DFA: Immediate Action Needed on 2012 Farm Bill

Melissa SandfortAgribusiness, DFA, Farm Policy

“On behalf of the 15,000 dairy farmer owners of Dairy Farmers of America, we urge Congressional leadership to support this nation’s food producers by acting on the 2012 Farm Bill and bringing some relief to farmers suffering through weather-related disasters and unfavorable market conditions. “The pending bill represents significant compromise and fiscal discipline, while addressing the critical needs of the … Read More

Dairy State Lawmakers Seek MILC Extension

Cindy Zimmermanfarm bill, Farm Policy, Government, Milk

House and Senate members from dairy states are seeking a temporary fix for the dairy safety net until the new dairy program that is included in both the Senate and House farm bill versions can become law. Both bills would end the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program and replace it with a new insurance program for dairy farmers and … Read More

Secretary Vilsack Calls for Farm Bill Now

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Farm Policy, Farm Show, usda

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited the 2012 Farm Progress Show in his home state of Iowa on Thursday to announce new USDA grants to support beginning farmers and call on Congress to pass a farm bill before the current one expires next month. He gave three reasons why agriculture needs a farm bill now. “One, because it includes the … Read More

Dairy Amendments Included in Senate Farm Bill

Cindy Zimmermanfarm bill, Farm Policy, Government

The number of proposed amendments to the Senate farm bill shrank from nearly 300 to 73 this week as senators struck a deal to get debate back on track. Votes were held on a number of those amendments Tuesday, included a couple of dairy-related measures. One by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) that passed requires milk marketing order reform, eliminating the … Read More

Proposed Farm Bill Includes Dairy Security Act

Cindy ZimmermanFarm Policy, Government

Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R, IN-3rd) have introduced a farm bill that they say would save $40 billion and includes the Dairy Security Act of 2011 as introduced in the House by Reps. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Mike Simpson (R-ID). “We offer our bill as a thoughtful option for consideration by the House and Senate Agriculture … Read More

Dairy Policy and Immigation Focus of Forum

Cindy ZimmermanFarm Policy, Government, Labor

The South Dakota Dairy Producers (SDDP) are sponsoring a forum on National Dairy Policy and Immigration Reform August 30 in Sioux Falls. According to SDDP, the forum will provide South Dakota dairy producers with the opportunity to learn more about the latest federal legislation to authorize foreign workers through presentations and question and answer sessions led by officials of the … Read More

Listen: Should Federal Orders be Changed?

News EditorFarm Policy

Take a minute to listen to the interview Brownfield conducted with Jim Tillison from NMPF, regarding the question: “Should federal marketing orders be changed?” As the groundwork is being laid for the 2012 Farm Bill, the National Milk Producers Federation is promoting its Foundation for the Future plan to be the basis for federal dairy policy. One of the things … Read More

Gillibrand Looks to Provide Assistance to NY Dairy Farmers

News EditorFarm Policy, Government

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. has announced a plan to provide immediate support for New York’s dairy farmers. The cornerstone of Gillibrand’s plan is overhauling the milk pricing system with competitive pricing for New York dairy producers. It would also provide make the pricing system more transparent in an effort to fix a system where dairy farmers often pay more … Read More

DFA Working On Dairy Industry Challenges

Chuck ZimmermanAg Group, Audio, DFA, Farm Policy

During the recent National Association of Farm Broadcasters convention the Dairy Farmers of America exhibited during their Trade Talk session. This provides farm broadcasters with an opportunity to interview representatives and learn about what’s new with their company or organization. I spoke with Jackie Klippenstein, VP, Industry and Legislative Affairs. Jackie says that priorities for DFA include making sure new … Read More