The latest news from California is one smart idea. Western United Dairymen, based in Modesto, will run four milk tankers on methane derived from cow manure. The yearlong project could reduce air pollution from diesel fuel while helping dispose of manure in a way that protects air and water, said Michael Marsh, the group’s chief executive officer. The milk truck … Read More
Vermont Producers Get Assistance
Dairy farmers in Vermont earned a small victory on Friday, the state’s governor, James Douglas, signed a law that will distribute $3 million dollars in assistance to them. The checks will be mailed to as many as 1,100 farmers by the end of March. The amount they get will be based on how much milk they produced in January and … Read More
Institute to File Lawsuit Against USDA
The Cornucopia Institute announced its intend to file a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), accusing the agency of failing to enforce federal laws about the labeling of organic foods. The impending lawsuit is the latest salvo in a seven-year-long dispute between organic family farmers and the USDA. At the center of the controversy are two major … Read More
Members Named to National Fluid Milk Board
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns has announced the appointment of six incumbents and two new members to the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board. Re-appointed to serve second terms are: Michael Francis Touhey, Jr., Franklin, Mass. (Region 1); Robert Bruce McCullough, San Antonio, Texas (Region 10); Jerry N. Tidwell, Pleasanton, Calif. (Region 13); and Randy Dean Mooney, Rogersville, Mo. (At-Large … Read More
Pricing Task Force Formed
NMPF announced today the formation of a new task force to examine Federal Milk Marketing Orders and changes for the future. Results are expected in early of 2008. Approximately 66% of the nation’s milk is priced under the regulations of the Federal Order system, which was established to ensure consumers an adequate supply of fluid milk, and to prevent the … Read More
SpongeBob Loves Cheese!
Ok readers, this story just plain makes me mad. Banning cheese ads from children’s programming? Shouldn’t we be more worried about fries, chips and candy? What do you think of this activist group’s tactics? The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which encourages a vegetarian diet, is taking aim this time at cheese — and SpongeBob SquarePants. The group has … Read More
National Animal ID Documents Available for Review
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of three National Animal Identification System documents for review and public comment. “NAIS is a true partnership among states, industry, and USDA, and by working together, we have met our goal of having twenty-five percent of the Nation’s premises registered by the end of January. However, we continue to seek … Read More
Downed Animal Legislation
Make sure your congressmen and representatives know how you feel about the proposed legislation to ban the slaughter of non-ambulatory animals. Let your voice be heard! Legislation banning the slaughter of non-ambulatory animals has been introduced into the House of Representatives by Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-Ohio) and Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-New York). Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) sponsored the companion bill … Read More
MILC Continues
This is good news, for now. What do you think of the President’s plan? Dairy farmers faced with falling milk prices would continue to get federal aid as part of a 2008 budget proposal announced Monday by President Bush. However, the president’s longer-term plan calls for reductions in the federal subsidy, which kicks in when milk prices fall below $16.94 … Read More
Secretary Johanns at Cattle Convention
U. S. Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns was on hand here in Nashville today at the Cattle Industry Convention. He’s been on the road since announcing the administration farm bill proposal. I was able to obtain a copy of his speech this morning if you would like to listen. I was in the media room posting onto Beef Board Meeting.com … Read More