The U.S. Department of Agriculture is asking dairy producer and farm organizations to nominate candidates to serve on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Nominations must be submitted by July 20, 2012. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint 12 individuals from those nominated to succeed members whose terms expire Oct. 31, 2012. The 12 new members will serve terms … Read More
Dairy Farmers Appointed to National Board
Congratulations to the following dairy farmers who were appointed to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. All appointees’ terms will begin immediately with terms ending October 31, 2014. Newly appointed members are: Kima L. Simonson, Washington (Region 1); Lynda S. Foster, Kansas (Region 4); John R. Howerton, Arkansas (Region 4); Amber L. Horn-Leiterman, Wisconsin … Read More
BSE Confirmed in California Dairy Cow
The U.S. Department of Agriculture today confirmed the nation’s fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a dairy cow from central California. “The carcass of the animal is being held under State authority at a rendering facility in California and will be destroyed. It was never presented for slaughter for human consumption, so at no time presented a risk … Read More
Milk Output Increased in Latest Outlook
In the latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report out last week, USDA increased the 2012 U.S. milk production estimate based on increased milk cow numbers and gains in milk per cow. USDA now projects U.S. milk output at 201.1 billion pounds this year, up from 199.7 billion pounds in last month’s forecast. “That reflects more cows and … Read More
Milk Production Leaps Ahead in February
The latest USDA estimate released earlier this week shows milk production in the United States expanding, with February 2012 production up 8% compared to a year ago – partly due to an extra day for Leap Year. According to USDA, Milk production in the 23 major States during February totaled 15.2 billion pounds, up 8.3 percent from February 2011. However, … Read More
Outllook is Challenging for Dairy
At USDA’s 2012 Agricultural Outlook Forum last week, one of the agency’s dairy analysts had a sobering outlook for the dairy industry. “2011 was a great year for most dairy operators, but unfortunately I have to talk about 2012,” said USDA economist Milton Madison. First, producers are building their herds, which will expand production for the second year in a … Read More
USDA Expects Dairy Herd to Decline
The January 1 USDA Cattle Inventory Report showed one percent more milk cows than a year ago, but that may not last. “We do expect to see a decline in cow numbers,” said USDA livestock economist Shayle Shagam. While the numbers on January 1 for milk cows totaled at 9.2 million, milk replacement heifers stood at 4.5 million, down 1 … Read More
January Dairy Outlook
USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Gerry Bange expects milk production to increase in 2012. Talking about the latest USDA Dairy Outlook in terms of production and price estimates, Bange says, “U.S. milk production in 2012 is expected to increase about 1.3%. We’re looking now at 198.5 billion pounds.” That’s unchanged from the last forecast, but the 2011 production total … Read More
USDA Announces Changes
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced changes to the department, based on the Blueprint for Stronger Service. These changes are a plan that helps producers continue to drive America’s economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs. “The USDA, like families and businesses across the country, cannot continue to operate like we did 50 years ago,” said Vilsack. “We must … Read More
Rising Milk Production Boosts Corn Sales
Milk production is on the rise according to the latest report from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Milk production in the 23 major States during November totaled 14.7 billion pounds, up 2.2 percent from November 2010. October revised production at 15.2 billion pounds, was up 2.5 percent from October 2010. The report indicates that production increases came from both a … Read More