After meeting for two days in Washington this week, leaders of a number of farm organizations have issued a statement calling on Congress to pass and the President to sign a strong farm bill yet this year. Producer-leaders the organizations met to discuss policy priorities, to hear the perspectives of key policymakers and to work toward consensus on the future of U.S. farm policy. “What was confirmed in our meeting is that we are committed to work together to come up with a viable farm policy.” (more) Feb. 2, 2012 Brownfield Ag News
 

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted today to remove truck weight reform language from the American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act, also known as the highway bill. Following the vote, NMPF President & CEO Jerry Kozak issued this statement: "We are disappointed by the committee’s vote today to remove the truck weight reform language from the highway bill under consideration in the House Transportation Committee. As dairy farmers and members of dairy cooperatives, we are affected every day by transportation policies that do not reflect the needs and demands of today’s commercial environment.” more Feb. 2, 2012 NMPF Press Release

A Forum Workshop "Who's Watching the San Joaquin River" is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Stanislaus Ag Center, Modesto. Speakers from federal and state agencies plus agriculture and water coalitions will describe how each takes the "pulse" of the San Joaquin River, measuring everything from temperature and flow to chemicals and fish.  The event, sponsored by the Coalition for Urban/Rural Environmental Stewardship  (CURES) with EPA Region 9, features keynote speakers Pamela Creedon of the Regional Water Board and Alexis Strauss of US EPA Region 9.  Also featured are presentations from key agencies and entities performing water monitoring on the river, including the San Joaquin River Restoration Program.  A key discussion point for all speakers will be how water monitoring programs in the San Joaquin River basin can be organized for better accessibility and data analysis.  A poster session featuring programs within the Basin will also take place at the event.  Registration information for this free event is available at http://www.curesworks.org/sjRiverForum.asp   Jan. 31, 2012 CURES Press Release

March 9, 2012 is the deadline to apply for Western United Dairymen’s highly successful California Dairy Leaders Program. Designed to train the next generation of California’s dairy leaders, the leadership program consists of several sessions devoted to developing a better understanding of the economic, legislative, marketing, and environmental issues facing the industry. Eligible participants must be actively involved in milk production, able to spend the necessary time in class as well as studying resource materials, and able to commit to travel to locations such as Sacramento and Washington DC.

The year-long program kicks off in the spring. The program will cover in depth environmental issues, state and federal legislative processes, dairy pricing and economics, biotechnological developments, marketing and promotion, and public relations skills. Participants will develop and enhance their leadership skills through workshops on communications, business etiquette, negotiation skills, time management, and team building. Instructors are recognized experts in their field.

Enrollment will be limited to ensure one-on-one instruction. This year, applications will also be accepted from individuals in allied industries. Only a single allied member may be selected for the program in any given year. The program enrollment fee and letters of recommendation are to be submitted with the application.

Industry members can download applications by clicking here.

Allied member applications can be downloaded by clicking here,

Call Western United Dairymen at (209) 527-6453 for further information