Last week, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) responded to the public release of a previously internal report by sending a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer. In a letter sent today to Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer, NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak noted that the USDA’s Office of Inspector General, in a report finished last March but now … Read More
USDA Issues Federal Marketing Order Interim Rule
The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) on Wednesday issued an interim final rule that will increase the price manufacturers get paid to convert raw milk to finished products such as butter by as much as 43-percent. USDA said during public hearings held in 2007 it became evident that manufacturers were not able to cover their costs to convert raw milk into … Read More
Pa. Center for Dairy Excellence Launchs New Site
The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence announced today their newly launched website. Producers, industry representatives, policy leaders, educators, consumers and the media will find the resources they need to help understand and make better decisions about Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. A few highlights on the new Web site include: Financials and Planning Resources – a page for dairy producers that summarizes … Read More
USDA Issues Interm Mandatory COOL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued an interim final rule for the mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL) program that will become effective on Sept. 30. The 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to require retailers to notify their customers of the country of origin of covered commodities. Those commodities include: Muscle … Read More
Tragedy in Calif.
This is a heartbreaking story to have to report, as the situation in Calif. continues to develop concerning three dairies where cows have tested positive for tuberculosis. Now it looks like many of the animals will have to be slaughtered. Tuberculosis is a highly contagious respiratory disease that California had been free of since 2005. Our thoughts and prayers here … Read More
Matanuska Maid For Sale
A state-owned, closed dairy plant in Alaska is for sale again. The historic Matanuska Maiddairy plant in Anchorage will be on the market starting in July through August 21st, with a minimum bid of $1.5 million. The now-defunct plant on Northern Lights Boulevard and the 1.42 acres it sits on will be put up for sale in a sealed bid … Read More
Precision Feed Management Program
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, is conducting a unique and interesting program, the Precision Feed Management Program. Helping N.Y. dairy farms implement cow feeding methods that will keep the state’s watersheds free of pollution and improve the quality of the farm’s milk is the goal of the program. In Delaware County, New York the program is … Read More
Bryant Named to Processor Board
Congratulations to Jay Bryant, newly appointed to the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board. Bryant, the CEO of Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Inc., will be seated on the board until June 30, 2009. The National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board is composed of 15 fluid milk processors from 15 geographic regions and five at-large members. At least three … Read More
DFC Investigated for Manipulating Milk Prices
Allegations of dairy price fixing are still, well, milky. It’s been almost two weeks since the Wall Street Journal reported that federal commodity regulators were investigating Dairy Farmers of America for price fixing and manipulation. The farmer-owned dairy cooperative controls about one third of the nation’s milk supply. Monica Coleman, a spokeswoman for the Dairy Farmers of America, said the … Read More
Bill Override Passes
Looks like the Farm Bill override passed both the House and Senate yesterday, despite the mistake that caused the House to have to re-vote. With most House Democrats and quite a few Republicans supporting it, the bill was approved on Thursday by 306 to 110. The Senate quickly followed suit, 82 to 13. The votes in both chambers were far … Read More