Be sure to get your applications in for the Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment Program through USDA. The deadline is today to get the applications in, so if you were planning on applying, don’t miss your chance. Here is a bit of information on the program from Julie Sherwood, staff writer of the Messenger Post. The application deadline is today … Read More
USDA Dairy Committee Members Announced
Congratulations to all of the dairy leaders named to the new federal Dairy Industry Advisory Committee. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the appointment of 17 members today. Over the next two years, the committee will review the issues of farm milk price volatility, dairy farmer profitability and consolidation, and offer suggestions on ways USDA can best address the needs of … Read More
USDA will Purchase Cheese from CCC
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that approximately $60 million in cheese and cheese products will be purchased by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for use in domestic feeding programs through USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. USDA is expediting this cheese purchase to help provide much-needed support for low-income families struggling to put nutritious food on … Read More
Redding Confirmed as Pa. Secretary of Agriculture
Congratulations to Russell C. Redding on being confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate as the state’s 24th secretary of agriculture. Governor Edward G. Rendell nominated Redding on Sept. 12. Since then, he has served as acting secretary. “Russell is the right person to lead our state’s agriculture industry,” said Governor Rendell. “His commitment to this state and the agriculture industry is … Read More
Dairy Farmers Make One Request: Competitive Milk Pricing System
Here is some information about a group of dairy farmers from across the country who traveled recently to Washington D.C. to lobby for a competitive milk pricing system in the future, an effort to save more dairy farms from closing their doors. As told by Farm and Dairy in their article, Dairy Farmers Make One Request: Competitive Milk Pricing System, … Read More
USDA has Issued its Monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook
From the USDA’s October 2009 “Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook,” a report from the Economic Research Service (ERS). Dairy cow numbers are expected to continue to decline throughout 2010. The U.S. dairy cow herd is expected to average about 2 percent smaller in 2010 than 2009; this contraction comes on the heels of an expected 3-percent herd reduction in 2009 … Read More
US House Considers Bill to Help Dairy Farmers
What do you think about this recent bill introduced to assist dairy producers and help eliminate milk hauling fees? This bill was introduced by Congressman Chris Carney, who supported a House measure earlier this year to secure $350 million in assistance for the dairy industry, legislation that was signed into law by the president on October 21, 2009. As reported … Read More
Groups Urge Regulation of Raw Facilities
A joint press release from National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) addresses the need for the regulation of raw milk production facilities. Although unpasteurized, or raw, milk products pose a significant food safety hazard, facilities producing these products are not covered by any of the food safety regulations proposed so far this year by Congress. … Read More
USDA has Issued its Monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook
From the USDA’s October 2009 “Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook,” a report from the Economic Research Service. Dairy: Contraction in the U.S. dairy herd leads to the second year of lower forecast milk production. Lower production, combined with stronger than-expected export prospects, will lead to higher milk and dairy product prices next year. The September Milk Production report shows slight … Read More
Dairy COOL Act introduced to Senate
Here is an update on the Dairy COOL Act, which would add labeling on milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and butter as reported by Heather Thorstensen, an Agri News staff writer. Without a doubt, dairy producers will be keeping a close eye on this act. I’m curious to know your thoughts on COOL and how it might impact the dairy … Read More