Here’s your chance to comment on amendments the USDA has made to three Southeastern Federal orders. The changes were made based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing in Tampa, Fla. in May 2007. All comments are due by April 29. USDA has amended the three Southeastern Federal orders by raising their Class I prices. The interim decision … Read More
Press Conference Called by Five Dairymen
Five dairy farmers representing Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota and California held a press conference on Monday to help bring awareness to the dropping milk price and the rising cost of inputs. It comes at a time when the price for class I milk dropped more than $5 since September, along with a $7.20 drop for class IV milk. To … Read More
Secretary Schafer Won't Endorse
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer told Congress that he would not endorse an outright ban on “downer” cows entering the food supply or back stiffer penalties for regulatory violations by meat-processing plants in the wake of the largest beef recall in the nation’s history. Appearing at a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Schafer said the department is investigating why it missed the … Read More
N'tl Milk Processor Board Has New Members
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Edward T. Schafer has announced the appointment of three incumbents and six new members to the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board. This board is composed of 15 fluid milk processors from 15 geographic regions and five at-large members. At least three at-large members must be fluid milk processors and at least one must be from … Read More
Utah Newest State to Review Labeling Laws
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is another state that is now considering changing regulations in regards to false or misleading dairy labeling. As has been the case in other states, critics have been outspoken in their views to the change. The administrative rule under consideration prohibits companies from making false or misleading statements about milk and dairy products … Read More
Kansas Joins in the Debate
Dairy farmers in Kansas have worked with their legislators to propose a bill that would stop misleading labels on dairy products in that state. Kansas follows the lead of Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey who have all debated the same issue. A proposed bill in Topeka would stop dairy companies from labeling milk from cows that are given certain hormones. … Read More
Idaho Joins in Milk Toast
The state of Idaho has declared milk the official state beverage. The bill was passed this week, following on the heels of 2007’s $2 billion dairy industry in the state. While the bill has drawn humor, it is intended to decrease childhood obesity, said its sponsor, Rep. Branden Durst, D-Boise. He said that soda pop consumption continues to rise while … Read More
MILC Program Gains Democrate Support
Here’s news for dairy farmers trying to choose their presidential candidate – both Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton say that they will support and continue the MILC program, while Republican John McCain says taxpayers can no longer afford it. The Wisconsin State Journal of Madison gave questionnaires to all four major White House candidates on the state’s unique issues. … Read More
Meeting Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer
Our Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Schafer, made his first major public policy speech today at the Cattle Industry Convention. Thanks to Andy Vance, Buckeye Ag Network, for snapping a picture for me. It was a pleasure for the ag media to get to meet Schafer. For many of us, it’s our first opportunity and I’m sure not our last. I … Read More
Ohio Department of Agriculture Issues Emergency Rule on Dairy Labeling
The Ohio Department of Agriculture has issued an Emergency Rule with the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) that regulates on dairy labeling regarding recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), a supplement used for milk production. The issue of rBST labeling has become one of the hottest issues in Ohio agriculture, and Director of Agriculture Bob Boggs has taken the point … Read More