For dairy producers facing tough times in Vermont (see previous post). Governor Jim Douglas announced Tuesday that the first Target Price Program checks have been sent out and should be arriving on farms within the next few days. “The Agriculture Agency has worked diligently to ensure these payments were made in a timely fashion,” Governor Douglas said. “Farmers are in … Read More
Attempt to Derail Livestock Permitting Program Thwarted
Ohio is well known among State Departments of Agriculture for its Livestock Environmental Permitting Program – it is one of the most well regulated state programs in the country, permitting and inspecting over 157 large livestock operations in a state with a very tight rural-urban interface. These facilities, in the case of dairy, are larger than 700 animal units, and require a permit to build facilities, and a permit to operate once constructed. For the past year, ODA has been defending the program from an appeal waged by Citizens Against Megafarm Dairy Development before the Environmental Review Appeals Commision.
I spoke with ODA’s Director of Communication Melanie Wilt about the decision in the case, and learned how the attempt at curbing the regulatory program actually galvonized it. Listen to Melanie Wilt Discuss the ERAC Decision (7:51 mp3)
Dairy Program Review
Hopefully, members of the Senate Agriculture Committe were not expecting to get any clear consensus on U.S. dairy programs from the four witnesses who testified on behalf of the industry during a committee hearing in Washington on Thursday. There was some agreement between Jim Green, representing the International Dairy Foods Association, and Ken Hall of Idaho, who spoke on behalf … Read More
Trying For Make Allowance Compromise
There’s just no easy way to summarize some of the issues facing dairy producers. Take this one on the “make allowance” problem. The National Milk Processors Federation is still trying to create a compromise on the situation.
Witnesses For Senate Ag Committee Hearing
Here’s an update on who will be testifying at that Senate Ag Committee hearing coming up later this week.
Not Happy With USDA
According to IDFA, USDA is getting some pressure from a lot of dairy companies and cooperatives over their recent decision to delay milk price formula changes. The letter was signed by 25 executives.
Senate Ag Committee Hearing Change
There’s been a date change on the upcoming Senate Ag Committee review of USDA Dairy Programs:
Southeast Dairy Testimony
The Senate Agriculture Committee held its first field hearing on farm policy Friday in Albany, Georgia. One of those who testified was Tom Thompson with the Georgia Milk Producers who told the committee that “dairymen located in the Southeast are endanger of extinction. According to trendlines from the Federal Milk Marketing administrator’s office in Atlanta, without a change in the … Read More
CAFO Rule Change Proposed
The Environmental Protection Agency has opened a 45-day comment period on a proposed rule that would revise the current permit system for concentrated animal feeding operations, according to an agency release. Under the proposed rule, CAFOs — such as large pig, veal and poultry, beef and dairy farms — would continue to be required to properly manage the manure they … Read More
Production Continues to Expand
Milk production totals continue to climb as they have each month this year. USDA reports that for the 23 major dairy states, total output is up 2.8% for the month of May over the same month in 2005. Production of 14.7 billion pounds is also 3.5% above the April 2006 figure.