Well, folks, we’ve got our next “Prop 2” on our hands – a new bill in the California legislature to ban tail docking of dairy cows. Let’s start an open and respectful dialogue – what do you think of this bill? Officials of the Humane Society of the United States are supporting the legislation, calling it “painful and unnecessary mutilation”. … Read More
WDD's "Bookmarkable Blog"
Our friend, Keith Good, is the founder and editor of our next “Bookmarkable Blog” – FarmPolicy.com. Keith’s site provides a daily summary of news relating to U.S. farm policy. FarmPolicy.com covers issues associated with the U.S. and global agricultural economy, including the Farm Bill, production agriculture, trade, biofuels and crop insurance. Keith has an extensive background in Midwest agriculture, having … Read More
DBA of Wisconsin Pleased with Dairy Credit
The Dairy Business Association and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association are pleased that the Wisconsin legislature has included a dairy cooperative investment tax credit in the state stimulus package. The inclusion is the result of efforts by Governor Jim Doyle, Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston), Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville), Representative Amy Sue Vruwink (D-Milladore) and others/ The dairy … Read More
Vilsack to Help Dairy?
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack signaled Wednesday that he may take measures to put more dairy products in federal nutrition programs, possibly easing the blow of falling milk prices on dairy farmers. But he was less enthusiastic about boosting exports, which could lead to complaints from U.S. trade partners. In a press conference, Mr. Vilsack said he would not comment about … Read More
Ag Programs in the Stimulus
A good wrap-up of the stimulus package for agriculture from Drovers. U.S. economic issues are garnering all the attention in Washington, D.C. The House Democrats passed a stimulus package last week, and the Senate is considering it this week. In the House version, agriculture programs, including nutrition assistance, rural development and conservation, would receive about $27 billion, or about 3.3 … Read More
NMPF Urges Obama to Help Dairymen
With a new leadership team arriving this past week in the White House, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today urged that they turn immediate attention to helping dairy farmers weather the crushing collapse in dairy prices. “The plight of dairy farmers is just part of the overall ongoing story of the global recession, … Read More
Vilsack Confirmed as Ag Secretary
The U.S. Senate confirmed former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as U.S. agriculture secretary on Tuesday, a job he plans to use to promote renewable energy including biofuels and put healthier food in America’s school meals. Vilsack was among five of President Obama’s cabinet nominees to be approved on a unanimous vote a couple of hours after Obama took office. A … Read More
New USDA Office Will Provide Eosystem Services
Carbon-trading, a boon for dairy farmers with environmentally friendly protocols, will get a shot in the arm from the new USDA Office of Ecosystem Services and Markets. According to USDA, agriculture producers provide many ecosystem services which have historically been viewed as free benefits to society — clean water and air, wildlife habitat, carbon storage and scenic landscapes. Lacking a … Read More
Vilsack to Likely be Tagged Ag Secretary Wednesday
President-elect Barack Obama is expected to announce former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as his pick for Secretary of Agriculture on Wednesday. Sources spilled the beans to the Associated Press today. Vilsack, who was an early presidential contender (dropped out before the primaries) has little experience in agriculture other than being the governor of a farm-rich state. But, politically, he’s apparently … Read More
Brook to Join NMPF
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) announced today that Dana L. Brooks, a veteran government relations professional with experience at both the state and federal levels, has been hired to serve as its new Senior Director of Government Relations. “We are excited that Dana is joining NMPF. She will bolster NMPF’s presence on Capitol Hill and will make a great … Read More