Hagen Appointed as Under Secretary

News EditorGovernment

Dr. Elisabeth Hagen has been appointed as Under Secretary for Food Safety of the USDA by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

“There is no higher priority at USDA than ensuring that Americans have access to a safe and healthy food supply, and Dr. Hagen’s background as the Chief Medical Officer and senior executive within USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service will enable her to successfully lead the effort to develop and execute the agency’s scientific and public health agenda, and continue to build the coordination with public health partners at federal, state, and local level needed to achieve the objectives of President Obama’s Food Safety Working Group.”

Biographical information on Dr. Elisabeth Hagen:

Prior to her nomination as Under Secretary for Food Safety, Dr. Elisabeth Hagen served as the USDA’s Chief Medical Officer a senior executive at USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, where she played a key role in developing and executing the agency’s scientific and public health agendas. Before joining the federal government in 2006, Hagen taught and practiced medicine in both the private and academic sectors, most recently in Washington, DC. She holds a M.D. from Harvard Medical School, and a B.S. from Saint Joseph’s University. Dr. Hagen completed her specialty medical training at the University of Texas Southwestern and the University of Pennsylvania, and is board certified in infectious diseases. In addition to several hospital and university appointments, her experience includes research and publications and infectious diseases and providing medical care to underserved populations. She is married and lives with her husband and two young children in Northern Virginia.

Source: USDA

CWT Export Update

News Editorcwt

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted six requests from members for assistance in selling cheese and butter to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The products will be delivered September 2010 through February 2011.

Dairy Farmers of America will receive help in exporting 240,300 pounds of cheese. Darigold had one request accepted for 110,200 pounds of butter, CDI/Challenge had two requests accepted for 2.5 million pounds of butter, and Land O’Lakes had one request for 555,600 pounds of butter and one request for 123,500 pounds of cheese accepted by CWT.

Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program in March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda cheese totaling 19,019 metric tons (41.9 million pounds) to 23 countries on four continents. In addition, sales of butter and anhydrous milkfat totaling 14,886 metric tons (32.8 million pounds) have been made to eleven countries on three continents.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance Program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term and long-term by helping member cooperatives to gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products.

CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.

Source: Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)

Dairyline Markets In Review

News EditorDairyline

The cash dairy market seemed to ignore the bearish milk production data. Block cheese closed Friday at $1.6475 per pound, up 2 3/4-cents on the week, and 25 3/4-cents above a year ago. Barrel closed at $1.6150, up 3 cents on the week, and 24 1/2-cents above a year ago. The gains all came on unfilled bids. No cheese was traded on the week. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price hit $1.5974, up 1.4 cents. Barrel averaged $1.5913, also up 1.4 cents.

Butter stole the show, jumping eight cents on Thursday, and closed Friday at $2.04, up 121/4-cents on the week, 87 cents above a year ago, and the highest in six years. Eight cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.8508, up 4.8 cents.

Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed the week at $1.20, down a penny, while Extra Grade held all week at $1.2250. NASS powder averaged $1.1354, down 4.1 cents, and dry whey averaged 35.83 cents, down 0.1 cent.

Provided courtesy of Dairyline.

New Gold Standards Announced

News EditorGeneral

The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association (DCHA) announces its second set of Gold Standards to help set benchmarks for calf and heifer producers. The benchmarks provide a goal to meet in raising animals.

The Gold Standards II establishes standards for the production and performance of Holstein heifers, from 6 months of age to freshening, across the United States. Pfizer Animal Health generously provided funding support for the development of the Gold Standards II.

“As an industry association, it is essential for DCHA to step up and advocate for management practices and performance measures that will drive success in the dairy industry,” said DCHA President Bob Patrick, DVM. “DCHA provides the Gold Standards I and II to all producers in the industry, regardless of membership, at no charge.”

DCHA worked with producers, university researchers and extension agents across the country to outline appropriate benchmarks for the Holstein weaning to freshening category. By obtaining a range of opinions, DCHA ensured that the final Gold Standards are realistic, yet attainable by most producers.

“The Gold Standards program will have an impact on the dairy industry, enabling producers to use these benchmarks to set goals for their operations,” said Patrick.

Gold Standards II establishes guidelines in the areas of mortality, morbidity, growth rate and nutrition, housing, vaccination and parasite control, breeding, and pregnant heifers. The standards were introduced this week at the American Association of Bovine Practitioners meeting in Albuquerque, N.M. Producers attending World Dairy Expo can meet with DCHA board members and staff to learn more about the Gold Standards II.

In 2009, with support from Pfizer Animal Health, DCHA achieved a long-standing objective when it developed the first set of Gold Standards, which are specifically structured for Holstein calves up to six months of age.

Source: Dairy Calf & Heifer Association

Milk Production and Herd Size Expanding

Cindy ZimmermanGeneral, Price, usda

U.S. dairy operators are expanding herds again and that will mean more production next year.

USDAThe latest USDA milk report shows July output 3% ahead of July a year ago, at 15.3 billion pounds. Production per cow in the 23 major states averaged 1,830 pounds for July, 59 pounds above July 2009.

The total herd size is still smaller than last year, but probably not for much longer. “The fact of the matter is that for about the past six months or so we’ve been seeing cow numbers actually increase in the U.S.,” said USDA Outlook Board chairman Gerry Bange. The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.37 million head, 26,000 head less than July 2009, but 19,000 head more than June 2010.

Prices are also up, coming back faster and farther than expected. But, Bange thinks the all milk price next year will probably be held in check by production that could increase by one and half percent from this year. So, the forecast average price is now 16.05 per hundredweight, down 35 cents from the previous forecast, which Bange says “reflects the fact that we’re seeing substantially more milk production and anticipating more than we did a month ago.” The forecast for next year is about five cents/cwt higher than this year’s average.

Apply for Fred Stout Award

News EditorJersey Association

Jersey cattle youth are encouraged to apply for the 2011 Fred Stout Experience awards. The application is open to high school graduates who have a strong desire to pursue a career in managing and/or marketing Registered Jersey™ cattle.

The awards are presented annually in memory of Fred J. Stout Jr., Mt. Carmel, Ill., a lifelong Jersey breeder and member of the Jersey Marketing Service staff from 1978 to 1997 who believed that the best learning experiences happen in the everyday world.

Two awards will be offered: (1) a minimum 10-week summer marketing internship with Jersey Marketing Service, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and (2) a minimum 10-week on-farm, structured internship in Jersey herd management.

To apply, specify which experience (marketing internship, on-farm internship) is preferred, or indicate if you are interested in both opportunities. Submit a one-page résumé listing previous work experience, skills and other qualifications, plus a separate cover letter stating your ambitions, goals and career aspirations, including plans for achieving them. The letter must also explain how and why the Fred Stout Experience will be of benefit in achieving future goals. A summary of involvement with and interest in Registered Jersey™ cattle is required.

Two letters of support are required, one from an active breeder of Registered Jersey™ cattle, excluding immediate family members; and the other from a teacher, mentor or past employer. These must be mailed directly by the supporters to the AJCA office.

Applications and letters of support must be postmarked no later than February 1, 2011 and addressed to Fred Stout Experience, American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362.They may be sent by email to info@usjersey.com.

Source: US Jersey

Distillers Grains Can Supplement Bad Hay

Cindy ZimmermanFeed, Forage

The ethanol co-product distillers grains offer a way to supplement bad hay being baled for winter feed this year.

During field days this month at University of Missouri Forage research centers, extension regional livestock specialist Chris Zumbrunnen told participants that distillers grains, which offer up to 30 percent protein, can pick up the slack when the hay quality falls short. “There is a tremendous amount of high quality product available,” Zumbrunnen said. There will also be plenty of poor quality hay that was harvested late and rained on during haymaking.

Zumbrunnen explained that different types of distillers grains require different handling methods.

The dried product, known as DDGs, which has only 10 percent moisture, handles and stores easily but it can draw moisture and become caked in storage. “If you put it in a bin, you might have a hard time getting it out,” Zumbrunnen said. The wet product, with 65 percent moisture, is less expensive, but needs to be used quickly. “It’s tough to store and do anything with,” he said. “You can’t stack it, as it will spread out unless contained.”

A new modified wet distillers grain offered by some ethanol plants allows more flexibility and ease in feeding. The modified product is dried down to 50 percent moisture. It retains its shape and won’t blow away like dry product. ”The modified wet product can be fed on the ground or on top of unrolled baled hay. It stays in place,” Zumbrunnen said “Those old cows love it.”

The best time for herd owners to buy distillers product is in late summer, before demand picks up from the feed yards. “You can save $30 a ton by buying in the off season,” Zumbrunnen said. “Now is the time to buy if you can store it.” A list of prices and sources for distillers grains in Missouri is updated weekly and listed on the dairy feed page of the MU AgEBB.

Creamer New Intern at Select Sires

News EditorCompany Announcement

Congratulations to Molly Creamer, of Prospect, Ohio for being selected as the beef-sire marketing intern for Select Sires Inc.

Her responsibilities include assisting with promotional projects, including sire and progeny photography and videography, preparation of promotional materials, and obtaining information for the beef website.

Creamer is a senior at The Ohio State University majoring in animal science with a minor in agriculture education. She is serving as president of the university’s Saddle and Sirloin club, and has also served as a member of the 2008 meat judging team and 2009 livestock judging team. This year, she will serve as the assistant coach for the 2010 livestock judging team. Creamer has interned with Ohio Cattlemen’s Association in Plain City, Ohio, and Cargill Meat Solutions in Waco, Texas.

Source: Select Sires Inc

CWT Weekly Update

News Editorcwt

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted a total of nine bids from members for assistance in selling cheese, butter and anhydrous milkfat to customers in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. The products will be delivered September through February 2010.

Dairy Farmers of America had two bids for assistance accepted to help export 3.0 million pounds of anhydrous milkfat and four bids for assistance on 525,000 pounds of cheese. Darigold had one bid accepted for 441,000 pounds of butter, Foremost one bid for 339,000 pounds of butter and CDI/Challenge one bid was accepted for 1.1 million pounds of butter.

Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program in March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 18,854 metric tons (41.6 million pounds) to 23 countries on four continents. In addition, sales of butter and anhydrous milkfat totaling 13,443 metric tons (29.6 million pounds) have been made to nine countries on three continents.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance Program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term and in the long-term by helping member cooperatives to gain and maintain market share thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products.

Source: Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)

Silage Chopping Time

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Forage, Forage Forum, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Podcast, Silage

Pioneer Hi-Bred Forage Forum PodcastAs the choppers start to roll across the country, Pioneer Hi-Bred dairy specialist Kevin Putnam discusses some management considerations for chopping corn silage. Corn heat units in many areas are ahead of schedule, triggering harvest. Putman discusses proper chopper set up, inoculant options and other factors for achieving optimum quality.

Listen to the podcast here:

Forage Forum on Silage Chopping Time

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Subscribe to Forage Forum here.