Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the implementation of the new Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment (DELAP) program. The 2010 Agricultural Appropriations Bill authorized $290 million for loss assistance payments to eligible dairy producers. “Through this program, eligible dairy producers will receive economic assistance that will help stabilize their operations during these tough economic times,” said Vilsack. “I have personally … Read More
Dairy's Day in Copenhagen
Dairy was in the spotlight today in Copenhagen at the Climate Change Summit when U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced an agreement with U.S. dairy producers to accelerate adoption of innovative manure to energy projects on American dairy farms. “This historic agreement, the first of its kind, will help us achieve the ambitious goal of drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions … Read More
USDA Issues Decision on Milk Marketing Orders
The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued a recommended decision to adopt amendments to the producer-handler definition in all Federal milk marketing orders. This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing held May 4-19 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The decision recommends that the producer-handler definitions of all Federal milk marketing orders be amended to limit exemption … Read More
Adminstration Officials to Visit Crave Brothers Dairy
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, and Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle will tour Crave Brothers Farm and Dairy Operation in Waterloo, Wisconsin Friday to see bioenergy in action. Crave Brothers is an example of a successful modern dairy, using green energy sources to power the farm, cheese factory and 120 area homes. … Read More
Dairy Assistance Considered by Congress
The new fiscal year for the U.S. Department of Agriculture began October 1, but this week a 30-day continuing resolution was passed after an amendment by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was included to allocate $350 million in emergency dairy assistance under the budget. The measure adopted by the conference committee specified $290 million for direct payments and $60 million for … Read More
USDA Economist Sees Improvement Ahead
Even though dairy producers continue to lose money, milk output is only expected to drop about one percent in 2010, according to USDA Outlook Board chairman Gerry Bange who sees higher prices in the future. “We do look for a price turnaround,” Bange says. “We’re looking at a $15.05 per hundredweight price for 2010, that’s up nearly 24 percent from … Read More
Dairy Teams with NFL for Child Nutrition
U.S. Department of Agriculture is teaming up with the National Football League (NFL) and the nation’s dairy farmers to promote good nutrition and fitness in the nation’s schools. This week, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Thomas Gallagher, chief executive of Dairy Management, Inc., which runs the National Dairy Research and Promotion Program. The NFL … Read More
Ag Secretary Listens to California Dairy Farmers
In the largest dairy producing area of the top dairy state, it was no surprise that dairy was the number one topic addressed during a visit by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to Modesto, California last week on his Rural Tour. Vilsack was joined at the event by California Congressman Dennis Cardoza, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan and California Secretary … Read More
Milking Parlor Podcast on Dairy Issues
This edition of the Milking Parlor podcast focuses on what is being done on the national level to address the current dairy industry crisis. From congressional actions to USDA to the dairy industry itself, we hear from Congressman John Boccieri, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, University of Wisconsin Ag Economist Dr. Bruce Jones and National Milk Producers Federation … Read More
USDA Announces Dairy Board Members
USDA has announced the appointment of eight new members and reappointment of five incumbents to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Newly appointed were: John B. Fiscalini, Modesto, Calif. (Region 2, shortened term); Ronald E. Shelton, Greeley, Colo. (Region 3); Harold A. Wick, Austin, Colo. (Region 3); Byron A. Lehman, Newton, Kan. (Region 4); Kenton W. Holle, Mandan, N.D. … Read More