The National Milk Producers Federation held a press conference here at World Dairy Expo on Wednesday to help the media better understand the recently introduced Dairy Security Act of 2011 so that we can in turn better explain it to the dairy industry. The legislation, HR 3062, introduced in the House last month by Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Mike Simpson … Read More
Dairy Industry Urges Passage of Trade Agreements
After more than four years in limbo, trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama have finally been sent to Congress by the White House and could be voted on by next week. “The series of trade agreements I am submitting to Congress today will make it easier for American companies to sell their products in South Korea, Colombia, and … Read More
Pa. Dairy Farmers Can Turn to Center for Help
Dairy farm families in Pennsylvania affected by the massive flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee can apply for recovery funding through the state’s Center for Dairy Excellence. “These tools are needed now more than ever, with many of Pennsylvania’s dairy farm families struggling to know how to move forward after being devastated by the flooding,” said John Frey, … Read More
Dairy Security Act Introduced in House
A new dairy risk management strategy that would update existing dairy programs was introduced Friday in the House by Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Rep. Mike Simpson (D-ID). The Dairy Security Act of 2011 would include three main components – a Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program, a Dairy Market Stabilization Program and reforms to the Federal Milk … Read More
House Hearing Focuses on Feed Availability
Dairy, livestock and poultry producers were represented during a hearing this week before a House Agriculture subcommittee on concerns about feed availability and the main theme of all the witnesses was the impact of ethanol policy on feed availability. Testifying on behalf of the dairy industry was Dr. Eric Erba with California Dairies. “From our point of view, the problem … Read More
House Hearing Focuses on Dairy Programs
The House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry held an audit hearing Thursday on how USDA dairy programs are working, current conditions and productivity in the dairy industry, and possible public policy challenges moving forward. “The events of 2009 exposed what many have long-held to be an inadequacy of some of our current dairy programs. While some observers … Read More
USDA Pledges Aid for Dairies Damaged by Irene
With three of the nation’s top ten dairy states being impacted by major flooding resulting from the Hurricane Irene last week, the USDA is pledging support for affected producers. “We continue to closely coordinate with many partners to meet the immediate and plan for the long-term needs of those affected by Hurricane Irene,” said Agriculture Secretary Tim Vilsack. “Our thoughts … Read More
Dairy Policy and Immigation Focus of Forum
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
Idaho Congressman Joins Dairy Reform Effort
Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) has joined the effort in the U.S. House to reform dairy programs. Simpson is the lead Republican proponent of discussion draft legislation released by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Colin Peterson (D-MN) earlier this month. The draft language is based on reform proposals put forward by the dairy industry. “I look forward to working with members of … Read More
Change Federal Dairy Status Quo
A recent news release from National Milk Producers Federation explains why the current federal dairy policies need to change, and how Foundation for the Future, including the Dairy Producer Margin Protection Program and the Dairy Market Stabilization Program, can help. Dairy producers realize that the status quo protections offered by current federal policies have failed them during the past decade … Read More