The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) today applauded U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Thune (R-SD) for introducing a Senate bill, the Veterinary Services Investment Act (VSIA), which will confront critical veterinary service shortages. VSIA would establish a new grant program to assist states in addressing their unique veterinary workforce needs. Grants awarded under the program could be used … Read More
USDA has Issued its Monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook
From the USDA’s newly released “Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook,” a report from the Economic Research Service. Dairy: Persistent milk production, despite low, recessionary domestic demand and slow exports, is the basis for continued low prices this year. Recovery in prices is unlikely until 2010, when the decline in milk production, forecast for later this year and next, will impact … Read More
NMPF's Strategic Planning Pursues a Four-Part Plan
The National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) Strategic Planning Task Force agreed last Friday to pursue a four-part approach to implementing sweeping changes as to how federal dairy policies protect producers and how farm-level milk prices are established. Recognizing the need to promote programs that will help reduce price volatility and protect producer income, the Task Force agreed last week at … Read More
Lincoln First Woman to Lead Senate Ag Committee
Congratulation to Senator Blanche Lincoln on becoming the first woman to head the Senate agriculture committee! Lincoln comes to her new position under leadership changes made because of Ted Kennedy’s death. Lincoln, D-Ark., said implementing the new federal farm bill and ending the trade embargo with Cuba are among the top issues facing the Senate panel. ”I’ve always supported opening … Read More
Outgoing Pa. Ag Secretary Dennis Wolff Heads to Lobbying Firm
Dennis Wolff, Pennsylvania’s outgoing secretary of agriculture, is joining the partnership at the lobbying firm of Versant Strategies. He had announced his resignation in August. Wolff’s role at Versant is effective Sept. 14, where he will work with the network of producers, consumers, and private and public organizations that make up the state’s agricultural community. Wolff was confirmed as Gov. … Read More
USDA has issued its monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook
From the USDA’s newly released “Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook,” a report from the Economic Research Service. Dairy: Continued rises in milk per cow offset reduced herd size, slowing the rate of decline in milk production in 2009. Continued reductions in the national dairy herd will push milk production further below year-earlier levels in 2010. Imports are expected to rise … Read More
Pa. Secretary Wolff to Resign
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff is stepping down after 6 1/2 years, and one of his top aides is in line to replace him. Share your good luck wishes to Secretary Wolff here, in the comments section. Gov. Ed Rendell said Friday that Dennis Wolff’s last day would be Sept. 12, and the governor will be nominating Russell Redding … Read More
Rural Tour wants to Hear From You
Have you heard of the Rural Tour? Sponsored by the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Rural Tour’s mission is an effort to engage in a more robust dialog with folks living in rural America. The tour is crossing the nation – click here to find out if a stop is near you! If you can’t make it to … Read More
Secretary Vilsack Seeks Nominations for Dairy Advisory Committee
Do you know of a dairy man or woman who would make a good nomination for the new Dairy Industry Advisory Committee established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)? Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is seeking your nominations for the new Committee. Written nominations must be received on or before September 28, and should be sent to Judith Lindsay, … Read More
US to Remove 87,000 Cows From Dairy Herd
Stock and Land just issued a notice about the upcoming third herd retirement program that is in the works. Did you retire your cows in the first and second? Are you going to end up going through the third installment? Or, are you doing okay in this economy? These are certainly troubling times, and my thoughts and prayers are always … Read More