The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a final decision to amend the producer-handler definition in all federal milk marketing orders. These amendments were considered in a recommended decision published Oct. 21, 2009. This decision amends the producer-handler definition of all federal milk marketing orders to limit exemption from pooling and pricing provisions of the orders to those producer-handlers with … Read More
USDA Issues Final Rule on Organic
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced details of the final regulation regarding access to pasture for organic livestock operations. This rule amends the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations to clarify the use of pasture in raising organic ruminants. “Clear and enforceable standards are essential to the health and success of the market for organic agriculture,” said Agriculture Secretary … Read More
USDA has Issued its Monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook
From the USDA’s January 2010 “Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook,” a report from the Economic Research Service (ERS). USDA projects 2009/10 corn and soybean meal prices at $3.40 to $3.85 a bushel and $265 to $315 per ton, respectively. The moderation in forecast feed prices compared with the last 2 years helps boost the milk/feed price ratio and the profit … Read More
USDA Reaffirms its Committment to Fuel Up to Play 60
As previously reported on WDD, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has joined a campaign to fight and defeat childhood obesity in cooperation with the NFL, National Dairy Council, multiple health organizations and several major corporations. The campaign, known as Fuel Up to Play 60, is funded with an initial private sector financial commitment of $250 million over five years … Read More
USDA Dairy Committee Members Announced
Congratulations to all of the dairy leaders named to the new federal Dairy Industry Advisory Committee. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the appointment of 17 members today. Over the next two years, the committee will review the issues of farm milk price volatility, dairy farmer profitability and consolidation, and offer suggestions on ways USDA can best address the needs of … Read More
USDA will Purchase Cheese from CCC
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that approximately $60 million in cheese and cheese products will be purchased by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) for use in domestic feeding programs through USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. USDA is expediting this cheese purchase to help provide much-needed support for low-income families struggling to put nutritious food on … Read More
USDA Seeks Nominations for National Fluid Milk Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking fluid milk processors and other interested parties to nominate candidates for the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint seven individuals from those nominated to succeed members whose terms expire June 30, 2010. Appointed members will serve 3-year terms from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013. … Read More
USDA has Issued its Monthly Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook
From the USDA’s newly released “Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook,” a report from the Economic Research Service. Dairy: Persistent milk production, despite low, recessionary domestic demand and slow exports, is the basis for continued low prices this year. Recovery in prices is unlikely until 2010, when the decline in milk production, forecast for later this year and next, will impact … Read More
Rural Tour wants to Hear From You
Have you heard of the Rural Tour? Sponsored by the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Rural Tour’s mission is an effort to engage in a more robust dialog with folks living in rural America. The tour is crossing the nation – click here to find out if a stop is near you! If you can’t make it to … Read More
Secretary Vilsack Seeks Nominations for Dairy Advisory Committee
Do you know of a dairy man or woman who would make a good nomination for the new Dairy Industry Advisory Committee established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)? Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is seeking your nominations for the new Committee. Written nominations must be received on or before September 28, and should be sent to Judith Lindsay, … Read More