Griswold Named DBA Director of Business Development

News EditorGeneral

DBAlogoThe Dairy Business Association (DBA) is pleased to announce Tim Griswold as their Director of Business Development. In this newly created position, Griswold will focus on bringing DBA membership benefits to more businesses – both dairy producers and corporate businesses. Griswold will also assist DBA Executive Director Laurie Fischer with communicating dairy industry issues to legislators and regulators.

Griswold comes to DBA with a wealth of experience within the dairy industry, particularliy in sales, business development and dairy expansion. He will utilize his broad experience to maximize the effectiveness of the organization and bring value to DBA members.

Since DBA was founded ten years ago, Griswold has assisted the association. Originally serving as an advisor to the association, he was later elected to the Board of Directors in 2007. Griswold resigned his seat on the DBA Board of Directors to accept this position.

Since 2004, Griswold has sold Posilac to commercial dairy producers in Wisconsin. He was initially with Monsanto and then with Elanco Animal Health, when they purchased the Posilac business in 2008 to add to their product portfolio. Griswold served as the Executive Director of the Dairy 2020 Initiative at the Wisconsin Department of Commece from 1998 to 2004 where he promoted industry reinvestment by assisting with dairy business expansion projects.

Griswold is a 1989 graduate of the UW-Madison with a degree in Agricultural Journalism. He was raised on a dairy farm in southeastern Wisconsin. Griswold and his wife, Jane, have three children, Kate, Sara, and James. They have lived in Black Earth, Wisconsin for seventeen years where they operate a small hobby farm.

Oakhurst Dairy Awards Family Farmers

News EditorIndustry News, Milk

oakhurstdairyA few of Maine’s hard-working dairy farmers were recently recognized by Oakhurst Dairy at the company’s annual Producer Luncheon The awards banquet, which has been held for more than 20 years, allows Oakhurst Dairy to show its appreciation for the dedicated service of its independent farmers. Congratulations to all of the award winners!

“The farms that produce Oakhurst milk are part of the Oakhurst family,” said Stan Bennett, president of Oakhurst Dairy. “As the truly local brand of milk, we are committed to providing the freshest, highest quality milk we can. Working directly with our farms helps us to maintain these high quality levels, and we think it’s important to recognize those who meet and exceed our expectations.”

For quality, the Producer of the Year was Hemond Farm of Minot, Maine. For volume production predictions, Algahoma Farm of Knox, Maine, went home with the award by coming in at a variation of 0.07 percent of their prediction.

Oakhurst Dairy works directly with 84 independent Maine farms that supply their milk. In many cases, these farmers have been producing for Oakhurst for three generations. Oakhurst is northern New England’s largest independent dairy company with three generations of commitment to the health and well-being of the community and the environment.

Producers Launch Initiative to Increase Awareness of Dairy’s Value

News EditorDairy Checkoff, Industry News, Media

americandairyIn celebration of June Dairy Month, America’s dairy farmers are lanching a consumer awareness initiative. As dairy farmers, you know the good work you are doing on the farm, and Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) is reaching out to consumers on your behalf to share the positive story of dairy products! Bravo on a wonderful campaign!

Dairy producers, through their checkoff investment, have launched a consumer awareness initiative to educate consumers about the nutritional and economic value of dairy products, as well as the contributions that America’s dairy producers make to their community, economy and the environment.

“This initiative advances our goal to help grow immediate- and short-term sales,” said Tom Gallagher, chief executive officer of DMI. “Not only are we communicating about dairy’s value, but also this enables us to share with consumers how dairy producers contribute to their community, the economy and the environment.”

National and local dairy promotion organizations are implementing activities that promote how dairy foods – such as milk, cheese and yogurt – are naturally nutrient rich and provide important nutrients such as protein, vitamin D, potassium, and calcium to the diet. Dairy’s unique nutrient package offers a real economic value when evaluating the cost per nutrient compared to other foods and beverages.

In addition to dairy’s nutrient value, the initiative will educate consumers about dairy producers’ commitment to children’s health, their communities and the environment. Specifically, communications efforts will highlight:

  • A $250 million investment by producers (through the checkoff) over the next five years to help fight childhood obesity in schools by supporting access to naturally nutrient-rich products, providing nutrition education and encouraging physical fitness.
  • How the nation’s 56,000 dairy farm families and processors invest in their local communities and generate billions of dollars in economic value across the country.
  • Why dairy producers are the nation’s original environmentalists. Over the past 60 years, dairy producers have reduced their carbon emissions by 63 percent, the equivalent to taking 32 million cars off the road. (Source: Research conducted by Cornell University. Judith L. Capper, Euridice Castunada-Gutierrez, Roger A. Cady, and Dale E. Bauman, Journal of Animal Science, published first on March 13, 2009.)

Elements of the initiative include:

  • One-time print placements in USA Today, People and Time leveraging on increased awareness during June Dairy Month.
  • Heightened presence on Facebook, through Twitter and other social media efforts that will mobilize hundreds of dairy producers, health professionals and other dairy advocates to connect with consumers and build dairy’s positive image online.
  • Links from national and local checkoff-funded Web sites, along with other industry sites, to messaging about “dairy value” on the Web.
  • Local dairy promotion efforts that celebrate June Dairy Month, including media relations, consumer events and government proclamations that reinforce dairy producers’ contributions to their community, economy and the environment.

Students 'Fuel Up With Milk'

Amanda NolzEducation

Joel Turner at the Franklin News-Post reported on Dairy Day at Callaway Elementary in Virginia, where students and teachers learned about dairy production, farm safety, cattle trivia, animal care and nutrition facts.

dairy-milk_cow There were eight stations for the students to take part in. At one station, the students milked Bessy, the cow. At another station, they learned what cows and calves eat. At another, they could taste dairy products. They could also attend storytime while eating ice cream. At other stations the students learned about tractors and ATV safety.

The day was a mixture of dairy calves, cow milking, ice cream, dairy products, a farm bingo game, a poster contest, storytime, videos and learning about what cows and calves eat. The Dairy Day was arranged and sponsored by several organizations, including the Franklin County Farm Bureau, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Southern States, Homestead Creamery, Kroger, Farm Credit and others.

Franklin County is the second ranking county in Virginia in milk production. Franklin County dairy farmers produced 142 million pounds of milk during 2008, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

It looked like a fun day for these Virginia elementary students and a great way to promote dairy farming and products. Hopefully, other communities will follow suit and begin hosting Dairy Days in summer educational programs!

Positive Media Coverage for June Dairy Month

Amanda NolzNutrition, Price, Products, Promotion

milk-cream The United Business Media PR Newswire posted some positive media coverage for June Dairy Month, boasting the nutritional benefits of milk, cheese and yogurt. PR Newswire is the global leader in innovative communications and marketing services, enabling organizations to connect and engage with their target audiences worldwide. This media outlet provided an in-depth, insightful look at the wonderful world of dairy including: health benefits for life, dedication to children’s health and commitment to a healthy environment.

June is National Dairy Month, a great opportunity for Americans to recognize that low-fat and fat-free dairy foods present a unique combination of both nutritional and economic value. Now is the time to remember the recommendation to get three servings of dairy daily – not only milk, but also cheese and yogurt, since these foods also are valuable and tasty sources of essential nutrients.

Families these days are looking to get the most nutrition they can with their food budget. Dairy is a naturally nutrient-rich food group that, for the most part, comes at a low cost — often just pennies per serving. One eight-ounce glass of milk for example provides nine essential nutrients: calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamins A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin (niacin equivalents).

To read the entire article, link to the PR Newswire. For additional information, link to the National Dairy Council.

MDA Study Shows Dairy Industry Growth Is Steady Despite Challenges

Amanda NolzAgribusiness, Competition

Here’s a bit of good news to help celebrate June Dairy month. The Farmer reported on a recent study that shows growth in the dairy industry in Minnesota.

A new study, conducted by MDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services, shows the industry generated $1.7 billion in cash receipts or 24% of the state’s total livestock marketing. In 2008, milk prices received by Minnesota growers averaged $19.08 per hundredweight, a second historical high. However, milk prices saw significant declines early this year, averaging $12.60 per hundredweight in the first four months – the lowest level since 2002.

The study shows dairy exports also increased. As the fifth largest dairy exporting state in the U.S., Minnesota reached a record-high of $113 million in dairy exports in 2007, a 22% increase from the previous year. Since 2000, dairy exports have grown by 61%. Dairy is one of the fastest growing export sectors in Minnesota agriculture.

Many large dairy states have seen decreases in cow numbers in the past decades. Minnesota, however, has achieved increases in cow numbers from 2005 to 2008, a four-year growth trend after long periods of decline. In Minnesota, milk yield per cow increased 34% from 1990 to 2008, from 14,000 pounds to 19,000 pounds.

Link to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to view the conclusive results of the study.

NMPF Says Losing Immigrant Laborers Would Reduce Farm Numbers

News EditorDairy Business, Government, Industry News, Research

NMPFlogoNational Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) has released the results of a comprehensive national survey of the employment practices of America’s dairy farmers. The survey results found that they rely heavily on foreign‐born workers and the loss of which would cripple many farms, creating a ripple effect of job losses through the rural economy. A copy of the full survey can be found on the NMPF website.

Working with researchers at Texas AgriLife Research, a component of the Texas A&M University System, NMPF surveyed more than 2,000 dairy farms last fall to assess their hiring practices. The survey found that U.S. dairies employed 138,000 full‐time equivalent workers, of which 57,000, or 41%, were foreigners.

Respondents reported that they paid their workers $506 in average weekly wages, while most also reported providing at least one non‐wage benefit to employees, such as paid vacation, housing, and/or insurance. Those non‐wage benefits brought average dairy workers salaries in 2008 to $31,521, significantly higher than salaries in the landscaping, ranching, and fast food sectors, which employ similar proportions of immigrant workers.

Texas AgriLife Research estimated that if federal labor and immigrant policies were to result in the loss of just half of the 57,000 foreign‐born dairy workers, an additional 66,000 workers would also be lost, due to the closure of some dairy farms, and the resulting multiplier effect of fewer jobs in grain and fertilizer production and sales, veterinary services, milk hauling, and related agricultural service jobs. This would produce an economic loss of $11 billion

“At a time of rising unemployment across America, our elected officials need to understand that the need for rational immigration reform is all the more imperative,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF. “Congress needs to act quickly to pass legislation such as the AgJobs bill, recently introduced in both the House and Senate. AgJobs is a step towards comprehensive reform of the nation’s immigration laws, which is clearly needed.”

The dairy analysis also indicated that consumers likely would see higher retail dairy product prices, as the loss of farm labor would, in turn, cause farms to reduce or cease their production, reducing the overall U.S. dairy supply. Texas AgriLife Research calculated that a 50% reduction in the dairy immigration workforce would lower milk production by 7.9%, leading to a 30% increase in retail prices.

“Punitive or unworkable labor policies may appear to be intended to help American‐born workers, but what this survey found is that without access to immigrant workers, the economics of the entire dairy industry, as well as many rural communities and other industries, are negatively affected,” said Mike McCloskey, a dairy farmer from Fair Oaks, Indiana, and chair of NMPF’s Immigration Task Force. “You can’t extract immigrant workers out of the equation without creating a negative ripple effect that hurts many other workers as well.”

“We need labor policies that will help us maintain our existing workforce, and ensure we have viable ways of obtaining workers in the future,” McCloskey said. “A failure by our lawmakers to act cannot be an option, because tens of thousands of workers are depending on us finding a way to address farm labor needs.”

PepsiCo-Almarai Joint Venture Acquires Stake in Jordanian Dairy

News EditorInternational

PepsiCo has announced that the dairy and juice joint venture it formed earlier this year with Saudi-based dairy company Almarai has made its first acquisition.

The joint venture, International Dairy and Juice Limited (IDJ), acquired 75% of leading Jordanian dairy producer Teeba Investment for Developed Food Processing Company (Teeba). The Teeba stake had been owned by Almarai, which acquired it in January 2009 and is transferring it to the joint venture at cost.

Teeba is one of the leading players in the fresh dairy sector in Jordan, with its own dairy farm, and a producer and distributor for a wide variety of other dairy and juice products.

“This is an important step forward in our ongoing effort to build a diversified global portfolio of foods and beverages, addressing consumers’ need for nutrition as well as fun and refreshment,” said Michael White, PepsiCo Vice Chairman and PepsiCo International CEO.

IDJ is held 52% by PepsiCo and 48% by Almarai. It was formed to focus on opportunities in Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East, excluding the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, where Almarai already has a very strong presence.

IDJ will identify and develop growth opportunities for a range of high-quality dairy and juice products. The venture will draw on the two partners’ complementary brands and capabilities — benefiting from Almarai’s in-depth knowledge of the dairy industry and PepsiCo’s marketing capabilities and experience as a world leader in juice.

Deferred Payment Loan Now Available for Silage Inoculants

News EditorAgribusiness, Biotech, Industry News

logo_pioneerCustomers of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, now can buy silage inoculants using the Pioneer Deferred Payment Loan program. This program will provide payment options specifically designed for dairy and livestock producers as they face economic challenges. Talk to your Pioneer sales professional for details. If you don’t have an existing line of credit for Pioneer® brand seed purchases, your sales professional can help you apply with PHI Financial Services, Inc., for this new credit program for silage inoculant purchases.

Now more than ever, dairy and livestock producers need to maximize the nutritional value of feed to maximize milk or meat per acre. Inoculants can boost producers’ bottom lines by improving the quality of their silage. Pioneer utilizes industry-leading research, as well as agronomic and nutritional experts, to provide its customers the entire range of seed genetics, crop-specific inoculants including revolutionary Corn Fiber Technology, silage know-how and local service – all dedicated to the goal of producing more nutritious feed supplies.

“It’s a difficult time for the livestock producers, and price volatility is affecting everyone,” says Kyle Whitaker, Pioneer marketing manager – forage additives. “This program offers a way to finance silage inoculant purchases and set up structured loan payments to better coincide with an operation’s income.

“We have four inoculants for corn silage, three for alfalfa silage, three for grass and cereal silage and two more designed for high-moisture corn,” Whitaker says. “This gives growers a wide range of crop-specific product options and flexibility with their inoculant decisions.” The goal is to give producers choices to suit their individual preferences.

Qualified customers can purchase silage inoculants this summer and include those purchases on their existing 2009 Deferred Payment Loan. As an added benefit, the silage inoculant portion of the loan can be moved to the 2010 loan with final payment due June 30, 2010. The seed and crop protection portion of any existing 2009 Deferred Payment Loan is still due on the normal due date, Dec. 1, 2009.

“Customers can set up a payment plan to match their expected income,” Whitaker says. “They must make a minimum of three payments, with the final payment due June 30, 2010. However, they can set up the payments monthly or a number of ways to meet individual financial needs.” After setting up an approved payment schedule, the customer will receive an acknowledgment letter that includes coupons to make payment easier. For an even more convenient option, customers also can schedule electronic payments for their silage inoculants.

Dairyline Markets In Review

Chuck ZimmermanDairyline, Markets

DairylineDairy Markets Week in Review

The block cheese price closed the first Friday of June Dairy month at $1.1475 per pound, down a half-cent on the week, and $1.0125 below a year ago. Barrel closed at $1.10, unchanged on the week, but $1.05 below a year ago. 21 carloads of block found new homes on the week and five of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price slipped to $1.1425, down 0.6 cent on the week, and barrel averaged $1.0987, down 0.1 cent.

Butter closed at $1.2525, down 1 1/4-cents on the week, the first decline since mid March, and 22 3/4-cents below a year ago. Twenty nine cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.2519, up 1.4 cents. Nonfat dry milk averaged 84.3 cents, up 1.2 cents, and dry whey averaged 24.49 cents, up 0.6 cent.

Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed at 90.25 per pound, up a quarter-cent on the week, while Extra Grade held at 87.50.

Price support purchases for the week totaled 4.1 million pounds of nonfat dry milk, pushing the cumulative total to 243.6 million, compared to none a year ago.

Provided courtesy of Dairyline.