26, 2011 Capital Press
California's young farmers break traditional mold - - The average age of
a farmer in California is creeping toward 60, and the California Department
of Food and Agriculture is trying to attract newcomers to work the land. The
need is especially acute, given that experts are forecasting that the world
will have to double its food supply to keep up with a booming population -
growing from 7 billion people to 9 billion by 2050. California is a
significant player in feeding the globe, providing 12 percent of the
nation's agriculture exports. Farming also is a $37.5 billion business in
California, employing 800,000 people. With the average age of the primary
farm operator now 58 - nearly 20 percent are 70 or older - it's crucial that
the state's farms and ranches get fresh blood, said Karen Ross, California's
agriculture secretary.
<more> Dec. 25, 2011 San Francisco Chronicle
Two
floats bring California flowers back to Rose Parade - - Back in 1890 —
when the population of Pasadena was 4,882 and the Rose Parade was in its
earliest iteration — members of the Valley Hunt Club decorated their
carriages with hundreds of blooms to showcase the region's abundance of
flowers, even in winter. But somewhere along the way in the decades since,
Pasadena began to import its paradise. The colorful flower petals and shiny
green leaves decorating Rose Parade floats were less likely grown in
California's rose fields and more often flown in from abroad, a reflection
of global shifts in the floral trade. “The Rose Parade began as a way to
flaunt California's year-round beautiful weather by showcasing its bounty of
flowers,” said Kasey Cronquist, chief executive of the California Cut Flower
Commission. “Ironically, today, most floats feature flowers sourced from
overseas.” For the 123rd Rose Parade, “Cal Poly to the Rescue” (pictured
above), a float created by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Pomona students, and
“Timeless Fun for Everyone” (pictured at the top of the post with Janice
Vann applying flax seeds), a float sponsored by the California Clock Co.,
will be decorated entirely with flowers, grasses, seeds and grains harvested
in state.
<more> Dec. 31, 2011 Los Angeles Times
Ag license plate program benefits ag education - -
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is encouraging purchase of a California special
interest license
plate
that will support agricultural education and leadership programs. This
initiative creates a continuous funding stream, through annual license plate
renewals, for programs dedicated to the agricultural education of school
children and the next generation of California farmers and ranchers – from FFA and 4-H to Ag in the Classroom and other youth agricultural programs. As
the April 2012 deadline approaches to reach the 7,500 registration goal (the
minimum number of paid registrations needed to initiate the program) less
than 1,500 plates have been reserved. Plates can be reserved online at
https://secure.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/calagplate/
Dairy Meetings
WUD 2012 winter district member meetings
Date District Social Dinner Location
Wed, Jan 4 5 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Club, Turlock
Thu, Jan 5 6 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Pentecost Hall, Stevinson
Mon, Jan 9 12 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Old Spaghetti Factory, Riverside
Wed, Jan 11 4 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Cabral Ag Center, Stockton
Tue, Jan 17 7 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Farm Bureau, Fresno
Wed, Jan 18 11 12:00 noon Benji's Bakersfield
Wed, Jan 18 8 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Heritage Complex, Tulare
Mon, Jan 23 1 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Rolling Hills Casino, Corning
Tue, Jan 24 9 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Fraternal Hall, Hanford
Mon, Feb 6 10 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Turf Room, Ferndale fairgrounds
Tue, Feb 7 3 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Sheraton Resort, Petaluma
WUD convention Feb. 22-24, 2012 at Pechanga Resort and Casino, Temecula, CA --Click here for details
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
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