Edited by Mark Looker
California
Dairy Industry Headline News
Edited by Mark Looker
A news service of Western United Dairymen 1315 K Street, Modesto, CA 95354 (209) 527-6453 Visit us at www.westernuniteddairymen.com If you have trouble reading this email, please click here
Headline News on Brief Hiatus - - Headline News will be taking a temporary break as editor Mark Looker goes on medical leave July 2 for minor surgery. The goal is to be back in action by July 12 and bringing you the latest headlines about issues impacting the California dairy industry.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Corn
Jumps on New Supply Outlook - - Fresh U.S. government data rattled corn
markets on Wednesday, sending futures prices soaring 9% and raising
questions about the precision of earlier estimates. Corn futures prices,
which just a day earlier reached a nine-month low, jumped after the U.S.
Department of Agriculture said stockpiles were much lower than the market
expected. The government on Wednesday also said the acreage now dedicated to
planting corn for the coming crop is below forecasts. The news was
especially surprising because the USDA has in the past few months been
sending bearish signals to the market, announcing in January that the most
recent crop was a record.
<more> July 1, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Conservation Funding Intact as House Panel Approves Agriculture Spending
Bill - - A House spending panel yesterday approved a $23 billion
Agriculture appropriations bill that keeps intact major spending boosts for
energy and conservation that lawmakers set two years ago, rejecting
significant cuts the White House proposed. The House Agriculture
Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously approved the bill last night after
hours of debate over Republican amendments. The panel rejected all of those
amendments, including proposals that would have cut spending across the
board, eliminated the Conservation Stewardship Program and tied the hands of
agencies that could work on oil-spill pollution reporting requirements for
dairy farmers.
<more> July 1, 2010 NY Times
July
is Ice Cream Month - - Great video on how water, alfalfa and ice cream
are all interlinked in a video produced by the CA Farm Water Coalition
Click
here to view. July 1, 2010
Dairy
groups applaud Cuba ag export bill- - The National Milk Producers
Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) praised passage
yesterday of the Travel Restriction Reform & Export Enhancement Act, H.R.
4645, by the House Agriculture Committee. H.R. 4645 is a bipartisan bill
introduced by Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (Minnesota) and
Representative Jerry Moran (Kansas) and co-sponsored by 61 other members of
Congress. The bill passed the Committee by a vote of 25-20. NMPF and USDEC
lauded the House Committee’s action, saying it was a step to bolster the
ongoing dairy industry recovery resulting from the catastrophic milk price
situation faced by dairy farmers, which largely resulted from a
recession-driven decline in export sales. Both NMPF and USDEC expressed deep
appreciation towards the 25 Agriculture Committee who voted for H.R. 4645.
“The U.S. dairy industry firmly believes that it is critical that we work to
expand opportunities for our dairy exports to allow dairy producers and
their dairy manufacturing partners to grow and prosper,” said Tom Suber,
president of USDEC. “Improving our ability to export to Cuba by doing away
with many of the barriers the U.S. government has erected to us is a very
important step in the right direction.” July 1, 2010 NMPF Press Release
West-side growers take on debt to stay afloat - - For months, growers on
the west side fretted over water shortages, saying the drought and
environmental restrictions would lead to economic ruin. But when Fresno
County's annual crop report was released last week, it didn't bear out those
predictions -- at least not on paper. The county total crop value was still
$5.3 billion, falling only 4.5% from the previous year. So what happened?
Growers say that while a shortage of water had an effect, hard work and a
little luck helped them avoid a worse outcome. And many had to sacrifice
profits to keep revenues from dropping further.
<more> July 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
Crop
report: Drought, low prices have taken toll on dairy producers- -
Crop reports recently released by California's county agricultural
commissioners show that a three-year drought and a sudden drop in milk
prices in 2009 are taking their toll on dairy and forage producers. "The
economic losses have been massive for every one of these guys," Leslie
Butler, Cooperative Extension specialist at University of California-Davis,
said. Tulare County's total gross production value in 2009 was down by 19
percent compared to 2008, a drop of more than $970 million. Milk and field
crop prices were a big contributor to that decrease.
<more> July 1, 2010 Capital Press
Vilsack slams media for portrayal of farmers - - Agriculture Secretary
Tom Vilsack, who’s been criticized by some in agribusiness for his promotion
of small-scale farmers, gave a passionate defense of conventional producers
at a Senate hearing today and got into a dispute with a cable TV show in the
process. He told the Senate agriculture committee that the public owes
farmers gratitude for how little Americans pay for food, an estimated 10
percent of their income on average. “You may never need a police officer. I
hope you never need a police officer. But every day, two or three times a
day, you need a farmer,” the former Iowa governor said in response to a
question from Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas.
<more> July 2, 2010 Des Moines Register
One
Day Wiser in Ohio - - Everyone makes mistakes. My initial analysis of
yesterday’s HSUS “Buckeye Compromise” was a hasty first impression, written
immediately after the late-day press conference. (Who holds a press
conference at 4:30pm anyway?) Since then I’ve heard from a number of people
in a variety of walks of life, essentially all saying “yes, but…” on one
point or other. So now that more details of the deal have emerged, it seems
like a good idea to revisit the issue with a bit of hindsight—or at least to
analyze what happened a little more thoughtfully. In short, I think the
self-congratulatory language (from everyone) in the press conference
effectively camouflaged the substance of what we’re seeing today on paper.
Sticking my customary skepticism in a drawer was my mistake, and mine alone.
<more> July 1, 2010 HumaneWatch.org
Ohio
Pork defends agreement with HSUS - - Calling it “an agreement we can
live with”, a spokesman for the Ohio Pork Producers Association defends the
livestock industry’s decision to compromise with the Humane Society of the
United States. “We’re excited about this agreement,” says Jamie Banbury,
director of communications for Ohio Pork. “It allows the pork industry to
remain viable in the state of Ohio. And given that Ohio agriculture is
constantly changing—and animal agriculture, in general—our farmers will find
new and even better ways to do things—and we find that’s the same with
animal housing. So we’ll move forward with this.”
<more> July 1, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
'Silenced Voices': Documentary explores death of migrant worker on Vermont
dairy - - Most likely, few Vermonters have ever heard of San Isidro, in
a southern region of Mexico near the Guatemalan border called Chiapas. But
virtually every resident in that isolated Mayan village of about 100
households is familiar with the Green Mountain state. A new documentary,
“Silenced Voices,” addresses this imbalance while tracing the plight of Jose
Oveth Santiz Cruz, a 20-year-old killed last December in an equipment
accident on a Fairfield dairy farm. He was among 80 San Isidro people, many
from the same extended family, employed as migrant agricultural workers in
Vermont. They are some of the estimated 2,000 immigrants that have come from
various parts of Mexico for similar labor in the pastures and milk sheds
that dot the landscape.
<more> July 1, 2010 Burlington Free Press
Recovering from the death of a farmer - - When a farmer dies, what happens to the farm? Since my father was a coffee grower, this is a very personal issue for me. My latest column explains what happened after he died, and how we found unexpected joy and success in keeping the family farm. This story hit a nerve with a lot of readers. You sent me e-mails about your own parents that made me tear up. A struggling widow said my mother gave her courage. (Her story really made me cry.) And you shared tales of your own decisions to keep on farming.<more> July 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Visit our Video Channel .Watch WUD members talk about how they meet the environmental challenges facing the California dairy industry. Hear about their pride in their farming heritage and the contributions they make to their communities. Also visit the California Milk Advisory Board's website which features many WUD dairy families talking about the rewards and heartaches of dairy farming.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July 28 - 29 - - "Margin Management for Optimal Dairy Returns" educational seminar by Commodity & Ingredient Hedging at the Doubletree Hotel, Modesto. For more information visit http://www.cihedging.com/education or call 800-241-5498.
Other Dairy News Sources
Crazy Moos. Moosworthy Information Straight From The Dairy Farm
Dairy MAX - representing Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas dairy producers
Dairy Producer Blogs That We Like
Commodity Price Information
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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Corn futures soar following USDA report - -
Livestock and dairy producers probably face higher feed costs over the next
year after the government’s lower than expected corn plantings and inventory
estimates sent corn futures soaring today. Farmers nationwide planted an
estimated 87.872 million acres to corn this spring, down 926,000 acres from
a March projection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a report
today. While corn seedings this year are still expected to be up 1.6 percent
from 2009 and the third-highest since the end of World War II, supplies may
not be as abundant as thought to be earlier this year, analyst said.
<more> June 30, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Ohio agriculture compromises with HSUS - -
Ohio agricultural groups struck a deal with The Humane Society of the United
States (HSUS) today that gives HSUS many of the restrictions on agricultural
production in Ohio that it wants in return for HSUS agreeing not to pursue a
ballot initiative this fall seeking to institute those restrictions through
a constitutional amendment. The groups represent all of the Ohio corn,
soybean, livestock and poultry associations and the Ohio Farm Bureau
Federation, and the agreement is supported by the Ohioans for Livestock Care
Steering Committee and by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. Also signing onto the
agreement was Ohioans for Humane Farms, which worked with HSUS to bring the
initiative to the ballot this fall.
<more> June 30, 2010 Feedstuffs
Humane Society of the United States Slinks Away
From Ohio in Face-Saving Move - - In a surprising move today, Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS) CEO Wayne Pacelle appeared with Ohio
Governor Ted Strickland and a vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau to
announce that his organization will not pursue its planned ballot initiative
in November. The measure, aimed at Ohio’s livestock farmers, would have
wrested control of livestock handling standards away from the Livestock Care
Standards Board, which Ohio voters approved by a wide margin during the 2009
election. According to the announcement made at today’s 4:30pm press
conference, HSUS has agreed to abandon its effort to control how Ohio’s
farmers raise animals. In exchange, Pacelle secured only a few weak promises
from Governor Strickland concerning animal-welfare measures that had nothing
to do with the reasons the group gave for coming into the Buckeye State;
moreover, these concessions consist only of recommendations which will
depend on the uncertain approval of Ohio’s legislature.
<more> June 30, 2010 Consumerfreedom.com
House Ag Chair Peterson Applauds House Passage of
Wall Street Reform
- - House Agriculture Committee Chairman
Collin Peterson today commended the
House of Representatives for passing the conference report on
the Wall Street Reform and
Consumer Protection Act (H.R.
4173). "I am pleased the conference report contains many of the provisions
the House Agriculture Committee endorsed in three different bills on these
topics," Chairman Peterson said. "This bill will mitigate the outrageous
price spikes in
commodity markets
that we first saw two years ago, bring greater transparency to the
derivatives market
through mandatory clearing and ensure that end users can continue using
derivatives to hedge risk."
<more> June 30, 2010 House Ag Committee Press Release
National council report backs sustainable food -- The prestigious National Research Council threw its considerable heft behind the sustainable food movement Tuesday with a 570-page report that endorses the new food and farm practices that began in the Bay Area and have taken the nation by storm. There are now twice as many farmers - 30,000 to 40,000 - selling local meat and produce in farmers' markets than there are growing cotton, a major industrial crop, said August Schumacher, an author of the report and a former undersecretary of agriculture in the George H.W. Bush administration. "This is not just San Francisco, Boston and New York," Schumacher said of what has been called alternative agriculture but is fast going mainstream - everything from the locavore, organic and "slow food" movements to animal welfare advocacy. "It's Kansas City. It's Boise, Idaho. It's Abingdon, Va." <more> June 30, 2010 SF Chronicle
Schwarzenegger calls for taking water bond off
November ballot - - Faced with potential defeat of one of his top
priorities, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Tuesday for delaying the $11.1
billion water bond from November to 2012. Schwarzenegger's proposal, which
requires legislative approval, comes as lawmakers are struggling to close a
$19.1 billion hole in the state budget for the fiscal year starting
Thursday. Opponents of the bond, including some public employee unions, have
already cited budget problems as one reason not to pass it. "After reviewing
the agenda for this year, I believe our focus should be on the budget," the
governor said in a statement, saying he would "work with the Legislature to
postpone the bond to 2012 and avoid jeopardizing its passage."
<more> June 30, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Are we in for another legislative water war?
- - Assembly GOP Leader Martin Garrick of Carlsbad today joined Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger's call to delay the $11.1 billion water bond from November's
ballot to 2012. As we reported yesterday, Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg,
D-Sacramento, is also on board, as well as Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, an
influential Republican on water issues. But we have yet to hear anything
official from Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles. A key member of
his caucus on water issues is calling for lawmakers to not just delay the
bond vote, but revamp the bond.
<more> June 30, 2010 Fresno Bee
Lincoln says 2008 farm bill is policy benchmark
- - Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas says
it’s important to strengthen the farm safety net in the 2012 farm bill. In
her statement opening the first Senate Agriculture Committee hearing
Wednesday on the 2012 farm bill, Lincoln said safety net features should
come from the kitchen tables of farm country rather than from tables at the
U.S. Capitol.
<more> June 30, 201 0
Spread the word "Brag about Ag" video contest
- - $1000 in prize money will be divided among the winners of the BRAG about
AG Video Contest sponsored by the CropLife Ambassador Network. The contest
is open to college students in any agriculture related field of study. The
top winner in each category will receive $200.00. Submission deadline is
July 30, 2010.
<more> June 30, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Conservation award nomination deadline July 12 -
- Sustainable Conservation is seeking nominees for the popular 2010
California Leopold Conservation Award. The award recognizes private
landowners' commitment to responsible environmental stewardship and land
management. As in past years, finalists in 2010 will be selected in part
based on their commitment to responsible and sustainable land management,
the overall health of their land, implementation of innovative practices and
dedication to community outreach and leadership. The Leopold Conservation
Award Review Panel will evaluate properties in two categories: (1) Nurseries
& Crops, and (2) Livestock.The grand prize of $10,000 and a crystal
rendering of Aldo Leopold, author of the "Sand County Almanac," will be
presented at the California Farm Bureau Federation's annual convention in
December. Runner-up prizes of $1,000 will also be presented. The deadline
for nominations is July 12. For more information and a nomination form,
visit
Sustainable Conservation or call (415) 977-0380. June 30, 2010
Sustainable Conservation Press Release
Headline News on Brief Hiatus - - Headline News will be taking a temporary break as editor Mark Looker goes on medical leave July 2 for minor surgery. The goal is to be back in action by July 12 and bringing you the latest headlines about issues impacting the California dairy industry.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Talks may pull water bond off Nov. ballot - -
Negotiations are under way to possibly delay the $11 billion state water
bond from November’s ballot to 2012, according to numerous Capitol sources.
Nothing is final — and there still could be sticking points — but lawmakers
could vote soon on legislation to push back the date. Senate Leader Darrell
Steinberg, D-Sacramento, declined to comment on specific discussions, but
said: “All the timing options need to be discussed. The main thing for me is
to win the bond election and ... you make a real assessment of how and when
we have the best opportunity to win the election.” <more>
June 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
Schwarzenegger backs delaying water bond vote
until 2012 - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said today he will work to
postpone the vote on the $11.14 billion water bond, now on the November
ballot, to 2012 to "avoid jeopardizing its passage." "After reviewing the
agenda for this year, I believe our focus should be on the budget -- solving
the deficit, reforming out of control pension costs and fixing our broken
budget system," he said in a statement. "It's critical that the water bond
pass, as it will improve California's economic growth, environmental
sustainability and water supply for future generations."
<more> June 29, 2010 Sacramento Bee
FDA seeks less use of antibiotics in animals to
keep them effective for humans - - The Food and Drug Administration
urged farmers on Monday to stop giving antibiotics to cattle, poultry, hogs
and other animals to spur their growth, citing concern that drug overuse is
helping to create dangerous bacteria that do not respond to medical
treatment and endanger human lives. Joshua M. Sharfstein, the FDA's
principal deputy commissioner, said antibiotics should be used only to
protect the health of an animal and not to help it grow or improve the way
it digests its feed.
<more> June 29, 2010 Washington Post
DeRaadt Family Recognized for their Efforts in
the Dairy Industry - - When the DeRaadt family moved to Kings County in
1999, they brought not only their cows, but a genuine passion for dairying
and consumer education. With a desire to own his own dairy, Jake DeRaadt
decided ten years ago to move his family from Escondido, Calif. “I looked
for an available dairy from Bakersfield to Orland,” said DeRaadt. “We ended
up finding the dairy for us here in Kings County and started Eden Valley
Dairy.”
<more> June 29, 2010 Kings County Farm Bureau
Hilmar Cheese pledges $250,000 for UC Davis milk
processing research facility - - Hilmar Cheese Company has made a
$250,000 commitment to support construction of the new August A. Busch III
Brewing and Food Science Laboratory at UC Davis. The new laboratory, part
of the Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science, includes milk
processing facilities for scientific research, student training, and
industry collaboration. Constructed entirely through private donations, the
facilities are scheduled for completion this summer and occupancy in fall.
<more> June 29, 2010 CA Farmer
Delta defender - - This would be the last
meeting for 96-year-old Alex Hildebrand, after a half century serving on
water boards from Sacramento to the south Delta. A resolution was written. A
plaque presented. But after the honors, farmer Hildebrand had one final item
of business. He raised his wrinkled hand and made a motion. The Central
Valley Flood Control Association, he said, should oppose the $11.1 billion
water bond on the November ballot. Not just oppose. "Vigorously" oppose.
"I'll retire whenever you pass my motion," Hildebrand said.
<more> June 29, 2010 Stockton Record
Hearing held on Delta water changes - - A hearing was held Tuesday by the California state Assembly’s Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife on a bill that would give the State Water Resources Control Board new penalty and investigative powers. The powers are contained in a proposal by Southern California state Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills. The bill, SB 565, is co-authored by Senate President Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento. The bill’s Assembly co-author is Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, who chairs the committee. <more> June 29, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Monday, June 28, 2010
FDA sets out new direction on antibiotics use in
livestock - - The Food & Drug Administration released a draft guidance
document this morning laying out new policy goals for the use of
antimicrobials in livestock production. FDA deputy commissioner Dr. Joshua
Sharfstein told reporters that the documents lay out three key principles
FDA will use in developing future strategies to prevent antimicrobial
resistance. He said the principles could include potential regulations as
well as voluntary actions by the industry.
<more> June 28, 2010 Feedstuffs.com
Dairy united in desperation/divided in solution
- - Dairy producers and those in the dairy industry from across the
country gathered in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday for the USDA-Department of
Justice Workshop looking into competition in the dairy industry. Overall,
it was a day that demonstrated how united the dairy industry in its dislike
of the current situation but yet displayed the different opinions as to what
is needed to resolve the situation.
<more> June 28, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Almonds nearly break dairy's grip on the top crop
in Stanislaus County - - Milk, the top-grossing farm product in
Stanislaus County for at least seven decades, came darn close to losing the
crown last year. The county's 2009 crop report by the agricultural
commissioner's office shows almonds nearly overtaking dairy after 17
straight years at No. 2.The report reflects the dreadful condition of dairy
farming last year, when milk prices plummeted amid the global recession.
Dairy farms grossed $462.3 million in 2009, compared with $689.3 million in
2008, ag commissioner Gary Caseri reported Friday.
<more> June 28, 2010 Modesto Bee
Farmer says spraying milk on field improves grass
-- A Nebraska dairy farmer is drawing some attention in Missouri after
stumbling upon what he thinks might be the secret not only to strong bones
but to great grazing land: milk. David Wetzel, a former steel executive,
told a conference of farmers in Linn that when he started a second career as
a dairy farmer in 2002, he doused parts of his 320-acre farm with skim milk,
which was a byproduct of his farm's specialty butters and cheeses. He soon
discovered that his cattle preferred those fields. He called in an expert to
figure out what was going on, and the result was a bit staggering: His
milk-fed land yielded 1,100 more pounds of grass per acre than untreated
land.
<more> June 28, 2010 AP
Early exposure to cow's milk has benefits: study
- - A taste of cow's milk during the first two weeks of life may protect
a child from later developing an allergy to the milk's protein, a new study
suggests. Cow's milk protein allergy is the most common and most dangerous
among the family of dairy allergies and intolerances, with reactions
including rash, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, even shock or
death.
<more> June 28, 2010 Reuters
Proposition numbers assigned for November measures - - Secretary of State Debra Bowen announced today the numbers assigned to those ten measures that have qualified for the November ballot. Here is the line up: <more> June 28, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Friday, June 25, 2010
Sen.
Florez pushes law for farmworker overtime - - Overtime pay after eight
hours is the law for wage earners across California — except for those who
do some of the hardest work, harvesting fruit and vegetables in the state's
fields and orchards. Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) is trying to change that.
Florez is pushing for a law that would give farmworkers the same overtime
benefits as other hourly employees.
<more> June 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Real California
Milk ad campaign features Tulare, Hanford operations
- - Tulare-area dairyman Ben
Curti volunteered to be part of the California Milk Advisory Board's "Family
Farms" ad campaign for one simple reason. "I enjoy what I do," he said. "The
national campaign opens the door to see we're real people." The campaign,
which kicked off late last month, features nine California dairy families.
The goal is to give consumers a clearer understanding of where dairy items
come from, officials said. Featured are two Tulare County dairies, Curti's
Curtimade Dairy Inc. and Airoso Dairy, which is operated by Joey Airoso, and
two Hanford dairies, Giacomaazi Dairy and Martin Dairy.
<more> June 25, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
$10
Million More Available to Help Ag Producers Improve Air Quality -- The
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California announced
$10 million in additional funding for farmers and ranchers interested in
reducing air quality emissions from off-road mobile or stationary
agricultural sources. This funding is in addition to over $13 million
available earlier this year for agricultural air quality improvements
through the 2008 Farm Bill's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The funding offers agricultural producers incentives for retiring old
inefficient engines that contribute to air pollution problems.
More information can be found at
www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/2010/index.html. While there
currently is an application backlog, interested producers in eligible
counties can contact their local NRCS Service Center for information about
future opportunities.<more>
June 25, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Scientists question EPA GHG emission estimates - - The approach the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses to estimate greenhouse gas
emissions from agricultural anaerobic lagoons that treat manure contains
errors and may underestimate methane emissions by up to 65 percent,
according to scientists from the University of Missouri. A 2007 U.S. Supreme
Court ruling mandated the EPA consider greenhouse gases a pollutant. This
led the EPA in 2009 to approve greenhouse gas reporting requirements for any
facility that annually releases 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide
equivalents to the atmosphere. The objective of these reporting requirements
is to quantify emissions as a first step towards developing strategies to
reduce greenhouse gas losses.
<more> June 25, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Treat
cows well, dairy operators told in Tulare - - William Rice, a professor
at the Fresno State Craig School of Business and a business consultant,
spoke Thursday at a Salute to Dairy luncheon in Tulare. He grew up on a
dairy near Fresno and offered a number of suggestions specific to the
industry. Among them: Try to see things from the cow’s perspective. “This is
a concept most people don’t understand: how to treat productive cows,” he
said. “You have to love them; you have to treat them well.”
<more> June 25, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
From weed to
water, California's fall ballot loaded with measures - -
Attention California
voters: Are you looking to buy and smoke weed without running afoul of the
law? Wild about water infrastructure? Think it's a good idea to lower the
threshold for passing a budget, but still want to raise the bar for
approving fees? The Nov. 2 ballot has something for you. Ten measures had
qualified for the fall ballot by Thursday's deadline.
<more> June 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Another bill takes aim at estate tax - - Another bill in Congress aims
to bring estate tax relief to farmers and ranchers, albeit with a catch.
Legislation by U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., would allow landowners to
defer estate taxes as long as their property is kept in agriculture,
conservation or other open-space uses. However, the taxes would come due if
the land was developed, Pat Wolff, a tax specialist for the American Farm
Bureau Federation, said.
<more> June 25, 2010 Capital Press
Big
redistricting battle looms this fall - - California voters will be
pummeled this fall by both sides of a complex, high-stakes political battle
over how the state's legislative, congressional and Board of Equalization
seats are divvied up for the next decade.
<more> June 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Ag advocacy conference slated - - Farmers from even the most remote small towns are engaging life-long city dwellers in stories of their farm through social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. These conversations are at the core of building understanding of agriculture by the 98 percent of Americans not living on the farm. Improving individual effectiveness is the goal of the AgChat Foundation's first training session to help farmers be more effective in telling their personal story. The conference will be held August 30-31 in Chicago. <more> June 25, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Farmworker overtime bill passes Assembly committee - -A bill that
would extend overtime pay and meal breaks to farmworkers passed the
Assembly's Labor and Employment committee Wednesday afternoon.
SB 1121 by
Sen. Dean Florez ( D-Shafter) would repeal exemptions for agriculture in
state labor rules. It passed on a 4-1 vote. Western United Dairymen is part
of a coalition opposing the legislation.
<more> June 24, 2010 Capital Press
Card check bill
approved by Assembly Labor Committee - - The Assembly Labor and
Employment Committee Thursday approved card check legislation, SB
1474, by Sen. Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) that would allow unions
to be certified as the representatives of agricultural employees without
secret ballot elections. If a majority of workers sign union authorization
cards, the state would certify the union as their representative. Similar
“card check” bills have previously been approved by the Legislature, only to
be vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. The bill passed the Assembly Labor and
Employment Committee on Thursday on a 4-1 vote and was sent to the
Appropriations Committee. Western United Dairymen is an active participant
in a coalition of ag groups working to oppose the bill.
June 24, 2010
Harkin
hints 'card-check' bill could move during lame-duck session of Congress
- - Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) suggested Thursday that Democrats might attempt
to move "card-check" legislation this year, perhaps during a lame-duck
session. Harkin, the chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and
Pensions (HELP) Committee, strongly disputed that the Employee Free Choice
Act (EFCA, or "card-check") was dead in the Senate. "To those who think it's
dead, I say think again," Harkin said on the liberal Bill Press radio show.
<more> June 24, 2010 TheHill.com
Analyst predicts buoyant milk prices - - Global dairy prices are set to
ease from current highs as world supply builds and demand growth begins to
slow, but will not drop sharply until later in the year, says a bank
analyst. Rabobank senior analyst Hayley Moynihan said New Zealand's dairy
industry looked well positioned, with increased year-on-year milk production
- buoyed by higher milk prices - likely for the latter part of 2010.
<more> June 24, 2010 TVNZ
New
smelt agreement will keep Delta pumps going - - Users of water from the
San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta have hammered out an agreement with
environmentalists that will keep pumps running through June 30 or to when
water temperature reaches a daily average of 25 degrees Celsius for three
consecutive days at Clifton Court Forebay near Los Banos, whichever occurs
first. All pumping restrictions required under the Delta smelt biological
opinion will cease as of July 1, allowing water to flow freely to the San
Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles through the end of the year, according to
Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno.
<more> June 24, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Cattle
Feedlot: Behind the Scenes Look By Vegan An Eye-Opener - -
Plant-based eater, Ryan Andrews, was tired of
talking about, reading about, and hearing about feedlots without ever having
visited one. So, after being given fairly unprecedented access, he decided
to check out a 22,000-head
cattle feedlot for himself. Here's what
he learned.
<more> June 24, 2010 Precisionnutrition.com
Need a job? UFW
offers training for farmwork - - Unemployed city folk could soon find
work picking strawberries and peaches if a new farmworker campaign is taken
seriously. In an unorthodox appeal called "Take Our Jobs," the United Farm
Workers of America wants jobless citizens and legal residents to seek farm
jobs that usually go to migrant workers living in the United States
illegally. "One of the most honorable ways of earning a living is off the
sweat of your brow," said Michael Rubio, a Kern County supervisor backing
the campaign. "I'm looking forward to seeing who might take advantage of
it."
<more> June 24, 2010 Contra Costa Times
Proposals may limit young farmworkers - - To hear farm advocates tell
it, there's not much employment of children these days in the fields of the
Western states. Most operations are family-scale and often lack the
experience and know-how for properly complying with child-labor laws. So
they usually turn away migrant families with young children, industry reps
say. But ag employers do hire children with some regularity across the
country, reflecting traditions of offering summer jobs to local kids as well
as U.S. labor rules that allow agriculture, unlike any other industry, to
employ people as young as 12.
<more> June 24, 2010 Capital Press
Lawmakers ask USDA to deny Monsanto GMO alfalfa - - More than 50 U.S.
lawmakers are calling on the U.S. Agriculture Department to keep Monsanto's
biotech alfalfa out of farm fields, despite a Supreme Court ruling this week
that cleared the way for limited planting pending environmental reviews. The
lawmakers said the biotech alfalfa presents too great a risk to conventional
and organic agriculture to ever allow it. "We believe that the broad
regulatory authority available to you has been ignored, in order to justify
deregulation of a biotech crop that has limited utility to anyone except the
manufacturer," the letter addressed to Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack
said.
<more> June 24, 2010 Reuters
Hoard's Dairyman
launches new webs site - - The National Dairy Farm Magazine, Hoard's
Dairyman, has unveiled a new web site as a complement to its print
publication and as a service to readers across the country and globe. The
web site is located at www.hoards.com. The new site will offer expanded
dairy content and easier site navigation for viewers. The new web site
features turn-page technology, allowing digital subscribers to view the most
recent issue of the publication, in addition to any issue of the magazine
since 2000.
<more> June 24, 2010 Hoard’s Dairyman Press Release
Withrow wins
Stanislaus board seat in narrow upset over Lyons - -
It's official: Terry
Withrow won the open seat on the Stanislaus County Board Supervisors,
defeating heavily favored former state Agriculture Secretary Bill Lyons. The
Stanislaus County clerk's office on Wednesday finished counting 1,500
provisional ballots that could have swayed the race. In the end, Withrow had
5,264 votes, or 50.24 percent. Lyons garnered 5,181 votes, or 49.45 percent.
<more> June 24, 2010 Modesto Bee
Is Rubio ineligible for the 16th? - - The Kern County elections office has released a statement confirming Rubio actually lives in the 18th District, not the 16th, where he is running for office. In a statement, the office said the precinct where he lives -- Precinct 595 -- "was created and incorrectly placed by the Elections Office in the 16th State Senate District." "Supervisor Rubio acted in good faith, on information provided by the Elections Office, when he filed as a candidate for the 16th Senate District. We have advised the Secretary of State of this error." <more> June 24, 2010 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Fresno Co. dairies see 34% drop in milk value in
2009 - - A diverse crop mix helped Fresno County keep its title as the
state's top agriculture producer in 2009 -- despite a drought and a down
economy. The county's annual crop report released Tuesday found that
agricultural production value in 2009 was $5.4 billion, down just 4.5% from
the previous year. Fresno County's dairy farmers fared no better than their
counterparts in Kings and Tulare. The value of milk dropped 34.9% to $296
million. And associated feed crops such as hay also tumbled by double
digits. Hay's total value fell 41% to $80 million.
<more> June 23, 2010 Fresno Bee
Dairy antitrust workshop might be most complex,
emotional yet - - Federal officials will gather in Madison, Wis., Friday
for the third of five scheduled national discussions on competition in the
agricultural industry. To date, the joint U.S. Department of Justice and
U.S. Department of Agriculture events have opened doors and heard testimony
on possible antitrust violations within the seed and poultry industries.
But, the focus of the Wisconsin workshop on the complex dairy industry,
combined with the raw emotions of long underpaid producers, might make this
event one of the most revealing of the entire series.
<more> June 23, 2010 The Iowa Independent
Farmers will face industry giants at dairy
workshop - - For dairy farmer Paul Rozwadowski of Stanley, Wis., this
Friday won't begin with the usual chores of milking cows and tending fields.
Instead, Rozwadowski will travel to Madison, Wis., to participate in a
workshop on competition in the dairy industry co-hosted by the Department of
Agriculture and the Department of Justice. The town-hall-style event is a
response to charges from farmers and legislators that giant dairy
cooperatives and processors are crushing small farmers.
<more> June 23, 2010 The Fond du Lac Reporter, WI
State Water Project increases deliveries - -
The California Department of Water Resources says the 2010 State Water
Project allocation is being increased to 50 percent of requested amounts
because of storms late in the spring. “Unusual late season storms that
augmented Northern Sierra snowpack have allowed us to increase our delivery
estimate to 50 percent,” says DWR Director Mark Cowin. Even with a return to
normal precipitation and reservoir levels, and an above normal Sierra
snowpack, State Water Project deliveries will remain limited due to current
restrictions on Delta pumping to protect native fish species, the state
says.
<more> June 23, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Animal care: MFA says veganism is answer; farm
industry says education - - Because we don’t know what’s happening on
today’s farms, going vegan — the forgoing of meat, eggs and dairy products —
is the safest way to ensure animals are being treated humanely and
compassionately. So says the director of investigations for Mercy for
Animals — the pro-vegan animal rights organization that released four weeks
of undercover video in late May, of apparent, intentional abuse to dairy
cattle at a farm in Plain City, Ohio. On the other side of the fence,
farmers from across Ohio, veterinarians and the groups representing them say
they do know what happens on farms — it’s not anything like what’s being
suggested — and they spend each day laboring to do good.
<more> June 23, 2010 Farmanddairy.com
Monsanto refutes CFS ‘victory’ claim- - The
victory claim by the radical environmental group Center for Food Safety (CFS)
in the wake of this week’s U.S. Supreme Court 7-1 ruling on Roundup Ready
alfalfa is a “contortion,” according to Monsanto’s David Snively. In a
conference call with reporters Tuesday, Monsanto’s executive vice president
and general counsel said the high court’s decision reaffirmed Monsanto’s
position, not the proclaimed victory heralded by the Washington, D.C.-based
radical activist group. The CFS said the high court decision did not
immediately clear the way to resume RR alfalfa sales. “That is technically
true,” Snively said. However, Snively said the primary issue in the case was
whether the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service would be
blocked from taking interim measures to allow expanded planting while the
agency prepared its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The high court
said the lower court erred in blocking the sale of the herbicide-resistant
alfalfa in 2007. “That is what this appeal was all about,” Snively said. “We
won that issue very clearly.”
<more> June 23, 2010 Western Farm Press
Influential senator works to suspend greenhouse
gas rule - - As U.S. Senate lawmakers attempt to determine the fate of
energy legislation, an influential Democrat is boosting efforts to suspend a
controversial greenhouse-gas rule passed earlier this year by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. After introducing a bill to impose a
two-year halt on the new EPA rule, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a Democrat from
coal-rich West Virginia, is now working to round up supporters for his
legislation. One Democratic aide said the senator has already corralled
about 52 votes for his bill and will need 60 votes to overcome a possible
filibuster.
<more> June 23, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Blakeslee over Laird in 15th Senate District -
- Assembly Republican Sam Blakeslee of San Luis Obispo edged out Democrat
John Laird of Santa Cruz in the 15th Senate District, but Blakeslee fell
just short of capturing a majority of the vote which means he faces Laird
again in an August runoff. Blakeslee, a former GOP leader of the Assembly,
held the lead throughout the evening and overcame Laird’s strength in Santa
Cruz and Monterey. In Santa Barbara County, Blakeslee beat Laird, a former
Santa Cruz Assemblyman, by better than 2-to-1, and Blakeslee carried Santa
Clara County by a three-point edge. With 100 percent of the precincts
reporting Blakeslee received 64,676 votes, or 49.71 percent, to Laird’s
53,639 votes, or 41.23 percent.
<more> June 23, 2010 Capitol Weekly
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
WUD President Bledsoe to speak at Friday USDA/DOJ
Dairy Workshop - - The USDA and the Department of Justice have announced
the agenda and panelists for the June 25 workshop examining competition in
the dairy industry. The joint public workshop will build on the knowledge
and experience of industry stakeholders, including farmers, processors,
cooperative leaders and academics. This is the third in a series of five
workshops intended to promote dialogue among interested parties and foster
learning with respect to competition and regulatory issues in agriculture.
WUD President Jamie Bledsoe will be one of the members on the producer
panel.
<more> June 22, 2010 USDA Press Release
Supreme Court overturns ban on Monsanto's GMO
alfalfa seeds - - The Supreme Court overturned a lower court's
nationwide ban on genetically modified alfalfa seeds Monday, handing a
victory to Monsanto Co. in a long-running dispute. Monday's 7-1 decision
enables the U.S. Department of Agriculture to complete a study on whether
the alfalfa will harm the environment before deciding on whether to approve
the seeds for planting, a process that could go into next year. The high
court ruled that a federal judge in San Francisco went too far when he
issued an order that overturned the Agriculture Department's decision to
allow some farmers to plant Monsanto's Roundup Ready alfalfa seeds before
the government had completed its full study of the environmental issues. The
plants are resistant to the company's herbicide. An appeals court upheld the
ban.
<more> June 22, 2010 LA Times
Milk Prices Poised To Rebound As U.S. Production
Growth Stabilizes - - A recent upswing in U.S. milk production appears
to be stabilizing, signaling that prices are posed to bounce back after
slumping most of this year, two dairy brokers said. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture, in a June 18 report, said nationwide milk output rose for the
third consecutive month. Still, the report was “slightly bullish” for dairy
markets in light of earlier expectations, brokers Dave Kurzawski and Eric
Meyer said. A few factors may temper production during the second half of
2010, including an upcoming herd-retirement program and the difficulty dairy
producers have obtaining loans to finance expansion, the brokers said in a
report this week.
<more> June 22, 2010 CattleNetwork.com
Financial tools: More farmers look to manage the
boom-bust cycle - - Kings County dairy farmer Dino Giacomazzi is looking
to the future, or more accurately, to the futures market. After weathering
one of the most financially tumultuous years in 2009, he and a growing
number of dairy producers are increasingly turning to commodity futures and
options to try to minimize their risks against the boom-bust effects that
have pummeled the nation’s dairies during the current global recession.
Giacomazzi said he’s been taking classes for the last year and a half to
learn the ins and outs of financial risk management, including how to hedge
his feed costs and milk price through market futures and options, and
forward contracting.
<more> June 22, 2010 Ag Alert
AB 32 suspension vote slated for November ballot
- - Californians heading to the polls in November will vote whether to
derail the state's landmark greenhouse gas emission law. Secretary of State
Debra Bowen announced this afternoon that the measure to suspend Assembly
Bill 32, the 2006 law mandating the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions to
1990 levels by 2020, has qualified for the ballot. Proponents, who needed to
submit at least 435,000 valid voter signatures to make the cut, reached the
threshold for qualifying through the random sample process. The measure,
called the California Jobs Initiative, calls for suspending implementation
of the regulations until the state unemployment rate -- which currently
hovers at about 12 percent -- drops to 5.5 percent for four consecutive
quarters.
<more> June 22, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Q&A With Temple Grandin - Food Safety News
recently sat down with Dr. Temple Grandin to discuss meat production, humane
handling and transparency in the meat industry.
<more> June 22, 2010 Food Safety News
Corn-ethanol improving in energy efficiency, says
USDA report- - USDA’s Chief Economist Joseph Glauber has announced the
publication of a report by the Office of Energy Policy and New Uses that
surveyed corn growers for the year 2005 and ethanol plants in 2008, which
indicates the net energy gain from converting corn to ethanol is improving
in efficiency. The survey asked ethanol producers to respond to questions
about ethanol yield (undenatured) per bushel of corn and energy used in the
plants. The 2008 updates presented in the report recorded the effects of
current practices used by corn producers and ethanol processors.
<more> June 22, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
CA Farm Bureau TV program earns national
recognition - - The weekly television program California Country,
produced by the California Farm Bureau Federation, has been judged the top
program of its type in a national competition. California Country was
recognized as Best Video Program during the American Farm Bureau Federation
Public Relations Awards, presented last week in Madison, Wis. The AFBF
awards program honors communications work by state Farm Bureaus from across
the country.
<more> June 22, 2010 CFBF Press Release
How The You Tube Game Is Played By Animal Activists - - You may have previously viewed the YouTube video called “Truth about Modern Pork Production,” featuring Chris Chinn, a Missouri pork producer. I saw it when it first came out and was relieved to see such a nicely done, informative and accurate piece. However, if you head over to YouTube to check it out today, you’ll get the following message: “This video or group may contain content that is inappropriate for some users, as flagged by the YouTube community.” It goes on to tell you that in order to view the video, you have to verify that you’re over 18 years old. What? You can’t be serious. What inappropriate content? <more> June 22, 2010 TheDairyNetwork.com
Friday, June 18, 2010
May
milk production up 1.3 percent - - Milk production in the 23 major
milk-producing states totaled 15.7 billion pounds during May, up 1.3 percent
from the same month a year earlier. That is another bearish sign, especially
considering that April milk production was also higher -- 1.8 percent on a
year-over-year basis. Wisconsin showed the highest percentage increase in
May at 5.8 percent. California, the nation’s No. 1 milk-producing state, was
up slightly at 0.2 percent. Colorado declined by 6.3 percent.
<more> June 18, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
EPA to Delay Deadline for Spill Control
Regulation of Bulk Milk Tanks- - NMPF commends the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) for taking a sensible approach to regulating dairy
farms under the Spill, Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC)
regulations by pushing back the deadline for farms’ compliance with those
regulations.
<more> June 18, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Bovine
TB found in 4 cows from southern Colorado herd - - State agriculture
officials say four slaughtered dairy cows from a southern Colorado herd have
tested positive for bovine tuberculosis, but none of the meat ever made it
to market. Commercially sold milk is pasteurized, so bacteria would have
been killed. State veterinarian Keith Roehr said Friday there's no reason to
believe any other areas are infected. The Colorado Department of Agriculture
didn't name the dairy, but Roehr says it has about 500 milking cows and
about 200 replacement heifers.
<more> June 18, 2010 AP
EPA again delays decision on ethanol blend increase - -
The EPA will not make a decision on increasing the maximum blend of ethanol
to gasoline from 10 to 15 percent until the fall. Thursday's announcement
represents the second delay, the first occurring last fall when the agency
said it would render a decision this summer. Yesterday, the EPA said initial
tests "look good" and should be completed by the end of September. The
agency, which is awaiting DOE testing of the higher blend on vehicles built
after 2007, has said it will raise the blend as a means of meeting the
Renewable Fuel Standard which requires
refiners to blend 12.9 billion gallons of biofuels this year, including 12
billion gallons of ethanol. The mandate rises to 36 billion gallons, mostly
ethanol, by 2022. June 18, 2010 EPA Notice
Dairyline: Antitrust spotlight turns on dairy June 25 - - The Obama
administration's look into antitrust issues focuses its attention on the
dairy industry June 25. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Attorney General
Eric Holder and Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney are to
participate in what's billed as a "public workshop" to examine competition
and regulatory issues in the dairy industry.
<more> June 18, 2010 Capital Press
Strip-till, no-till corn silage field days set for June 29-30 - - -Four Valley dairies will hold field days June 29-30 to demonstrate strip-till or no-till corn silage planting techniques. The field days are sponsored by the Conservation Tillage Workgroup. Field days will be held at:
Tuesday, June 29, 9 a.m., BarVee Dairy, 3031 N. Washington, Turlock and at 11 a.m., Coreira Family Dairy, 5245 South Highway 33, Santa Nella.
Wednesday, June 30, 9 a.m., Giacomazzi Dairy, 9550 Sixth Avenue, Hanford,
and 11 a.m., Barcellos Farms, 14781 Avenue 152, Tipton. Each field day will
last about one hour. Additional information is available from Jeff Mitchell
at (559) 303-9689
mitchell@uckac.edu June 18, 2010 UC Notice
Valley
ozone deadline may be met early - - The Valley is on course to achieve
the federal ozone standard by 2022 -- two years ahead of schedule if
improvements continue as they have in the past decade, San Joaquin valley
Air Pollution Control District officials said Thursday. There has been a 44%
reduction in violations over the last decade, officials said, crediting
tough rules, industry investments in clean-air technology and cooperation
from the public. At that rate, the standard will be achieved early,
officials said.
<more> June 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
USDA
touts tighter meat industry antitrust rules - - The Obama administration
on Friday proposed new antitrust rules for meat companies that reflect a
willingness by the USDA to shift the balance of power between farmers and
processors and to regulate an industry long dominated by a handful of
corporate giants. The rules would place the sharpest limits on meat
companies since the Great Depression, drastically lowering the bar that
farmers and ranchers must meet to sue companies whom they accuse of
demanding unfairly low prices. The rules would dictate how meatpackers buy
cattle on the open market, and prohibit them from showing preference to big
feedlots rather than buying from small producers.
<more> June 18, 2010 AP
Nonprofit Advocate Carves Out a For-Profit Niche - - Speaking on behalf
of the Center for Consumer Freedom, Richard B. Berman takes no prisoners.
The Humane Society of the United States is his latest target, and his
attacks on the way the organization spends its money have recently appeared
in catchy newspaper advertisements, on bus shelters around Washington and on
a billboard in Times Square. His real objection to the Humane Society,
though, seems to be its campaign for better living conditions for livestock,
which could cost agribusiness millions and which he argues is really aimed
at ending meat consumption. “The Humane Society wants to force us all to be
vegetarians — or vegans,” Mr. Berman said, applying a hefty dose of scorn to
the word “vegan.”
<more> June 18, 2010 NY Times
Williamson Act payment millions less than Tulare County wants - - Tulare County has received just over a $98 payment from the state in reimbursement for giving Williamson Act property-tax breaks to owners of more than 1.1 million acres of farmland and undeveloped land here. That's barely a drop in the bucket considering that last fiscal year, the California Department of Conservation paid the county $3.09 million in reimbursements and $3.4 million was paid the year before that. <more> June 18, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Butter
keeps nudging higher - - Butter has increased 15 of the last 16
sessions; this is the first sale in that time period. Butter producers
report cream supplies are tight and they are trying to secure as much as
they can in anticipation of higher prices down the road. Dairy Market News
reports butter makers are comfortable with current inventories because they
believe stocks will be drawn down in the second half of this year. Retail
butter prices are at their highest level since January of 2009.
<more> June 17, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Hilmar
dairy leader Kimberly Clauss featured on Ag Day TV - - Kimberly Clauss
of Clauss Dairy Farms, Hilmar, is featured this week on Ag Day TV in a
segment titled “Leave a Legacy.” The daughter of Richard and Sharon Clauss
is interviewed about her experiences in a male-dominated industry and says
she sees “an exciting future” for the industry despite current low prices.
She voices optimism about the potential for opening up export markets and
new product development as the path forward for a resurgent industry. To
view the segment, which appears at about the 21-minute mark,
please click here. June 17, 2010 AgWeb.com
Legislators Ask USDA to Up Antibiotics Monitoring - - Senator Dianne
Feinstein (D-CA) and Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) sent a letter to
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday urging the USDA to expand efforts
to gather data on antibiotic use in agriculture and take steps to reduce
usage. "We believe that the USDA has the opportunity and resources to take
additional steps to reduce inappropriate usage of antibiotics on farms,"
reads the letter. "The lack of data regarding agricultural usage of
antibiotics makes it impossible to assess whether or not current usage is
either prudent or responsible."
<more> June 17, 2010 Food Safety News
Stanford Finds Big Benefits From Big Ag - -
Want to know the cheapest way to slow global warming? Invest in agricultural
research. Maybe that is not a revelation to you, but it sure seems to be a
secret to a lot of outspoken folks who think we should go back to a simpler
way of farming — like, with a team of mules. Modern agriculture has become
the whipping boy for all those self-appointed activists who want us to
believe the world would be a far better place if we would just stop planting
corn and eating beef. The theory goes that modern agriculture is a cancer on
the environment because it requires fossil fuels to power equipment and
pesticides and herbicides to control weeds and insects, increases soil
erosion and pollutes the groundwater with chemicals and fertilizer. All of
this activity, we’re told, adds to global warming and the eminent demise of
our little planet.
<more> June 17, 2010 Dairynetwork.com
Sarena Silva named Tulare Dairy Princess;
Barcellos family named Dairy Family of the Year- - Sarena Silva, 17, of
Tulare was crowned the 2010 Dairy Princess on Wednesday during the Tulare
County Dairy Princess Coronation at the Lamp Liter Inn in Visalia. The Dairy
Princess is a tradition in Tulare County dating back to 1985 when Ellie
deJong was crowned. It is sponsored by Tulare County Dairy Women and the
California Milk Advisory Board. They also named the Tom Barcellos family of
Porterville as the Dairy Family of the Year.
<more> June 17, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
Where
does food come from? - - Chocolate milk doesn't come from brown cows.
That's one of the many misconceptions a new exhibit at the Hilmar Cheese
Co.'s Visitor Center hopes to correct among consumers. At the ribbon-cutting
Thursday -- the ribbon stretched appropriately between two green milk cans
-- Hilmar execs, the state secretary of agriculture and others made one
point clear: People need to be educated about where their food comes from
and how it gets from field and farm and ranch to their tables.
<more> June 17, 2010 Merced Sun-Star
North Valley Golf tourney raises funds for WUD
Federal PAC - -
More than 60 golfers gathered at the Diablo
Grande golf
course June 7 in a successful fundraising event for Western
United Dairymen’s Federal Political Action Committee.
The daylong event saw plenty of competition
between the teams. The winning foursome taking home top honors with a score
of 58 was John Mutoza, Jim Futch, John DeRaadt and Tom Dotinga.
Several prizes were awarded, with the grand raffle prize of a
flat screen television
going to
Michael Marsh, who donated it back for a cash contribution to the WUD
Federal PAC. Other winners included: Putting Contest: Jack Passarella Longest Drive: Jason Haelzle Closest to the Pin (hole #4):
Todd Stroup (the winner of Mike Marsh’s
$100) Closest to the Pin (hole #16): Greg Dellis
To view photos from the tourney,
please click here.
Attorney, professor debate protection of smelt fish - - The Pacific Legal Foundation hopes the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will declare federal protections for California's Delta smelt unconstitutional. Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Damien Schiff, in a June 14 debate in Sacramento staged by the conservative Federalist Society, laid out his case, to be argued before the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals later this year. The fish exists only in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and has no commercial value, Schiff said. Therefore the feds cannot regulate it under the Constitution's interstate-commerce provisions, which have formed the basis of the ESA's constitutionality. <more> June 17, 2010 Capital Press
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Dairy air emission rules on Thursday air district
agenda - - Dairy rule amendments are coming up Thursday at the San
Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, and there are some
interesting numbers in the district report. If you didn't know, dairies
apparently are a big source of reactive organic gases -- yeah, you have the
right idea, but maybe the wrong end of the process. Such gases help make
summertime ozone. Until just a few years ago, nobody knew there were more of
these gases coming from the barnyard than the freeway. But the biggest
problem is not cow waste or various animal gaseous releases. It's the feed.
At the meeting, which starts at 9 a.m., the board will be talking about more
rules to control gases from the feed.
<more> June 16, 2010 Fresno Bee
Kings County milk value drops 39% - - Weak
crop prices, a shortage of water and a struggling dairy industry drove Kings
County's overall crop value down 25% last year. The county's crops were
valued at $1.3 billion in 2009, down from $1.7 billion in 2008, according to
the annual crop report released Tuesday. Taking some of the biggest hits
were dairy and field crops. Last year, milk's value fell 39% to $411 million
and alfalfa hay declined by 50% to $51 million. Corn silage's value dropped
54% to $44 million. "When people in the dairy business are having a tough
time, it drives down the prices for other crops as well," Niswander said.
<more> June 16, 2010 Fresno Bee
Grapes displace dairy as San Joaquin County’s No.
1 ag commodity - - Milk, due to a steep decline in prices, gave up its
place as San Joaquin County's most valuable farm commodity in 2009. Grapes,
mostly winegrapes, assumed the top spot for the first time since 2000 with
an estimated value of nearly $285 million, officials said Tuesday. County
dairy farmers saw their milk checks fall more than 37 percent to an
estimated $258 million last year. And the losses spread to related farm
segments, county Agricultural Commissioner Scott Hudson said. Supervisor
Leroy Ornellas, himself a dairy farmer in Tracy, noted countywide milk sales
were down by $155 million from 2008. That's a lot of money that won't be
spent on hay, other cattle feed, pickups and dairy services in the county,
he said.
<more> June 16, 2010 Stockton Record
Milk producers seek to replace federal price
supports - - The most powerful dairy industry organization in the United
States wants to change agricultural safety nets that have been in place for
decades. The National Milk Producers Federation's board of directors said it
would move forward with major changes in federal dairy policies, which it
said have failed to protect producers against market volatility. The board
voted last week to support a plan called Foundation for the Future, which
could change the direction of federal price support programs, said
federation President and Chief Executive Jerry Kozak. The plan proposes to
transition federal financial safety nets into a new Dairy Producer Margin
Protection Program, which would guard against a collapse in producer prices.
It would also establish a Dairy Market Stabilization Program to prevent
imbalances in milk production and demand.
<more> June 16, 2010 LA Times
June Dairy Month Passes Unanimously in the House
- - National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) applauds Congress for
unanimously passing the bipartisan resolution recognizing June as National
Dairy Month last night. Seventy-nine members of the House of Representatives
co-sponsored the resolution introduced by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) on May
18, 2010. Since 1939, June has been celebrated as National Dairy Month,
honoring the important role the dairy industry has played in the economic
and nutritional well-being of Americans.
<more> June 16, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Water diversion report deadline July 1 - -
People who divert surface water in California face a July 1
deadline to report that use for 2009. Failure to do so by the deadline could
result in hefty fines. The new reporting requirement is included in the
package of water bills passed by the Legislature late last year. The intent
of the new law is to better identify the amount of water being used in the
state’s watersheds. Although there are a few reporting exceptions, Danny
Merkley, California Farm Bureau Federation water resources director, said
it’s important for landowners to note that reporting diversions to the State
Water Resources Control Board has been required for decades, but he said “in
the past there were no legal consequences for failure to report. Now, there
are.” Farm Bureau has prepared a detailed guidance document to help members
meet the new reporting requirements. It’s available online at
www.cfbf.com/waterreporting. June 11, 2010 WUD Update
New Zealand Dairy Exports to Surge 58% by 2014,
Ministry Says - - New Zealand dairy exports, which make up a fifth of
the nation’s total overseas trade, are likely to surge 58 percent over the
next four years on rising prices and demand, according to Ministry of
Agriculture forecasts. Dairy exports will rise to NZ$15.67 billion ($10.9
billion) by the year ending June 30, 2014, from an estimated NZ$9.94 billion
in the current year, the government said in its Situation and Outlook for
New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry report today.
<more> June 16, 2010 Bloomberg
China embraces cheese - - Cheese is the
latest western export trying to charm the Chinese taste buds, says a recent
report by Reuters. Dairy is finding a small but secure place in the every
day diets of the Chinese. China’s dairy industry has grown 500 to 600
percent since the 1990s. The increase in consumption of milk and dairy
products is attributed to better living standards, rising incomes and more
product availability. According to the report, in old times rich people
could drink milk. Now milk is part of the daily life and one can purchase
milk at any time and anywhere.
<more> June 16, 2010 Reuters
Striped bass: Delta villains? - - It was 1879
when a Harvard-educated fish scientist took striped bass caught in New
Jersey's Navesink River and poured 132 of them into the Carquinez Strait
near Martinez. 130 years later a growing chorus wants to eradicate the fish,
and no one is more insistent it appears than Stewart Resnick, a Los Angeles
billionaire with vast orchards in Kern County that depend on Delta water.A
water-users coalition run by Resnick's business interests and a handful of
water districts have sued state regulators for fostering striped bass
populations. Because striped bass eat endangered fish, the lawsuit claims,
the state is violating the endangered species law and cutting into the water
supplies of Kern County farmers.
<more> June 16, 2010 InsideBayArea.com
State doles out pennies with Williamson Act funds
-- Local governments have started to see their slice of the Williamson
Act funding pie. But even the biggest checks this year are just a sliver.
Last summer's budget revision resulted in a steep reduction of funding for
the Williamson Act, which provides a property tax break to agricultural
landowners who agree not to develop the property for a certain period of
time. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger cut the funding from roughly $28 million to
just $1,000 with his line-item veto authority. That $1,000 is now being
doled out between 44 counties and three cities, with some receiving checks
for as little as one cent.
<more> June 16, 2010 Sacramento Bee
California farmers push agenda, Capitol Hill
pushes back - - Wish lists met political reality this week, as women
farmers from California carried their ambitious agenda to Capitol Hill.
Spending bills are late; very late. The farmers want a revised Endangered
Species Act. That's going nowhere right now. They want an immigration bill
that includes an agricultural guest-worker program. Things definitely don't
look promising on that front. "We got the message that not much is going to
happen," Fresno County farmer Carol Chandler said Wednesday, when asked
specifically about the guest-worker proposals.
<more> June 16, 2010 McClatchy
Thiesen declares victory in the 16th Senate race
- - Dinuba real estate agent Tim Thiesen has declared victory in the GOP
primary race in the 16h state Senate District. As of Wednesday morning, he
only led Phil Wyman by 292 votes, according to the Secretary of State's
election web site. But Thiesen's campaign says that does not reflect the
latest numbers from county election offices, which they say has them up by
584 votes, with only the Fresno County portion of the district with a large
number of votes outstanding. Thiesen has a 13 percentage-point lead in
Fresno County. "We just don't think there's enough votes out there left
where Mr. Wyman can pick up 600 votes," said Thiesen aide Michael Babowal.
<more> June 16, 2010 Fresno Bee
Villines takes lead in Insurance Commissioner
race - - Assemblyman Mike Villines has taken the lead over attorney
Brian FitzGerald in the Republican race for insurance commissioner. Villines,
a former Assembly Republican Leader, trailed the little-known FitzGerald on
Election Day. But as counties continue to count late absentee and
provisional ballots, Villines now holds a 3,000-vote lead over FitzGerald.
<more> June 16, 2010 Sacramento Bee
AgChat Foundation Announces Farmer-Oriented Social Media Training - - Farmers from even the most remote small towns are engaging life-long city dwellers in stories of their farm through social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. These conversations are at the core of building understanding of agriculture by the 98 percent of Americans not living on the farm. Improving individual effectiveness is the goal of the AgChat Foundation's first training session to help farmers be more effective in telling their personal story. The conference will be held August 30-31 in Chicago. Mid-level social media users are targeted to participate. To apply, go to the foundation's website http://agchat.org. June 16, 2010 AgChat Notice
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monterey Bay Aquarium, we have a problem - -
Discover how the California Milk Advisory Board and Western United Dairymen
collaborated to combat negative messages being spread about dairy at the
Monterey Bay Aquarium.. Earlier this year the Monterey Bay Aquarium in
Monterey, California, opened a new exhibit about climate change. The exhibit
originally encouraged visitors to reduce their consumption of milk and meat
to mitigate climate change and featured a dairy cow statue wearing a gas
mask. On behalf of dairy producers, the California Milk Advisory Board and
Western United Dairymen led an effort to change the exhibit, which resulted
in changes to the exhibit’s message and the removal of the gas mask. Editor
Walt Cooley discusses how the two groups did it.
<more> June 15, 2010 Progressive Dairyman
Water diversion report deadline July 1 - -
People who divert surface water in California face a July 1
deadline to report that use for 2009. Failure to do so by the deadline could
result in hefty fines. The new reporting requirement is included in the
package of water bills passed by the Legislature late last year. The intent
of the new law is to better identify the amount of water being used in the
state’s watersheds. Although there are a few reporting exceptions, Danny
Merkley, California Farm Bureau Federation water resources director, said
it’s important for landowners to note that reporting diversions to the State
Water Resources Control Board has been required for decades, but he said “in
the past there were no legal consequences for failure to report. Now, there
are.” Farm Bureau has prepared a detailed guidance document to help members
meet the new reporting requirements. It’s available online at
www.cfbf.com/waterreporting. June 11, 2010 WUD Update
Advocacy groups trying to pass legislation that
wouldn't allow children to work on farms - - HR 3564, or the Children's
Act for Responsible Employment, also called CARE, currently before Congress,
would eliminate the Fair Labor Standards Act exemption that currently allows
kids 12-17 to work on farms as long as conditions are safe and parents give
their consent. Minors would only be allowed to work on their parents farms
under the direct supervision of one of the parents or other legal
guardians. There are no exceptions allowed for non farm youth for things
like 4-H and other educational programs.
<more> June 15, 2010 FarmProgress.com
School lunch food fight over farm subsidies -
- Rep. George Miller enlisted the help of San Francisco chef Charles Phan as
he proposed legislation Thursday that would spend $8 billion more on school
lunches and other food programs in the next decade, opening a tug-of-war
between farm subsidies and child nutrition as tight budgets force Congress
to choose between the two. The coming fight over funding nutrition programs
will pit Miller, a liberal 18-term Martinez Democrat who chairs the House
Education and Labor Committee, against Collin Peterson, a conservative
Minnesota Democrat who chairs the House Agriculture Committee and is a
champion of federal aid to corn, sugar, dairy, rice and other commodity
crops.
<more> June 15, 2010 SF Chronicle
Intensive farming 'massively slowed' global
warming - - Fertilizers, pesticides and hybrid high-yielding seeds saved
the planet from an extra dose of global warming. That, at least, is the
conclusion of a new analysis which finds that the intensification of farming
through the green revolution has unjustly been blamed for speeding up global
warming. Steven Davis of the Carnegie Institution of Washington in Palo
Alto, California, and colleagues calculated how much greenhouse gases would
have been emitted over the past half-century if the green revolution had not
happened. The study included carbon dioxide and other gases such as methane
emitted by rice paddies. It found that, overall, the intensification of
farming helped keep the equivalent of 600 billion tons of CO2 out of the
atmosphere – roughly a third of all human greenhouse-gas emissions between
1850 and 2005.
<more> June 15, 2010 NewScientist.com
Demand for a ‘sustainable’ dairy industry on the
rise - - Recent market research by the U.S. dairy industry shows that a
growing number of consumers care about the health and environmental impact
of the products they buy. As a result, there is a growing demand for
products made responsibly. This presents an opportunity for dairy to
continue to show how it is producing its products in a sustainable and
environmentally friendly way.
<more> June 15, 2010 Progressive Dairyman
Thiesen still ahead of Wyman in state senate matchup - - Political newcomer Tim Thiesen continued to lead veteran lawmaker and frequent political candidate Phil Wyman in the 16th state Senate District Republican primary Monday. The latest numbers out of the four counties that comprise the 16th District showed 584 votes separated the two out of more than 22,000 ballots counted. Some counties still had ballots left to tally. The 16th District is now represented by state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter. The winner of the GOP primary will face Kern County Supervisor and Democrat Michael Rubio in November. <more> June 15, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Monday, June 14, 2010
New federal policy proposals could damage dairy
industry, says IDFA - - Newly agreed supply management policy in the
dairy sector could hurt industry by encouraging consumption of lower priced
non-dairy foods, the International Dairy Foods Association has said. The
association’s comments come in response to a statement from the National
Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), which has outlined its proposals for US
dairy policy reform in a new document entitled Foundation for the Future.
The NMPF said the changes in federal dairy policies are intended to protect
dairy farmers and “position them more favorably in an increasingly volatile
global marketplace.”
<more> June 14, 2010 FoodNavigator.com
Feds boost west-side water deliveries --
Interior Department officials on Monday again boosted their planned
irrigation water deliveries to the San Joaquin Valley, giving farmers 45% of
their standard allocation. The new allocation is up from a 40% allocation
announced in May. Last year, west-side farmers got just 10%. “This latest
increase in allocation is a result of favorable weather conditions this
spring and better-than-expected pumping conditions in the south Delta,”
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar explained Monday afternoon.
<more> June 14, 2010 Fresno Bee
More water on the west side: What does it mean in
June? - - West-side farmers are getting another 5% increase in water
deliveries, according to a story by Bee Washington reporter Michael Doyle.
They're now getting 45% of their contractual allotment, instead of 40%. So
what does that really mean? It's mid-June. Farmers in Westlands Water
District and other west-side locations are long past making plans for
planting.
<more> June 14, 2010 Fresno Bee
Pasing: Jamie Liebman - - Jamie Liebman, a
biologist who led the EPA Region 9 San Joaquin Valley Dairy Manure
Collaborative in the Agriculture Program, passed away Saturday from an
incurable brain tumor. Kathy Taylor of EPA Region 9 said, “Jamie will
forever be remembered for his tireless dedication, leadership, persistence
and creativity in addressing dairy manure issues in the San Joaquin Valley
of California. In particular, his leadership of the Dairy Manure
Collaborative resulted in significant contributions in helping to utilize
manure as a valuable resource for bedding, soil amendments, fertilizer, and
renewable energy, while reducing emissions to air and protecting water
resources.“ Paul Martin, WUD’s Director of Environmental Services, said,
“Jamie was a regular speaker at the environmental session of the Dairy
Leaders Program. His presentation was always the highest ranked. He worked
hard to understand California dairy farming and he was a role model in the
agency for what an effective EPA staff member should be.” He is survived by
his wife Judith Dunning, and his son, Michael. June 14, 2010 EPA Notice
911 metric tons of cheese Middle East and Asia
bound - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted one bid from
Foremost Farms, two bids from Dairy Farmers of America and five bids from
Darigold on a total of 911 metric tons (2,007,971 pounds) of Cheddar cheese
and Monterey Jack to the Middle East and Asia. The product will be
delivered June through December 2010. Since CWT reactivated the Export
Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making
export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 17,029
metric tons (38.0 million pounds) to 18 countries on four continents.
June 14, 2010 CWT Press Release
Agriculture struggles with lack of young farmers
- - The average age of farmers nationally is 55.3 years old. In
California, it's 56.8 years old, according to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Only one of Perry Tjaarda's four children has committed to
staying on at Tjaarda Dairy, the 3,000-cow dairy operation he and his wife
run in Shafter. Milk prices right now are below the cost of production, so
the family has had to take out loans to cover operating costs. But Tjaarda
is sticking with it and glad at least one of his children plans to do the
same.
<more> June 14, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Disease threatens Japan’s beef trade - - It
is a calamity for this quiet cattle community. A prized black calf born last
fall will soon be killed, part of the mass destruction of livestock in
Japan’s battle against its worst foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in at least
a century. Nobody knows how foot-and-mouth disease came to Miyazaki
Prefecture, home to thousands of small farms that supply the Japanese
gourmet beef market. But the epidemic of the disease, which causes sometimes
fatal fevers and blisters in livestock but very rarely affects humans, has
reached critical levels in the region since it surfaced on April 20.
<more> June 14, 2010 NY Times
Sustainable groundwater in agriculture conference
set -- The latest scientific, management, legal and policy advances for
sustaining groundwater resources in agricultural regions around the world
will be the topics June 15-17 at a San Francisco conference co-organized by
the University of California, Davis. Featured speakers include scientists,
managers and water-policy experts from universities, research foundations,
governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations and consulting firms.
<more> June 14, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Withrow surges past former CDFA Secy Lyons in Stan County supervisors race - - Terry Withrow has pulled ahead of Bill Lyons in their race for an open seat on the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. Withrow, an accountant, was the underdog in the race. Lyons is a farmer and well-connected former state secretary of agriculture. Lyons held a lead Tuesday night when the county clerk-recorder's office released its first results. A new count shows that Withrow has 5,127 votes, or 50.3 percent. Lyons has 5,038 votes, or 49.4 percent. <more> June 14, 2010 Modesto Bee
Friday, June 11, 2010
Milk
production on track for record year - - U.S. dairy producers are
ramping up output sooner and faster than expected following last year’s
price crash, and government forecasters are still playing catch-up. The
USDA in its monthly supply and demand report yesterday boosted projected
milk production for 2010 to a record 190.4 billion pounds, up 200 million
pounds from a May estimate. That marked the 11th consecutive month the USDA
raised its forecast, and signaled that a 2009 dip in milk production
probably will be one-year phenomenon. As recently as February, the USDA
estimated nationwide milk production in 2010 would decline from the 189.3
billion pounds in 2009.
<more> June 11, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Water
diversion report deadline July 1 - - People who divert surface water in
California face a July 1 deadline to report that use for 2009. Failure to do
so by the deadline could result in hefty fines. The new reporting
requirement is included in the package of water bills passed by the
Legislature late last year. The intent of the new law is to better identify
the amount of water being used in the state’s watersheds. Although there are
a few reporting exceptions, Danny Merkley, California Farm Bureau Federation
water resources director, said it’s important for landowners to note that
reporting diversions to the State Water Resources Control Board has been
required for decades, but he said “in the past there were no legal
consequences for failure to report. Now, there are.”
<more> June 10, 2010 Ag Alert
Tulare
County milk value plummets 32% in 2009 but exports shine - - A glance
at the 2009 Tulare County Crop Report released in the past few days shows a
big 19% drop in gross production value - a rear mirror look at the collapse
of milk prices that are so all important in this county .The report’s
biggest damage came in milk - the county’s number one crop dropping 32 %
from the year before. Increasingly milk product exports have gained
traction in 2010 with exports of butter leading the charge says Richard
Cotta CEO of Visalia based California Dairies. ”We’re sold out until
September,” says Cotta.
<more> June 11, 2010 Sierra2Thesea.com
Water
managers weigh implications of court order - - With additional water
flowing into San Luis Reservoir as the result of a court order, how—or
if—that water will be allocated this year has not been decided. At the same
time, reservoirs throughout the state are filling as an improved snowpack
begins to melt. An estimated 200,000 to 300,000 acre-feet of additional
water is being transferred to San Luis Reservoir, after court rulings by
U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger in Fresno. As a result of lawsuits
filed by water agencies, the judge lifted pumping restrictions for salmon.
Negotiations continue among the water districts, government agencies and
environmental organizations to revamp pumping restrictions related to delta
smelt.
<more> June 10, 2010 Ag Alert
E-Verify worker eligibility site gets face-lift - - Federal officials
are hoping that a redesigned Web site used for verifying an employee's work
eligibility will boost the number of businesses using the free service. But
a San Joaquin Valley farm organization says more changes are needed before
agriculture embraces the system known as E-Verify. Bill Wright, a spokesman
for the Department of Homeland Security, said the agency has responded to
businesses concerns and has revamped the free service, making it simpler to
use and more accurate. The changes take effect June 13.
<more> June 11, 2010 Fresno Bee
Valley congressmen demand probe of Delta
pollution - - California’s water regulators should immediately examine
the implications of wastewater discharges flowing from metropolitan
Sacramento into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta, say two Central Valley
congressmen. In a two-page letter to the State Water Resources Control Board
and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, Reps. Dennis
Cardoza, D-Merced, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno, say that recent studies have
pointed to Sacramento wastewater discharges as being a contributing cause
for declines of protected fish populations in the Delta.
<more> June 11, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Animal well being workshops set for Merced, Stanislaus and Kern counties in June - - The second in a series of free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers prepare for a national animal care and well being program gets underway in June. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8 and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24. Click here for the workshop schedule.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
More
milk forecast for 2010 - - 2010 milk production is now forecast at 190.4
billion pounds, up 200 million pounds from last month’s estimate from the
USDA. The forecast was part of the World Agricultural Supply and Demand
Estimate report issued on Thursday. The USDA has been increasing its
production estimates for much of this year due to a slower decline in cow
numbers and stronger growth in milk per cow than originally expected.
<more> June 10, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
NMPF
Overwhelmingly Approves Dairy Policy Reform Package - - The National
Milk Producers Federation’s Board of Directors overwhelmingly agreed today
move forward with a variety of changes in federal dairy policies that will
better protect dairy producers, and position them more favorably in an
increasingly volatile global marketplace. The NMPF Board voted Wednesday to
support the package of concepts contained in the Federation’s approach to
reforming dairy policy entitled “Foundation for the Future.” NMPF President
and CEO Jerry Kozak said that package will be used as the basis for the
future direction of the dairy provisions in the next Farm Bill, or in some
other form of federal legislation that Congress may consider in the future.
<more> June 10, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Resolution to stop EPA greenhouse gas regulation fails- - The Senate
Republican resolution to stop the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas
emissions under the Clean Air Act has failed, mostly along party lines. Six
Democrats, including Senate Ag Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln, voted for the
resolution which failed 47 votes to 53.
<more> June 10, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Modesto dairyman
pushes forward on digester rules - - John Fiscalini said it was a
newspaper article a few years back that sparked his interest in methane
digesters. The article told of coming air and water rules for California's
San Joaquin Valley that would soon result in digesters being required at the
region's dairies. As the state grapples slowly with an effort to
standardize its permitting formula for digesters, Fiscalini is helping to
advance the process. The experience has produced a tenacity, he said -- a
drive to achieve victory over a process that has created rules sometimes in
conflict with one another.
<more> June 10, 2010 Capital Press
CWT
offers export assistance for 750 metric tons of cheese - - Cooperatives
Working Together (CWT) accepted one bid from Dairy Farmers of America and
two bids from Darigold on a total of 1,653,467 pounds (750 metric tons) of
cheddar cheese to the Middle East. The product will be delivered June
through December. Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on
March 18, it has assisted members in making export sales of cheddar cheese
totaling 36.1 million pounds (16,318 metric tons) to 18 countries on four
continents. Figures have been adjusted as a result of a cancellation and
slight adjustments in amounts. June 10, 2010 CWT Press Release
Cows
mooove California students - - Many children in California think the
food they eat actually grows in a grocery store or
brown
cows make chocolate milk. With children increasingly removed from farm
production and agriculture, it may come as no surprise that they understand
so little about where their food comes from. One statewide educational
program aims for this to change. Dairy Council of California’s Mobile Dairy
Classroom brings a live cow to elementary school campuses to give kids a
hands-on lesson on the important role agriculture plays in their lives.
<more> June 10, 2010 California Country
Report
says FDA struggles to keep food safe - - A new report says the Food and
Drug Administration is stretched thin and needs to reorganize to better keep
the nation's food safe. The report released by the Institute of Medicine
and the National Research Council Tuesday says the agency needs to become
more efficient and better target its limited dollars to prevent foodborne
illness outbreaks. The 500-page report says the FDA lacks the vision
necessary to protect consumers.
<more> June 10, 2010 AP
Fiorina v.
Boxer in Mendota: Who wins? - - The debates between Democratic Sen.
Barbara Boxer and Republican challenger Carly Fiorina could take a
distinctly San Joaquin Valley turn, if Fiorina has her way. Fiorina is
challenging Boxer to schedule one of the debates in Mendota, the struggling
Fresno County town where drought and water shortages have driven the
unemployment rate at times to some 40 percent. For Fiorina, the location
would provide a pretty obvious backdrop to discuss the human consequences of
environmental protection priorities often associated with Boxer.
<more> June 10, 2010 Fresno Bee
Rubio's rival in upcoming state Senate a political newcomer - - The
Democrats' pick to run in November's 16th Senate District race was clear
Tuesday night but the Republicans' as close as they come. With 100 percent
of precincts reporting in the GOP primary, political newcomer Tim Thiesen
squeaked by veteran lawmaker Phil Wyman who had 50.5 percent of the vote to
Wyman's 49.5 percent. Just 182 votes separated the two out of 20,000 votes
cast. Kern County Supervisor Michael Rubio was uncontested in the Democratic
primary. He and the Republican winner will seek to replace the terming out
state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, the Senate majority leader.
<more> June 10, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Inexperience, no funding trumps Villines in insurance commissioner race
- - Brian FitzGerald parlayed political inexperience, token funds and a
low-key campaign into a stunning finish in the Republican primary for one of
California's key political offices. The 53-year-old Napa resident topped
former Assembly GOP leader Mike Villines by a razor-thin margin in balloting
for the insurance commissioner nomination after all precincts were counted
Wednesday. Thousands of absentee and provisional ballots remained, however,
meaning the final outcome may not be decided for weeks. FitzGerald led by
only 11,204 votes, less than one percentage point. The winner will face
Democrat Dave Jones on Nov. 2.
<more> June 10, 2010 Fresno Bee
Former
Ohio dairy farm worker pleads not guilty - - A former dairy farm worker
accused of abusing cows in an undercover video has pleaded not guilty to 12
counts of cruelty to animals. An attorney for 25-year-old Billy Joe Gregg
Jr. entered the plea Wednesday, and Gregg appeared on a video conference
Thursday in a separate court to pleaded not guilty to a felony gun charge.
<more> June 10, 2010 AP
FSA
county committee nominations to open - - Agriculture Secretary Tom
Vilsack said today that farmer and rancher candidate nominations will begin
on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county
committees. The nomination period continues through Monday, Aug. 2, 2010,
with the election taking place between Friday, Nov. 5, and the close of
business on Monday, Dec. 6.
<more> June 10, 2010 USDA Press Release
USDA
releases final draft crop insurance agreement - - As part of the
Administration's continuing efforts to reform the Federal crop insurance
program, reduce the Federal deficit, and maximize taxpayer dollars, USDA
today released the final draft of a new crop insurance agreement and
announced that $6 billion in savings has been created through this action.
Two thirds of this savings will go toward paying down the federal deficit,
and the remaining third will support high priority risk management and
conservation programs.
<more> June 10, 2010 Feedstuffs
National Milk Producers elect new board members - - The National Milk Producers Federation has a new Vice Chairman, and three new board members. John Underwood was elected the Third Vice Chairman of NMPF; Underwood is the President and CEO of the Northwest Dairy Association in Seattle, Washington and served on the NMPF Board prior to being elected as an officer of the association. Underwood’s election fills a previously vacant leadership position, and provides NMPF with a full complement of officers representing all milk-producing regions of the country. <more> June 10, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Senate to vote on Murkowski effort to block EPA
greenhouse gas regs - - The Senate is poised to debate Sen. Lisa
Murkowski’s resolution that would block the Environmental Protection Agency
from it attempt to regulate greenhouse gases. A vote is scheduled on
Thursday, June 10, and it is being viewed as a test of Senate support for
the Obama Administration’s effort to use the EPA regulatory process to
bypass the Senate’s slowdown on the cap-and-trade legislation.
<more> June 9, 2010 Feedstuffs
Denham on way to 19th House race victory - -
State Sen. Jeff Denham, who six months ago was poised to seek a state
Assembly seat, now appears to be on his way to winning the Republican
nomination in the 19th Congressional District. With more than 90% of the
precincts reporting just past midnight, Denham had 36.3% of the vote and
former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson was at 30.8%. Left in the campaign dust
and headed to certain defeat is the highest-profile candidate in the race --
former Tracy congressman Richard Pombo. Badly lagging is the fourth
candidate, Fresno City Council Member Larry Westerlund.
<more> June 9, 2010 Fresno Bee
Nunes urges investigation of Denham - -
State Sen. Jeff Denham's victory Tuesday in a congressional primary left a
bad taste in the mouth of at least one potential Republican colleague. Even
as Denham was taking a victory lap after winning the 19th Congressional
District primary, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, said allegations of "serious
illegalities" in Denham's campaign needed to be addressed. Until they are,
Nunes said, he won't support his fellow Republican. "I'm really concerned,"
Nunes said in an interview Wednesday. "There are (allegations of) serious
illegalities that have to be answered."
<more> June 9, 2010 McClatchy
Former CDFA Secretary Lyons captures Stanislaus
County Supervisor seat - - Former CDFA Secretary Bill Lyons Jr. captured
a seta on the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Tuesday in a race that
was much tighter than political pundits had predicted. Lyons captured 51% of
the vote to defeat Terry Withrow for the District 3 seat. Lyon’s margin of
victory was just 196 votes. As of press time, Withrow had not indicated if
he would seek a recount.
<more> June 9, 2010 Modesto Bee
Maldonado wins GOP nomination for lieutenant
governor - - Santa Maria farmer Abel Maldonado, former chair of the
Senate Ag Committee, has won the Republican race for lieutenant governor,
beating Sen. Sam Aanestad. The incumbent by virtue of appointment by Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maldonado jumped to an early lead and never
relinquished it. He had 46 percent of the votes with 48 percent of precincts
statewide reporting. Aanestad garnered 29 percent.
<more> June 9, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Florez beats Parra in the 30th - - - - In the
battle for the 30th Assembly District, the early round went to Fran Florez.
By Wednesday morning with all precincts reporting, she led Pete Parra in the
Democratic primary with 56.6 percent of the vote. That dashed the hope
Nicole Parra had near midnight, insisting her father’s race wasn’t over.
Parra supporters were still watching for updated results from Kings County,
the heart of the district.
<more> June 9, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Costa, Vidak headed to 20th District
congressional wins - - Looks like it'll be incumbent Jim Costa and
challenger Andy Vidak in November's 20th Congressional District final. With
all precincts reporting, Costa, D-Fresno, had 77.8 percent of the vote
compared to water consultant/rancher Steve Haze's 22.2 percent in Tuesday
night's Democratic primary. Vidak, a 44-year-old Hanford cherry farmer, had
71.4 percent of the vote in the Republican primary. Fresno certified public
accountant Richard Lake had 21.4 percent of the vote while Fresno
businessman Serafin Quintanar had 7.2 percent.
<more> June 9, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
Harmer wins Republican primary in 11th
Congressional District - - San Ramon attorney David Harmer pulled away
early Wednesday morning to defeat Clements winegrape grower Brad Goehring in
the four-candidate battle for the 11th Congressional District Republican
primary. Harmer finished with 36 percent of the vote while Goehring had 27
percent. Harmer will face rep. Jerry McNerney in November.
<more> June 9, 2010 Stockton Record
Olsen declares victory in 25th Assembly race
- - Kristin Olsen held the lead in a field of six Republican candidates
hoping to follow Tom Berryhill in the 25th state Assembly District. By early
today, Olsen held a sizable lead with 8,321 votes or 28 percent, followed by
Bill Conrad with 6,119 or 21 percent, Janice Keating with 6,063 or 20
percent, Kurt Vander Weide with 4,710 or 16 percent and Teri Murrison with
2,914 or 10 percent. Because no Democrat filed for the seat, the winner of
the GOP primary is assured to take office. Berryhill, a two-term incumbent,
is attempting to replace Dave Cogdill in the 14th Senate District.
<more> June 9, 2010 Modesto Bee
Villines race too close to call - - Clovis
Republican Mike Villines is trailing unknown Brian FitzGerald in the GOP
race for Insurance Commissioner, according to the Secretary of State’s
Office. As of Tuesday morning, Villnes was trailing by 11,000 votes.
FitzGerald, a state Department of Insurance enforcement lawyer, spent less
than $5,000 on his campaign. Villines, by contrast, has raised more than $1
million, including significant donations from corporations and business
groups.
<more> June 9, 2010 Fresno Bee
Tom Berryhill cruises to victory in 14th Senate
District GOP primary - - Assemblyman Tom Berryhill defeated four
outsiders in a landslide to win the Republican nomination for the 14th
Senate District. Berryhill led the five-way race with 29,798 votes, or 68.9
percent with about 36 percent of votes counted. His lead held to similar
margins in his home turf — Stanislaus County — as well as in Fresno County,
where he faced one of his toughest opponents.
<more> June 9, 2010 Modesto Bee
Senate ag committee chair Lincoln wins narrow
primary victory -- Sen. Blanche Lincoln pushed back against anger on the
left and survived a multi-million-dollar threat to her political career,
winning the runoff for Arkansas' Democratic Senate nomination. Next up is
surviving remaining anger on the right. Lincoln, chairman of the Senate
Agriculture Committee, on Tuesday narrowly defeated Lt. Gov. Bill Halter,
whose bid was fueled by labor unions and liberal activists who had soured on
the two-term incumbent.
<more> June 9, 2010 AP
Election results - - California primary election results are
available on the Secretary of
State's website at
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
North Valley Golf tourney raises funds for WUD Federal PAC - - More than 60 golfers gathered at the Diablo Grande golf course June 7 in a successful fundraising event for Western United Dairymen’s Federal Political Action Committee. The daylong event saw plenty of competition between the teams. The winning foursome taking home top honors with a score of 58 was John Mutoza, Jim Futch, John DeRaadt and Tom Dotinga. Several prizes were awarded, with the grand raffle prize of a flat screen television going to Michael Marsh, who donated it back for a cash contribution to the WUD Federal PAC. Other winners included:
Putting Contest: Jack Passarella
Longest Drive: Jason Haelzle
Closest to the Pin (hole #4): Todd Stroup (the winner of Mike Marsh’s $100)
Closest to the Pin (hole #16): Greg Dellis
Nominations sought for National Dairy Board -
- USDA is currently accepting nominations for 12 seats on the National Dairy
Board. Dairy producer and farm organizations have through June 18th to
nominate candidates. From those nominated, the Secretary of Agriculture will
select the dozen individuals to serve three-year terms on the board. Five
members will be appointed for Region 2 (California) and one member for each
of the remaining seven regions.
<more> June 8, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy may benefit the heart - - Milk may give
you more than just strong bones. A new study published in the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests dairy foods can benefit heart health,
by lowering blood pressure or reducing cholesterol levels. Researchers from
Uppsala University in Sweden measured blood levels of two biomarkers of milk
fat in both heart attack patients and healthy participants. The substances
they tested for, pentadecanoic acid and heptadecanoic acid, indicate how
much dairy fat a person has been eating, according to Reuters.
<more> June 8, 2010 EatDrinkAndBe.org
Key components to animal well-being program now
in Spanish - - Key components of the National Dairy FARM Program:
Farmers Assuring Responsible Management are now available in Spanish. That
announcement was made today during the National Milk Producers Federation
(NMPF) Board of Directors meeting in Alexandria, Virginia where producers
and industry leaders from across the country were provided an update on the
on-farm animal well-being program. Created by NMPF, with support from Dairy
Management Inc. (DMI), the National Dairy FARM Program is a voluntary,
nationwide program designed to bring consistency and uniformity to animal
care through education, on-farm evaluations and objective third-party
verification.
<more> June 8, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Fresh cow website launched by Vance Publishing &
Pfizer Animal Health - - FreshCowInnovationCenter.com is a new hub for
everything fresh cows developed by Cattlenetwork and Dairy Herd Management
magazine in conjunction with Pfizer Animal Health. The new website features
management guidelines and risk factors for fresh cow diseases which
producers can use to identify vulnerable cows and head off early lactation
challenges. The economics associated with each disease are included as well
as a special multi-media section with videos on bovine health by some of the
top veterinarians in the country.
<more> June 8, 2010 Catlenetwork.com
Western agriculture loses ground - - Modern
agriculture in the western states, particularly in California, has long been
considered to be cutting edge. But a new survey by agricultural lender
Rabobank found the West slipping and the Midwest leading in most indicators.
Agriculture remains Kings County's largest private industry, second only to
government employment. From the lowest input costs, to buying land to
purchasing new equipment, farmers in the Midwest emerged from the downturn
last year better off than their western counterparts.
<more> June 8, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Monday, June 7, 2010
What your board of directors is doing on supply management
- - By Jamie Bledsoe, WUD President - -
One of the most complex and contentious issues facing the dairy industry is that
of supply management. I wanted to let you know some of what your trade
association has done and is doing on this issue.
WUD formed an industry task force in 2009 to analyze and review the many
proposals being brought forward to possibly address the industry’s economic
crisis. Many versions of supply management have been put on the table. Our
volunteer task force members have devoted considerable time and energy to
studying these proposals. Noted economists have weighed in with their extensive
analyses.
<more> June 4, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Dairyman does it his whey. Escalon farmer stars
in nationwide TV ad - - Johan "John" Bartelink likes entertaining
visitors to his dairy on Van Allen Road outside Escalon, hosting 1,200 to
1,400 schoolchildren a year and offering tours to other dozens of other
visitors from around the nation and the world. His playful spirit is
featured in one of a new series of television commercials focusing on nine
different California family dairy farms. In the 30-second spot - which can
be found at
www.realcaliforniamilk.com/people - Bartelink squirts milk at
school kids visiting his milking barn, eliciting a burst of squeals and
giggles.
<more> June 7, 2010 Stockton Record
California Puts A Face On Dairy Farmers - -
In the last couple of years TV has portrayed our nation’s livestock farmers
in a bad light with some undercover videos. Those bad apples have painted a
poor image of the rest of the country’s hard-working producers who care for
their animals and care about the food they produce. The California Milk
Advisory Board (CMAP) decided to take the bull by the horns, so to speak,
and show consumers the real lives of California dairy farmers. Recently TV
commercials featuring these dairy producers have been airing. And I like
them very much. Especially the one with young Tyler Regli who plans to be a
5th generation dairy farmer and currently shows cows with his sisters. That
sharp, hard-working young man is our future in the dairy industry.
<more> June 7, 2010 Cattle Network.com
Workers comp benefits to remain flat - - A
drop in the California average weekly wage means no change in some workers'
compensation insurance benefits in 2011, says the California Workers'
Compensation Institute, which provides the data to writers of the mandatory
insurance. The U.S. Department of Labor’s latest data shows California's
state average weekly wage dipped from $984.83 to $979.90 in the 12 months
ending March 31, a decline of about 0.5 percent. As a result, there will be
no change in minimum and maximum temporary total disability and permanent
total disability rates for 2011 work injuries, or in several other workers'
compensation benefits that are tied to increases in the wage number, it
says.
<more> June 7, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
PETA has a deal for Fresno - - PETA wants to
help Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin keep the street lights on. All the mayor
has to do is let PETA hang banners from the city's light poles. PETA would
pay for the space. But the anti-meat banners could upset some ranchers. This
is how PETA describes the banners: "The banners would feature a photo of a
bikini-clad PETA Lettuce Lady and the caption, 'Get Lighter: Go Vegan!'"
<more> June 7, 2010 Fresno Bee
Cattle eyes could detect mad cow - -
According to new research the eyes of cattle may be the answer to developing
a test to detect bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as mad cow
disease. Scientists showed that retinas of sheep infected with scrapie, a
disease similar to Mad Cow, emit a glow when examined with a beam of light
from a special instrument, reports the Science Daily. Study authors
suggest eye tests could be a fast way to diagnose Mad Cow disease or other
neurological diseases before an animal enters the food chain.
<more> June 7, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Sustainable ag practices on the rise - -
According to the new Rabobank U.S. Farm & Ranch Survey, more than 70 percent
of U.S. agricultural producers now report that they have taken a range of
measures on sustainable ag practices – the highest level since the survey
began in 2008. According to the survey, after a small decline in steps taken
toward sustainable Ag in the Rabobank Fall 2009 U.S. Farm & Ranch Survey, 72
percent of all U.S. Ag producers now report that they have taken steps
toward sustainable ag – the highest since the inception of the measurement.
<more> June7, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Animal well being workshops set for Merced, Stanislaus and Kern counties in
June - - The second in a
series of free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers
prepare for a national animal care and well being program gets underway in
June. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program
has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance
Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the
FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what
to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first
is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The
second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will
cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The
workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced
County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8
and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24.
Click here for
the workshop schedule.
Election results - - California primary election results will
be available after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 on the Secretary of
State's website at
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
Friday, June 4, 2010
What
has crisis taught us? - - If humans learn through adversity, dairymen
must have gained a ton of insight in the longest, deepest economic downturn
any of them can remember. Jamie Bledsoe, president of Western United
Dairymen and a Riverdale, Calif., dairyman, said he can't speak for
everyone, but he thinks the biggest lesson is that a severe economic
downturn can happen. The downturn wasn't just a phenomenon in the dairy
industry. The worldwide financial crash was an anomaly, he said. "We knew
we were going to have a supply-demand issue in 2009, but most dairymen,
Americans, didn't know of this financial meltdown at the end of 2008. No one
predicted a downturn of this magnitude for this length of time," he said.
<more> June 4, 2010 Capital Press
Dairies cinch belts tight to survive - - While some dairymen threw in
the towel during the economic crisis that has hit the industry, most stayed
in business. How they survived varied, but overall it was a matter of
tightening already efficient operations. "It's no big secret, you just
spend less money," said Domenic Carinalli, who dairies at Sebastopol, Calif.
"I think everybody backed off on everything." While dairymen still had to
feed cows and treat the sick ones, they cut back on pricier rations, such as
supreme quality hay and grain, labor costs and frequent veterinarian visits,
he said.
<more> June 4, 2010 Capital Press
Why
are U.S. dairies in trouble? - - Across the nation, dairy operations are
going bankrupt as under-pressure farmers point to price manipulation and
poorly designed government programs as chief culprits. A steep drop in milk
prices has left the U.S. dairy industry in precarious shape. Across the
nation, dairy operations are going bankrupt as under-pressure farmers point
to price manipulation and poorly designed government programs as chief
culprits. Minnesota Rep. Collin Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture
Committee, has promised to address the increasingly precarious situation in
the next farm bill. After hearing from many dairy operators during a recent
spate of farm bill-related field hearings, Peterson and colleagues have
plenty to chew on.
<more> June 4, 2010 Western Farm Press
Lawsuit
challenges California water bank deal - -
Water agencies and others filed a
lawsuit Thursday accusing California officials of backing a deal that allows
private companies to control and profit from a massive reservoir built with
public funds to store water for use during dry spells. The complaint filed
in Sacramento Superior Court alleges the state Department of Water Resources
illegally transferred the 32-square-mile Kern Water Bank to a joint-powers
authority controlled by agricultural giant Paramount Farming Co. LLC and
other private entities.
<more> June 4, 2010 AP
UN
urges global move to meat and dairy-free diet - - A global shift towards
a vegan diet is vital to save the world from hunger, fuel poverty and the
worst impacts of climate change, a UN report said today. As the global
population surges towards a predicted 9.1 billion people by 2050, western
tastes for diets rich in meat and dairy products are unsustainable, says the
report from United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) international
panel of sustainable resource management. Agriculture, particularly meat and
dairy products, accounts for 70% of global freshwater consumption, 38% of
the total land use and 19% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, says the
report, which has been launched to coincide with UN World Environment day on
Saturday.
<more> June 4, 2010 London Guardian
Senate
leader Reid pushes to move energy bill in July - - Senate Majority
Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) alerted Senate committee chairmen Thursday that
he plans to move comprehensive energy legislation in July.
Reid asked the chairmen to recommend
legislation to deal with the Gulf oil spill before July 4 so that leaders
can include those ideas in the comprehensive energy package.
Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and
Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), the authors of the Senate’s leading energy and
climate proposal, applauded Reid’s call to action. Reid’s letter did not
specify if the comprehensive energy bill would include language to curb
carbon emissions, a controversial proposal within the Democratic caucus.
<more> June 4, 2010 The Hill.com
Be Prepared for the Heat - - California’s first heat wave of 2010 is
predicted to start in the coming week. Dairies are considered
outdoor
workplaces for purposes of California’s heat stress prevention regulation,
and Cal/OSHA is expected to be conducting sweeps throughout the state. While
in past sweeps, dairies have not been a primary target, the industry
generally remains unprepared with respect to heat stress compliance. Most
inspections to date have focused on harvesting operations of growers and
farm labor contractors, but there is nothing to stop the agency from
inspecting dairies during their sweeps. Most dairies do not have problems
with shade due to barns, and typically have a plumbed water supply for the
workers, but some additional steps should be taken:
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update USDA
and Department of Justice Dairy Workshop June 25 in Wisconsin - - The
USDA and the Department of Justice today announced additional details
regarding the June 25 public workshop in Madison, Wis., which will examine
competition and regulatory issues in the dairy industry. The workshop will
be held in the Union Theater at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
WUD President Jamie Bledsoe has been invited by the Department of Justice to
speak. <more>
June 4, 2010 USDA Press Release
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, Obama discuss illegal immigration - - President
Obama received Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer in the Oval Office on Thursday, but
the two made no progress in bridging the enormous gulf that divides them —
and the country — over illegal immigration and border security. Brewer, who
recently signed a controversial law requiring Arizona police to check the
status of people they lawfully stop and suspect are illegal immigrants,
wants more federal resources — including troops, helicopters, drones and
fences — devoted to controlling her state's border with Mexico. She said she
got no commitments from Obama other than a promise of better communication.
<more> June 4, 2010 LA Times
How to Change the Media's Mind- - Agriculture is a business. The media cover agriculture as a business. That's the bottom line. The question agriculture should ask is how to improve the coverage. Those who want to lash back should ask themselves what good that will do, for if done carelessly there's a risk of drawing an us-versus-them line in the sand and generating even more distrust. Those who want the ag media to stand up more strongly for agriculture should realize that the ag media don't reach the audience that needs to be reached; the ag media talks to agriculture, and we in agriculture have to go beyond taking to ourselves. <more> June 4, 2010 The Progressive Farmer
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Senate
votes to give farm workers overtime pay - - The Senate voted today to
repeal the exemption of farm workers from the state's 69-year-old law
requiring payment of overtime after eight hours of work. The 23-12 vote sent
Senate Bill 1121 by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, to the Assembly, where
approval is also likely. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger would have the last
word.
<more> June 3, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Card check bill approved by Senate - -
The state Senate has approved card check legislation, SB 1474, by Sen.
Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) that would allow unions to be certified as
the representatives of agricultural employees without secret ballot
elections. If a majority of workers sign union authorization cards, the
state would certify the union as their representative. Similar “card check”
bills have previously been approved by the Legislature, only to be vetoed by
Governor Schwarzenegger. The bill was approved by the Senate on a 22-11 vote
and was sent to the Assembly for consideration. June 3, 2010
Dairy
farmers discuss bill to stabilize dairy prices- - With the dairy
industry still reeling from one of the worst price drops in years, dozens of
farmers gathered Wednesday in Tulare to find a potential solution. Nearly
200 dairy operators listened to industry leaders push a legislative fix that
would stabilize dairy prices. The bill, H.R. 5288 by Rep. Jim Costa
(D-Fresno) is intended to get rid of the boom-and-bust cycles of the
industry by creating a system for controlling the flow of milk.
<more> June 3, 2010 Fresno Bee
Milk
storage to be exempt from EPA rule, says IDFA - - According to the
International Dairy Foods Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) will not require milk silos, tanks and other equipment to
comply with the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Rule (SPCC)
when the rule's obligations go into effect in November. It is expected that
EPA will issue a final rule giving a permanent exemption to milk storage
tanks up to 1 million gallons in size soon.
<more> June 3, 2010 IDFA Press Release
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Cost
limits appeal of methane digesters - - As dairy farmers seek to reduce
their operations' greenhouse gas emissions -- not to mention their odor --
anaerobic digesters can be a solution. But there's a catch: They're
expensive. It takes energy and insulation to warm the manure tanks for
creating worthwhile biogas, and specialized equipment and more energy to
clean up the gas so it will burn more easily to generate electricity. "None
of those are very cheap," said Mike Gamroth, an extension dairy specialist
for Oregon State University's department of animal science. "You've got to
have some larger amount of manure to make that economical."
<more> June 3, 2010 Capital Press
Good
news for ag graduates - - A new study suggests good news for college
graduates with agricultural degrees. The study predicts about 54,000
agriculture-related jobs will be created in the U.S. every year between now
and 2015. That includes areas such as food, renewable energy and the
environment. The study was conducted by Purdue University and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
<more> June 3, 2010 AP
UN agency: Eat less
meat, stem global warming - - The United Nations' Environment Program
wants people to eat less meat to help curb the tide of global warming.
UNEP's International Panel for Sustainable Resource Management is planning
to release a report called "Environmental Impacts of Consumption and
Production: Priority Products and Materials." The European Commission, a
UNEP partner, located in Brussels, is tied to the report as well. According
to materials related to the report posted on UNEP's web site, "Current
patterns of production and consumption of both fossil fuels and food are
draining freshwater supplies; triggering losses of economically important
ecosystems such as forests; intensifying disease and death rates and raising
levels of pollution to unsustainable levels.”
<more> June 3, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Animal well being workshops set for Merced, Stanislaus and Kern counties in
June - - The second in a
series of free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers
prepare for a national animal care and well being program gets underway in
June. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program
has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance
Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the
FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what
to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first
is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The
second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will
cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The
workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced
County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8
and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24.
Click here for
the workshop schedule.
Final
CSP rule published, signup extended - - USDA has announced the final
rule for the Conservation Stewardship Program. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack also
announced that the current signup period has been extended to June 25th.
Under the final rules the program retains a number of features including: *
CSP pays participants for conservation performance – the higher the
performance, the higher the payment. * Producers get credit both for
conservation measures they have already implemented and for new measures
they agree to add.
<more> June 3, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Mendota solar farm paves way for Valley - - At 5 megawatts, this 50-acre array of solar panels generating electricity is small potatoes among commercial power plants. But as the first utility-sized solar farm of its kind to make its way from the drawing board onto California's electrical transmission grid, the CalRENEW-1 project dedicated Wednesday in Mendota is expected to blaze a trail for more and larger projects in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. The plant, built by Meridian Energy USA, has been producing power for sale to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. since the end of April. <more> June 3, 2010 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Circuit stays California downer cattle law -
- The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the California law that
bans all non-ambulatory livestock from being harvested in the state to go
into the food supply, pending a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to hear
an appeal of the matter that's been filed by the National Meat Assn. (NMA).
The circuit recently refused to reconsider its decision vacating a lower
court's ruling that the California law pre-empted federal food inspection
law and, therefore, was illegal. NMA has sued on the basis that
non-ambulatory swine may be down because they are fatigued and resting and
not distressed. June 2, 2010 FeedStuffs
CDFA economist named WUD Director of Economic
Analysis - - Annie AcMoody, an agricultural economist for the California
Department of Food and
Agriculture,
has been named as Western United Dairymen’s Director of Economic Analysis.
She replaces Tiffany LaMendola who is leaving WUD to work for the dairy
market research and consulting firms of Blimling Associates Inc. and Roger
W. Blimling, Inc. effective June 14. “We are pleased to have an ag economist
of Annie’s professionalism and knowledge join our team,” said CEO Michael
Marsh. “She has earned high marks for her grasp of the difficult pricing
issues that face the California dairy industry. She will be able to hit the
ground running while working for our members on the many complex economic
issues they face.” She has worked at CDFA since 2007. She was awarded a
Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and Management from
Universite Laval, Quebec, and a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics
from Purdue University. She also studied economics at the University of
London. “I am extremely excited to join Western United Dairymen and I look
forward to serving the dairy families of California in my new role,” said
Annie. “I believe my knowledge of the California milk pricing system through
my position as a state economist will allow me to help carry out my new
position and support producers in these challenging economic times.” Tiffany
had high praise for Annie. "It has been a pleasure to work with Annie in her
role at CDFA,” said Tiffany. “She will bring a great deal of industry
knowledge, strong analytical skills, and enthusiasm to Western United
Dairymen. I am certain our members, staff, and industry stakeholders will
greatly enjoy working with her." June 2, 2010 WUD Press Release
LA Times Editorial: CMAB’s decision to film ads
in New Zealand was a public relations faux pas, but the state Assembly has
overreacted - - Great milk comes from happy cows, and great milk
commercials come from New Zealand. At least according to the California Milk
Advisory Board. In defense of the milk board, no Real California Cows were
used in the New Zealand filming. The premise of the spots is that foreign
bovines are auditioning to become California bovines in an "American
Idol"-style competition. The milk board says it picked Auckland after
soliciting bids from around the world; it was far cheaper to go to New
Zealand than to do the work here. Yet it's unlikely that the financial
savings were worth the public relations cost.
<more> May 27, 2010 LA Times
June
4 Modesto workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications - -
A workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications will be held Friday,
June 4 in Modesto. This hands-on workshop, sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension, will demonstrate practical techniques for measuring and
calculating application rates of dairy lagoon nitrogen. The morning session
will focus on methods that do not require installing a flow meter. After
the industry sponsored lunch, attendees will learn how to select, install
and use flow meters for nutrient management and recordkeeping. There will be
hands-on displays and demonstrations of the different types of flow meters
and manufacturer’s representatives will be on hand to answer your questions.
There is no charge for the workshop however new UC publications on choosing
and installing flow meters and measuring flow will be available for a small
fee to cover printing costs. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated.
The session runs from 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Harvest Hall, Stanislaus
County Ag Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. For more information contact
Marsha Campbell Mathews or Marie at (209) 525-6800. May 21, 2010
UCCE Notice
Ethanol production continues at record pace -
- U.S. ethanol production continues to grow at a record pace, but the supply
is exceeding demand by 24-thousand barrels per day. According to the latest
statistics from the Energy Information Administration, ethanol production in
March averaged more than 847-thousand barrels per day. That’s a 32 percent
increase from March of 2009. Ethanol demand also reached an all-time high
of 823-thousand barrels per day, an increase of 180-thousand from one year
ago.
<more> June 2, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
EPA releases draft pesticide rule; crop
applications not included - - Today the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) proposed its long-awaited draft pesticide ruling stemming from
an April 2009 court decision that found that pesticide discharges to U.S.
waters were pollutants and therefore required a permit. EPA estimates that
the pesticide general permit will affect approximately 35,000 pesticide
applicators nationally that perform approximately half a million pesticide
applications annually. It does not cover terrestrial applications to control
pests on agricultural crops or forest floors. However, the agency’s draft
permit covers the following pesticide uses: (1) mosquito and other flying
insect pest control; (2) aquatic weed and algae control; (3) aquatic
nuisance animal control; and (4) forest canopy pest control.
<more> June 2, 2010 Feed Stuffs
Report finds delta among most vulnerable rivers -
- The river system that makes up the backbone of the state's economy ranks
as one of the most imperiled watersheds in the nation, putting at risk
drinking water for millions of Californians as well as billions of dollars
worth of crops and urban infrastructure, according to an annual report on
the country's most important waterways. The Sacramento-San Joaquin River
Delta, whose fingers extend from the slopes of Mount Shasta in the north to
vast farm fields near Fresno in the south, is "extremely vulnerable to
catastrophic failure" from over-pumping and declining ecosystems, according
to American Rivers, a Washington, D.C., conservation group.
<more> June 2, 2010 SF Chronicle
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Animal well being workshops get underway in June - - The second in a
series of free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers
prepare for a national animal care and well being program gets underway in
June. The national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program
has been endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance
Program (CDQAP) will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the
FARM program works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what
to expect during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first
is Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The
second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will
cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The
workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced
County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8
and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24.
Click here for
the workshop schedule.
CMAB extends kid video application deadline to June 11 - - The CMAB has extended the deadline for entries from California dairy kids to the Real California Dairy Kids Video Contest until June 11. The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is looking for dairy kids willing to share their unique point-of-view in a video they create for the CMAB. How does it work? Your child (or children, group entries are welcome) fills out an application describing their video concept. Each short video segment needs to address a list of questions but that's when the creativity kicks in - they can do so in any way they want: documentary, animation, reenactment. The sky is the limit. Applications will be evaluated based on content and creativity. Selected applicants (up to 20) will be given a Flip video camera, a list of instructions and two months to film their creation. One winning submission will be selected to win a $1,000 college savings bond. All selected applicants get to keep their Flip video camera. Any child of a California dairy producer under the age of 18 is eligible to participate. Please submit your name, the name and age(s) of your child or children, telephone number, mailing address and e-mail address (if available) to news@cmab.net with a subject line of Real California Dairy Kids. June 2, 2010 CMAB Notice
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Governor Schwarzenegger Declares June 2010 Real
California Milk Month - - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today
proclaimed June 2010 as “Real California Milk Month” in the state of
California for the third year in a row. The proclamation honors the efforts
of California’s more than 1,750 dairy families and the California Milk
Advisory Board (CMAB) to keep the state’s dairy industry healthy and strong.
“The official proclamation of June as Real California Milk Month in
California is a special celebration for our dairy families, particularly in
these tough economic times,” said Stan Andre, chief executive officer of the
CMAB.
<more> June 1, 2010 CMAB Press Release
Milk powder prices eased for a second month at
auction - - Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest
dairy exporter, said. Whole milk powder for August delivery fell 0.2 percent
to $4,019 a metric ton, in the Auckland-based company’s latest
GlobalDairyTrade auction. It was the second decline and followed a 24
percent surge in prices to $4,092 a ton, a 21-month high, at the company’s
April auction.
<more> June 1, 2010 Bloomberg
Lincoln announces series of Senate farm bill
hearings - - The Senate Agriculture Committee will begin a series of
hearings on reauthorization of the 2008 Farm Bill on June 30, according to
an announcement today from Chairwoman Blanche Lincoln. The date for the
first hearing is the only one that has been announced. The second hearing
will cover the rural economy, the third will cover conservation and wildlife
habitat; and the fourth will cover energy.
<more> June 1, 2010 Feedstuffs
Massive Police Response to Online Threats Against
Ohio Dairy Farm - - Threats of retaliation against the Central Ohio farm
at the center of an animal cruelty controversy led to a massive police
response Monday, but the threat never materialized into action. About 150
law-enforcement officers from eight counties were prepared for violent
clashes at the Conklin Dairy Farms in Union County, where an employee was
fired last week following the release of an undercover videotape depicting
cow abuse.
<more> June 1, 2010 NBC News
Is milk from grass-fed cows better for you? -
- If milk does the heart good, it might do the heart even more good if it
comes from dairy cows grazed on grass instead of on feedlots, according to a
U.S. study. Earlier studies have shown that cows on a diet of fresh grass
produce milk with five times as much of an unsaturated fat called conjugated
linoleic acid (CLA) than cows fed processed grains. Studies in animals have
suggested that CLAs can protect the heart, and help in weight loss.
<more> May 31, 2010 Reuters
CWT Export Assistance Assists Sales of 191 Tons
- - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted one bid from Foremost
Farms and two bids from Darigold for a total of 191.2 metric tons (421,524
pounds) of Cheddar cheese to the Middle East and Asia. The product will be
delivered in June and July 2010. Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance
program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of
cheddar cheese totaling 15,843 metric tons (34.9 million pounds) to 17
countries on four continents. June 1, 2010 CWT Press Release
Survey reflects division on immigration - -
Judging by the results of a poll by ImmigrationWorksUSA, there are no easy
answers to the issue of immigration for legislators or U.S. voters.
According to the survey, a majority of voters think the United States needs
an overhaul of the immigration system and policies. Slightly more than half
(52 percent) of respondents believe that immigration "hurts the United
States" more than it helps, while 41 percent believe immigration benefits
the country. But when the results are broken down by the respondents’
political bent, race, age, gender, employment and other demographic
categories, clear divisions emerge:
<more> June 1, 2010 ImmigrationWorksUSA
Delta water rivals to work on compromise - -
The federal government and its environmental allies agreed Friday to try to
reach a compromise with water users over the contentious issue of just how
much water should be pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta through
the end of June. Tom Birmingham, general manager of the Westlands Water
District, made the offer on behalf of urban and agricultural water users
during a short hearing before U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger. The
proposal to talk involves pumping restrictions that protect the threatened
delta smelt.
<more> June 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
June
4 Modesto workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications - -
A workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications will be held Friday,
June 4 in Modesto. This hands-on workshop, sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension, will demonstrate practical techniques for measuring and
calculating application rates of dairy lagoon nitrogen. The morning session
will focus on methods that do not require installing a flow meter. After
the industry sponsored lunch, attendees will learn how to select, install
and use flow meters for nutrient management and recordkeeping. There will be
hands-on displays and demonstrations of the different types of flow meters
and manufacturer’s representatives will be on hand to answer your questions.
There is no charge for the workshop however new UC publications on choosing
and installing flow meters and measuring flow will be available for a small
fee to cover printing costs. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated.
The session runs from 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Harvest Hall, Stanislaus
County Ag Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. For more information contact
Marsha Campbell Mathews or Marie at (209) 525-6800. May 21, 2010
UCCE Notice.
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Friday, May 28, 2010
Federal judge hands delta water users second victory - - For the second
time in nine days, a federal judge has handed a victory to urban and
agricultural water users who are seeking to increase pumping levels in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Released late Thursday, U.S. District Judge
Oliver W. Wanger's 126-page decision involving the threatened delta smelt
has many similarities to one issued last week on endangered salmon. As with
the salmon ruling, Wanger found that water officials must consider humans
along with the smelt in limiting use of the delta for irrigation. He also
found that water users made convincing arguments that the federal
government's science didn't prove that increased pumping from the delta
imperiled the smelt.
<more> May 28, 2010 Modesto Bee
Bill
seeks to exempt milk from oil spill prevention plan - - Michigan
Congresswoman Candice Miller has introduced legislation to direct the
Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to change their designation of milk as
an environmental hazard. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA instituted a
program called the Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Program
which directs producers to have an oil spill prevention plan (SPCC plan).
The goal is to prevent oil from entering the navigable waters of the United
States. However, the EPA rule states that because milk contains a certain
percentage of animal fat, which is a non-petroleum oil, it is considered to
be oil for the purposes of the SPCC program and should therefore require a
facility that stores, transfers or uses milk to develop and implement an
SPCC plan.
<more> May 28, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Tougher animal protection bill wins CA assembly approval - - On Monday,
the California Assembly approved Assembly Bill 2012, authored by
Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), which will increase the penalty for
animal neglect from a maximum of six months to up to one year of
incarceration. AB 2012 will also instigate a possible fine of up to $20,000
for animal cruelty and animal neglect offenses.
<more> May 28, 2010 SF Chronicle
House
Passes Revisions to Ohio’s Animal Cruelty Laws - - Months before the
current controversy of alleged animal cruelty by employees of Conklin Dairy
Farms, Rep. Williams and Combs introduced H.B. 55 to revise portions of
Ohio’s animal cruelty law. Yesterday, the Ohio House passed the animal
cruelty bill, which had been introduced last March. H.B. 55 focuses largely
on cruelty to “companion animals,” which includes dogs, cats, and any animal
kept inside a residential dwelling. In regards to cruelty to animals other
than companion animals, H.B. 55 adds a new penalty provision. The penalty
remains a second degree misdemeanor for first offenses, but increases to a
first degree misdemeanor for subsequent violations of the law. Current law
addresses each offense as a second degree misdemeanor.
<more> May
28, 2010 Ohioaglaw
Animal
well being workshops get underway in June - - The second in a series of
free educational workshops designed to help dairy producers prepare for a
national animal care and well being program gets underway in June. The
national Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program has been
endorsed by Dairy CARES. The California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP)
will conduct the educational workshops to discuss how the FARM program
works, how to best prepare for an on-farm evaluation and what to expect
during an evaluation. There are two sets of workshops. The first is
Introduction to the Dairy FARM program and will provide an overview. The
second workshop is Performance Monitoring of Animal Well-Being and will
cover scoring for locomotion, hocks, body condition and hygiene. The
workshops are free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservations are not required. The first workshops get underway in Merced
County on June 3 and June 10, followed by Stanislaus County workshops June 8
and June 22, and Kern County workshops June 23 and June 24.
Click here for
the workshop schedule.
Burn-ban exemptions OK'd -- with bow to Florez - - State air regulators
on Thursday approved exemptions to the Valley's crop-burning ban, but with a
catch -- they will revisit the changes if state Sen. Dean Florez can prove
they aren't needed. At a meeting in San Diego, the state Air Resources Board
by a unanimous vote concurred with a finding by the San Joaquin Valley Air
Pollution Control District that the final phases of the ban need to be
delayed for some crops because alternatives to burning are too costly. But
the state board kept some control over the process by setting a 2012
expiration date, at which time officials said they would reconsider the
exemptions. Regulators said they would act sooner if Florez can prove that
alternatives are indeed feasible.
<more> May 28, 2010 Fresno Bee
Central Valley part of major air pollution research program - The
California Air Resources Board and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration are taking to land, sea and air to address the most
challenging aspects of California’s air quality problem: measuring
greenhouse gases and air pollutants. The $20 million project is employing an
unprecedented number of airplanes, ships and researchers to examine the
nexus between air pollution and climate change. The Central Valley, with its
persistent air pollution, will be a major part of the study.
<more> May 28, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
California Senate bans sports drinks during school hours - - Aiming to
slim down overweight children, California's state senators voted 21-11 today
to ban the sale of sugared sports drinks at public schools during class
hours. Soft drinks are already banned during school hours. But
sugar-sweetened electrolyte replacement beverages -- a.k.a. sports drinks --
are still available and have surged in popularity among kids, said Sen. Alex
Padilla, D-Pacoima, author of Senate Bill 1255.
<more> May 28, 2010 Sacramento Bee
China:
The 800-pound gorilla in the room - - There has been a lot happening in
the protein market over the past year. There has been a dramatic rebuilding
of U.S. and global oilseed stockpiles. Prices are down from 2007-2010 values
though it is unlikely that they will return to the ranges seen from 1998 to
2006, Joel Karlin from Western Milling in Goshen, Calif., told audience
members at the California Animal Nutrition Conference this week.
<more> May 28, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
New
Brochure Available: Cost of Johne’s Disease to a Dairy Herd - - Within
the dairy industry, Johne’s disease isn’t a “it could never happen to my
herd” event. After all, National Animal Health Monitoring Systems research
shows that slightly more than two out of three U.S. dairy operations have
Johne’s disease. The big question then becomes “Once the bacteria known to
cause Johne’s disease—Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis—invade my herd
and my cows are clinically affected, what is it costing my bottom line?” A
new 12-page booklet developed by the National Johne’s Education Initiative
shares facts about Johne’s disease, explains the “iceberg phenomenon” and
provides three ways to calculate the potential cost of Johne’s disease
within a dairy herd. The booklet is free to dairy producers, veterinarians
and others within the dairy industry. To learn more about Johne’s disease or
to obtain your free copy of the new Johne’s disease booklet, go to
www.johnesdisease.org or
call the National Institute for Animal Agriculture at (719) 538-8843.
May 28, 2010 NIAA Press Release
Put
More Nitrogen into Milk, Not Manure - - The more efficient dairy farmers
are in managing nitrogen, the more milk their cows will produce and the less
nitrogen will be wasted in manure and urine, according a study by
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and cooperators. ARS soil
scientist J. Mark Powell at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center in
Madison, Wis., worked with ARS agricultural engineer Clarence Rotz at the
ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit in University
Park, Pa., and Australian colleagues to calculate nitrogen use efficiency
ratings to guide dairy farmers.
<more> May 28, 2010 ARS Press Release
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for dairy water quality projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other agricultural water enhancements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
CWT announces
herd retirement. Bids being accepted May 28 through June 25 - -
After reviewing a number of
economic benchmarks including cull rates and cull cow prices, Cooperatives
Working Together (CWT) announced Thursday that it will conduct a herd
retirement. Bids will be accepted starting Friday, May 28 with a cutoff date
of Friday, June 25. “It is our belief that a herd retirement at this time
will add to the positive momentum already building and should result in
speeding up the milk price recovery already in progress,” said Jerry Kozak,
President and CEO of NMPF, which manages CWT.
<more> May 27, 2010 CWT Press Release
Ohio dairy farm worker charged with animal
cruelty - - A dairy farm worker was charged Wednesday with 12 counts of
cruelty to animals after a welfare group released a video it says shows him
and others beating cows with crowbars and poking them with pitchforks. The
video was recorded in an undercover investigation at Conklin Dairy Farms
Inc., said Mercy For Animals, a not-for-profit group that publicizes what it
calls cruel practices in the dairy, meat and egg industries and promotes a
vegan diet. The video shows workers holding down newborn calves and stomping
on their heads. It shows one worker wiring a cow's nose to a metal bar near
the ground and repeatedly beating it with another bar while it bleeds.
<more> May 27, 2010 AP
Western United Dairymen condemns Ohio dairy cow
abuse video - - Western United Dairymen today strongly condemned an
undercover video in which an Ohio dairy farm worker
is seen beating cows and calves. The worker has been fired by his employer
and was charged Wednesday with 12 counts of cruelty to animals. The video
was recorded in an undercover investigation at Conklin Dairy Farms Inc.,
said Mercy For Animals, a not-for-profit group that publicizes what it calls
cruel practices in the dairy, meat and egg industries and promotes a vegan
diet. The video, released on May 26, shows a worker repeatedly abusing the
livestock. “While viewing this video, I was filled with disgust and anger,”
said WUD President Jamie Bledsoe. “The actions depicted on this video do not
in any way represent the methods used by California dairy families while
caring for their cows. We care deeply about the health and safety of our
cows. Their care is my number one priority not only because a healthy cow
produces high-quality milk but because it is the right thing to do.”
<more> May 27, 2010 WUD Press Release
National Milk issues statement on Ohio dairy
video - - The National Milk Producers Federation has issued the
following statement on the undercover video of animal abuse at an Ohio
dairy: “The dairy industry takes claims about animal mistreatment very
seriously. Any evidence of animal abuse should be taken promptly to the
appropriate state and local authorities whose job it is to investigate those
claims, which has finally happened today with the situation in Ohio. The
video released on May 26 is deeply disturbing and depicts practices that are
absolutely unacceptable. Ohio’s dairy farmers, and those across the rest of
the country, do not countenance this type of treatment. In fact, Ohio’s
animal cruelty laws prohibit acts of unnecessarily or cruelly beating
domestic or livestock animals, and we support a further investigation into
the situation on the farm. On a national level, many farms are now beginning
to adopt the
new National Dairy Farm program’s care standards. Those standards
disavow maliciousstriking or dragging of animals. Responsible animal
stewardship is a good thing for people and cows, and
the FARM program,
developed by NMPF, is designed to promote the best practices in animal care
that consumers have come to expect from the dairy sector.” May 27, 2010
NMPF Press Release
Activist Video Not Representative of Dairy Industry says Ag Alliance- -
The Animal Agriculture Alliance is disturbed by the images of alleged animal
cruelty documented in a video released this week by an animal rights
activist group. The Alliance has long condemned the abuse and mistreatment
of animals raised for food and works to promote animal care guidelines on
all farms across the United States. If an investigation finds the video to
be genuine, we believe that the severest penalties allowed by law should be
imposed on all parties involved, as well as those who failed to stop and
report these actions immediately to the proper authorities.
<more> May 27, 2010 AAA News Release
Agriculture Responds
to Activist Video - - Members of the agriculture community are speaking
out against the mistreatment depicted in a recent video released by an
animal rights activist group while showing support for the farmers and
ranchers that work every day to ensure proper animal welfare standards are
met. Here is a sample of the articles that have been posted recently.
<more> May 28, 2010 Animal Ag Alliance
Animal Ag’s Role In Greenhouse Gas Production Is
June 11 Webinar Topic - - University of California-Davis associate
professor and air quality specialist Frank Mitloehner traces much of the
public confusion over meat and milk’s role in climate change to two
sentences in a 2006 United Nations report, titled "Livestock's Long Shadow."
On June 11, Mitloehner will present his views in the free webinar "Animal
Ag’s Role in Greenhouse Gas Production: A Closer Look.” Rick Stowell,
University of Nebraska Extension specialist focusing on air quality in
animal agriculture, is the moderator. The presentation begins at 1:30 p.m.
Central Time. It is part of eXtension’s Livestock and Poultry Environmental
Learning Center monthly webcast series.
More information about the center, its webcasts and how to participate
is available on the eXtension site.
<more> May 27, 2010 CattleNetwork.com
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Ohio Dairy Responds to Undercover Video - -
The Plain City dairy farm targeted in an undercover video released by Mercy
for Animals (MFA) this week responded swiftly to animal abuses depicted in
the footage. A spokesman for the farm confirmed the employee prominently
featured willfully abusing animals was fired immediately Wednesday morning
following the video's release. "As fourth-generation farmers, our family
takes the care of our cows and calves very seriously," the Conklin statement
said. "We take equally seriously the allegations that have been made about
our farm operation and the mistreatment of our animals."
<more> May 26, 2010 Buckeyeag.com
Ohio dairy latest undercover video source - -
Another undercover video of animal abuse has surfaced, this time it’s an
Ohio dairy farm. The animal rights organization Mercy For Animals released
undercover video shot at the Conklin Dairy Farm near Plain City, Ohio that
quite honestly is disturbing and reaction from around the country, from
farmers and agricultural organizations range from outrage, to disbelief, to
condoning any type of animal abuse. ABN Radio in Ohio is reporting on their
Web site that the employee shown in the video has been terminated.
<more> May 26, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Mercy for Animals goes undercover at an Ohio
dairy farm, obtains graphic video -- An animal activist group based in Ohio
and Illinois has video of "shocking, malicious cruelty to calves and cows"
at a dairy farm just west of Columbus. A news conference is scheduled for 11
a.m. today in Cleveland, where Mercy for Animals Director Nathan Runkle will
discuss the video. An investigator hired by the non-profit group got a job
at the farm and recorded activities there in April and May. The video shows
workers beating cows in the face with crowbars, stabbing them with
pitchforks, breaking their tails, and punching, throwing and kicking calves.
<more> May 26, 2010 Cleveland Plain Dealer
Fresno judge lifts delta pumping restrictions
- - A federal judge in Fresno on Tuesday temporarily lifted Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta pumping restrictions designed to help endangered salmon,
siding with urban and agricultural water users who said the move would not
harm the fish. The order by U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger will be in
place until June 15. For west-side agriculture -- including farmers and
ranchers in the Westlands Water District -- that could mean an extra 200,000
acre-feet of water, said Tom Birmingham, Westlands' general manager. In
real-world terms, he added, it will mean an additional 75,000 acres of
farmland could be put back into production -- and with it more people put to
work.
<more> May 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farmers sue over water for fish - - In
another skirmish in the century-old California war over water, the
California Farm Bureau Federation is suing the state Department of Fish and
Game, saying it exceeded its authority by threatening to restrict irrigation
water that farmers want. The lawsuit, filed in Siskiyou County Superior
Court. says that on three occasions this spring, the Department of Fish and
Game sent letters to farmers and ranchers along the Scott and Shasta rivers
in Northern California, warning them of possible civil and criminal
penalties if they did not notify the department of their water use and
potentially obtain a permit from the agency. That permit, known as a Lake
and Streambed Alteration Agreement, has never before been required for
farmers who use water from the rivers to irrigate crops without actually
altering the riverbed itself, the lawsuit says.
<more> May 26, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Fonterra Likely to Pay Farmers 8.2% More for Milk
-- Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest dairy exporter,
will likely pay New Zealand suppliers 8.2 percent more for milk in 2011
because of rising demand and constrained supply. The company forecast a
payout of NZ$6.60 ($4.43) for each kilogram of milk solids supplied in the
year ending May 31, 2011, up from a forecast NZ$6.10 this year, the
Auckland-based company said today in a statement.
<more> May 25, 2010 Bloomberg
Florez may seek cut in Valley air district's
budget -- Making good on a threat made last week, state Sen. Dean Florez
on Monday asked a legislative committee to withhold some state money from
the Valley air district if it allows exemptions to a farm burning ban. "If
the district acts to reduce air pollution from ag burning, it will continue
to see all of the financial benefits the Legislature provides to air
districts," he said in a letter outlining his proposal to a Senate budget
subcommittee. "If it doesn't, it will no longer be able to count on the
state to subsidize its activities." The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District gets about two-thirds of its $150 million budget from the
state.
<more> May 25, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farm Bureau: Pass tax bill - - The U.S. House
of Representatives is expected to vote soon on legislation that includes a
number of tax provisions vital to farmers and rural America. The American
Farm Bureau Federation is urging the House to pass the “American Jobs and
Closing Tax Loopholes Act.” In a letter sent to members of the House Monday,
AFBF President Bob Stallman called for prompt passage of the bill to
reinstate many tax provisions that expired at the end of 2009. Among these
are extension of tax incentives for biodiesel and renewable diesel,
five-year depreciation for farming business machinery and equipment and a
number of other tax deductions that farmers and ranchers rely on to manage
cash flow.
<more> May 25, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Future California biofuels production - -
Steve Kaffka paints an optimistic picture of the future of California
biofuels production. Weather, water availability, and state and federal
policies, Kaffka says, will help determine if California agriculture one day
serves as a larger biofuels energy producer to help the state achieve a less
petroleum-based, renewable energy future. Kaffka is director of the
California Biomass Collaborative, a statewide association of government,
industry, environmental groups, and educational institutions administered
for the state by UC Davis.
<more> May 25, 2010 Western Farm Press
Here's your chance to win the "Get ready for
grilling” package - - Answer a few easy questions about your beef
checkoff investment and you're automatically entered to win a grilling
package including a stadium blanket, grilling utensils, cooler, potholder,
Chef Richard Chamberlain’s spice rub, beef checkoff cap and instant read
thermometer.
Take the beef checkoff trivia challenge. May 25, 2010 Beef Checkoff
notice
New food-safety rules threaten small, organic
farms - - Tom Willey is so concerned about food safety he is willing to
bet the farm on it. Literally. Willey and his wife, Densesse, own an organic
farm just outside of Madera in the central San Joaquin Valley, where they
grow lettuce, carrots, cabbage and nearly 50 other hand-harvested
vegetables. They supply 800 local families and West Coast retailers with a
year-round supply of fresh produce. But in the last three years, a dark
cloud has gathered over Willey's farm. He and other organic farmers say
stricter food-safety regulations, developed after a cluster of outbreaks of
bacterial contamination in spinach and lettuce in 2006, threaten the
principles upon which their farms are based.
<more> May 25, 2010 San Jose Mercury News
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for
funding for nutrient
management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central
Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management
infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to
address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP).
The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to
assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered
with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy
producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy
producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement
activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and
ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the
funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations.
Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing
Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP
funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and
applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
2009 leaders honored with JFK Profile in Courage Award - - The four legislative leaders who hammered out the February 2009 budget deal were honored with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award this morning. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation selected Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, former Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, former Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill and former Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines for showing courage in reaching a deal to close a $40 billion budget deficit in February 2009. <more> May 25, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Monday, May 24, 2010
Flap over California 'Happy Cows' ad sparks
Assembly vote - - The message is clear: Never again should a California
Happy Cows commercial be filmed in New Zealand. The Assembly voted Monday to
require that California state agencies, commissions or departments shoot
commercials inside the Golden State if they are promoting California
products with public funds. Assemblyman Ted Lieu proposed the bill, Assembly
Bill 1778, after the California Milk Advisory Board sent a production crew
to New Zealand to film 10 commercials that claim California cows are happy.
On the Assembly floor Monday, Lieu, a Torrance Democrat, said such
promotional funds "should be spent in California to employ California
workers, support the economy and provide jobs." AB 1778 is sponsored by the
California Teamsters Public Affairs Council and has no formal opposition.
The bill passed the Assembly by the bare-minimum number of votes required,
41-13, with no GOP support. It now goes to the Senate.
<more> May 24, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Watchdog website to be shut down if HSUS donates
50% of its revenues to shelter- - A
full-page ad in this morning's Washington Post highlights the failure
of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to donate a significant
portion of the public's donations to America's underfunded dog and cat
shelters. And the sponsor of the ad, the nonprofit Center for Consumer
Freedom (CCF), is pledging to shut down its popular HumaneWatch.org website
if HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle donates just 50 percent of his group's income to
hands-on pet shelters in the United States. In February, HumaneWatch exposed
HSUS's practice of giving less than half of one percent of its budget to dog
and cat shelters.
<more> May 24, 2010 Center for Consumer Freedom news release
Organic milk sales increase - - Ag Marketing
Service reports Organic fat-reduced milk sales in March were 114 million
pounds up 3.6 percent from March of 2009. For the first quarter of the year,
fat-reduced organic sales totaled 315 million pounds, up 2.4 percent
compared to the first three months of 2009. Organic Whole Milk sales in
March were 34 million pounds, up 3.5 percent compared to March of 2009.
Year-to-date organic whole milk sales are up 3.7 percent at 96 million
pounds for the first three months of the year. AMS says organic milk
production is increasing seasonally providing more milk for other organic
dairy products. Organic yogurt and ice cream are the fastest-growing
products.
<more> May 24, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
State ag board looks at renewal energy issues
Wednesday - - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will
discuss renewable energy technology at its May 26 in Sacramento . The
meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California
Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street –Main Auditorium,
Sacramento. “California farms and ranches can no longer be seen as just
being suppliers of food, fiber and forage,” said CDFA Secretary A.G.
Kawamura. “Renewable energy technology, with scalability and alignment,
offers solutions and exciting opportunities for on-farm energy production. “
The state board will hear from a variety of renewable energy companies,
local and regional government agencies, and farmers who have implemented
green energy technologies on their farming operation. Speakers include
Casey Houweling, Houweling’s Hothouse Group; Professor Scott Samuelsen,
National Fuel Research Center and Pamela Creedon, Center Valley Regional
Water Quality Control Board. May 24, 2010 CDFA Press Release
Soda tax uncaps a fight - - Makers and
sellers of soda and other sweet drinks have intensified a fight against
proposed taxes on their products, as a growing number of cities and states
are weighing the measures to help fill depleted coffers. A soft-drink
bottler offered what it called a $10 million good-will-gesture donation for
health and recreation programs in Philadelphia, as city officials there
considered a proposal for an excise tax to help plug a budget hole and fight
obesity. The tax, proposed by Philadelphia's Democratic Mayor Michael
Nutter, would amount to two cents an ounce on soda and other sweet drinks.
Industry officials are also considering trying to organize a referendum in
Washington state to repeal a three-year excise tax on carbonated beverages
of two cents on every 12 ounces. The moves come as officials in at least 20
cities and states have proposed new taxes or the removal of tax exemptions
on non-alcoholic beverages so far this year.
<more> May 24, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Ecologist who wrote delta report dismissed --
A University of Maryland scientist who published a paper this week
concluding that ammonium-laden waste-water discharges from Sacramento are at
the root of the delta's ecological demise has been dismissed from a
prestigious panel of scientists studying the decline. Patricia Glibert, a
respected ecologist, determined that increases in ammonium downstream of the
Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District's sewage treatment plant
fundamentally altered the kinds of plankton that thrive in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and that change rippled up the food web
in ways that led to the decline of native fish. Glibert was asked to resign
Thursday from a panel assembled by the National Academy of Sciences because
the paper laid down firm conclusions while the committee is still trying to
work through the delta's problems.
<more> May 24, 2010 Contra Costa Times
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Friday, May 21, 2010
New TV
ad campaign puts face on California dairy families - - California dairy
producers, including several members of Western United Dairymen, will soon
appear on a television near you with the debut of the California Milk
Advisory Board’s (CMAB) “Family Farms” advertising campaign. The campaign
features nine 30-second commercials featuring real California dairy families
sharing their personal stories and love for dairy farming. The campaign also
will include an online element that draws consumers to the
www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com site. The commercials can be viewed online and will
be available at www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com along with twenty Real California
Dairy Families documentaries and three video companion pieces – on
sustainability, cow comfort practices and dairy in California.
<more> May 21, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
NRCS,
California dairies invest $12 million in water quality practices - -
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Bill conservation
programs will invest approximately $11.8 million in 2010 for contracts with
California dairy and other livestock farmers to implement conservation
practices that will help them comply with regulations, manage and use the
manure from their animals to fertilize their crops and improve water
quality. "Manure that is applied in proper concentration and at the proper
time is taken up and used by crops," said Ed Burton, State Conservationist
for NRCS California State Office. "Nitrogen and other nutrients can be put
to work so they cannot wash or percolate into water and become pollutants."
<more> May 21, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Cheese
prices and stocks move higher - - The cheese market continued its slow,
steady climb for the week as demand seems to be pretty solid ahead of the
Memorial Day weekend. Barrels on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange gained 6
cents for the week and blocks were 3.75 cents higher than last Friday. The
monthly Cold Storage Report from the National Ag Statistics Service shows
cheese stocks continue to build.
<more> May 21, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
State Water
Project increases allocations to 45% - -
The California Department of
Water Resources announced Friday it is increasing its final 2010 State Water
Project allocation to 45 percent of requested amounts, thanks to late season
storms. The 45 percent allocation, although an increase from the 5 percent
originally estimated for this year, will still leave many communities, farms
and businesses with limited alternative supplies, DWR predicts.
<more> May 21, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
June
4 Modesto workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications - -
A workshop on measuring lagoon nutrient applications will be held Friday,
June 4 in Modesto. This hands-on workshop, sponsored by UC Cooperative
Extension, will demonstrate practical techniques for measuring and
calculating application rates of dairy lagoon nitrogen. The morning session
will focus on methods that do not require installing a flow meter. After
the industry sponsored lunch, attendees will learn how to select, install
and use flow meters for nutrient management and recordkeeping. There will be
hands-on displays and demonstrations of the different types of flow meters
and manufacturer’s representatives will be on hand to answer your questions.
There is no charge for the workshop however new UC publications on choosing
and installing flow meters and measuring flow will be available for a small
fee to cover printing costs. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated.
The session runs from 10:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. in Harvest Hall, Stanislaus
County Ag Center, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto. For more information contact
Marsha Campbell Mathews or Marie at (209) 525-6800. May 21, 2010
UCCE Notice.
Is raw milk better?
- - Raw milk is on the legislative agenda of a number of states these days.
And a seemingly increasing segment of consumers have been clamoring for
access to unpasteurized products. However, raw milk can also be accompanied
by health risks, as evidenced by a slew of news stories in recent weeks
about food-borne illnesses linked to unpasteurized milk consumption. The
issue has several interrelated facets, and where you stand generally comes
down to taste, health or consumer choice.
<more> May 21, 2010 AgriTalk
CWT Export Assistance assists sales of 108 tons - -Cooperatives
Working Together (CWT) this week accepted one bid from Darigold and one bid
from Land O’Lakes for export assistance on a total of 108.4 metric tons
(239,000 pounds) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to the Middle East and
Asia. The product will be delivered in June and July 2010. Since CWT
reactivated the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted
members in making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 15,652 metric tons
(34.5 million pounds) to 17 countries on four continents. May 21, 2010
CWT Press Release
Fonterra eyes massive organic growth by 2014 - - Fonterra says it
expects its organic business - selling the milk from 20,000 cows certified
as organic livestock - to surge by 140 percent over the next five years on
the back of burgeoning global demand for organic dairy ingredients. "Dairy
is the fastest-growing category in the international organic market, and
having seen 60 percent growth over the past two years we are well placed to
build on this," said Fonterra's organic global category manager Rick Carmont.
<more> May 21, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
International skimmed milk powder contracts launch Monday - - CME Group
will launch trading in international skimmed milk powder futures and options
contracts on Monday, as the Chicago-based exchange operator and others angle
for a piece of a $6.7 billion global market. The CME’s contracts will
provide the dairy industry its first international risk-management tools
following wide swings in milk powder prices in recent years, the exchange
said. “As price volatility increased over the past several years, the need
has grown for a skim milk powder futures contract to help industry
participants better manage their risk,” said John Harangody, the CME’s
director of commodity products.
<more> May 21, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
New
Zealand's dairy growth set for sharp slowdown - - The rocketing pace of
milk production growth in New Zealand, the world's biggest dairy exporter,
is to decline sharply as red tape and weighty debts curb farmers'
willingness to invest. New Zealand's milk production has grown by an average
of 4.6% a year over the past two decades, lifted by productivity
improvements and doubling to 4.4m head in the country's cow herd. However,
analysts believe the growth rate will slow to 2-3% in the "near-to-medium
term", curbed by financial and regulatory hurdles, the US Department of
Agriculture's Wellington bureau said in a report.
<more> May 21, 2010 Agrimoney.com
Farmers, conservative groups cheer water ruling - - Valley farming
interests and conservative political groups Wednesday hailed a court ruling
that questions pumping restrictions to Valley farmers. Judge Oliver Wanger
ruled Tuesday in Fresno's U.S. District Court that the federal government
did not form an adequate plan when it restricted pumping from the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to farms and urban residents in Central
and Southern California. Wanger had planned to rule Wednesday on possibly
lifting pumping restrictions on a temporary basis, but delayed any decision
until early next week.
<more> May 21, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Air
board OKs ag burns; Florez threatens funds - - Grape and citrus growers
Thursday got a reprieve from a farm burning ban that takes effect June 1,
but millions of dollars in state funding for Valley air quality may now be
at risk. State Sen. Dean Florez threatened to start a campaign to cut off
funds for the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District if the
agency went ahead with plans to let certain growers continue burning farm
waste. Florez wrote the 2003 law requiring the practice to end this year.
<more> May 21, 2010 Fresno Bee
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Second Meeting
of Dairy Industry Advisory Committee June 3-4
- – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the second
meeting of the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee will be June 3-4 at USDA
headquarters in Washington, D.C., in room 104-A of the Jamie L. Whitten
Building. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is
to discuss farm milk price volatility and dairy farmer profitability, review
current USDA programs and federal dairy policy, hear proposals from dairy
industry groups and hear comments from the public. The public can submit
written comments for the committee's consideration and find additional
information on the committee website at
www.fsa.usda.gov/diac. May
20, 2010 USDA Press Release
Arkansas Senate
race pits California's farmers vs. its liberals- -
California farmers are going far
afield to help re-elect the chair of their favorite Senate committee. The
state's citrus, raisin, almond and peach producers, among others, have been
steering thousands of dollars to embattled Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln
of Arkansas. Lincoln chairs the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Committee, and is fighting for her political life. But Lincoln's Democratic
primary challenger, too, has been tapping California's deep pockets.
Consequently, distant Arkansas has become an unlikely arena for a proxy
contest between Central Valley farm interests and San Francisco Bay Area
liberals.
<more> May 20, 2010 McClatchy Newspapers
Florez
fumes at air district for exempt ag burns - - Valley air officials want
to allow some agricultural waste burning beyond the June 1 deadline for
permanently ending the practice. Alternatives are too expensive for some
farmers, air leaders say. But state Sen. Dean Florez, who wrote the 2003 law
phasing out farm burning, says the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control
District is inflating the costs and giving some farmers a free pass. Florez
said he will ask the district board today to delay the exemptions -- which
are allowed under the law -- so he can schedule a Senate Agriculture
Committee hearing on the district's analysis.
<more> May 20, 2010 Fresno Bee
Farmers hail water ruling - - Irrigators are hailing a ruling by a
federal judge that says the National Marine Fisheries Service needs better
science to support pumping reductions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
as a means of helping salmon populations. Farm interests see the ruling as a
validation of arguments that irrigators have been making for months and say
it could impact a similar lawsuit concerning the protected Delta smelt,
which the same judge is hearing in the next few weeks.
<more> May 20, 2010 Capital Press
NRCS funds available for on-farm energy audits -
- USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced funding
is available for individual on-farm energy audits designed to save both
money and energy when fully implemented. California is one of 29 states
receiving funding for on-farm energy audits in fiscal year 2010 through the
2008 Farm Bill’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). As much as
$225,000 is available in California to assist up to 150 farmers and ranchers
with audits. The energy audits will be individually tailored to assess each
farm’s primary energy uses such as milk cooling, irrigation pumping, heating
and cooling of livestock production facilities, manure collection and
transfer, grain drying and other similar on-farm activities. NRCS California
will pay for the initial audits and the associated Agricultural Energy
Management Plan (AgEMP). The AgEMP provides producers a roadmap for future
implementation of energy-efficient practices. Applications are due at local
NRCS offices on or before June 18, 2010. Funding is available on a
first-come, first-serve basis. If approved for funding, producers will be
asked to select an NRCS-certified local Technical Service Provider, or
contractor, to perform the audit and develop the AgEMP. For more
information, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit
www.nrcs.ca.usda.gov/programs.
May 20, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Kerry-Lieberman Bill Uses 'Fewer Buckets' in Giving Out Highly Prized
Allowances - - The Senate climate and energy bill unveiled Wednesday
takes a fresh stab at how to distribute hundreds of billions of dollars in
emission allowances among carbon-heavy industries and a variety of other
highly touted interests. Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Joe Lieberman
(I-Conn.) claim their legislation's approach is the most efficient effort
yet at slicing and dicing up who gets the valuable credits, no easy task
given competing demands from everyone from power companies to Big Oil,
highway builders, environmentalists and religious leaders.
<more> May 20, 2010 NY Times
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
June 1 deadline for funding for nutrient management projects - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ruling may increase water for Southern
California, San Joaquin Valley - - More water may be headed to the
Southland and the San Joaquin Valley after a judge concluded Tuesday that a
federal agency acted arbitrarily when it imposed pumping limits to protect
migrating salmon and steelhead. The decision by U.S. District Court Judge
Oliver W. Wanger is the latest development in a tangle of legal challenges
to restrictions based on the Endangered Species Act that are cutting water
exports from the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta, east of San Francisco. Wanger
sharply criticized some of the scientific rationale for the pumping curbs,
but stopped short of jettisoning them, saying he needed more information
before deciding on a cure. The 134-page decision gave something to both
sides in the pumping wars, which have grown more intense with the state's
recent drought.
<more> May 19, 2010 LA Times
CMAB Spotlights Family Dairy Farms in New
Commercials --California dairy producers will soon appear on a
television near you with the debut of the California Milk Advisory Board’s (CMAB)
“Family Farms” advertising campaign. The campaign features nine 30-second
commercials featuring real California dairy families sharing their personal
stories and love for dairy farming. The campaign also will include an online
element that draws consumers to the RealCaliforniaMilk.com site. “In
California, 99 percent of our dairies are family farms. This heritage comes
through in the care they take with their animals and in preserving the
family farm for future generations. You can sense the real, personal
connection that is made with each family when you view these commercials.”
The commercials, produced by the CMAB, begin airing nationally on May 24 and
are an extension of the Real California Dairy Families documentary series
originally produced by Deutsch LA in 2009 to give consumers a clearer
understanding of where dairy products come from and showcase the people who
produce them. The unscripted documentary videos have received hundreds of
thousands of viewings since they debuted on the RealCaliforniaMilk.com site.
<more> May 19, 2010 CMAB Press Release
One Moos and One Hums, but They Could Help Power
Google - - Hey diddle diddle. Guess what the cow has done this time?
America’s dairy farmers could soon find themselves in the computer business,
with the manure from their cows possibly powering the vast data centers of
companies like Google and Microsoft. While not immediately intuitive, the
idea plays on two trends: the building of computing centers in more rural
locales, and dairy farmers’ efforts to deal with cattle waste by turning it
into fuel. With the right skills, a dairy farmer could rent out land and
power to technology companies and recoup an investment in the waste-to-fuel
systems within two years, Hewlett-Packard engineers say in a research paper
to be made public on Wednesday. According to H.P.’s calculations, 10,000
cows could fuel a one-megawatt data center, which would be the equivalent of
a small computing center used by a bank.
<more> May 19, 2010 NY Times
Wisconsin raw milk bill vetoed - - Wisconsin
Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed Senate Bill 434, legislation authorizing the sale of
raw, unpasteurized milk at dairy farms. The veto was praised by the health
and farmer groups including the Dairy Business Assn., Wisconsin Cheese
Makers Assn., and the Wisconsin Veterinary Medicine Assn. In an
unprecedented moment last week, Wisconsin's dairy farmers and health care
professionals stood united against the commercial sale of raw milk in
Wisconsin given recent Center for Disease Control reports that consumption
of raw can cause serious illness or death.
<more> May 19, 2010 Feedstuffs.com
NMPF and IDFA Thank Wisconsin Gov. Doyle for
Vetoing Raw Milk Bill - - National dairy organizations thanked Wisconsin
Gov. Jim Doyle today for vetoing a state bill that would have allowed raw
milk sales direct to consumers in that state, saying that his action
“demonstrates a commitment to health and safety,” according to the National
Milk Producers Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association.
<more> May 19, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Calgren launches ethanol plant in Pixley - -
Calgren Renewable Fuels completed start-up of its 55-million-gallon corn
ethanol plant in Pixley, Calif., Biofuels Digest said, now using an
ultra-low nitrous oxide gas turbine generator that can produce about 5,800
kilowatts of electricity and process steam. Biofuels Digest said the
technology results in a 20 percent to 25 percent reduction of steam
consumption compared to the industry norm. The Calgren plant also will
produce up to 400,000 tons of dried distillers grains. May 19, 2010
Biofuels Digest
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Fish ruling in Fresno sides with farmers - -
A federal judge in Fresno ruled today that people matter as much as fish,
siding with farm and urban water agencies fighting water cutbacks from
Northern California. U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger said federal agencies
did not comply with environmental law in protection plans for winter- and
spring-run chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead, green sturgeon and a
population of killer whales.
<more> May 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
U.S. milk production up 1.5% in April - -
Total milk production in the United States in April was 16.135 billion
pounds, 1.5 percent more than a year ago. Production per cow increased 61
pounds to average 1,801 while the dairy herd slipped 186,000 cows to 9.096
million head. California milk production held steady in April at 3.43
billion pounds. The Golden State dairy herd declined 69,000 head to 1.752
million cows but production per cow jumped 75 pounds to average 1,960.
<more> May 18, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy Farmer, FDA Score Points in Raw Milk Case
- - A California raw milk dairy farmer has managed to fend off the federal
government's legal attempt to put him and his dairy under tighter scrutiny
through strategies such as unannounced inspections. But in the same case,
the federal court, Eastern District of California, in its recent April 20
decision (pdf), granted the federal Food and Drug Administration's motion
for summary judgment, which prohibits the dairyman, Mark McAfee; his dairy,
Organic Pastures Dairy Company; and others associated with the dairy from
delivering or introducing raw milk or raw milk products in any
form--including raw milk labeled at pet food--across state lines.
<more> May 18, 2010 Food Safety News
Sonoma county dairy value drops 33% - - The
value of Sonoma County’s crops and livestock surged 12 percent last year,
driven primarily by an increase in the value of the county’s wine grape
crop, according to the 2009 Sonoma County Agricultural Crop Report. Dairy
took one of the sharpest hits, declining 33 percent in value as the unit
price of milk declined 33 percent, from $18 per hundred weight of milk to
$12.
<more> May 18, 2010 Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Two studies blame Delta fish decline on
wastewater -- Two new studies point to Sacramento's wastewater as the
culprit behind declining fish populations in the Delta. The studies -- one
partly funded by water users -- likely will intensify pressure on the region
to upgrade its sewage treatment, which could cost ratepayers $1 billion.
Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District already is engaged in a
pitched battle with dozens of urban and rural water agencies that depend on
water from the Delta. The question: Is sewage or water diversions to blame
for the decline of fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta? On Monday,
Patricia Glibert of the University of Maryland said the Delta's
environmental problems are more likely tied to wastewater pollution than to
water diversions.
<more> May 18, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Nutrient Management Plan implementation field day
May 26 - - Make plans today to attend the Nutrient Management Plan (NMP)
Implementation Field Day on May 26. You will get firsthand experience in
understanding your NMP and using your flow meter to meet crop nutrient needs
and water quality regulations. This workshop will be held at Wyeth Dairy,
7319 Beckwith Road in Modesto beginning at 10 a.m. To register for this
workshop or more information, contact Joe Choperena at
jchoperena@suscon.org or
call (415) 977-0380 ext. 320. May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly News Update
Dean Florez: No free pass on ag burning - - For
nearly 60 years, California agriculture was handed a free pass to pollute
the air. Even as the San Joaquin Valley emerged as the smoggiest region in
the nation, farmers continued to enjoy a special status, burning their
uprooted trees and vines in big bonfires and plowing their fields into great
clouds of dust. Agriculture's exemption from air pollution laws was supposed
to end in 2003. I know because I wrote the legislation banning open field
burning and other arcane farm practices that were making our air even more
intolerable to breathe. Farmers were given plenty of time -- until June 2010
-- to wean themselves from burning. But now on the eve of this deadline,
our local air pollution control district is pulling a fast one. At the
behest of the most reactionary members of the farm lobby, the air district
is ignoring the very emissions that cause so many heart attacks and
premature deaths in the valley and force our schoolchildren to never leave
home without their steroid inhalers.
<more> May 18, 2010 Fresno Bee
Sacramento farm-to-table advocate raises food for
thought - - The peeling paint, chain-link fences and abandoned lots in
central Oak Park belie what's beyond a modern wood fence at the end of a
driveway on Seventh Avenue. Through the gate is a backyard oasis where two
rows of seed potatoes have just been nestled into the ground. Sage, oregano
and thyme grow in pots. And a two-story chicken coop houses five hens who
don't seem to mind that their eggs continually disappear. This is the yard of
Paul Towers, state director of the nonprofit Pesticide Watch, illicit
chicken owner and grass-roots activist who believes everyone should be able
to eat fresh food and drink clean water. As the
know-where-your-food-comes-from movement swells nationally, Towers is
planting seeds locally.
<more> May 17, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Monday, May 17, 2010
San Joaquin County Farmland values stable;
dairies fall - - San Joaquin County farmland values leveled off in 2009
except for dairy properties, which fell along with milk prices, according to
a recent publication. Farmland prices were little changed in 2009 from 2008,
according to the survey from the California Chapter of the American Society
of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Dairy prices showed a noticeable
skid, however. In considering sales in Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin
counties, the appraisers found prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,500 per cow
in 2009, markedly lower than the $1,800 to $3,600 found in 2008.
<more> May 15, 2010 Stockton Record
The Story Told Straight from the Horse's Mouth
- - To most farmers, ranchers and dairy producers, the idea of live
video feeds and direct communication online may seem like an intimidating
approach to building consumer confidence. But innovative producers are
embracing the idea and the potential the Internet holds for direct
communication with consumers. “We need to go where consumers are having
conversations and join in those conversations,” said Dino Giacomazzi.
<more> May 14, 2010 Kings County Farm Bureau
National ads hit back at HSUS - - Full page
ads from the nonprofit Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) appear in today’s
New York Times and the Washington, DC edition of The Wall Street Journal,
highlighting the failure of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
to donate a significant amount of its members’ contributions to America’s
underfunded dog and cat shelters. The ad encourages readers to visit
HumaneWatch.org, CCF’s website devoted to analyzing the activities of HSUS.
<more> May 17, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Governor names 11 to state water panels - -
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed members to two state agencies last
week. Schwarzenegger named nine people to a commission that will decide
whether dams will be built if voters approve an $11.1 billion water bond
measure in November. He also named two people to a new conservancy that is
intended to promote ecosystem restoration and economic improvement in the
Delta. The California Water Commission, which has been idle during
Schwarzenegger's term, was charged last year with deciding whether to spend
$3.5 billion on new dams should voters approve the massive water bond. But
each of the appointments requires Senate confirmation, and there is little
incentive for the Democratic-controlled Senate to confirm a Republican
governor's appointments so late in his term. The commission appointments
include state Sen. Dave Cogdill, R-Modesto, who has announced he is not
running for re-election.
<more> May 17, 2010 Contra Costa Times
Stakeholders work to find funding for Williamson
Act -- Proponents of California's defining farmland-preservation law,
the Williamson Act, are trying to rework its funding as they face the
prospect of permanent program cuts. As expected, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
on Friday proposed keeping the program unfunded in the 2010-11 state budget.
He first enacted the cut last summer, then in January proposed holding to it
for the coming fiscal year. His May revised proposal offered no change.
<more> May 17, 2010 Capital Press
Nitrate contamination spreading in California
communities - - The water supply of more than two million Californians
has been exposed to harmful levels of nitrates over the past 15 years – a
time marked by lax regulatory efforts to contain the colorless and odorless
contaminant, a California Watch investigation has found. Nitrates are now
the most common groundwater contaminant in California and across the
country. A byproduct of nitrogen-based farm fertilizer, animal manure,
wastewater treatment plants and leaky septic tanks, nitrates leach into the
ground and can be expensive to extract.
<more> May 15, 2010 California Watch
Study suggests pesticides in foods may contribute
to attention-deficit disorder in kids - - A new analysis of U.S. health
data links children's attention-deficit disorder with exposure to common
pesticides used on fruits and vegetables. While the study couldn't prove
that pesticides used in agriculture contribute to childhood learning
problems, experts said the research is persuasive. "I would take it quite
seriously," said Virginia Rauh of Columbia University, who has studied
prenatal exposure to pesticides and wasn't involved in the new study. More
research will be needed to confirm the tie, she said.
<more> May 17, 2010 AP
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Cheese
market makes some nice gains - - Some nice gains in cheese prices for
the week as seasonal demand picks up ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, some
national pizza promotions are helping as well. Cash cheese barrels on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange gained 4.5 cents for the week to close at
$1.4175 per pound while blocks jumped 8.75 cents to close at $1.4675. Milk
production remains strong across the country and plants are running heavy
schedules to handle it all.
<more> May 14, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
EPA
finalizing emissions rule that would lessen impact on small businesses -
- The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it is
finalizing a rule aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from the largest
emitters in the United States, a proposal that would soften the regulation's
impact on small businesses but is sure to face a court challenge. The
decision is significant because it shows the Obama administration's
determination to move ahead with regulating carbon dioxide under the Clean
Air Act, even as the prospects of enacting climate legislation this year
appear uncertain.
<more> May 14, 2010 Washington Post
EPA Sets Thresholds
for Greenhouse Gas Permitting Requirements - - The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a final rule to address greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions from the largest stationary sources, while shielding
millions of small sources of GHGs from Clean Air Act permitting
requirements. The phased-in, common-sense approach will address facilities
like power plants and oil refineries that are responsible for 70 percent of
the greenhouse gases from stationary sources that threaten American’s health
and welfare. EPA’s phased-in approach will start in January 2011, when Clean
Air Act permitting requirements for GHGs will kick in for large facilities
that are already obtaining Clean Air Act permits for other pollutants. Those
facilities will be required to include GHGs in their permit if they increase
these emissions by at least 75,000 tons per year (tpy). Under this rule,
dairy facilities of less than 16,000 cows would not be subject to Clean Air
Act permitting requirements, according to Paul Martin, WUD’s director of
environmental services. May
14, 2010 EPA Press Release
Improving
Central Valley’s air is aim of Congressional bill
- - Legislation aimed at improving air quality in the San Joaquin Valley by
allowing its eight counties to seek designation as an “Air and Health
Quality Empowerment Zone” has been authored by Rep. Jerry McNerney,
D-Pleasanton, with Reps. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, and Jim Costa, D-Fresno,
joining as co-sponsors. Companion legislation has also been introduced in
the Senate by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. H.R. 5296 would allow San
Joaquin, Kern, Fresno, Stanislaus, Madera, King, Merced, and Tulare counties
to receive federal grants for programs that help residents voluntarily
replace or retrofit polluting engines.
<more> May 14, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Water
bond campaign splits the Berryhills - - How divisive is the $11 billion
water bond on November's ballot? It's split one political family in two.
Assembly Member Bill Berryhill, R-Ceres, kicked off the 'no' campaign at a
Capitol event Thursday alongside several other lawmakers who criticized it
as a pork-filled measure the state cannot afford. But his brother Tom
Berryhill, an Assembly member from Oakdale, promises to campaign for the
bond, saying it is "desperately needed for the the quality of life of future
generations."
<more> May 14, 2010 Fresno Bee
'War
is on' for water bond - - With the statewide primary fast approaching,
all eyes have been on candidates and measures going before voters June 8.
But with the general election still more than 170 days away, the battle over
the $11.14 billion water bond that legislators placed on the November ballot
has already begun. "The war is on," said Assemblyman Bill Berryhill,
R-Ceres, after a Capitol press conference today to kick off the campaign
opposing the bond. A bipartisan group of legislators slammed the
legislation as flawed policy that will throw California deeper in debt
without providing a real fix to the state's water woes.
<more> May 14, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Farmers, water interests oppose California's Prop. 16 - - The California
Farm Bureau Federation and several irrigation districts oppose a measure
that would make it more difficult for public utilities to enter, or expand
services in, electricity retail. Proposition 16, on California's June
primary ballot, would amend the state constitution to require a two-thirds
vote of residents in an affected area before a local government can expand
or create electricity services.
<more> May 14, 2010 Capital Press
CMAB
looking for kid produced videos- - The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB)
is looking for dairy kids willing to share their unique point-of-view in a
video they create for the CMAB. How does it work? Your child (or children,
group entries are welcome) fills out an application describing their video
concept. Each short video segment needs to address a list of questions but
that's when the creativity kicks in - they can do so in any way they want:
documentary, animation, reenactment. The sky is the limit. Applications will
be evaluated based on content and creativity. Selected applicants (up to 20)
will be given a Flip video camera, a list of instructions and two months to
film their creation. One winning submission will be selected to win a $1,000
college savings bond. All selected applicants get to keep their Flip video
camera. Any child of a California dairy producer under the age of 18 is
eligible to participate. Please submit your name, the name and age(s) of
your child or children, telephone number, mailing address and e-mail address
(if available) to news@cmab.net
with a subject line of Real California Dairy Kids. Applications will be
accepted through May 31, 2010. Winning participants will be selected and
announced by June 15, 2010. Final video submissions will be due August 16,
2010. May 14, 2010 CMAB Notice
Golf
Tourney prize: Trailer mount feed mixer- - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win a Trailer Mount Vertical Mixer from
Kirby
Manufacturing at the Western United Dairymen Fed-PAC Golf Tournament.
Valued at over $50,000, the mixer will be awarded to anyone who makes a
hole-in-one at hole #12. The tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 7, at
Diablo Grande Golf Course. Also this year, anyone who plays in the
tournament and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand
prize—a flat screen television that has been donated by WUD Board President
Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western
United Dairymen federal political action committee. Registration flyers have
already been mailed and can also be downloaded at
www.WesternUnitedDairymen.com.
May 14, 2010 WUD Weekly Update
CWT Export
Assistance Increases Assisted Sales by 9.5 Million Pounds
- - Cooperatives Working Together
(CWT) accepted one bid from Foremost Farms and seven bids from Dairy Farmers
of America for export assistance for a total of 4,316 metric tons (9.5
million pounds) of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda cheese to the Middle
East and Asia. The product will be delivered June through November 2010.
Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it
has assisted members in making export sales of Cheddar cheese totaling
15,544 metric tons (34.3 million pounds) to 17 countries on four continents.
May 14, 2010 CWT Press Release
Cheese
enhances the immune system of the elderly, says research - - Scientists
in Finland have discovered that cheese can help preserve and enhance the
immune system of the elderly by acting as a carrier for probiotic bacteria.
The research, published in FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, reveals
that daily consumption of probiotic cheese helps to tackle age-related
changes in the immune system. "The increase in the proportion of aged
individuals in modern society makes finding innovative ways to thwart the
deterioration of the immune system a priority," says lead author Fandi
Ibrahim from the University of Turku in Finland. "The intake of probiotic
bacteria has been reported to enhance the immune response through other
products and now we have discovered that cheese can be a carrier of the same
bacteria."
<more> May 14, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Dairy
Goddess aims to connect to consumers through social media, farmstead cheese
- - The Dairy Goddess label hasn't always been attached to Barbara
Martin, though many people know her as that now. Before she became the
social media diva for the dairy industry, Martin actually ran though some
horrible luck before the economic downturn that everyone has had to live
through the past two years. To come through it all not only advocating for
the industry that nearly took away everything she and her husband had, but
optimistic about the future, should give us all reason to believe we can get
stronger – if we do it together.
<more> May 14, 2010 Progressive Dairyman
Nitrates in Our Drinking Water, Part 1 - The Present Threat - -
California is facing a hidden threat to its drinking water supply. Nitrate
pollution is a problem for both cities and rural areas, and it could get
worse as the state's population grows. Yet, regulators aren't really paying
attention. Nitrates are a salt -- they're a byproduct of fertilizer, dairy
farms, and leaky septic tanks. They often leach into groundwater. State
records show over the last fifteen years, nitrates have contaminated public
drinking water sources for more than two million Californians in both urban
and rural areas. Although cities are required to remove nitrates before they
reach the tap, many communities don't have access to that kind of cleanup
technology.
<more> May 14, 2010 California Report
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Congress starts to work early on 2012 Farm Bill -
- Don’t get too comfortable with the policies and programs contained in the
current federal farm bill: That was the message that the chairman of the
House Agriculture Committee brought to farmers and ranchers attending a
field hearing in Fresno last week. Dairy farmer Jaime Bledsoe of Riverdale
told committee members that an effective and fair economic safety net is a
must for dairy producers, especially now when “dairy families all over the
state are losing what took them years and even generations to build.” “The
economic situation facing the California dairy industry this past year was
ruinous,” Bledsoe said. “While things have improved slightly, dairy families
are still experiencing negative margins. In fact, May will mark at least the
18th consecutive month of low milk prices and high input costs.” An economic
safety net based on milk price alone will no longer be sufficient, Bledsoe
said.
<more> May 12, 2010 Ag Alert
Senate climate and clean energy bill introduced
- - Senators John Kerry and Joe Liebermann introduced their climate and
energy bill on Wednesday. It is a much less-ambitious effort to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions than Waxman-Markey bill passed by the House and
relies more on nuclear energy than alternative sources. It does contain a
cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions. The bill was altered a bit by the
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, while it still encourages off-shore
drilling for oil, it would allow states to prohibit drilling within 75 miles
of their shoreline.<more>
May 12, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe takes a look at the future
of farming - - By Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs - - I returned to
Indianapolis a lot cleaner, and a lot less anonymous, to deliver the keynote
address at The 82nd National Convention of The Future Farmers of America. As
I spoke with various farmers that evening, I realized that I had asked the
wrong question. “Why?” is too easy. Obviously, today’s farmers need a PR
Campaign because they are beset by an army of angry acronyms, each
determined to change modern agriculture in a way that better reflects their
particular worldview. The better question is “How.” How is it that 300
million Americans – all addicted to eating – have become disconnected from
the people who grow our food? What new priorities have captured our shared
concern?
<more> May 12, 2010 MikeRoweWorks.com
Dairy a part of Wal-Mart's $2 billion
food-donation plan - - Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., plans to contribute more
than 1.1 billion pounds of food over the next five years as part of a $2
billion donation toward U.S. hunger-relief efforts. Donations will include
fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products for food banks and other
charity groups, as well as refrigerated trucks to ship food, Wal-Mart said
in a statement today. The donation is expected to provide more than 1
billion meals for needy families, Wal-Mart said.
<more> May 12, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Record setting year for conservation practices by
CA farmers- - Last year was a record-setting year for conservation
practices installed by California landowners with USDA conservation
programs. “We had the most contracts in Farm Bill conservation programs —
2,350 — that we’ve ever had in California,” says Ed Burton, state
conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. “Those
contracts resulted in $77 million of cost-share funding for conservation
measures, which was matched with landowner and conservation partners. So
overall, in 2009 more than $150 million in conservation improvements were
made in California.”
<more> May 12, 2010 Farm Progress
Cal/OSHA starts heat safety campaign - - The
state is going to try a multi-faceted approach to protecting California’s
outdoor workers from heat illness and injuries that includes a combination
of education, outreach and enforcement efforts, says the California
Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety and
Health (Cal/OSHA). It will be the first time Cal/OSHA has reached out to
workers through paid radio and billboard advertisements to complement
training provided to employers and employees.
<more> May 12, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
June 11 deadline for 2010 Conservation
Stewardship Program- - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
invites landowners to apply now for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The deadline to be considered for
the next ranking and funding period is June 11, 2010. "CSP is an opportunity
tailor-made for our conservation-minded ranchers and farmers to continue to
achieve even higher levels of conservation stewardship," says Ed Burton,
NRCS State Conservationist in California. Authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill,
CSP offers payments to producers who maintain a high level of conservation
on their land and who agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. Eligible
lands include cropland, pastureland, rangeland and non-industrial
forestland. Individuals, entities, and Indian Tribes operating agricultural
or private non-industrial private forestland may be eligible for the
program.
<more> May 12, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Water pollution overseer under fire for not
disclosing husband's income - - The chairwoman of a board that oversees
wastewater releases into Central Valley rivers may be fined this week for
failing to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars in earnings by her
husband - who lobbies on behalf of wastewater dischargers. The state Fair
Political Practices Commission proposes at its Thursday meeting to fine
Granite Bay attorney Katherine Hart $600 for failing to report her husband's
income in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
<more> May 12, 2010 Stockton Record
Win
Michael Marsh's money at June 7 golf tourney - - Golfers will
have an opportunity to win $100 when they go up against Western United
Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh in a closest-to-the-hole competition at the 8th
annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament on Monday, June 7, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course.
Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and buys raffle tickets
will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat screen television that
has been donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the
popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen federal political
action committee. Registration materials will be mailed and posted to the
WUD website in the coming weeks. Click here to download a golf tourney registration form. May 7, 2010
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Crucial Senate vote on greenhouse gas imminent
- - Dairy Herd Management has learned that according to key Senate
staff, a vote on Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) resolution of disapproval,
S.J. Res 26, is expected as soon as next week. This legislation would
prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from continuing their
efforts to regulate greenhouse gases (GHG) under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
Farmers are urged to contact their Congressman or Congresswoman to show
support for this measure.
<more> May 11, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
USDA Estimates Record Corn Production, Supplies
- - USDA put out its first estimate of the size of this year's corn crop
today, and not surprisingly, it projects an all-time record 13.4 billion
bushels of corn. Here are some of the key points from today's report: * Corn
supplies are projected at a record 15.1 billion bushels, 325 million higher
than in 2009/10. This is the first time corn supplies have ever surpassed
the 15 billion bushel threshold.* Corn production for 2010/11 is projected
at a record 13.4 billion bushels, up 260 million from 2009/10.
<more> May 11, 2010 Ethanolrfa.org
NMPF and IDFA Criticize Wisconsin Raw Milk Bill -
- With Wisconsin’s governor poised to sign legislation allowing raw milk
sales direct to consumers in that state, the National Milk Producers
Federation and the International Dairy Foods Association today criticized
elected officials for downplaying the food safety risks inherent in raw
dairy products, and urged federal lawmakers to take measures restricting
such sales. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has indicated he will sign a bill,
approved earlier this spring by the state legislature, which would allow
dairy farms to sell milk directly to consumers over the next two years. With
Doyle’s signature, Wisconsin will join approximately 28 other states that
allow some form of raw milk sales or distribution, either commercially or
directly from farms.
<more> May 11, 2010 NMPF Press Release
Raw milk stirs passions - - Most of the milk
from the dairy cows on South Pork Ranch ends up pasteurized — heat treated
to reduce the chance that the people who drink it will get sick. But every
month, 300 gallons of the milk are sold raw, much of it to about five dozen
regular customers who arrive at the central Illinois farm toting their own
containers to tap the creamy drink from a squat, stainless steel vat in a
room next to the milking stalls. That choice has put the farm’s owners,
Keith Parrish and Donna O’Shaughnessy, at the center of a particularly
American food fight between passionate defenders of personal choice and
health officials who warn that drinking farm-fresh milk can be
life-threatening.
<more> May 11, 2010 Chicago Tribune
Caution urged for raw milk consumers - - As
the debate about the health attributes and risks of raw milk spills into
capitols and courts across the country, a food-safety expert in Penn State's
College of Agricultural Sciences urges people to think carefully about the
risks before consuming unpasteurized dairy products. Pushing to make it
easier for consumers to buy unpasteurized dairy products, proponents of raw
milk claim that pasteurization — the process of heating milk to destroy
bacteria and extend shelf life — destroys important nutrients and enzymes.
The introduction of laws and lawsuits is leading to confusion.
<more> May 11, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Win
Michael Marsh's money at June 7 golf tourney - - Golfers will
have an opportunity to win $100 when they go up against Western United
Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh in a closest-to-the-hole competition at the 8th
annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament on Monday, June 7, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course.
Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and buys raffle tickets
will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat screen television that
has been donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the
popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen federal political
action committee. Registration materials will be mailed and posted to the
WUD website in the coming weeks. Click here to download a golf tourney registration form. May 7, 2010
Funding for nutrient management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations. Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Dean Foods’ quarterly profit drops 43 percent -
- Dean Foods Co. said quarterly profit plunged 43 percent amid price
competition from cheaper private-label brands. The company also plans to lay
off 350 to 400 people in its Fresh Dairy Direct-Morningstar unit, in
addition to 150 jobs that have already been eliminated so far this year, as
part of cost-cutting efforts, according to a statement today. Share of
Dallas-based Dean Foods sank as much as 28 percent to the lowest level in at
least 10 years.
<more> May 10, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
CWT accepts eight more export assistance bids
- - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted three bids from Darigold,
two bids each from Dairy Farmers of America and Foremost Farms, and one bid
from Land O’Lakes for export assistance for a total of 1,409 metric tons
(3.1 million pounds) of Cheddar cheese to the Middle East and Asia. The
product will be delivered May through November 2010. Since CWT reactivated
the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in
making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 10,628 metric tons (24.8
million pounds) to 15 countries on four continents. May 10, 2010
Brownfield Ag News
Farmers: Immigration reform needed for ag workers
- - Even during the recession, foreign workers harvested vegetables, milked
cows and picked apples on many U.S. farms, doing work that farmers say
Americans don't want to do. Most Americans shy away from jobs such as
hand-picking tomatoes or cutting cabbage because the work is seasonal,
physically tough, out in the elements and often in remote areas, farmers
say. To get the jobs done, many farmers hire foreign workers, including some
who are illegal, and they say a crackdown on illegal immigration combined
with changes to a visa program for temporary workers could make it even
harder for them to find reliable employees. Farmers want Congress to pass an
"AgJobs" bill that would enable those who have worked in U.S. agriculture
for at least 150 days in the previous two years to get some kind of legal
status. They also say the visa program for temporary workers needs to be
simplified. Without those changes, some farmers say they may have to cut
back production because of a shortage of reliable labor.
<more> May 10, 2010 AP
Win
Michael Marsh's money at June 7 golf tourney - - Golfers will
have an opportunity to win $100 when they go up against Western United
Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh in a closest-to-the-hole competition at the 8th
annual North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament on Monday, June 7, at Diablo
Grande Golf Course.
Also this year, anyone who plays in the tournament and buys raffle tickets
will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize—a flat screen television that
has been donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe. Proceeds from the
popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen federal political
action committee. Registration materials will be mailed and posted to the
WUD website in the coming weeks. Click here to download a golf tourney registration form. May 7, 2010
Funding for nutrient
management projects available - - Dairy producers in the Central
Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management
infrastructure or need to make other improvements can apply for funds to
address those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP).
The deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) office. WUD staff is available to
assist members in making the application. Western United Dairymen partnered
with USDA-NRCS to bring the additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to dairy
producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy
producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement
activities on agricultural land for the purpose of conserving surface- and
ground-water and improving water quality. Western United Dairymen sought the
funding to assist producers in complying with water quality regulations.
Producers have developed Nutrient Management Plans and are now developing
Waste Management Plans that may indicate where improvements are needed. AWEP
funding can help complete those needed improvements. More information and
applications are available at any local Central Valley USDA NRCS office.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Dairy
futures reclaim Thursday’s losses - - Class III futures on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange on Friday more than reclaimed what they gave up on
Thursday. Traders saw 10 to 31-cent increases from May 2010 through March
2011 contracts. Thursday’s drop was in reaction to the financial markets.
Friday was the busiest day of the week in the cash cheese market with a
dozen sales. Barrels and blocks remained unchanged on the day but lost 0.75
on the week. Class III futures for May, June and July also slipped for the
week while the remaining 2010 contracts gained.
<more> May 7, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
U.S.
fluid milk industry contributes 2% of greenhouse gas emissions, says
analysis - - In the U.S., the Applied Sustainability Center at the
University of Arkansas is completing a GHG life cycle assessment (LCA) of
fluid milk for the U.S. dairy industry. The LCA provides the U.S. dairy
industry with a scientific baseline of the carbon footprint of fluid milk in
each part of the supply chain so that we can measure improvements against
our goals. The data also will serve as the foundation for the creation of
best practices and decision-support tools for farmers, processors and others
throughout the dairy supply chain. Based on this data, in conjunction with
secondary sources, the University of Arkansas attributes an estimated 2
percent of total U.S. GHG emissions to U.S. dairy.
<more> May 7, 2010 USDairy.com
Tiffany LaMendola to join Blimling companies June 14 - -
Tiffany LaMendola, WUD’s Director of Economic Analysis for the past nine
years, will be joining the dairy market research and consulting firms of
Blimling and Associates Inc. and Roger W. Blimling, Inc. effective June 14.
She will fill the newly created position of Director of Publications and
Western Producer Programs, working out of an office in Jamestown in Tuolumne
County. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the past nine years with Western United,”
said Tiffany. “I extend a big thank you to the staff, board of directors,
and members for their friendship and positive working environment. I look
forward to continued interaction with everyone in my new role at Blimling.”
Phil Plourd, President of Blimling and Associates, Inc., and Roger W.
Blimling, Inc., said, “We are thrilled to add Tiffany to our team. She
brings extensive knowledge about the dairy industry - - particularly from a
producer and Western Perspective - - to our efforts to provide customers
with world class information and services. Tiffany comes to us from an
outstanding organization with a long history of distinguished service to
dairy producers in the West. And, Tiffany leaves a positive impression on
everyone she encounters.” Speaking on behalf of WUD staff and members, CEO
Michael Marsh commented, “We have mixed feelings obviously about Tiffany
leaving our team after nine years. We are thrilled at the opportunity she is
being offered, while at the same time we are very sad to see her leave. She
has earned a first-rate reputation throughout the U.S. dairy industry for
her knowledge and expertise as an economic analyst. She is well respected
and well liked for her integrity and her knowledge. We wish her nothing but
the best as she takes on this exciting challenge of working for one of the
leading dairy market research and consulting firms in the country.” Marsh
said that a search has been launched for a replacement and that Tiffany, in
her role at Blimling, will be available as needed to aid in the transition.
May 7, 2010 WUD Headline News
Good
first quarter for Kraft - - It was a very good first quarter for Kraft;
sales grew at its existing operations as well as in the newly acquired
Cadbury division. The company posted a profit of $1.88 billion, or $1.16 a
share, up from $660 million or 45 cents a share in the first quarter last
year. Excluding acquisition-related costs and other items, the company said
operating earnings from continuing operations rose to 49 cents a share from
41 cents.
<more> May 7, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Carcass composting project unearthed in California - - Options for
disposal of dairy cow carcasses are limited in California and can lead to
tough decisions for producers faced with a catastrophic event. Several of
those events have been realized in recent years. Statewide, the heat spell
of July 2006 caused the deaths of more than 20,000 cows. Rendering plants
were overwhelmed and many cows were buried in landfills. The enormous
carcass disposal crisis in 2006 was a call to action to look for
alternatives,” said Jim Sullins, director of Tulare County’s Cooperative
Extension office. Sullins was joined in mid-March by University of
California researchers, county agriculture officials and representatives
from regulatory agencies for a look at a two-year cow composting project at
the UC Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center in Tulare.
<more> May 7, 2010 Progressive Dairyman
Win
Michael Marsh's money at June 7 golf tourney - - Golfers will have an
opportunity to win $100 when they go up against Western United Dairymen CEO
Michael Marsh in a closest-to-the-hole competition at the 8th annual North
Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament Monday, June 7, at Diablo Grande Golf
Course.All proceeds from the popular event will benefit Western United
Dairymen's federal political action committee.
Click here to download a golf tourney registration form. May 7, 2010
Lawsuits rip feds'
air-cleanup efforts in Valley - - Air-quality activists filed three
lawsuits Thursday against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, claiming
federal officials are neglecting cleanup plans for the San Joaquin Valley.
Two suits were filed in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San
Francisco, challenging EPA's approval of the Valley's cleanup plan for the
one-hour ozone standard. Such appeals of approved air plans go directly to
the appellate court. Activists say officials failed to analyze the vehicle
rules accounting for the biggest ozone reductions. Now the Valley, one of
the nation's most-polluted air basins, is on the verge of missing the Nov.
15 cleanup deadline for the standard.
<more> May 7, 2010 Fresno Bee
FDA
plans new standards for food, livestock transport - - The U.S. Food and
Drug Administration is asking commercial food transporters to follow new
guidance the agency is issuing today to reduce the chances of physical,
chemical, biological and other risks during transportation of foods while
the agency reviews current food safety transportation regulations. In an
advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) published in today's Federal
Register, the FDA has requested input on writing the new rules from all
interested parties, including the food and transportation industries and
consumer interest organizations. The ANPRM is the first step in creating new
regulations to govern sanitary practices by shippers, carriers by motor
vehicle or rail vehicle, receivers, and others engaged in the transportation
of food products for people and animals.
<more> May 7, 2010 Food System Insider
Minilab Can Quickly Identify Antibiotic Residues in Milk - - No one
wants antibiotic residues in their milk. But antibiotics are sometimes used
even in the dairy barn. The routine tests conducted nowadays take hours to
produce a result and do not test for all of the typical antibiotics. This
gap can now be closed, thanks to a fully automated minilab developed by
scientists from the TUM in cooperation with the LMU Muenchen and gwk
Praezisionstechnik GmbH.
<more> May 7, 2010 Science Daily
Algae Advances as a “Green” Alternative for Improving Water Quality - - Algae--already being eyed for biofuel production--could be put to use right away to remove nitrogen and phosphorus in livestock manure runoff, according to an Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist. That could give resource managers a new eco-friendly option for reducing the level of agricultural pollutants that contaminate water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. <more> May 7, 2010 ARS Press Release
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Former Humboldt
Creamery CEO Ghilarducci pleads guilty to fraud - -
Former Humboldt Creamery CEO Rich
Ghilarducci pleaded guilty Wednesday to the single felony fraud charge he
faced in U.S. District Court. ”Are you pleading guilty because you are, in
fact, guilty?” U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer asked Ghilarducci
during Wednesday's change of plea hearing. ”Yes,” Ghilarducci answered under
oath. In entering into the plea agreement -- in which he pleaded guilty to a
single count of making false statements to an agricultural credit bank --
Ghilarducci admitted to falsifying the creamery's financial statements from
2005 through 2008 and, specifically, to inflating the value of the
creamery's accounts receivable and inventory in various financial statements
prpared for the creamery's lender, CoBank.
<more> May 6, 2010 Eureka Times-Standard
Milk-pricing imbalance prompts dairy herd sales - - Brian Smith needed
convincing to enter the barn where he milked dairy cattle for 17 years. "I
haven't been in here since I got rid of the cows," Smith said as he stepped
around an empty bulk milk tank. He turned on the electrical power, flipped a
light switch, stood along a wall and glanced at empty pens as a bleating
Holstein calf broke the silence. Cats scurried about, outnumbering livestock
in the stable. Smith, 47, a Wayne County commissioner who operated dairy
farms for 27 years, sold his 45 milking cows April 21 in Lancaster County.
He is among the latest casualties in the ranks of dairy farmers trampled by
a cost-payment imbalance devastating the industry.
<more> May 6, 2010 AP
Failure to find labor solution will destroy U.S. agriculture, producers warn
-- Farmers used a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the 2012
Farm Bill here May 3 to push for immigration reform for farmworkers. "As
important as the farm bill has become to America's specialty crop
industries, it is difficult to have a serious discussion about the future
success of specialty crop producers without acknowledging the elephant in
the room: farm labor," said Jon Reelhorn, owner of Belmont Nursery in
Fresno. "We fully recognize that farm labor is not a traditional farm bill
issue. Nonetheless, we raise it for this simple reason: Lack of timely and
thoughtful resolution of the farm labor crisis will hasten the offshoring of
our specialty crop and livestock agriculture."
<more> May 6, 2010 Capital Press
Butte
County Billboards Aim To Share Agriculture Story - - California farmers
and ranchers have designed and posted a few
billboards
that share the real story of animal agriculture and food production. The
Butte County Cattlemen’s Association placed their billboards on heavily
traveled highways on beautiful ranches located along the interstate leading
into Chico, CA, where nearly 15,000 students from Los Angeles and San Diego
attend Chico State University (CSU). The local producer group hopes the
messages in the billboard resonate with urban voters. These messages
encourage travelers to enjoy the untamed scenery and wide open spaces,
preserved by the American tradition of cattle ranching. The billboards
remind consumers that ranchers are the original environmentalists, having
had taken care of the land for hundreds of years.
<more> May 6, 2010 Beef Daily Blog
More
water flows to Westside farmers - - The spigot got cranked open a little
wider Tuesday for thirsty Kings County farmers dependent on water from the
northern Sierra. California's biggest snowpack since 2006 means more water
flowing through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta into canals snaking into
the San Joaquin Valley's vast farmland. The allocation for both the State
Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project climbed to 40 percent
of Valley farmers' historic contracts. That's up from 30 percent announced
last month.
<more> May 6, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
China
Farm Gets Shocking Amount of Power From Cow Poop - - China does
everything big, and cow poop-to-power projects are no exception. A
250,000-head dairy operation in northeast China plans to open the world's
largest cow manure-fed power project in September, according to General
Electric Co., the company supplying four biogas turbines to the Liaoning
Huishan Cow Farm in Shenyang. For comparison, the largest U.S. dairy farms
have 15,000 cattle. China's newest livestock digester will reduce piles of
dung, yield fertilizer and heat, and will supply 38,000 megawatt-hours of
power annually to the state's power grid, enough to meet the average demand
of some 15,000 Chinese residents.
<more> May 6, 2010 NY Times
PUC,
shifting position, blocks rule on renewable energy - - The state Public
Utilities Commission, in an abrupt and dramatic shift of position, voted
Thursday to block its rule limiting to 25 percent the level of out-of-state
renewable power that utilities can use to count toward their
California-imposed renewable energy goals. The 4-1 decision was viewed as a
defeat for environmentalists and labor, who argued that a greater the level
of in-state credits would be more beneficial to the environment and provide
jobs within the state.
<more> May 6, 2010 Capitol Weekly
Opinion: Farmers use less water than people think - - Some people
believe farmers use too much water. However, the amount of water actually
used to grow our food is far less than many people believe. I am a
second-generation family farmer. We produce rice and walnuts in the
Sacramento Valley. Like most family farmers, we don’t take water for
granted. We often use the same water over and over again as it moves from
farm to farm. We also pay for our water. Farm families use the latest
technology and best available science to grow high quality and affordable
food with the least amount of water. While there is always room for some
improvement, it must be viewed as incremental. As Dr. Charles Burt, Chairman
of the Irrigation Training and Research Center at California Polytechnic
State University, San Luis Obispo, said recently “We can’t squeeze more
water out of California’s already highly efficient agricultural areas.”
<more> May 6, 2010 Capitol Weekly
New
education program addresses shortage of veterinarians - - High school
students across the United States will prepare for careers as veterinary and
medical paraprofessionals under a new education program developed by the
National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense (FAZD
Center) and funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The One
Health Career-Oriented Youth Educational National Program is designed to
address a national shortage in paraprofessionals to provide support to human
and animal medicine. The program’s goal of qualifying students as
paraprofessionals – as well as its emphasis on the public health and
regulatory aspects of zoonotic and exotic diseases – will provide graduates
with a high probability of employment.
<more> May 6, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Methyl iodide:
DPR says new fumigant to have 'stringent' limits - -In
a closely watched decision, the state Department of Pesticide Registration
has proposed registration of the fumigant methyl iodide, under what DPR
called a comprehensive set of use restrictions "much more stringent" than
those required by the federal government. Farmers who grow strawberries and
other crops see methyl iodide as an alternative to the fumigant methyl
bromide, which is being phased out of use because studies indicate it causes
damage to the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. Methyl iodide does not
harm the ozone layer.
<more> May 7, 2010 Ag Alert
Sen. Lincoln Plan to Allow Swaps Desk to Go in Affiliate - - A controversial derivatives regulation plan would allow large banks to spin off their derivatives operations into an affiliate under the same parent company, an aide to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D., Ark.) said Wednesday. The statement from Courtney Rowe, a spokeswoman for Ms. Lincoln, clarifies confusion about a fundamental part of the financial-overhaul bill, which many believed could have forced banks to completely spin off their derivatives desks into separate entities. The legislative language in the financial-overhaul bill was ambiguous about whether complete spinoffs would be required. <more> May 6, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Supreme Court could give OK to high-tech hay
- - Kings County's estimated 200,000 dairy cows could be munching on
high-tech hay if a Supreme Court case goes the manufacturer's way. Biotech
giant Monsanto Co. put genetically engineered alfalfa on the market in 2007.
The common local crop grows like grass, is periodically mowed and ends up in
the stomachs of local cattle. Monsanto's version includes a gene that makes
the crop resistant to weed killer, allowing growers to spray right over the
top without harming the plants. Local seed company officials said the seed
sold briskly as soon as it became available. But the new variety ran afoul
of environmentalists and organic farmers concerned that the gene could get
into their crops through cross-pollination. Organically certified crops
cannot be genetically engineered. A lawsuit was filed, and a federal judge
in San Francisco barred the planting of biotech alfalfa nationwide until the
government could adequately study the crop's potential impact on organic and
conventional varieties.
<more> May 5, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Rebates available for electric ag ATVs - -
Applications are now being accepted by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District for rebates for new, electric utility terrain vehicles (UTVs)
for agricultural use state-wide. Nearly $1 million is available to offset
the cost of purchasing agricultural ATVs and UTVs through the Agricultural
UTV Rebate Project, awarded by the state Air Resources Board. The grant
provides rebates of 15 percent of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price,
up to $2,500 per vehicle, for new, certified zero-emission vehicles. The Air
District is administering the statewide program. “This program is greatly
needed by the agriculture industry to offset the costs of zero-emissions
vehicles that will benefit all of us through cleaner air,” said Samir
Sheikh, the director of the District’s Strategies and Incentives department.
Individuals, businesses, public agencies and entities, and nonprofit
organizations involved in California agricultural operations are eligible
for the rebate. There is no limit on the number of vehicles purchased per
applicant.For more information about eligibility, vehicles and rebate
amounts, or to obtain a rebate application, visit the District’s website at
www.valleyair.org or call
559-230-5800. Applications may be submitted online or through the mail.
May 5, 2010 Air District Press Release
Growers pledge to help Valley families - -
Agriculture groups vowed Tuesday to step up their efforts to donate food for
needy San Joaquin Valley families suffering from the lingering effects of
the drought. Representatives from the California Rice Commission and Western
Growers made the pledge during a California State Board of Food and
Agriculture meeting in San Joaquin. Western Growers, a trade association
that represents 3,000 members in California and Arizona, already has donated
carrots, potatoes, tree fruit and grapes, but it plans to do more.
<more> May 5, 2010 Fresno Bee
California shows continued losses in farmland -- California mirrors national development trends that found that one third of all of the land ever developed in the lower 48 states has been developed in the last 25 years. The finding comes from the National Resources Inventory, a national land use survey released every five years. Results have just been released for the period 2002-2007. California has converted 2.1 million acres to urban uses between 1982 and 2007. At the same time losses were experienced in cropland (900,000 acres), rangeland (1,600,000 acres), and forestland (500,000 acres). The rate of urban gains has not been equal over time and the seven percent increase in development for the just-released 2002-2007 time period, is lower than for other five-year periods since the survey began. Within the overall story of development and farmland loss there are other trends of note: The loss of prime farmland, those soils best suited to produce food with the fewest inputs and the least erosion, is particularly troubling and California ranks fourth nationwide in losing such soils between 1982 and 2007. However, between 2002 and 2007 the loss of prime farmland in California stabilized and even experienced a minute increase. Another trend shows a significant change in the make-up of California agriculture regarding cultivated (typically annual) crops vs. non-cultivated crops (fruits, nuts, hay, and horticulture). In 1982, cultivated crops represented 68 percent of California’s 10.5 million acres of cropland. In 2007, non-cultivated crops with 4.8 million acres have become the majority (51%) of California’s cropland. The increase in non-cultivated crops was due to minor increases in vineyards and berries and large increases in nuts and hayland. May 5, 2010 NRCS Press Release
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Milk Prices Ease From 21-Month High, Fonterra
Says -- Milk powder prices eased from a 21- month high at auction,
Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world’s largest dairy exporter, said.
Whole milk powder for July delivery fell 1.1 percent to $4,027 a metric ton,
in the Auckland-based company’s latest GlobalDairyTrade auction. It was the
first decline in three months and followed a 24 percent surge in prices to
$4,092 a ton at last month’s auction, the highest since July 2008.
<more> May 4, 2010 Bloomberg
Valley farmers air concerns to House panel -
- Help for struggling dairies, incentives for reducing air pollution and
support for a legal farm work force are among the items on California
agriculture’s wish list for the 2012 Farm Bill. Nearly a dozen farmers
testified to members of the House Agriculture Committee during a hearing
Monday at the Fresno City Council Chambers. Jamie Bledsoe, a Riverdale dairy
operator and president of Western United Dairymen, detailed how high
production costs and low dairy prices have put many California dairymen in a
financial tailspin for at least the last 18 months. Bledsoe urged the
committee members to create a farm safety net program that looks not just at
low milk prices, but also the high costs of grain, forage and energy.
<more> May 4, 2010 Fresno Bee
WUD tells Ag Committee dairy hard hit - -
Representative Jim Costa tells The House Agriculture Committee, "Our state
grows 99% of the almonds, pistachios, peaches, plums, almonds, and kiwis,
olives, dates, figs, artichokes, and walnuts. That's a mouthful." And you
wash that mouthful down with milk from the state's number one industry–
dairy farms. Dairy farmer Jamie Bledsoe says, "Typical farms like mine
generates $33 million in economic activity and 232 jobs." But dairy farms
like Bledsoe's are getting hit hard by economic conditions and government
regulations. He tells the committee, "Milk prices lingered at just over
half the cost of production for a large portion of 2009, and dairy families
all over the state are losing what took decades and generations to build."
<more> May 4, 2010 KMPH
The diversity of California agriculture evident
at farm bill hearing - - California dairy producers were among those
testifying at the House Agriculture Committee farm bill hearing in Fresno on
Monday. Western United Dairymen president Jamie Bledsoe told the Committee
while butter and nonfat dry milk prices are moving up, the rest of the dairy
industry remains unprofitable due mainly to those huge cheese inventories.
“Though prices are expected to increase as we move through the second half
of 2010, a return to breakeven simply will not undo the damage done to dairy
farmers over the past 18 months. Producers will continue to go out of
business as it becomes clear that equity is gone and lenders are
reevaluating operating loans with a new set of rules they must live by.
Farmers must have access to adequate operating capital to continue to
weather this storm.” Bledsoe also told the representatives the Milk Income
Loss Contract (MILC) program was not working because it is capped to favor
smaller producers.
<more> May 4, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Central Valley water deliveries boosted to 40% -
- Spring storms with their sierra snowfall will allow the California
Department of Water Resources to increase its 2010 allocation of State Water
Project deliveries to 40 percent, the department says Tuesday. The SWP
allocation had been raised to 30 percent of contractors’ requests at the end
of April. The final snow survey of the year was conducted last week, and
showed statewide Sierra snowpack water content was143 percent of normal for
the date. <more>
May 4, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Feds set up California water task force --
The Obama administration on Monday set up a new task force to wrangle
California water decisions, with long-term hopes of consolidating
protections for smelt and salmon. The new task force eventually envisions
one unified environmental management plan assisting the fish species
dependent upon the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta. Guided by an Interior
Department veteran with considerable California experience, the task force
has shorter-term goals, as well.
<more> May 4, 2010 Fresno Bee
Kings County dairy seeks expansion - - The
Sozinho dairy east of Hanford wants to expand beyond the size that is
customarily allowed. For the conditional use permit process, which will
require an expansive environmental review under state law, Kings County
wants the cost reimbursed by the family. On Tuesday, the Kings County Board
of Supervisors is scheduled to consider approving an agreement for
reimbursement of the extraordinary cost that will be incurred by the review
process. <more>
May 4, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
AB 32 opponents turn in signatures for November
measure - - Setting up what is expected to be a multimillion-dollar
political battle between oil companies and Silicon Valley tech leaders,
opponents of California's landmark global warming law turned in about
800,000 signatures Monday for a November ballot measure to suspend the law.
Opponents of the law, known as AB 32, say it will cost California jobs
during a bad economy by increasing the price for fuels such as gasoline, and
electricity bills. Supporters say the law — the latest example of California
leading the rest of the nation on environmental reform — already is helping
the state's green tech and renewable energy industries by driving demand for
cleaner energy.
<more> May 4, 2010 San Jose Mercury News
USDA, EPA to promote renewable energy generation
- - U.SDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
today announced a new interagency agreement promoting renewable energy
generation and slashing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock operations.
The agreement expands the work of the AgSTAR program, a joint EPA-USDA
effort that helps livestock producers reduce methane emissions from their
operations.
<more> May 4, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Battle over slow food heats up in heartland -
- From Pennsylvania church ladies to Iowa dairymen, the locavore,
small-is-good, organic food movement born in Northern California has
penetrated America's heartland, where it is waging a pitchfork rebellion,
much of it on the Internet, against the agricultural establishment. After
long dismissing the new food movement as a San Francisco annoyance, the
establishment is fighting back. "Alice should drown in her own waters," said
High Plains Journal's Larry Dreiling of Berkeley food guru Alice Waters. On
one side of this culture war is the tiny but fast-growing segment of U.S.
farming that sells local and grows organic. On the other are commodity farms
that make up the great bulk of production and sell into a global food chain.
In Denair, near Modesto, Ray Prock Jr. runs the 500-cow RayLin Dairy and has
a Twitter following of 10,000. Prock is trying to reach a middle ground. His
operation would be technically defined as a CAFO, but he argued the term is
widely misused and his cows are treated handsomely. "Instead of
automatically thinking conventional ag is the enemy, and instead of
conventional ag always thinking that organic and local food is the enemy, we
need to sit down and figure out where we can work together," Prock said.
<more> May 4, 2010 SF Chronicle
PETA & HSUS: The pickpocket & the con man - - Make no mistake, says David Martosko of the Center for Consumer Freedom and editor of www.HumaneWatch.org, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) are pretty much one and the same. “The more people we can get to understand that, the better off we’ll be,” he said. “Everyone knows PETA is a bunch of lunatics with their crazy stunts,” said Martosko, speaking at the 2010 Animal Agriculture Alliance meeting last week in Arlington, Va. “It’s whole purpose is to make HSUS look reasonable by comparison.” <more> May 4, 2010 Bovine Veterinarian magazine
Monday, May 3, 2010
WUD President Bledsoe tells Ag Committee hearing
"profitability distant prospect" - - Testifying today before the House
Ag Committee hearing in Fresno on the upcoming farm Bill, WUD President
Jamie Bledsoe told committee members that “ Some commodity prices are moving
upward (butter and nonfat dry milk) but profitability remains a distant
prospect for most dairy farmers.” Bledsoe, a Riverdale dairy producer,
noted, “California, with a great deal of cheese production (39% of
California’s pool utilization in March), will continue to suffer from
depressed cheese prices until a drawdown in inventories is witnessed. The
pressure current massive cheese inventories place on farm milk prices affect
farmers everywhere in the country equally. Optimistic projections for the
remainder of 2010 weigh heavily on demand recovery that outpaces milk
production.” Looking to the future, Bledsoe said, “Though prices are
expected to increase as we move through the second half of 2010, a return to
breakeven simply will not undo the damage done to dairy farmers over the
past 18 months. Producers will continue to go out of business as it becomes
clear that equity is gone and lenders are reevaluating operating loans with
a new set of rules they must live by. Farmers must have access to adequate
operating capital to continue to weather this storm.” To read Bledsoe’s
complete remarks,
please click here to download his testimony. May 3, 2010
House Agriculture Committee Conducts Farm Bill
Hearing in San Joaquin Valley- - Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) and the
House Agriculture Committee held a field hearing in Fresno today to review
U.S. agriculture policy as the Committee begins the process of writing the
2012 Farm Bill. Congressman Cardoza is a member of the Committee and the
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. “The
Farm Bill is of the utmost importance to California agriculture interests
and to those I represent. I could not be more pleased that we were able to
conduct this hearing in the San Joaquin Valley, a region where we grow more
than 350 different crops and provide half of our nation’s fruits, vegetables
and tree nuts,” said Congressman Cardoza. “The information received today
will be critical to our efforts as we move forward in developing the 2012
Farm Bill.”
<more> May 3, 2010 Cardoza Press Release
2010 Agriculturalist
of the Year Award to be presented to Bill Lyons, Jr. - - The
California Exposition and State Fair has announced the recipient of the 2010
Agriculturalist of the Year Award: Bill Lyons, Jr. of Modesto, California. This
distinguished award recognizes exceptional service through the promotion of
agriculture. Lyons was nominated by Western United Dairymen.
“Bill
Lyons, Jr. has been a tireless advocate for agriculture both statewide and
locally. Bill has taken an active leadership role in many farm related boards
and panels and has helped ensure that the issues of importance to California’s
dairy farm families and farmers are heard,” said Michael Marsh, CEO, Western United Dairymen. “In addition to his farming interests, Bill has been
active in the community and helped numerous charitable organizations. As an
entity that promotes leadership within the agricultural industry, we can think
of no one more deserving to be recognized as the 2010 Agriculturalist of the
Year.”
Bill is a lifelong resident of Modesto, and currently runs his family’s 8,000-acre cattle ranching and farming operations. As former Secretary of the
California Department of Food and Agriculture under the Gray Davis
Administration, Bill developed a reputation as a strong leader who could build
consensus among diverse stakeholder groups. During his tenure with the
Administration, Bill became known nationwide for his advocacy of the inclusion
of specialty crops in our nation’s investment in agriculture. Bill has a wide
breadth of experience and a unique understanding of all aspects of agriculture
and is a passionate advocate for California agriculture.
<more> May 3, 2010 WUD Press Release
Tour takes in green farm tech - - The dairy
cows at Fiscalini Farms showed off their contribution to the clean-energy
movement Wednesday. The farm west of Modesto was among the stops on a tour
showing how manure and other waste can supplant fossil fuels.
Click here to
view a Channel 3 KCRA-TV report on this tour. The tour was organized
by Sustainable Conservation, a San Francisco group that works with farms and
other businesses. The contingent included people from business, government
and environmental groups. At Fiscalini, which is known for its cheese, owner
John Fiscalini talked about the system that extracts methane from manure and
burns it to produce electricity for the Modesto Irrigation District. The
system, which started running last June, is the first in Stanislaus County.
<more> May 1, 2010 Modesto Bee
Cheese production increased in March - -
Total cheese production in the United States in March was 890 million
pounds, 2.3 percent more than March of last
year.
Italian output up 5.8 percent from a year ago at 380 million pounds,
American type production totaled 362 million pounds, 0.6 percent below March
of 2009. Total cheese production in California up 2.8 percent from a year
ago to 186.24 million pounds. The Golden State saw a 10.7 percent increase
in Italian-type cheese production, 116.18 million pounds. American
production decreased 6 percent compared to a year ago at 52.96 million
pounds; Cheddar output declined 2.6 percent to 30.5 million pounds.
Rounding out the top five cheese-producing states: Idaho, 72.3 million
pounds, up 0.4 percent compared to March of 2009. New York, 64.6 million
pounds up 5.6 percent from a year ago and New Mexico, 61.8 million pounds up
23.5 percent compared to last March.
<more> May 3, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
CWT Export Assistance Helps Sell Another 2.7
Million Pounds of Cheese - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT)
accepted four bids from Dairy Farmers of America for export assistance for a
total of 1,219 metric tons (2.7 million pounds) of Cheddar cheese and
Monterey Jack to the Middle East and Asia. The product will be delivered in
June and July 2010. Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on
March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of cheddar
cheese totaling 9,219 metric tons (21.7 million pounds) to 15 countries on
four continents. The Export Assistance program was reactivated when economic
analysis indicated that sizeable cheddar cheese inventories overhanging the
market are hampering a recovery in producer milk prices. Assisting CWT
members in exporting cheddar cheese will provide the most immediate way to
positively impact producer milk prices. CWT will pay export bonuses to the
bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of
the required documentation. May 3, 2010 CWT Press Release
Funding for
nutrient management projects available - -
Dairy producers in the Central
Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management
infrastructure or need other improvements can apply for funds for addressing
those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The
deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Services (NRCS) office. Western United Dairymen partnered
with USDA-NRCS to bring this additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to
dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy
producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement
activities on agricultural land for the purposes of conserving surface and
ground water and improving water quality.
<more> April 30, 2010 WUD
After milk prices plunge, some dairy farmers
decide to cut losses - -Andrew Hagenow grew up with milk in his veins.
But after the prices Hagenow and other farmers received for their milk
plunged to levels not seen in years, the fourth-generation dairy farmer from
Rockford, Mich., sold the bulk of his herd last year for beef. It was a
decision he said was necessary -- but one he has struggled with personally.
"I didn't want to see our cows go like that," he said of the herd that
started with two registered Holsteins his grandfather bought 75 years ago.
"They represented a lot of who I am. I've always seen myself as a dairy
farmer, and that's not the case anymore." While Hagenow plans to continue
crop farming and may enter the specialty beef market, he will no longer be a
part of the dairy business, which represents the largest part of Michigan's
$71.3-billion agriculture industry.
<more> May 3, 2010 Detroit Free Press
Congressional leaders question ‘Know Your Farmer’
campaign - - Three Congressional Republican are expressing concern with
the direction of USDA’s “Know Your Farmer-Know Your Food” campaign. In a
sharply worded letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Senators John
McCain of Arizona and Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, and Representative Pat
Roberts of Kansas, criticize the spending of 65 million dollars on the
program. They claim the effort is “aimed at small, hobbyist and organic
producers whose customers generally consist of affluent patrons at urban
farmers markets.” And they accuse the USDA of prioritizing Rural
Development grant and loan programs for so-called “locavore projects” in
urban areas, at the expense of rural communities with greater needs.
<more> May 3, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Methyl iodide is on course for approval by state regulators - - A potent farm chemical that has stirred fierce debate about its possible health effects is on course for approval in California under a proposal that the state Department of Pesticide Regulation announced Friday. Methyl iodide is a fumigant used to eradicate weeds, pests and diseases in soil. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency already has registered it for use as a replacement for methyl bromide, a chemical that has been phased out for agricultural use in the U.S. because it damages the Earth's ozone layer. California would take a stricter approach toward methyl iodide than the 47 other states that have approved it, said Mary-Ann Warmerdam, director of the state pesticide department. <more> May 1, 2010 Fresno Bee
Friday, April 30, 2010
Farmers have beef with Monterey aquarium's cow - - The Monterey Bay
Aquarium has altered an exhibit about climate change
after
some California farmers were offended. At the center of the controversial
exhibit, "Hot Pink Flamingos: Stories of Hope in a Changing Sea," is a
plastic life-size cow. Cynthia Vernon, vice president of research programs
for the aquarium, said the cow's head was fitted with a gas mask in a
light-hearted and humorous attempt to capture people's attention. "We
thought that it was not necessary for the gas mask to be there to really
tell our story, so we decided to take the gas mask off the cow," Vernon
said. A sign near the muzzle of the cow that read "Buurp! I can't believe
I'm saying this, but what the world needs now is less methane and that means
fewer cows," also was removed, Vernon said.
<more> April 30, 2010 Monterey Herald
Chinese market to remain open for U.S. dairy products - - The U.S. Dairy
Export Council (USDEC), the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and
the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today applauded the
announcement by China granting the U.S. 30 days to work with Chinese
authorities to secure agreement on a new health certificate for food-grade
dairy exports to China. Industry leaders also praised the Chinese government
for its recognition of the need to allow trade to continue while resolution
of this complex issue is addressed by technical staff. <more>
April 30, 2010 USDEC Press Release
Funding for
nutrient management projects available - -
Dairy producers in the Central
Valley who have identified deficiencies in their nutrient management
infrastructure or need other improvements can apply for funds for addressing
those issues under the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). The
deadline to apply for funds is June 1 at any local USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Services (NRCS) office. Western United Dairymen partnered
with USDA-NRCS to bring this additional $4.4 million in AWEP funding to
dairy producers in the Central Valley and is working with NRCS to make dairy
producers aware that the funding is available. AWEP is a voluntary
conservation initiative that provides financial and technical assistance to
agricultural producers to implement agricultural water enhancement
activities on agricultural land for the purposes of conserving surface and
ground water and improving water quality.
<more> April 30, 2010 WUD
Dairyline: Butter supplies expected to tighten - - The April federal
order benchmark milk price inched 14 cents higher Friday, April 30, to
$12.92 per hundredweight, $2.14 above April 2009. That put the 2010 average
at $13.62, up from $10.33 a year ago, but far below $17.78 in 2008. Futures
portend more gains to come. The May contract was trading late Friday morning
at $13.32, June was at $13.90, July $14.55, August $14.98, with a peak of
$15.09 in September before heading back down seasonally. The April Class IV
price is $13.73, up 81 cents from March, and $3.91 above 2009.
<more> April 30, 2010 Capital Press
Michael Pollan makes TIME’s Top 100 Most Influential People List - -
A few people involved in agriculture are
among TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People of 2010. The list
includes controversial film producer Michael Pollan, who vilifies modern
farming methods in his documentary “Food, Inc.” TIME cites Pollan’s
consideration of “the ethical bonds that connect our bodies, farms and
food.” Also on the list are EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, USDA Deputy
Secretary Kathleen Merrigan and Temple Grandin. No one from production
agriculture made the cut.
<more> April 30, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
California’s snowpack well above average - - On the heels of late season
storms, manual and electronic readings Friday indicate that water content in
California’s statewide mountain snowpack is 143 percent of normal, the
Department of Water Resources says. “This is good news after three years of
drought, but we still face water shortages in many parts of the state,” says
DWR Director Mark Cowin. Lake Oroville in Butte County, the State Water
Project’s principal storage reservoir, is at 59 percent full or 71percent of
normal for the date, DWR says. <more>
April 30, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
Drive
to suspend AB 32 will submit voter signatures Monday - - Leaders of a
drive to suspend California's landmark greenhouse gas emissions law claim
they will submit enough voter signatures Monday to place the issue before
voters. The California Jobs Initiative Campaign will submit more than the
required 435,000 voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot,
spokeswoman Anita Mangels said. "We're headed to the ballot," she said.
<more> April 30, 2010 Sacramento Bee
US Senate Democrats Release Immigration 'Framework'- - Senate Democrats on Thursday unveiled a "framework" for immigration legislation, despite widespread sentiment that action on the contentious issue will be an uphill struggle in an election year. Democrats' emphasis of the issue comes just a week after a controversial bill that would crack down on illegal immigrants was passed in Arizona. Despite a loaded calendar in the Senate, which has yet to pass a financial regulatory overhaul and still must debate several important tax and spending measures, Democrats are seeking to highlight their openness to address an issue that is a top priority for many Hispanic voters. <more> April 30, 2010 Dow Jones Newswires
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Aquarium removes gas mask from cow - - The
Monterey Bay Aquarium has removed the controversial gas mask from the cow
that is part of its “Hot Pink Flamingos” exhibit on climate change, it was
announced
today. The dairy cow remains as part of the exhibit showcasing alternate
energy solutions. Aquarium officials said they are modifying nearby exhibit
graphics to tell an alternative energy story. The action comes after a
recent meeting between Monterey Bay Aquarium management and representatives
from California Milk Advisory Board, Western United Dairymen and the
California Beef Council where they shared new climate change data and
feedback from the dairy and beef industries. “This is a very welcome and
positive result,” said WUD President Jamie Bledsoe. “We appreciate the time
and effort that aquarium management spent discussing this issue with
industry representatives. We are glad that we had the opportunity to share
the science-based information about how California dairy families are acting
in an environmentally responsible manner and that the aquarium management
listened to our concerns.”<more>
April 29, 2010 WUD
House ag committee holds Fresno hearing Monday
- - Members of the House Agriculture Committee will be in Fresno on Monday
as part of a series of nationwide meetings to gather input on the 2012 farm
bill. Western United President Jamie Bledsoe was selected as the dairy
witness for Monday's hearing. The
hearing is open to the public. Live video of the hearing will be available
on the House Agriculture Committee website
http://agriculture.house.gov/hearings/audio.html for those who
can't attend in person. The hearing begins at 9 a.m. at Fresno City Hall.
<more> April 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
Got
milk? Only if it comes from a cow, says NMPF - - Got milk? The National
Milk Producers Federation says you don't, not if what you grab from the
dairy case today is soy, rice or almond milk. For the second time in 10
years, the federation has written to the Food and Drug Administration asking
that the term "milk" be reserved for cow's milk, although it's OK with also
using the word for goat, sheep or water buffalo milk — any of the various
"mammalian lacteal secretions." The federation says the FDA should require
that plant-based beverages be labeled something else, noting terms such as
"drinks," "beverages" or even "imitation milk." The FDA is "letting the
bastardization of dairy terms proliferate," says federation spokesman
Christopher Galen. The group has even launched a Facebook page: "They Don't
Got Milk."
<more> April 29, 2010 USA Today
FDA should stop imitation products from using milk terms, says NMPF - -
A decade after it first asked the federal Food and Drug Administration to
crack down on the misappropriation of dairy terminology on imitation milk
products, the National Milk Producers Federation has sent another petition
to the FDA, asserting that the practice has gotten worse in the past 10
years. In its petition submitted April 29, NMPF contends that not only have
the terms “soy milk” and “soymilk” continued to proliferate, but also other
dairy-specific terms like “yogurt,” “cheese,” and “ice cream” are now being
used by products made out of a wide variety of non-dairy ingredients.
<more> April 29, 2010 NMPF Press Release
China
threatens to cut-off U.S. dairy imports - - In letters to U.S. Trade
Representative Ron Kirk and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the
International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is urging swift bilateral
action to settle a dispute which threatens U.S. dairy exports to China. On
April 22, the Chinese government informed U.S. government officials that
China would block imports of U.S. dairy products beginning May 1 due to
alleged deficient export certification.
<more> April 29, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy
analyst: World wants milk - - A dairy industry analyst for Rabobank
expects global demand to grow for dairy products and short-term prices to
remain steady before increasing long term. Mark Voorbergen of Rabobank, an
international banking and financial services provider that specializes in
agri-business, offered his assessment of the dairy industry during an online
conference on April 26. Voorbergen said global dairy demand is expected to
continue to grow after falling off in 2008 in response to high dairy prices.
India, Pakistan and China will account for 60 percent of that growth.
<more> April 29, 2010 Capital Press
Hardesty named new USDEC chairman - - Colorado dairyman Les Hardesty was
elected chairman of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) in a special
election to fill the seat made vacant by Tom Camerlo’s unexpected passing
last autumn. He is the third elected chairman in the organization’s history,
following Elwood Kirkpatrick (1995-2004) and Tom Camerlo (2004-2009). Paul
Rovey has served as interim chairman since Camerlo’s passing. Hardesty milks
700 cows on the Painted Prairie Dairy in Greeley, Colo., and also owns the
smaller showcase Cozy Cow Dairy educational facility. Hardesty is chairman
of the Mountain Area Region of Dairy Farmers of America and of the National
Dairy Council, and serves on the board of National Milk Producers Federation
and United Dairy Industry Association. He has been an active member of the
USDEC board for the last seven years. April 29, 2010 USDEC Press Release
14th
District Senate seat attracts GOP rivals -- When state Sen. Dave Cogdill
unexpectedly announced last year that he would not seek a second term, he
opened up a coveted Republican-controlled seat anchored in eastern Fresno
County. But some of Fresno's bigger political players passed on a run for
the 14th District, leaving the GOP field to an incumbent Assembly member
from the North Valley and four relative newcomers to politics. Based on
endorsements and fundraising, the GOP favorite looks to be Tom Berryhill of
Oakdale, a second-term Assembly member.
<more> April 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
Fight
for 19th District stirs tension, national attention - - The reliably
Republican 19th Congressional District -- which has been in a political
slumber for well over a decade -- has awoken with a bang this year as four
ambitious members of the GOP scramble for a rare open seat. Two are trying
for a comeback. Two are seeking a promotion. Their four-way fight has gotten
nasty, and it's attracting money and attention nationwide.
<more> April 29, 2010 Modesto Bee
Federal salmon plans unveiled in Fresno - - About 50 people listened
Wednesday as federal officials made their long-awaited first announcements
in Fresno about plans to restore chinook salmon runs in the San Joaquin
River. But there were not a lot of answers to big questions. Instead, people
learned that this was just the first step in designing a specific plan to
put fish back in the river by December 2012.It was still a landmark meeting
for restoring the river and salmon runs, which died off after Friant Dam was
built in the 1940s.
<more> April 29, 2010 Fresno Bee
Study: consumers curious about food producers, production - - A new study indicates consumers think favorably of farmers, but they have questions about how food is produced. The study, referred to as SegmenTrak, was done by Demeter Communications. Demeter Senior Partner Claudine Wargel, who is based in Clinton, Illinois, says the survey explores what consumers want to know from farmers about food production.“They have a real interest in knowing the potential impact of this on the end product from a health standpoint,” said Wargel, during an interview with Brownfield. <more> April 29, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Land O'Lakes to close Tulare cheese plant - -
Land O' Lakes, one of the area's largest employers, will shut down its
Tulare cheese operation and eliminate the jobs of 80 workers, officials
announced Tuesday. (To read a copy of the official LOL press release,
click here.) The company's South M Street plant, which in 2009
employed 640 people, will continue to manufacture butter. The plant now
produces several varieties of cheese for industrial food-manufacturing
customers. Milk shipments will be directed to the butter operation, said
Gary Germaine, the plant's director of operations, butter and cheese. The
move will take place "sometime during the latter half of the year," he said.
<more> April 28, 2010 Visalia Times Delta
VIDEO: Central Valley stars in biomethane tour-
- Sustainable Conservation brought a busload of government regulatory
officials, environmentalists and
farmers on a tour of state-of-the-art biomehtane systems Wednesday. The tour visited Livermore’s Waste Management
Inc site to view the world’s largest plant converting purified landfill gas
to liquefied methane to fuel garbage trucks. Next stop was Fiscalini Farms
in Modesto
where WUD member and cheesemaker John Fiscalini provided an up-close look at
his 1,500 cow operation that provides manure for a methane digester
operation that has seen significant regulatory challenges placed in its
path. Fiscalini talked about those obstacles in
this video interview provided by the Central Valley Business Times. The tour proceeded to Hilmar Cheese Company to
view the first cow-powered truck in the U.S. delivering milk from the dairy
of WUD member Rob Hilarides. The tour's final stop was the Turlock Municipal
CNG Fueling Station which is hailed as a bridge to future biomethane fueling
stations. To view a gallery of photos taken at the Fiscalini Farms tour,
please click here. April 28, 2010
Regulations hampering dairy economic recovery,
WUD tells Stanford food symposium - - Complex, confusing and
contradictory regulatory requirements are impeding the California dairy
industry’s economic recovery, Western United Dairymen told those gathered
Friday for Stanford University’s annual Law and Policy Review Food Policy
Symposium. Paul Martin, WUD’s Environmental Services Director, appeared on a
panel on the environmental impact of food production and policy. Martin
presented data on the severe economic crisis facing the state’s dairy
industry, which is a huge economic driver for both the Valley and the
state’s economy. As California dairy families try to dig out from underneath
the collapse of milk prices, “The process of many of these over-lapping
regulations often impedes progress,” said Martin. The panel discussed what
the term sustainability means to various economic sectors. Martin used the
example of a three-legged milking stool to show how economics, ethics and
science support the “seat” of local cultural mores. “I encouraged the
audience members to buy local, real California milk as a way to show support
for sustaining California dairy families,” he said. Martin also held up the
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program as an example of how
collaborative efforts are more effective than government intervention.
April 28, 2010
Struggling dairies hope to hang on as milk prices
rise - - Compared to where they were last year, California dairy farmers
have reason to breathe a little easier. The price of milk will get a boost
in May. Dairy exports are up. And with signs of an improving economy, there
is hope that the worst is behind them. Whether they can pay their bills
will depend largely on whether they'll be able to get operating loans, and
some farmers are having a tough time with their lenders, said Michael Marsh,
chief executive officer of Western United Dairymen.
<more> April 28, 2010 Ag Alert
San Joaquin Valley's air again fails to make
grade - - The American Lung Association says many places in California
and the rest of the country made big improvements in air quality. But in
terms of dust, soot and other specks, the San Joaquin Valley's air got
dirtier. In the association's annual air-quality report, the Valley accounts
for five of the 10 urban areas with the highest spikes in fine particle
pollution -- the worst showing of any air basin in the country. The
association said some of the increase was probably due to thousands of
California wildfires in 2008. The rankings are based on data from 2006 to
2008, the latest information available. All eight Valley counties received
"F" grades.
<more> April 28, 2010 Fresno Bee
A different primary culprit for Valley air -
- If there was a theme song for the study of dairies' role in San Joaquin
Valley's notorious ozone pollution, it could be titled "Looking for
emissions in all the wrong places." Researchers at the University of
California, Davis, recently concluded that millions of tons of cow feed
stacked in huge silage piles appears to be dairy's biggest contribution to
"volatile organic compounds" - gases that help form ozone in the atmosphere.
The take-home is that feed sources might be more important than all of the
things we've been caring about in the past," said Michael J. Kleeman, a
professor in UC Davis' department of civil and environmental engineering who
was the study's lead investigator.
<more> April 28, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
New Hampshire dairy death reinforces need for
safety measures - -By Anthony P. Raimondo - - An eleven year old
boy died recently at a New Hampshire
dairy
after a feed pile collapsed on him. The boy was riding his bicycle on the
farm, and entered an open silage storage area. He rode near a feed pile
that collapsed and buried him. Although adults on the scene attempted CPR,
the boy died after two days in the hospital. All dairies should be alert to
safety issues on the farm. Dairy farms are among the most dangerous work
environments in the United States, and dairy producers should be alert to
the risks and hazards for employees, their families, and visitors to the
dairy. To prevent accidental injuries and deaths, and to protect against
the liability that can flow from such accidents, all dairies should have a
premises safety plan that includes the following: • Access Control: All
dairies should have a policy that visitors (including vendors, salesmen, and
the like) must check in with a designated representative and receive
specific permission to enter the areas of the dairy where they need to go.
The designated representative should inform the visitor of hazards in the
area to be visited (like stacked hay or feed piles that can fall, or traffic
lanes for trucks and equipment), and should direct the visitor only to the
area where access is permitted. Visitors should not be given free reign to
wander around the ranch. Where appropriate, escort the visitor to where
they need to go.
<more>
April 28, 2010
Martosko: HSUS is “cleaning your clock” - -
David Martosko is not one to mince words. Martosko is the director of
research for the Center for Consumer Freedom and the editor of
Humanewatch.org, the new web site that is taking on the Humane Society of
the United States and other animal activist organizations. Martosko spoke
to the Animal Ag Alliance about his efforts to expose what he calls the
“activists’ true agenda” and whether it will ultimately have an effect on
consumer attitudes about groups such as HSUS. And, yes, he thinks the
animal ag industry has a lot of work to do to get back in the game.
<more> April 28, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
California farmers adopt reduced tillage
practices - - With asthma and economic challenges plaguing California’s
Central Valley, local farmers are simultaneously clearing the air and
reducing their costs, according to a new study published today by a group of
academic, farming and environmental leaders. Between 2004 and 2008, Central
Valley farmers switched to “reduced tillage” practices on nearly 20 percent
of land used to grow row crops like corn and wheat silage.These tillage
practices cut the number of tractor passes needed to prepare fields for
planting, which means lower fuel and labor costs for farmers, and less dust
and diesel pollution in the air. Local farmers save money while they protect
clean air for their neighbors.
<more> April 28, 2010 Sustainable Conservation
Maldonado: from strawberry picker to lieutenant
governor - - The lieutenant governor of California's job has been
disparaged by some as insignificant, but not for Abel Maldonado, who almost
seemed as if it were his wedding day after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger swore
him in to the post Tuesday. His parents were there, his kids and siblings,
and an assortment of other relatives, standing in the back of the governor's
press room with cameras and camcorders. He shook hands with the reporters
who covered the event and thanked them for coming. It was portrayed by
Maldonado and Schwarzenegger as a kind of inspirational story of making it
in America: the son of a bracero who arrived penniless from Mexico in 1963
became the first Latino Republican to hold statewide office in California in
130 years (Maldonado took the oath on the same bible as did the last one,
Romualdo Pacheco, in 1871).
<more> April 28, 2010 LA Times
Huber's Delta canal bill goes down quietly - - Assemblywoman Alyson Huber's effort to place a new hurdle in front of the peripheral canal would not pass out of committee Tuesday - that much was clear. But as it turned out, there wasn't even a vote. After Mariko Yamada, D-Davis - the only Delta legislator on the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee - made a motion to pass the bill, Huber, D-El Dorado Hills, asked for a second as a "courtesy." No one offered. The bill died. <more> April 28, 2010 Stockton Record
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
State updates ag employers on labor laws - -
- - Few employers look forward to surprise inspections from state
regulators. But being aware of current laws and regulations will go a long
way toward a trouble-free visit, state officials said Monday.
Representatives from the state agency charged with rooting out unscrupulous
employers held a seminar aimed at preparing the agriculture industry for an
enforcement inspection. About 50 farmers, farm labor contractors, and other
farm employers attended the workshop sponsored by State Compensation
Insurance Fund.
<more> April 27, 2010 Fresno Bee
Supreme Court questions ban of biotech alfalfa
-- U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday sharply questioned a lower
court's decision that has prohibited biotech giant Monsanto Co. from selling
genetically engineered alfalfa seeds, possibly paving the way for the
company to distribute the seeds for the first time since 2007. The case has
been closely watched by environmentalists and agribusiness. A federal judge
in San Francisco barred the planting of genetically engineered alfalfa
nationwide until the government could adequately study the crop's potential
impact on organic and conventional varieties.
<more> April 27, 2010 AP
Senate Climate Bill Trio Headed in Different
Directions - - Prospects for the Senate climate bill grew even dimmer
yesterday after the trio working on a comprehensive measure emerged from a
closed-door meeting headed in separate directions -- both literally and
figuratively. Sens. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and
Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) made no joint statements following a 45-minute
meeting in the Capitol, their first chance to huddle in person since Graham
threatened over the weekend to abandon the talks because of the Democratic
leadership's decision to also tackle the hot-button issue of immigration.
Instead, each senator went his own way.
<more> April 27, 2010 NY Times
Fresno Bee Letter to Editor: Cows are family - -
The "Beakman Jax" feature on the April 22 Scoopy Squad page on dairy was
funny indeed in how many errors were included. It is sad to see such
blatantly false information shared with young children who may have no
experience with agriculture. As a California dairy farmer, my cows are my
family and their health and comfort is my No. 1 job. Caring for the land
where I farm, and hopefully future generations will farm, is just as
important. I am part of a proud tradition of dairy families in this state --
still strong at 1,750 despite these tough times -- that help create more
than 440,000 jobs. We are dedicated to producing quality California milk. I
welcome anyone to see how we dairy at my blog:
www.dairygoddess.wordpress.com. Barbara Martin, Lemoore April
27, 2010 Fresno Bee
Drought to claw back gains in Fonterra milk price
rise - - Fonterra is increasing the forecast milk price payout for the
current season by 40c to $6.10 per kilogram of milk solids, and says farmers
are set to receive a similar amount next season. The increase to the
second-best payout on record was on the back of continued strength in global
dairy prices, and growth in demand beginning to outstrip supply, chairman
Sir Henry van der Heyden said. The increase is the first since the forecast
milk price was raised by $1.10 last November.
<more> April 27, 2010 Otago Daily Times – New Zealand
Kings County agricultural setbacks to be
discussed - - Kings County decision-makers are reviewing the county
zoning regulations regarding setback limits on property used for dairy
operations in a study session on Tuesday. In response to inquiries, the
county community development department has conducted a comparison of
agricultural setbacks for all San Joaquin Valley counties and evaluated the
need for policy modifications.
<more> April 27, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Coalition Cranks up Push For Williamson Act -
- Tulare County supervisors, local Farm Bureau leaders and others will head
to Sacramento Wednesday on a mission to convince state leaders, especially
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, that the Williamson Act is essential to
California's agricultural future. Local leaders will join with California
State Association of Counties (SCAC), the California Farm Bureau, the
Regional Council of Rural Counties (RCRC) lobbyists and farmers of the Save
the Williamson Act coalition for meetings with targeted legislators,
including leaders and budget chairs and other Williamson Act champions
seeking re-instatement of tax subventions.
<more> April 27, 2010 Valley Voice
Scholarships for future dairy leaders - -
Dairy producers, through their checkoff investment, will award 20 academic
scholarships to students currently enrolled in programs that emphasize dairy
and who have shown potential to become future dairy leaders. The National
Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB), the 36-member dairy producer board
that oversees the national dairy checkoff program, through Dairy Management
Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff, annually awards up to 19
$1,500 scholarships and one $2,500 scholarship to eligible undergraduate
students.
<more> April 27, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
RFID Tagged Cows Start Tweeting - - A herd of
dairy cows from the University of Waterloo might be the first of the bovine
species to use Twitter. The cows brag about milk production, RFID
transponder glitches, eating habits, technical issues with the “Mr.
Terminator” milking machines and the specific nuances of which teats perform
best. Some of the cattle even let loose with an occasional literary
quotation from Virgil. We’re hoping for Twitpics soon.
<more> April 27, 2010 Mashable.com
‘Ongoing food crisis’ to be part of Food and
Agriculture board meeting - - The California State Board of Food and
Agriculture will meet in the city of San Joaquin in Fresno County May 4 to
address what it calls “the ongoing food crisis within the Central Valley.”
Says CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura, “Working together with local communities
and California’s farmers we can develop lasting solutions to provide
emergency food assistance across this state. As Fresno County continues to
experience ongoing impacts of drought, I encourage farmers and the public to
come forward in addressing this crisis.”
<more> April 27, 2010 CDFA Press Release
Reminder: Turn in acreage reports - - Val
Dolcini, state executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in
California, reminds producers to submit their annual report of acreage to
their local FSA county office to meet FSA program eligibility requirements.
Accurate acreage reports are necessary to determine and maintain eligibility
for various programs, including the direct and counter-cyclical program and
newer programs authorized in the 2008 farm bill.
<more> April 27, 2010 Western Farm Press
WUD
Golf Tournament: Grand raffle prize announced - - Mark your calendars
for the 8th annual WUD North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament set for Monday,
June 7, at the Diablo Grande Golf Course. Anyone who plays in the tournament
and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize - - a
flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration materials will be mailed
and posted to the WUD website in the coming weeks. April 23, 2010
Alliance: Activists threaten U.S. food security - - Are animal rights activists jeopardizing the food security of the United States? That question will be one of the topics of discussion at this week’s Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit in Arlington, Virginia. The group’s executive vice president, Kay Johnson Smith, says if activists continue to be successful in imposing tougher restrictions on the nation’s livestock industry, many producers may just leave the business. <more> April 27, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Monday, April 26, 2010
Use of low-dust farm practices rise - -
Central Valley farmers have greatly increased their use of practices to
reduce soil disturbance and dust, according to a survey released this week.
The practices grew sixfold from 2004 to 2008 in the nine survey counties, an
alliance of farmers, researchers and other experts reported. The result was
cleaner air for valley residents and reduced tractor use by farmers, the
alliance said. The findings could be especially valuable to dairy farmers,
who grow much of their own feed. They have faced low milk prices on one hand
and high costs for fuel and pollution controls on the other. "My philosophy
is that good environmental stewardship must be profitable to be
sustainable," Hanford-area dairy farmer Dino Giacomazzi said in a news
release. "Our conservation tillage program has been helpful to our family
business during these hard economic times."
<more> April 25, 2010 Modesto Bee
CWT accepts more export assistance bids for
cheese - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted bids from
Darigold, Land O’Lakes, Foremost Farms, and Dairy Farmers of America for
export assistance for a total of 2,452 metric tons (5.4 million pounds) of
Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack to the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and
Europe. The majority of the product will be delivered May through July 2010
with a quarter of the total quantity extending delivery into September.
Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program on March 18, 2010, it
has assisted members in making export sales of cheddar cheese totaling 8,600
metric tons (19.0 million pounds) to 15 countries on four continents.
Originally the assistance was only available for Cheddar cheese, now it has
been expanded to other varieties including Monterey Jack. April 26, 2010
Brownfield Ag News
California Milk Advisory Board holds Media Training Boot Camp for California Dairy Producers - - Telling your stories and shaping the messages that reach consumers are an important way to build demand for California milk and dairy products. Having the right messages and knowing how to deliver them can be a challenge. The California Milk Advisory Board is presenting a Media Training Boot Camp program to help give California dairy producers the tips and tools they need to be able to represent our industry – both in media situations and when interacting with consumers who have questions. The training schedule is listed below – you can attend any session that fits with your schedule. E-mail Jennifer Giambroni at the CMAB: jgiambroni@cmab.net to reserve your space. Or call (650) 871-6459, x304 for more information.
Cow power helps fill your gas tank - - Cows
help you fill your cereal bowl, bake your cake and adorn your pizza. Now
right here in Tulare County — cows will help you fill your gas tank. Calgren
Renewable Fuels, the Pixley-based ethanol plant, has been awarded a $4.68
million matching grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to
utilize dairy cow gas to make ethanol. The money will go to construction of
a digester used to break down manure to make clean burning biomethane — the
green equivalent of natural gas.
<more> April 26, 2010 SIERRA2THESEA NEWS SERVICE
USDA/Justice Dept workshop on dairy June 25 in
Wisconsin - - The USDA and Justice Department have announced that they
will hold a public workshop focused on the dairy industry on June 25 in
Madison, Wisconsin. The specific areas of focus will include concentration,
marketplace transparency and market dynamics in the dairy industry. The
workshops, which were first announced by Attorney General Eric Holder and
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Aug. 5, 2009, are the first joint
Department of Justice/USDA workshops ever to be held to discuss competition
and regulatory issues in the agriculture industry. The goals of the
workshops are to promote dialogue among interested parties and foster
learning with respect to the appropriate legal and economic analyses of
these issues, as well as to listen to and learn from parties with experience
in the agriculture sector. Attendance at the workshops is free and open to
the public. April 26, 2010 USDA Press Release
Maverick Valley dairy owner 'rescues' cows -
- To hear the folks at Organic Pastures dairy tell it, Louise and McQueen
were all but bound for the slaughterhouse or an industrialized farm. The two
organic dairy cows were living in crowded, cold conditions, and their
financially troubled owner needed to get rid of them. They faced an
uncertain future. Organic Pastures offered these milkers a lifeline by
recruiting sponsors to save them at $1,800 apiece. It worked. Since March,
Organic Pastures supporters have "rescued" 40 cows -- including Louise and
McQueen. An additional 20 are expected to arrive next week at the green
pastures of its Fresno County ranch. While dairy officials admit Organic
Pastures' plan is unique, it has raised the ire of some farmers who object
to the idea that cows need rescuing from nonorganic dairies. "It is unfair
to assume that if a cow is going to a conventional dairy, it will somehow be
tortured," said Tony Azevedo, a Merced County dairyman and president of
Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance. "Ninety-nine percent of the
conventional dairies are doing a great job taking care of their animals."
<more> April 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
California free to ban downer cows in food supply
-- for now - - It's been two years since a covertly recorded videotape
of non-ambulatory cows being abused at a slaughterhouse led to the largest
beef recall in the nation's history, but the scandal is still having
repercussions. A federal appeals court recently reinstated a California law
passed in the wake of the video's release that banned using animals in the
human food supply if they're too weak to stand.
<more> April 26, 2010 Bakersfield Californian
It's not just cattle fouling Sierra streams --
it's people, too - - An exclusive story from McClatchy News Service
quotes Dr. Robert Derlet about bacterial contamination in Sierra streams
from lots of cattle answering the call of nature as they graze. Here's what
the story didn't say: "In a mountain range boasting giant sequoias, Half
Dome and Mount Whitney, Derlet has confirmed there are bacteria linked to
human feces in lakes and streams." That was in a story I wrote from a lake
near Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park where I followed Derlet one
September morning nearly five years ago.
<more> April 26, 2010 Fresno Bee
California's Fields, Parched by Drought and
Conservation Rules, Will Get More Water - - There's a trickle of new
hope in California's drought-stricken farm economy, as water agencies open
irrigation spigots a little more this year, allowing farmers to increase
planting and hiring. This winter brought California its biggest snowpack
since 2006, partially refilling depleted reservoirs. The Interior Department
this month increased water allocations to 30% of normal for users with the
least amount of water rights, such as in the Westlands district, up from 25%
in March and 5% or less earlier this year. The California Department of
Water Resources upped the water allocations it expects to give cities and
farms this year to 20% of normal from 5%. That allocation could increase if
California gets much more precipitation, agency officials say.
<more> April 26, 2010 Wall Street Journal
Maldonado gets the OK as lieutenant governor
- - The Senate voted 25-7 this afternoon to confirm Sen. Abel Maldonado's
lieutenant governor nomination, clearing the way for the embattled pick to
finally fill the vacant post. It's been a bumpy road for the Santa Maria
Republican, who was first nominated to the post in November. Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger renominated Maldonado in February after the Assembly derailed
his first confirmation attempt. Last week, the Assembly voted 51-17 to
approve his nomination, with leaders saying his willingness to work with
Democrats on jobs caused the change of heart..
<more> April 26, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Derivatives Provisions Are Dividing Democrats
- - Ahead of a pivotal vote Monday on financial regulation, divisions are
emerging among Senate Democrats over how best to strengthen oversight of the
market for the exotic financial instruments known as derivatives. All 59
members of the Democratic caucus are still expected to stand together Monday
on whether to begin action on legislation overhauling regulation of the
financial system. But the differences underscore the complexity of the
coming debate, and will have to be resolved later this spring. At issue is
whether the derivatives oversight bill written by Senate Agriculture
Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D., Ark.) will be folded into the broader
regulatory overhaul. The Lincoln measure would beef up oversight and
increase transparency of the market, and includes a proposal that could push
Wall Street banks to spin off their derivatives trading operations.
<more> April 26, 2010 Wall Street Journal
NZ Fonterra Eyes Mideast As Milk Thirst Grows - - The world's biggest dairy exporter, New Zealand's Fonterra Cooperative Group, expects a double digit jump in Middle East and Africa sales over the next year as the region's thirst for milk products grows and populations swell, its chief executive officer said. "What you have already in the Middle East is reasonably high dairy consumption," Andrew Ferrier told Zawya Dow Jones in a telephone interview recently. "You've also got a large population and consumers looking for increasingly healthier foods. We're in that category, so we see good growth." <more> April 26, 2010 Dow Jones Newswires
Friday, April 23, 2010
WUD, CMAB, CBC
meet with Aquarium officials to discuss ‘gas mask' cow display
- - Western United Dairymen CEO
Michael Marsh, Environmental Services Director Paul Martin, California Milk
Advisory Board Director of Communications Jennifer Giambroni and California
Beef Council Executive Director Bill Dale met with Monterey Bay Aquarium
officials Tuesday to discuss their climate change exhibit, "Hot Pink
Flamingos: Stories of Hope in a Changing Sea," and the concerns the
California beef and dairy industries have with how cattle are portrayed.
Marsh said the group had a "very open and frank dialogue about the exhibit.
We discussed how the image of a gas mask wearing cow conveys a message of
toxic or harmful emissions coming from dairy cows' milk and dairy products,
and how unsettling that message can be to consumers as well as to California
dairy families." <more>
April 23, 2010 WUD Weekly News Update
More
dairy cows went to market - - A very nice end of the week for Class III
dairy futures. Even though cash cheese held steady on the Chicago Mercantile
Exchange on Friday, Class III contracts for 2010 saw double-digit increases.
The push came from the monthly cattle slaughter report, National Ag
Statistics Service says a total of 256,000 dairy cows went to slaughter in
March, 33,000 more than in February and 18,000 more than March of last year.
<more> April 23, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Senate
Ag Committee bill wants a look at carbon markets - - That financial
reform package passed by the Senate Ag Committee earlier this week not only
would place strict regulations on the trading of derivatives, it also calls
for a study on transparency in the carbon trade market in the U.S. Senator
Blanche Lincoln’s bill would have the Treasury Department, USDA, the EPA,
the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Securities and Exchange
Commission, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Federal Trade Commission,
the Energy Information Administration and the independent statistics arm of
the Department of Energy take a close look at the emerging market “to ensure
an efficient, secure, and transparent carbon market, including oversight of
spot markets and derivative markets.”
<more> April 23, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Study:
Cow feed may be causing air problem in California - - Air officials for
years have blamed dairy cow emissions for the unusually high ozone levels in
California's San Joaquin Valley, but a new study points more to what goes
into the animals than what comes out. The study — funded by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, California Air Resources Board and the San
Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District — initially was intended to
measure the impact of animal manure, urine and flatulence on ozone levels.
University of California, Davis researchers, however, found that the bigger
ozone culprit appears to be millions of tons of fermenting cattle feed. This
previously unrecognized source is likely the reason why ozone levels have
not dropped even as the region has implemented control programs, scientists
said. "The take-home is that feed sources might be more important than all
of the things we've been caring about in the past," said Michael J. Kleeman,
a professor in UC Davis' department of civil and environmental engineering
who was the study's lead investigator.
<more> April 23, 2010 AP
It
wasn't cow belches, toots or manure - - By Mark Grossi, Fresno Bee-
- Five years ago when I first reported that cow belching, flatulence and
manure created more of one ozone-making gas than cars, I got a lot of mail
and calls. The story couldn't be right, they said. Turns out, they were
right. Most of the bad gas is not coming from either end of the cow. Most of
the bad gases are coming from the corn silage piled up nearby. They're
called reactive organic gases, a fancy term for chemicals wafting off of the
fermenting pile.
<more> April 23, 2010 Fresno Bee
DWR
raises 2010 water delivery projection to 30% - - Citing April’s wintry
Sierra storms, the California Department of Water Resources on Friday
increased its 2010 allocation of State Water Project deliveries to 30
percent. The SWP allocation had been set at 20 percent of contractors’
requests earlier in April. The initial 2010 allocation estimate, made in
December 2009, was 5 percent. That projection rose incrementally as snowpack
accumulated during winter and early spring. Later in May, DWR expects to
make a final allocation announcement. “The spring storms have been good to
California’s snowpack, allowing us to increase our water deliveries to
communities, farms and businesses this year,” says DWR Director Mark Cowin.
<more> April 23, 2010 Central Valley Business Times
WUD
Golf Tournament: Grand raffle prize announced - - Mark your calendars
for the 8th annual WUD North Valley Fed-PAC Golf Tournament set for Monday,
June 7, at the Diablo Grande Golf Course. Anyone who plays in the tournament
and buys raffle tickets will be eligible for a fantastic grand prize - - a
flat screen television donated by WUD Board President Jamie Bledsoe.
Proceeds from the popular event will benefit the Western United Dairymen
federal political action committee. Registration materials will be mailed
and posted to the WUD website in the coming weeks. April 23, 2010
This
cartoon makes you want to cry - - A damaging cartoon on dairy farming
practices appeared in the comic strip “Beakman
and Jax” in newspapers this past Sunday. The comic strip’s author, Jok
Church, typically answers children’s science questions in a cartoon
question-and-answer format. In response to a question about the age of
dairy animals when they first give birth, the strip made a number of false
claims including: * “Almost all dairy cows are raised in factories where
they’re fed surplus corn and soy – not the grass that is a cow’s natural
food.” * “Factory cows get more diseases, so they are medicated constantly.
Their food includes drugs like antibiotics and hormones. They also get gas,
which can hurt their 4-part stomachs.” * “Factory cows live from 3-4 years
before they die. Cows that eat grasses in meadows live and produce milk for
up to 20 years. They’re ones farmers name and don’t number.”
<more> April 23, 2010 Dairy Herd Management
Ag has
'good story to tell,' Modesto ex-mayor says - - Carol Whiteside imagines
a place with a year-round farmers market and other attractions celebrating
food from the Central Valley. That's one way that the region can promote its
agriculture in the face of critics, said Whiteside, founding president of
the Great Valley Center, in a Thursday evening talk at California State
University, Stanislaus. "Agriculture does have a good story to tell," she
said. "They just aren't very good at telling it on their own behalf."
<more> April 23, 2010 Modesto Bee
It
won’t be your granddaddy’s Farm Bill - - By Steve Kopperud - -
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, and if you care about federal farm
policy, programs and payments, consider this fair warning. Oh so quietly
major commodity organizations are forming task forces, food processing
companies are examining options and folks on the Hill are holding fingers in
the air, gauging which way the very early political winds are blowing when
it comes to the future of federal economic support of farmers and federal
farm programs. We’re talking about the 2012 Farm Bill. Based on early
indications, this omnibus farm legislation will look like no other before
it.
<more> April 23, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Committee slows pesticide-buffer bill -- Assemblyman Sandré Swanson,
D-Oakland, is hitting a roadblock trying to get a pesticide-control bill
through the Assembly agriculture committee. Swanson's AB1721, titled the
Healthy and Safe School Zone Act, sought to keep pesticide applications for
commercial ag and state pest-control programs at least a quarter-mile from
schoolyards. Swanson further sought to extend that buffer to a half-mile for
chemicals that the state restricts. But when Swanson saw his bill lacked the
necessary votes from the ag committee, he promised amendments. The bill
would now restrict only aerial applications that are "likely to cause
off-site movement of pesticides," and sets a uniform buffer at a quarter
mile.
<more> April 23, 2010 Capital Press
UNICEF director Veneman prepares to step down - - Globe-trotting Modesto native Ann Veneman carries a full passport and poignant memories as she departs her job heading UNICEF. Some aspects of her five-year stint can be easily summed. The 72 countries she's visited. The 17 separate trips to Africa she's made. The 11,000 workers in more than 100 countries she's overseen as executive director of the United Nations organization. "I've had a lot of vaccines," Veneman said with a laugh. "I've taken a lot of malaria pills." But as Veneman approaches her April 30 departure date, part of her resume defies simple accounting. <more> April 23, 2010 McClatchy News
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Cheese
stocks surpass 1 billion pounds - - The monthly Cold Storage Report form
USDA on Thursday shows total cheese
stocks
went over the 1 billion pound mark as of the end of March - -
1,000,778,000 pounds to be exact. That represents a 2 percent increase from
February and 9 percent more than at the end of March in 2009 and the largest
cheese inventory since November of 1984. On the “plus” side, butter stocks
were down 3 percent from last month and 7 percent lower than a year ago at
196.585 million pounds.
<more> April 22, 2010 Brownfield Ag News
Study:
Cow feed may be causing Valley air problem - - A new study is shedding
light on what may be the real cause of unusually high ozone levels in
California's San Joaquin Valley. For years, scientists have focused on dairy
cow manure and flatulence, but now scientists believe it's more about what
goes into the animals than what comes out. Tons of fermenting cattle feed
may be the answer to why smog is highest in the valley, despite having less
vehicle traffic than large cities. The study by University of California,
Davis researchers found that gasses emitted as silage ferments turns oxygen
into ozone.
<more> April 22, 2010 AP
Inspector General seeks tighter residue monitoring for cull dairy animals,
veal - - An audit by USDA’s Inspector General released this week
reported major problems with monitoring residues in beef and veal for
veterinary drugs including antibiotics pesticides, and heavy metals. “Plants
handling dairy cows and bob veal (meat from male calves) were, in 2008,
responsible for over 90% of residue violations found,” according to the
report entitled “FSIS National Residue Program for Cattle.” The report noted
that Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans that do not include
controls for residues were not sufficient for cull dairy cows and bob veal.
“We found that residue is a hazard ‘reasonably likely to occur’ in the
absence of preventive controls,” according to the IG report.
<more> April 22, 2010 Feedstuffs
Assembly approves Maldonado for lieutenant governor - - The Assembly
voted 51-18 to approve GOP Sen. Abel Maldonado's lieutenant governor
nomination today. The vote signals an end to a five month confirmation
saga. Maldonado, first appointed to the vacant post by Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger in November, was re-nominated to the job in February after he
failed to clear the 41-vote hurdle in the Assembly. The Senate, which
approved the nomination the first go-round, is expected to vote as soon as
Monday. If confirmed, Maldonado will fill the remainder of the term started
by Democrat John Garamendi, who was elected to Congress in November. He is
also running for a full term in the GOP primary.
<more> April 22, 2010 Sacramento Bee
Aghazarian named to legislative post at CDFA - - Former Assemblyman Greg
Aghazarian has been appointed to a position with the state Department of
Food and Agriculture. On Wednesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced
that Aghazarian, 45, was appointed to be deputy secretary for legislation
and special assistant to the secretary of the department. Compensation for
the position is $115,000 per year and does not require Senate confirmation.
Aghazarian was Republican Caucus chairman in 2006 during his three terms in
the Assembly, from 2002 to 2008. He represented the 26th District, which
includes part of Stockton. In 2008, he ran unsuccessfully for state Senate.
<more> April 22, 2010 Stockton Record
Truck
rule based on flawed data, ARB staff admits - - A computer model that
the Air Resources Board used to justify historic restrictions on diesel
emissions from off-road construction equipment may have attributed twice as
much pollution to those heavy trucks as they actually produce, according to
interviews with ARB staff. That error, coupled with the effects of the
recession on the construction industry, means that the excavators, backhoes
and graders that operate in California are producing only a fraction of the
pollutants that the board believed was the case when it adopted the
regulations in 2007.
<more> April 22, 2010 HealthyCal.org
Calif.
considers delaying diesel-emission rules - - California air regulators
on Thursday considered whether to delay the nation's toughest rules to slash
emissions from diesel-powered construction equipment, saying the poor
economy has left many of the vehicles sitting idle. Members of the
California Air Resources Board said they might give companies more time to
comply because construction activity in California is down about 50 percent
since the regulations were adopted three years ago, and that has
significantly reduced harmful emissions. "Unfavorable economic times make it
more difficult for industry to comply with our regulations and function,"
board chairwoman Mary Nichols said.
<more> April 22, 2010 AP
Rep.
Gallegly introduces new bill to stop the sale of animal cruelty videos -
-When the Supreme Court struck down, on free-speech grounds, a law making it
a federal crime to sell videos depicting animal cruelty, Rep. Elton Gallegly
(R-Simi Valley) had more than a passing interest. He wrote the law. On
Wednesday, Gallegly responded swiftly to the ruling, introducing a "narrowly
tailored" bill aimed at passing constitutional muster. The measure would
target so-called animal crush videos, such as those showing women in high
heels stomping on puppies and kittens.
<more> April 22, 2010 LA Times
Ag
bills get mixed reviews - - Two bills working their way through the
process are drawing particular interest. One would allow farmworkers to
unionize by signing cards and submitting them to the Agricultural Labor
Relations Board rather than going through the secret ballot process. The
other bill, authored by Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, would require growers
to pay overtime to farmworkers after eight hours of work instead of after 10
hours as mandated under current law. Both measures are drawing opposition
from the grower community.
<more> April 22, 2010 Hanford Sentinel
Environmentalists question Merced Irrigation District's water transfer plans - - By late summer the Merced Irrigation District will release roughly 15,000 acre-feet of water from behind New Exchequer Dam on the Merced River as part of a mandatory habitat study. But instead of letting that water flow to the sea unused, the district is in the process of brokering a water transfer deal in which that flow will go to Westside farmers in need. In the process MID will make a pretty profit. But some of that water might very likely end up watering lawns in new subdivisions in Southern California instead of almond fields in Kern County, said environmental groups that have been opposing such deals.