Value of Starch in Corn Silage

Cindy ZimmermanAnimal Health, Audio, Feed, Forage Forum, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Podcast

Pioneer Hi-Bred Forage Forum PodcastAlong with higher corn prices, the value of corn silage has tracked notably higher. The industry used to reference corn silage values at “a penny a pound” or $20 per ton. However, the higher corn market and costs related to silage harvest have boost corn silage values in upwards of $50 per ton, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional services for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Mahanna provides suggestions on how growers might manage their corn crop to increase starch content, and in turn, the value of their corn silage.

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3?http://zimmcomm.biz/pioneer/pioneer-podcast-28-wdd.mp3] Bill Mahanna on Value of Starch in Corn Silage (4:15 min MP3)

To see all archived Pioneer Forage Forum podcasts, click here.
Previous Forage Forum podcasts are also archived at the Pioneer GrowingPoint website. To access them, go to www.pioneer.com/growingpoint and click “Livestock Nutrition” and “Forage Blog.” Those not registered for Pioneer GrowingPoint website can call 800-233-7333 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT for assistance.

Dairy Center Re-Named

News EditorAgribusiness, Industry News

worldagexpo2008The World Ag Expo has announced it will rename the Tulare Dairy Center to the Farm Credit Dairy Center. The 80,000 square foot dairy pavilion houses hundreds of dairy exhibits during the annual Expo every February. It is the most highly-trafficked area of the grounds by show attendees and well suited for involvement from Farm Credit. Don’t forget – this year’s World Ag Expo is February 12-14, 2008 in Tulare, Calif.

“It seemed like a logical fit. We’ve been supporters of the Agri-Center for years and agriculture since 1916. With the dairy industry being the single largest commodity in California, this is a perfect way to show our dedication to dairying and the largest showcase of dairy innovation and technology,” said Edward Jones, vice president of Farm Credit West.

A special ceremony to unveil the Farm Credit Dairy Center will take place in the coming months. A specific date has not been selected. Participating sponsors in the Farm Credit Dairy Center naming include: Farm Credit West, American AgCredit, Yosemite Farm Credit, CoBank/Farm Credit Leasing, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Sacramento Valley Farm Credit, Farm Credit Services Southwest, Northwest Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of America, Northern California Farm Credit, and Federal Land Bank Association of Kingsburg.

Southern Regional Dairy Challenge Winners

News EditorEducation

challegelogoEleven colleges from southern states participated in the second annual southern regional Dairy Challenge in Baton Rouge, La. on Nov. 15-17. This three-day event included students assessing all aspects of a working dairy farm and then presenting recommendations for improvements to a panel of judges the participating farm families.

Louisiana State University (LSU) staff and students hosted coaches and students from Berry College, University of Kentucky, Alabama A&M University, Louisiana State University, Virginia Tech, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Clemson University, Oklahoma State University, University of Florida, Southern University A&M, and Louisiana Tech University.

Team rankings were:

1st Place Platinum – Team 8, Cargill Inc: Amy Czaja, Oklahoma State University; Stephanie Graham, Berry College; Justin Hardin, North Carolina State University-Raleigh; Melanie Reed, Louisiana State University; Aaron Horst, Virginia Tech; and Phil Lawrence, University of Florida. 2nd Place Platinum – Team 7, Select Sires: Edwin Noland, Louisiana State University; Stephanie Quarles, Clemson University; Mindy Kile, Louisiana Tech University; Jason Stuth, Virginia Tech; Catalina Echeverri, University of Florida; and Jamie Victorian, Southern University.

Gold (in random order) – Team 6, Dairy Records Management Systems: Matricia Horton, Alabama A&M University; Jacob Pieper, Virginia Tech; Kyle Johnson, University of Florida; Ryan Sloop, North Carolina State University-Raleigh; and Maggie Boykin, Louisiana Tech University. Team 1, Genex CRI: Curtis Coombs, University of Kentucky; Amanda Wright, Oklahoma State University; Karryne Humphry, Southern University; Brandi Roebuck, Alabama A&M University; Ben Clark, Louisiana State University; and Katie Jackson, North Carolina State University-Raleigh. Team 3, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers: Valerie Eubanks, Clemson University; Felton Deroun, Southern University; Patrick Dooley, Alabama A&M University; Matt Fry, Virginia Tech; and Eric Morissett, Oklahoma State University. Team 2, Dairy Farmers of America: Jacqueline Cheatwood, Oklahoma State University; Dakota Sparks, North Carolina State University-Raleigh; Ryan Doescher, Louisiana State University; Diane Tearney, University of Florida; and Alyson Offenheiser, University of Kentucky.

Silver (in random order) – Team 9, Dairy Production Systems/New Frontier Bank: Sonja Galley, Virginia Tech; Leslie Gentry, North Carolina State University-Raleigh; Bethany Brewer, Louisiana State University; Will Cone, University of Florida; and Virgil Womack, Southern University. Team 4, DHI-Provo: J.T. Price, Clemson University; Sarah-Baker Walker, Berry College; Detrick Black, Alabama A&M University; Heather Weeks, Virginia Tech; and Katy Bridges, Louisiana State University. Team 5, ABS Global: Elizabeth Holloway, Louisiana Tech University; Kayla Jackson, Berry College; Karl Wesley Henry, Alabama A&M University; Madeline Milford, Clemson University; and Nellie Benton, Southern University.

Yogurt Could Boost Immunity

News EditorHealth, Yogurt

yogurtYogurt has fast become a “super” food in 2007 – and one doctor in Denver, Colo. is reminding consumers that yogurt can help improve immunity.

Foods available at the grocery store that claim to boost immunity are a simple matter of eating good bacteria to fight bad bacteria and viruses. Foods with pro-biotics can improve immunity and perhaps digestion, Dr. Dave Hnida reports.

Several studies show people who eat yogurt every day producer more infection fighting cells and have stronger immune systems than those who don’t eat yogurt.

As long as it says live and active cultures on the label, any yogurt should do the trick, Hnida says.

There are some products and special yogurts that have concentrated amounts of a special good bacteria that can also really improve the immune system. Lab studies seem to prove that those claims hold water.

Alto Dairy Announces New Site

News EditorCheese, Imports

altodairyAlto Dairy announces their online store that features Black Creek® Classic Cheddar cheeses. The new site includes new packaging and product photos, stories highlighting Alto member family farms, Alto employees and recipes using aged cheddar as an ingredient.

“We are excited that consumers can now purchase our great tasting Black Creek Cheddar cheese nationwide with the click of a mouse,” says Karen Endres, Director of Marketing and Communications at Alto Dairy. “We hope that cheese lovers across the country will take advantage of the opportunity to purchase our quality award-winning cheese.”

With over 90 years of cheesemaking experience between them, the Certified Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers of Black Creek are at the heart of our award-winning taste. Our cheesemakers, Gregg Palubicki, Kurt Heitmann, and Ken DeMaa, have met the rigorous standards for cheesemaking experience and expertise needed to gain Master Cheesemaking status. Under their watchful eyes, only the finest naturally aged cheeses are hand selected to carry the Black Creek label.

CWT Export Assistance Bids

Chuck ZimmermanDairy Group, Export

Cooperatives Working TogetherHere’s the latest announcement from Cooperatives Working Together:

Cooperatives Working Together announced today that it accepted an export assistance bid last week for the sale of whole milk powder.

The bid was from Land O’Lakes of Arden Hills, MN, for the export of 60 metric tons (132,000 pounds) of whole milk powder to Trinidad. CWT will pay an export bonus to the bidder, only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.

This accepted bid increases CWT’s total 2007 export obligations for whole milk powder to 860 metric tons (1.89 million lbs.). In addition, CWT’s YTD export obligations for cheese are 5,595 metric tons (12.3 million lbs.), its YTD anhydrous milkfat export obligations to 4,385 tons (9.6 million lbs.), and its YTD export obligations for butter to 10,975 metric tons (24.1 million lbs.).

Italian Parmalat Sells Plant

News EditorInternational, Milk, Production

Italian dairy group Parmalat, has sold a milk processing plant to the Venezuelan government amid shortages of milk in the South American nation. Venezuelans have been scrambling for milk for several weeks and there have been inconsistent supplies this year of other basic food products, including meat, chicken and wheat flour.

Venezuela this year has suffered periodic shortages of basic food products such as milk and eggs, and recently confiscated 125 tonnes of powdered milk from a Venezuelan plant run by Switzerland’s Nestle. Parmalat on Tuesday signed an accord to sell its 1 million liter per day facility in western Venezuela to a state-owned corporation for an undisclosed sum, the company said, adding it had been in talks over the deal for two years.

Business leaders blame the situation on price controls imposed by the government of President Hugo Chavez, while government supporters say growing demand and hoarding by unscrupulous businesses have caused the supply problems. A global boom in demand has also made it difficult for the South American nation to import sufficient quantities to meet demand, according to milk industry leaders.

WDE Seeks Nominees

News EditorIndustry News, World Dairy Expo

World Dairy Expo is seeking outstanding leaders from across the international dairy industry their annual recognition awards. Official applications are available online.

“We’re encouraging people to nominate someone who has demonstrated exceptional leadership,” says general manager, Mark Clarke. “Recognizing these individuals during World Dairy Expo showcases the leadership present in the dairy industry and adds to the excitement of Expo.”

Nominations will be accepted through February 1, 2008 in the four following categories: Industry Person of the Year, Dairyman of the Year, Dairy Woman of the Year and International Person of the Year.

The Industry Person of the Year award is presented to an individual in recognition of excellence in research, development, education, marketing or other fields that are part of the dairy industry.

The Dairyman and Dairy Woman of the Year awards are presented to individuals who are active dairy producers and whose primary source of income is derived from their dairy operation. His/her farming operation needs to demonstrate and excel in efficient production and breeding of quality animals. Progressive management practices, along with involvement in community, government activities, breed organizations and other aspects of the dairy industry, will also be considered.

The International Person of the Year will be recognized for significantly contributing to international relations, business development, trade or cooperation in the dairy industry.

Dairyline Markets In Review

Chuck ZimmermanDairyline, Markets

DairylineDairy Markets Week in Review
Block cheese continued to get bid higher the second week of November and closed Friday at $2.15 per pound, up 9 1/2-cents on the week, and 72 1/4-cents above a year ago. Barrel, after losing a penny and a quarter on Wednesday, rallied, and closed Friday at $2.03, up 2 3/4-cents on the week, 59 cents above a year ago, but 12 cents below the blocks. Three cars of block was traded and nine of barrel. The NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price hit $1.9239, up 5.8 cents. Barrel averaged $1.9268, up 1.7 cents.

Butter closed Friday at $1.3750, down a penny on the week, but 7 3/4-cents above a year ago. Thirty cars were sold. NASS butter averaged $1.2872, up 1.9 cents. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $1.9212, down 14.5 cents. Dry whey averaged 43.87 cents, up 1.8 cents.

Provided courtesy of Dairyline.

Anti rBST Ads to Cease in Keystone State

Andy VanceBiotech, Dairy Business, Markets, Milk

Penn Dept of AgAs the rancorous debate over acceptance of rBST treatments has spread across the country, more and more dairy marketers have jumped on the rBST-free bandwagon. The concern of dairyman has always been the clear lack of understanding from the average consumer as to what exactly rBST is, what it does, and what it means for them as consumers of dairy products. One state has now decided that the debate is over for them: Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolf announced this week that starting January 1st, marketers are prohibited from selling milk under the “rBST Free” label.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports:

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff announced the decision last month after convening a 22-member Food Labeling Advisory Committee to look into false or misleading claims in “absence labeling.”

The ruling covers all dairy products sold in the state, forcing some out-of-state manufacturers, in effect, to make Pennsylvania-only packaging. So far, the state Department of Agriculture has notified 19 companies that their labels must change.

Wolf’s concerns included the inability of regulators to test and prove the product was in fact rBST-free, as well as the “unjustified” higher prices demanded by anti rBST marketers.  It has been rumored that other states including Ohio and New Jersey are considering following suit.