Launched at Alltech’s Global 500 in December, the Dairy Heroes program will recognize dairy farmers who go above and beyond the call of duty. The campaign features a Facebook page where members of the dairy community can nominate their ‘Dairy Heroes.’ In addition, there is also a Dairy Heroes website that features content such as herd health issues and solutions, … Read More
Dairy and Food Stamps Kill Farm Bill
Republican amendments to the dairy program and giving states the option to require able-bodied food stamp recipients to seek employment were the straws that broke the camel’s back when it came to getting a farm bill passed in the House last week. The dairy measure was the Goodlatte-Scott amendment, which effectively killed the Dairy Security Act included in the bill, … Read More
DFA Takes Part in Immigration Forum
Dairy Farmers of America was one of the groups that took part in a USDA forum on comprehensive immigration reform held Friday in Kansas City. DFA Board Chairman Randy Mooney spoke at the event, telling the audience that current immigration policy is threatening access to quality, affordable food in this nation. “Because of America’s farmers, we enjoy abundant, safe and … Read More
Klippenstein Attends Immigration Panel
Dairy Farmers of America’s vice president of industry and legislative affairs, Jackie Klippenstein, served on the National Council of Farmer Cooperative’s (NCFC) immigration reform panel. The panel, Our Nation’s Immigration System Needs Work: Co-op Perspectives on the Need for Reform, gave attendees an understanding of what immigration reform means for a diverse range of agricultural producers across the country. Joining … Read More
House Farm Bill Fails
Despite an impassioned plea by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas to “move this bill forward” the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 (FARRM) failed on a vote of 194 to 234, with 60 Republicans joining the majority of Democrats to defeat the House version of the farm bill. “If it fails today, I can’t guarantee you’ll … Read More
Changes Wanted to Immigration Bill
Before we get to our new Zimmpoll let’s look at the results of our latest one which asked the question, “ What is your opinion of Senate immigration bill?” From our poll results it looks like you want to see changes to the immigration bill. Our poll results: Forty-one percent said Border Security First! Sixteen percent said Bad Deal Overall, … Read More
CWT Export Update
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted four requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) to sell 310,852 pounds (141 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese to customers in Asia and North Africa. The product will be delivered June through September 2013. Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 61.123 million pounds of cheese, … Read More
Center Named for Long-Time Employee
Select Sires has dedicated and renamed its research and technology center the Marshall Technology Center, in honor of long-time Vice President of Quality Control and Research, Clif Marshall. Marshall retired in late 2012 after over 44 years of service at Select Sires. His commitment to semen quality and integrity has been the driving force behind Select Sires’ fertility advantage. Marshall … Read More
Deans Closing Shenandoah's Pride Plant
Dean Foods Co. is closing its Shenandoah’s Pride plant in Springfield, Va. Deans says that production at the facility will stop over the next two months, and that the 91-year-old Shenandoah’s Pride brand would be phased out. It will be replaced with two other Dean brands: Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms and PET. “We regret the impact that this decision will … Read More
Rep. Peterson Celebrates June Dairy Month
Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN) visited with Kandiyohi County Dairy Ambassadors during West Central Dairy Days in Willmar last week. He is pictured here with ambassadors Caroline Holmberg; Kristen, Kate, and Meghan Dimler; and Eva Damhof. “As we celebrate National Dairy Month, a number of festivals are being held in communities across the 7th District in tribute to the hard work … Read More