from Western United Dairymen
Edited by Mark Looker
California
Dairy Industry Headline News
from Western United Dairymen
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
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Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008
Dairy sued for selling raw milk. FDA accuses
dairy of shipping raw milk across state lines - - A California organic
dairy producer has vowed to fight a federal government lawsuit that seeks to
bar his company from shipping raw milk products across state lines. "The
(Food and Drug Administration) is reaching way beyond its authority to
intimidate us and what we do, but we will not be intimidated," said Mark
McAfee, owner of the Organic Pastures Dairy Company in Fresno. The U.S.
Justice Department filed suit against McAfee in a U.S. district court
Thursday, Nov. 20, claiming that he endangered public health by violating a
federal law against interstate commerce in unpasteurized milk. The U.S.
Health and Human Services Department, which oversees FDA, is also
participating in the lawsuit.
<more> Nov. 26, 2008 Capital Press
Proposed tax draws ire of cattle industry.
Vet-service cost increase could lead to higher food prices - -
Opposition is quickly building among animal owners to the governor's
proposal to tax veterinary services. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger earlier this
month proposed broadening the state sales tax base by including taxes on
services such as appliance and vehicle repair - and veterinary services. The
plan was part of a larger combination of program cuts and taxes to solve the
multi-billion dollar shortfall in the state budget. The governor will have
to secure a two-thirds majority during the special legislative session that
is scheduled to end on Nov. 30. Pet and horse owners have expressed outrage,
and beef and dairy producers are bracing for a hit to their bottom line.
Veterinarians said it is an insult to compare their medical services with
appliance and vehicle repair.
<more> Nov. 26, 2008 Capital Press
WUD district director nominations sought - - The nomination period for those interested in serving on Western United Dairymen’s board of directors is open until Friday, December 5. Nominees must be WUD members in good standing and have the signed support of five WUD members from the same district in which they are seeking election. Nomination forms are available from WUD field staff or downloaded from the WUD website at www.westernuniteddairymen.com or by calling the WUD office at (209) 527-6453. Completed nomination forms must be delivered to WUD office by mail, email or fax no later than Friday, December 5.
Two seats are open where the incumbent is not eligible for re-election:
• Jack Hamm (District 4) representing San Joaquin and Contra Costa counties.
• District 12, currently vacant, encompasses San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties.
The following directors are eligible for re-election this year:
• Domenic Carinalli (District 3) representing Lake, Marin, Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
• Bill Hoekstra (District 5) representing Stanislaus County.
• Anselmo Souza (District 6) representing Merced, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara counties has announced that he will not run.
• Tom Mendes (District 7) representing Fresno County has announced that he will not run.
•
Joseph Airoso (District 8) representing
Tulare County.
Suit challenges Tulare meat plant. City officials
say operation needed due to number of dairies in area - - In spite of a
lawsuit challenging a proposed meat packing plant for the city of Tulare,
neither the city nor plant officials plan to step away from the project.
"The city is hoping to resolve this by the end of the year," said Tracy
Myers of the city planning department. The lawsuit was filed by Hanford
attorney Raymond Carlson on behalf of Tulare resident Roger Catron. Carlson
represented opponents of Western Pacific Meat Packing when the company tried
to build a plant near the community of Goshen in 2006. After lengthy delays
due to lawsuits, the company abandoned the Goshen project and went to the
city of Tulare. Tony Brady, acting CEO of Western Pacific, said Nov. 19 that
the project environmental report underwent extensive scrutiny to discourage
any legal action.
<more> Nov. 26, 2008 Capital Press
Dec. 1
deadline to purchase disaster aid program coverage - - Producers have
until Dec. 1 to purchase the Farm Service Agency’s Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for fall and most winter planted crops,
including grazed land and hay crops. Failure to purchase the NAP coverage
for noninsurable crops could result in ineligibility for FSA disaster
programs such as SURE, the Livestock Forage Assistance Program, Tree
Assistance Program, and the Emergency Assistance Program for Livestock,
Honey Bees, and Farm Raised Fish. Producers who already have coverage on
2008 NAP crops may choose to continue coverage on the same crop or crops for
2009, if the applicable service fee is submitted by the application closing
date. The Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) was designed to
reduce financial losses that occur when natural disasters cause a
catastrophic loss of production or prevented planting of an eligible crop by
providing coverage equivalent to catastrophic (CAT) insurance. Statute
limits NAP to each commercial crop or agricultural commodity, except
livestock, for which CAT is not available. Nov. 21, 2008 FSA Press
Release
Walnut biogas facility runs into snag with state
regulations- - Russell Lester wants to make Dixon Ridge Farms, the
family's organic-walnut operation near Sacramento, completely sustainable by
2012. Using a new machine, Dixon Ridge makes biogas from its walnut shells.
The biogas runs the farm's drying operation, plus a generator to supply
electricity. However, achieving total sustainability requires hooking into
the local grid. That's a stumbling block, Lester said, because state rules
are not keeping up with the changing landscape of farm-waste renewable
fuels. Lester says his biggest current obstacle is that his system mixes two
renewable sources, solar and biogas. Existing rules cover a single source on
one meter, but not two together. "The regulations aren't written to look at
renewables," Lester said. "In our case, if we wanted to try to get our
generator certified with the (Air Resources Board), we wouldn't be able to
get past the first page.
<more> Nov. 26, 2008 Capital Press
Huber projected winner in AD 10 - - Democrat
Alyson Huber pulled ahead of Republican Jack Sieglock in the race for the
10th Assembly District late Tuesday, giving Huber a likely victory in the
hotly contested Assembly race. The final vote is expected to be certified as
early as tomorrow, said sources close to both campaigns, both of which
conceded Huber was likely to win the race. After trailing Sieglock in the
count for three weeks, Huber held a 507 vote lead at the end of counting
Tuesday. There are a handful of provisional ballots left to count in
Sacramento, where Huber outpolled Sieglock, and about 200 ballots left in El
Dorado County, a Sieglock stronghold. But there were not believed to be
enough remaining ballots to change the final result.
<more> Nov. 26, 2008 Capitol Weekly
Proposed rules target fumigants that make smog - - The California Department of Pesticide Regulation issued proposed rules Tuesday aimed at reducing fumigant emissions in regions with some of the worst air quality in the state, including the central San Joaquin Valley. State regulators are targeting the smog-making pollutants known as volatile organic compound (VOC) fumigant emissions that contribute to the creation of the potentially harmful ozone gas. "Reducing air emissions from pesticides is complex and requires a comprehensive approach," said Mary-Ann Warmerdam, Department of Pesticide Regulation director. "These revised rules will give us needed flexibility, while fulfilling our commitment to cleaner air for all Californians." In the Valley, where farmers inject fumigants into the soil to kill pests and disease, fumigant gases make up 36% of the total pesticide VOC emissions. <more> Nov. 26, 2008 Fresno Bee
California Dairy Families: Making a Difference Today for Tomorrow's Generations
Check out 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.
Portrait of a Dairy: Durrer Dairy, Modesto
Portrait of a Dairy: Wyeth Dairy, Modesto
Commodity Price Information
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Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008
Financial crisis dampens dairy demand, but
long-term fundamentals positive - - The international economic/credit
crisis could keep world dairy markets depressed for most of 2009, but
long-term drivers should rouse demand by 2010. In the meantime, U.S.
suppliers should redouble efforts to focus on customer service and meeting
product specifications. These predictions and recommendations were part of a
panel discussion on the “Global Dairy Outlook,” a Webinar presented Nov. 18
by the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). The economic meltdown and credit
freeze pinched demand at a time when global milk supplies were on the
rebound, explained Matt McKnight, USDEC’s vice president of export
ingredient marketing and industry affairs. “First we saw consumer spending
slow this year due to strong inflation. As a result inventories increased.
Then the credit freeze made it difficult for companies to finance existing
stocks and to finance new purchases, so buying slowed dramatically,” he
said. “To an extent, the recovery in dairy demand will depend on the length
and depth of the global recession. But the structural trends are still
intact: population growth, westernization and urbanization will continue to
drive global dairy consumption.” Once consumer demand picks up again, buyers
will come back into the market and contract for pipeline needs, he
predicted. New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Brazil and the European Union
are poised to increase dairy exports over the next year as production rises,
said Ted Jacoby III, vice president of cheese sales and risk management for
T.C. Jacoby & Co. When supplies get long, as they are now, New Zealand will
“aggressively hit the first bid and lower prices because they have no choice
– the product must move.” The United States, on the other hand, has a much
larger domestic market and mechanisms in place (both government and
commercial) to carry inventories in times of excess, Jacoby explained. In
this environment, U.S. dairy exports are likely to decline in 2009 – “as
much as 25-35 percent,” he said. Nov. 25, 2008 USDEC Press Release
This is a weak dairy market - - It certainly
has been a couple of interesting weeks in the dairy markets. Cash cheese
nudges higher each day on a couple of unfilled bids and Class III futures
seem hesitant to jump on board. As of the close Tuesday, the December Class
III price was $1.18 above the January price. Matt Mattke with Stewart
Peterson says that indicates very short-term seasonal strength, “Maybe it
lasts another week or two weeks or however long into December but we’re
working on our fourth consecutive week of higher cheese prices and milk
futures, other than the December contract, really haven’t responded.” In
fact, some of the first-half 2009 contracts are setting new lows, “The
market is already positioning itself for a break in cheese.” Mattke says the
economy is slowing, consumer spending is declining and cheese demand is
expected to decline as well. He cites the October Cold Storage Report last
Friday which showed a 1% decline in cheese stocks from the previous month,
“When typically you’re looking at an average 4% decline.”
<more> Nov. 25, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Fran Florez concedes Assembly race - -
Democrat Fran Florez has conceded in the hard-fought and close 30th Assembly
District race. The Shafter city councilwoman fell 1,317 votes short of
Hanford Republican Danny Gilmore after Kern County completed counting its
ballots Wednesday morning. But Florez said she could be back in two years —
just as Gilmore was after his narrow 2006 loss to Nicole Parra. “And I wish
Danny Gilmore the best on turning around California's finances and ask him
to work with my supporters, who made up nearly half of the voters of this
great district and who strongly believed in my agenda for change and
renewal,” Florez said in a written statement.
<more> Nov. 25, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Crop subsidies and other direct payments to
farmers total about $16 billion annually -- Millionaire farmers continue
to pluck crop subsidies they don't deserve, federal investigators say. At
least 2,702 farmers nationwide received subsidies between 2003 and 2006 even
though they were making more than the $2.5 million gross income cutoff. The
unwarranted payments totaled $49 million and exposed enduring U.S.
Department of Agriculture management problems, investigators concluded. Some
of the improper payments went to California farmers, but the investigators'
report doesn't identify beneficiaries.The
department's Farm Services Agency stated in its official audit response that
it "made the best use of the resources available" and further stressed that
the reported improper payments amounted to less than 1% of total crop
subsidy payments.
<more> Nov. 25, 2008 Fresno Bee
Dec. 1 deadline to purchase disaster aid program coverage - - Producers have until Dec. 1 to purchase the Farm Service Agency’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for fall and most winter planted crops, including grazed land and hay crops. Failure to purchase the NAP coverage for noninsurable crops could result in ineligibility for FSA disaster programs such as SURE, the Livestock Forage Assistance Program, Tree Assistance Program, and the Emergency Assistance Program for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm Raised Fish. Producers who already have coverage on 2008 NAP crops may choose to continue coverage on the same crop or crops for 2009, if the applicable service fee is submitted by the application closing date. The Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) was designed to reduce financial losses that occur when natural disasters cause a catastrophic loss of production or prevented planting of an eligible crop by providing coverage equivalent to catastrophic (CAT) insurance. Statute limits NAP to each commercial crop or agricultural commodity, except livestock, for which CAT is not available. Nov. 21, 2008 FSA Press Release
Monday, Nov. 24, 2008
New mad-cow rule poses health dangers of its own
- – A federal regulation aimed at preventing mad cow disease from getting
into the food supply could create health risks of its own: many thousands of
cattle carcasses rotting on farms, spreading germs, attracting vermin and
polluting the water. At issue is a Food and Drug Administration rule, set to
take effect in April, that will prohibit the use of the brains and spinal
cords of older cattle as ingredients in livestock feed and pet food. Some of
the rendering plants that grind up carcasses for use in feed have already
announced they will stop accepting dead cattle from farms because it would
be too costly to remove the banned organs. Other renderers are likely to
raise the prices they charge farmers. As a result, many farmers — especially
now, with the economy in crisis — may simply bury dead cattle on their
property or let them rot in the open, industry officials and regulators say.
<more> Nov. 24, 2008 AP
American Farm Bureau Opposes EPA-Proposed Tax on
Livestock - – The American Farm Bureau Federation has registered its
opposition to an Environmental Protection Agency proposal to regulate
greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, asserting it would essentially
result in new taxes on livestock operations. “Most livestock and dairy
farmers would not be able to pass along the costs incurred under this plan,”
said Mark Maslyn, AFBF executive director of public policy. “Steep fees
associated with this action would force many producers out of business. The
net result would likely be higher consumer costs for milk, beef and pork,”
said Maslyn, in comments submitted to EPA. According to Agriculture
Department figures, any farm or ranch with more than 25 dairy cows, 50 beef
cattle or 200 hogs emits more than 100 tons of carbon equivalent per year,
and thus would need to obtain a permit under the proposed rules. More than
90 percent of U.S. dairy, beef and pork production would be affected by the
proposal, Maslyn noted.
<more> Nov. 24, 2008 AFBF Press Release
Vilsack says he won't be named ag secretary -
- Former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack says that he won’t be the next
agriculture secretary. Vilsack tells the Des Moines Register he has never
been contacted by aides to President-elect Obama about that position or any
other. Vilsack has been mentioned frequently in news reports. The Washington
Post recently called him a “near shoo-in” for the job. Obama’s staff has
never confirmed that he was being considered. Other names that have been
prominently mentioned include Tom Buis, president of the National Farmers
Union and Minnesota Representative Collin Peterson, chair of the House Ag
Committee. Peterson told DTN recently that he wouldn’t get the job. Nov.
24, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Tasks for Obama's ag sec: School food, subsidy
cap - – President-elect Barack Obama's nominee for U.S. agriculture
secretary will face daunting tasks ranging from tightening farm subsidy
rules to improving school meals, lawmakers and farm groups said on Friday.
During his campaign, Obama backed a $250,000 a year "hard" cap on subsidies
to replace the current, porous limits. He also supported speedy development
of new-generation biofuels to supplement corn-based ethanol, blamed for
higher food prices. Also looming are questions of how to shelter the farm
sector from the financial turmoil slowing the U.S. economy and whether to
expand school meal programs. Tom Vilsack, a former two-term governor of
Iowa, appeared to be the front-runner for the job, analysts said.
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff has had discussions with
Obama officials, according to published reports. Neither man was immediately
available for comment on Friday.
<more> Nov. 24, 2008 Reuters
Dean Florez named Senate majority leader - -
Dean Florez has been tapped the next state Senate majority leader,
overseeing policy and procedure in California’s top house, keeping swing
districts in Democratic hands and serving as an ambassador to the Assembly.
A formal announcement by the incoming Senate leader, President Pro
Tempore-elect Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento, is scheduled for Monday.
Steinberg selected Florez; the two are longtime friends and colleagues.
“He’s an outstanding leader,” Steinberg said in an exclusive interview. “He
understands the intricacies of solving different problems and making deals
happen on the legislative floor. He is smart and I really look forward to
working with him.”
<more> Nov. 24, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Harkin bill would put light on ‘financial weapons of
mass destruction’ - - Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin has introduced legislation
aimed at establishing stronger standards of openness, transparency and
integrity in the trading of swaps and other over-the-counter financial
derivatives that have helped bring the nation to the brink of the worst
recession in decades. Harkin, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee,
announced the filing of the bill Thursday (Nov. 20). He called the
legislation a critical step toward rebuilding and restoring confidence in
the U.S. financial system, which has been battered by a continuous stream of
bad news. Some economists estimate the total face value of credit default
swaps has skyrocketed to a total of $531 trillion or eight-and-a-half times
the world GDP of $62 trillion. “This has created a very dangerous
situation,” Harkin said in a telephone press conference. “Indeed, Warren
Buffett has called derivatives ‘financial weapons of mass destruction.’”
<more> Nov. 24, 2008 Western Farm Press
Corporate campaigns strike against dairy industry
- - By Anthony P. Raimondo - - The new favorite weapon in
organized labor’s arsenal is the “corporate campaign.” Corporate
campaigns
usually focus on casting a business or product in a bad light in the eyes of
consumers and the general public as a whole. Such campaigns typically focus
on a well known brand, and use a range of techniques to publicly attack the
business behind the brand. Corporate campaigns use protests and public
action to call attention to disfavored brands. Often, unions are very
effective at recruiting college students to hold protests to further the
corporate campaign. In these protests, the activists will focus on low
wages, lack of health insurance, or any other flash point issue that they
want to focus on. They will encourage the public not to buy the product,
and will attempt to generate publicity that disseminates a negative message
about the targeted employer. In the 1980s, a Midwestern farm worker union
effectively targeted Campbell’s Soup in a corporate campaign, and Campbell’s
ultimately required its contracted vegetable growers to negotiate with the
union. A similar effort is ongoing by a Florida farm worker union that has
successfully pressured McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Burger King to force its
growers to sign contracts with the union. The dairy industry is no
exception, and these tactics have been used against dairy producers. In
Oregon, an organizing campaign targeting Threemile Canyon Dairy included
using the Tillamook County Creamery Association, the maker of Tillamook
Cheese, to pressure producers to accede to the demands of the United Farm
Workers (UFW). The UFW was well aware that Tillamook had long promoted
itself as a progressive company, and could not afford to suffer the public
perception that it was anti-union and anti-worker.
<more>
Nov. 24, 2008
Dec. 1
deadline to purchase disaster aid program coverage - - Producers have
until Dec. 1 to purchase the Farm Service Agency’s Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for fall and most winter planted crops,
including grazed land and hay crops. Failure to purchase the NAP coverage
for noninsurable crops could result in ineligibility for FSA disaster
programs such as SURE, the Livestock Forage Assistance Program, Tree
Assistance Program, and the Emergency Assistance Program for Livestock,
Honey Bees, and Farm Raised Fish. Producers who already have coverage on
2008 NAP crops may choose to continue coverage on the same crop or crops for
2009, if the applicable service fee is submitted by the application closing
date. The Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) was designed to
reduce financial losses that occur when natural disasters cause a
catastrophic loss of production or prevented planting of an eligible crop by
providing coverage equivalent to catastrophic (CAT) insurance. Statute
limits NAP to each commercial crop or agricultural commodity, except
livestock, for which CAT is not available. Nov. 21, 2008 FSA Press
Release
Diesel truck rules nearing adoption; will affect dairy vehicles - - The California Air Resources Board at its Dec. 11 meeting is expected to adopt regulations that will clean up emissions from the estimated one million heavy-duty diesel trucks that operate in California beginning in 2010. Agricultural vehicles are largely exempt from the rule based on their mileage. There are two categories of exemption. The limited mileage ag vehicle exemption expires Jan. 1, 2017. The low-mileage ag vehicles are exempt until Jan. 1, 2023. The number of exempt vehicles in each category is capped at the number owned as of Jan. 1, 2009. The state is offering truck owners more than a billion dollars in funding opportunities to help with the cost of the proposed diesel rule. Funding options include Carl Moyer grants, which are designated for early or surplus compliance with diesel regulations; Proposition 1B funds, for air quality improvements related to goods movement; and AB 118, which establishes a low-cost truck loan program to help pay for early compliance with the truck rule. The complete rule is available from the ARB website by clicking here. Nov. 21, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Friday, Nov. 21, 2008
Federal suit seeks to block Kerman dairy's raw-milk shipping - - The
federal government is seeking a court injunction to stop a Kerman dairy from
shipping its raw-milk products across state lines. A civil lawsuit filed
Thursday in U.S. District Court in Fresno says federal authorities have
warned Organic Pastures that selling raw-milk products across state lines
for human consumption violates federal law, but that the dairy continues to
make the sales. The suit comes eight months after the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration launched an investigation of Organic Pastures -- one of only
two raw-milk producers in the state -- for selling milk outside of
California. Organic Pastures owner Mark McAfee, who is also named as a
defendant, could not be reached for comment. Assistant U.S. Attorney
Stephanie Hamilton Borchers, who filed the suit, declined to comment.
<more> Nov. 21, 2008 Fresno Bee
Diesel truck
rules nearing adoption; will affect dairy vehicles - -
The California Air Resources
Board at its Dec. 11 meeting is expected to adopt regulations that will
clean up emissions from the estimated one million heavy-duty diesel trucks
that operate in California beginning in 2010.
Agricultural
vehicles are largely exempt from the rule based on their mileage. There are
two categories of exemption. The limited mileage ag vehicle exemption
expires Jan. 1, 2017. The low-mileage ag vehicles are exempt until Jan. 1,
2023. The number of exempt vehicles in each category is capped at the number
owned as of Jan. 1, 2009. The state is offering truck owners more than a billion
dollars in funding opportunities to help with the cost of the proposed
diesel rule. Funding options include Carl Moyer grants, which are designated
for early or surplus compliance with diesel regulations; Proposition 1B
funds, for air quality improvements related to goods movement; and AB 118,
which establishes a low-cost truck loan program to help pay for early
compliance with the truck rule. The complete rule is available from the ARB
website
by clicking here. Nov. 21, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Dec. 1
deadline to purchase disaster aid program coverage - - Producers have
until Dec. 1 to purchase the Farm Service Agency’s Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for fall and most winter planted crops,
including grazed land and hay crops. Failure to purchase the NAP coverage
for noninsurable crops could result in ineligibility for FSA disaster
programs such as SURE, the Livestock Forage Assistance Program, Tree
Assistance Program, and the Emergency Assistance Program for Livestock,
Honey Bees, and Farm Raised Fish. Producers who already have coverage on
2008 NAP crops may choose to continue coverage on the same crop or crops for
2009, if the applicable service fee is submitted by the application closing
date. The Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) was designed to
reduce financial losses that occur when natural disasters cause a
catastrophic loss of production or prevented planting of an eligible crop by
providing coverage equivalent to catastrophic (CAT) insurance. Statute
limits NAP to each commercial crop or agricultural commodity, except
livestock, for which CAT is not available. Nov. 21, 2008 FSA Press
Release
A
mixed week in the dairy markets - - For the week, cash cheese barrels up
4.5 cents, blocks gained 5.5 cents per pound. Class III futures December up
20 cents, January and February gained a dime. Cold Storage Report from USDA
on Friday shows cheese and butter inventories declined in October as per
normal. American-type cheese stocks declined 9.2 million pounds to 540.5
million. Daily Dairy Report points out that is the smallest October decline
in 12 years and leaves the highest end-of-October American cheese stocks
since 2005. Butter stocks at the end of October were 149.4 million pounds,
down 37.5 for the month and some 47 million pounds less than a year ago.
<more> Nov. 21, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
USDA hosts TB listening session in Sacramento Dec. 12 - -
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has scheduled a
series of public meetings on cattle tuberculosis (TB). A Sacramento session
will be held Friday, Dec. 12 at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel, 1230 J
Street, Sacramento. The stakeholder meetings will be formatted as listening
sessions, with a focus on gathering information, APHIS says. And
participants will be invited to break into small groups to discuss
innovative ways to address every aspect of the TB program. Nov. 21,
2008 APHIS Press Release
Who
the new Senate committee chairs will be - - Sen. Darrell Steinberg is
set to assume control of the state Senate at the end of the month -- and
with it the power to name the chairmanships of every committee in the upper
house. Speculation about who will wield which gavels is running rampant in
the Senate. A giant board listing all the committees and all the senators'
names sits in Steinberg's fourth floor office as the Sacramento Democrat
mulls his choices. The picks will set the political and policy landscape in
the Senate for the next two years.
<more> Nov. 21, 2008 Capitol Alert
State
emissions plan debated at Sacramento hearing - - Business and
environmental groups argued Thursday over whether California's plan to fight
global warming will be a boon or a burden for the economy and low-income
communities. More than 200 people from around the state signed up to testify
at the final public hearing on the Air Resources Board's proposal for
cutting climate-warming emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, as required under
a 2006 state law. The strategy, first released in June, would get most of
those cuts by mandating large improvements in energy efficiency as well as
rapid expansion of the state's renewable power capacity. It also calls for a
market for buying and selling the right to produce greenhouse gases – a
so-called cap and trade system. The air board is scheduled to approve a
final version of the framework at its meeting Dec. 11-12 in Sacramento.
State regulators will spend the next two years filling in the details, with
most policies taking effect in 2012 or later.
<more> Nov. 21, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Rep.
Mike Thompson emerges as contender for Interior Secretary - - Rep. Mike
Thompson, a St. Helena Democrat who has represented the North Coast for
nearly a decade, is being promoted as a potential secretary of the interior
by two influential Bay Area lawmakers. Democratic Reps. George Miller of
Martinez and Anna Eshoo of Palo Alto sent a letter to the transition team of
President-elect Barack Obama in the past week urging consideration of
Thompson.
<more> Nov. 21, 2008 Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Fields
of Grain and Losses - - The farmers said it would not last, and they
were right. When the price of wheat, corn, soybeans and just about every
other food grown in the ground began leaping skyward two years ago, farmers
were pleased, of course. But generally they refused to believe that the good
times would be permanent. They had seen too many booms that were inevitably
followed by busts. Now, with the suddenness of a hailstorm flattening a
field, hard times are back on the American farmstead. The price paid for
crops is dropping much faster than the cost of growing them. The government
reported this week that the cost of goods and services nationwide fell by a
record amount in October as frantic businesses tried to lure customers.
While lower prices are good for consumers in the short run, a prolonged
stretch of deflation would wreak havoc as companies struggled to stay
afloat.
<more> Nov. 21, 2008 NY Times
Dairy farmer turns cow's milk into Gouda gold - - Turning milk into cheese more than doubles the milk's value, which is why so many dairy farmers have turned to cheesemaking in recent years. One dairyman who has successfully rerouted all his cow's milk to cheese is Jules Wesselink of the Winchester Cheese Company, near San Diego. Wesselink came to the United States from Holland almost 60 years ago, in his early 20s. He established a dairy farm in Southern California and began making Gouda using the methods his Dutch cousins taught him. But the cheese remained a product for friends and family only until 1996, when he established the Winchester Cheese Company to make Gouda commercially. Today, his daughter, Valerie Thomas, oversees the production of about 100,000 pounds a year of plain and flavored Goudas from the family's 500 Holsteins. <more> Nov. 21, 2008 SF Chronicle
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008
Supporters of delta smelt lose legal bid to cancel water deals - - A
federal judge on Wednesday rejected a request by environmentalists that
could have slowed the flow of water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to
agricultural interests to the south. The 92-page ruling by U.S. District
Judge Oliver Wanger is the latest in a case involving the tiny delta smelt,
which environmentalists say is facing extinction largely because of reduced
water coming into the delta, and from increased pumping. The
environmentalists wanted Wanger to cancel long-term contracts for more than
a dozen west-side water districts that get water from the delta. But
Wanger's ruling said that it would be pointless to renegotiate the contracts
to help the smelt, because the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation already has the
ability to stop water deliveries to the affected districts to satisfy
requirements of the Endangered Species Act.
<more> Nov. 20, 2008 Fresno Bee
Dairy
Situation & Outlook: Lower Milk Prices, Butter To Decline - - Milk
prices are trending much lower than a year ago due to lower cheese, dry whey
and nonfat dry milk prices. The October Class III price was $17.06 and will
decline in November to around $15.55, nearly $3.70 lower than a year ago.
The Class IV price was $13.62 for October and will be around $13.50 for
November, about $6.90 lower than a year ago. Milk prices are not forecasted
to improve and could go even lower as we finish the year and for the first
half of 2009. For 2009 Class III futures are below $15.00 through May and
Class IV futures are at or below $13.00 through May. CME butter prices which
were $1.75 per pound mid-October are now $1.62 per pound and are expected to
decline shortly as Christmas orders are filled. CME 40-pound cheddar blocks
which were as low as $1.605 per pound the beginning of November have
improved to $1.76 per pound.
<more> Nov. 20,2008 CattleNetwork.com
Commuter TB-tests eased. Cattle crossing state border into Calif. pose
negligible risk - - USDA officials said Monday, Nov. 17, they will relax
bovine tuberculosis testing requirements for Oregon, Nevada and Idaho
producers who regularly move breeder cattle across the California border.
The relaxed requirement involves only breeder cattle moving from property
owned or leased by a producer to property across a state border also owned
and leased by the same producer. Oregon State Veterinarian Don Hansen said
USDA officials relaxed the requirement after a Nov. 14 conference call
involving federal and state officials from the four Western states. "We came
to an agreement that the risk for tuberculosis being transmitted from beef
herds in the border regions of California - hundreds of miles away from the
dairy that has tuberculosis - represents an incredibly small if even
measurable risk," Hansen said.
<more> Nov. 20, 2008 Capital Press
Energy
conference highlights innovation. Company pays dairies for manure-produced
methane - - A new crop sprouting on California farms offers a tempting
treat - clean air, renewable energy and employment. The first Farming Clean
Energy Conference held in Tulare earlier this month brought together growers
who are generating power in innovative ways, utility companies and
regulating agencies. About 200 people attended. Some new energy sources,
like solar, are being embraced by regulators and utility companies that must
secure more renewable energy. Other technology, such as dairy digesters that
turn manure into electricity, is now questionable because the generators can
be sources of smog-producing gases. "The governor wants to help the valley
find solutions to environmental, economic and energy problems," said Paul
Johnson, executive director of the organization presenting the conference -
San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy. The organization, formed just 15 months
ago, is a spin-off of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to spur economic
growth in the valley.
<more> Nov. 20, 2008 Capital Press
China
to Overhaul Battered Dairy Industry - - China announced a complete
overhaul of its dairy industry Thursday to improve safety at every step —
from cow breeding to milk sales — saying its worst food quality scandal in
years had revealed "major problems" in quality control. Changes will be made
within the next year in production, purchasing, processing and sales, the
official Xinhua News Agency reported. "The crisis has put China's dairy
industry in peril and exposed major problems existing in the quality control
and supervision of the industry," it quoted an official at China's top
economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission, as
saying.
<more> Nov. 20, 2008 AP
Valley
Water Worries - - Not everyone is enjoying the unseasonably warm weather
we've been having. Some people worry a third straight year of drought
conditions could prove disastrous for California. The sun's warmth is a
nice change from the normal autumn chill. But a few storm clouds would be
welcome around the state. "We really need record rainfall and record
snowpack." And not just for permanent crops like grapes and almonds. You
would notice the trickle down Effects of an extended drought. Less green in
the fields would mean shelling out more green in the checkout line. Sarah
Woolf from Westlands Water District said, "When you can't produce the fruits
and vegetables, what you can get is going to be very expensive."
<more> Nov. 20, 2008 ABC 30 News
Documentary challenges animal-welfare perceptions - - On the heels of
the Nov. 4. Proposition 2 vote in California to end the practice of
confining certain animals raised for food comes a Kansas-produced television
documentary that showcases the care, empathy and human compassion involved
in raising farm animals. Kansas Farm Bureau Federation has produced "The
Care & Feeding of Farm Animals," a television documentary featuring men,
women and families who raise farm animals for food. The film delves into the
heritage of livestock production in Kansas and examines the economic impact
associated with a growing negative perception related to the welfare of farm
animals. "As people shift away from the farm, geographically and culturally,
there's a void — and perceptions are filling it," says Mike Matson, who
wrote, produced and directed the documentary. "The ways consumers think
about and react to their food and the animals it comes from impact
everything associated with it, starting with the farmer who raises the
animal." To preview "The Care & Feeding of Farm Animals," click here.
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
House Democrats back Waxman for global warming panel -- In a major win for environmentalists, House Democrats today voted to put Rep. Henry Waxman of California in charge of a key panel that will have oversight over global warming issues in the new Congress. He will head the House Energy and Commerce Committee, replacing Michigan Democratic Rep. John Dingell, the most senior member in the House. It means that two Californians will take leading roles in the debate over global warming. Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer is the head of the Senate's Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the issue. <more> Nov. 20, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008
MID beholds the power of cheese. Utility, dairy
to make electricity from manure - - Cows feed at Fiscalini Cheese Co.
west of Modesto Thursday. The company is building a system that will turn
manure into energy and plans to greatly expand its cheese-making capacity
and build a visitors center. For the first time, dairy cows are signed up to
generate power for the Modesto Irrigation District. The district board voted
5-0 Tuesday for a power-purchase agreement with Fiscalini Cheese Co. It has
installed a system that extracts methane from cattle manure and burns the
gas to make electricity. The power will be sold to the MID for about 10
cents per kilowatt-hour, said John Fiscalini, owner of the Kiernan Avenue
company, when reached after the meeting. MID officials had declined to
disclose the price. General Manager Allen Short said doing so would put the
district at a disadvantage in negotiations with other dairy producers
planning these systems. Tim O'Laughlin, the district's Chico-based attorney,
said the figure is a "trade secret."
<more> Nov. 19, 20098 Modesto Bee
Project to turn poop to power - - A new
pipeline project is in the works for Kern County but it won’t be
transporting fossil fuels. Bakersfield-based BioEnergy Solutions plans to
start construction early next year on a distribution network that will
collect methane gas from a cluster of Shafter dairies to be sold to Pacific
Gas and Electric for power generation. The company’s technology captures gas
from covered manure lagoons, pipes it to a nearby facility for processing to
utility standards and then injects it into PG&E’s fuel lines. In addition to
converting waste to fuel, the technology will help reduce methane — a
greenhouse gas that’s 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide — and
smog-forming emissions released from manure lagoons, local air quality
officials said.
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Interest surging in California's cow power -
- It doesn't have solar power's high-tech sexiness, and it's far from clean.
But cow power is slowly gaining ground in California. A Bakersfield company
said Tuesday that it will build a pipeline network to collect methane
generated by cow manure at three Kern County dairies. The methane will be
purified and delivered to a nearby Pacific Gas and Electric Co. pipeline so
it can be used to heat homes or run power plants. "California is the leading
dairy producer in the U.S., and its dairies, with their abundant supplies of
cow manure, have great potential for the production of renewable natural
gas," said David Albers, president of BioEnergy Solutions, the company that
will build the network.
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 SF Chronicle
Californian wins early vote to head House energy
panel -- In a major win for environmentalists, a committee of House
Democratic leaders on Wednesday voted to put Rep. Henry Waxman in charge of
a key panel that will have oversight over global warming issues in the new
Congress. The House Steering committee voted 25-22 to put the California
Democrat in charge of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, replacing
Michigan Democratic Rep. John Dingell, the most senior member in the House.
The House Democratic caucus will vote on Thursday. The Waxman-Dingell battle
has been closely watched on Capitol Hill. Waxman is regarded as an ally of
environmentalists while Dingell has ties to the auto industry. He has
resisted higher fuel standards and tighter limits on greenhouse gases. If
Waxman wins Thursday's vote, it means that two Californians will take
leading roles in the debate over global warming. Democratic Sen. Barbara
Boxer is the head of the Senate's environmental committee, which has
jurisdiction over the issue. Nov. 19, 2008 Sacramento Bee
California veterinarians against proposed tax -
- The California Veterinary Medical Association has announced a
statewide campaign by veterinarians and consumers opposing Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger's proposed tax on veterinary services. The current proposal
to tax veterinary medical care is contained in the Governor's Budget:
Special Session 2008-09.The proposal recommends that on Feb. 1, 2009, the
sales and use tax be broadened to include services, such as “ appliance and
furniture repair, vehicle repair, golf, and veterinarian services.” The CVMA
is asking its membership of more than 6,000 veterinarians to write letters
to the governor noting the hardship this proposed sales tax of approximately
9 percent would have on consumers, the potential adverse impact on already
overcrowded pet shelters, and the unintended consequence of increases in
food prices due to taxes on care for food-production animals.
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
New era dawns for global dairy market - -
Despite current short-term challenges facing the dairy sector, the medium to
long-term outlook is robust, according to a new Rabobank report. With the
market for dairy moving into a fundamentally changed time, the report, “The
Global Dairy Industry – Reshaping in a New Market Era,” states that global
demand for milk — at any price point — has increased. This is based on
global income growth, and favorable demographic and cultural trends that
have increased the number of people who are aware of dairy, have access to
dairy, want to consume it and can afford to do so. Additionally dairy
analyst and Rabobank Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory Managing
Director Deborah Perkins said, “we believe that the medium-term price for
dairy products has increased from its long-term average, and that economic
growth and cultural changes have substantially increased the price the
market will pay for milk.”
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 Western Farm Press
China to Boost Lending and Offer Subsidies to
Dairy Producers -- China will boost lending to dairy producers and give
subsidies to milk farmers after tainted milk shook consumer confidence and
eroded sales, the nation's top economic planning body said. Lenders should
provide loans and ease non-repayment penalties, and the state will offer
discounted three-month loans and other financing sources to help producers
buy milk, the National Development and Reform Commission said in a statement
on its Web site today.
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 Bloomberg News
Canada confirms its 15th BSE case in dairy cow -
– Canada confirmed its 15th case of mad cow disease since 2003 on Monday
and identified the animal as a seven-year-old dairy cow born well after
Ottawa banned feed practices thought to spread the disease. The Canadian
Food Inspection Agency said no part of the animal's carcass entered the
human food or animal feed supply. The cow was discovered on a farm in the
Pacific province of British Columbia. "The age and location of the infected
animal are consistent with previous cases detected in Canada," said the
CFIA, which has blamed infected feed for most of the earlier cases of bovine
spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE.
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 Reuters
Fresno farm meeting looks to the future. Economy,
food safety, farm inheritance discussed in Fresno - - The economy's
impact on agriculture, ensuring food safety and sorting out who will inherit
the farm were among the issues dealt with Tuesday at the annual Agribusiness
Management Conference in Fresno. The conference, held at the Radisson Hotel
and Conference center, brings together farmers, industry representatives,
attorneys and bankers for an overview of some of the most serious challenges
facing the multibillion-dollar agriculture industry. A hot topic for many in
the room was how agriculture will weather the sluggish economy. While prices
for some crops have been stable, costs for fuel, fertilizer and water over
the past year have squeezed profits for many, and land values that once
recorded double-digit increases have slowed, said John Penson Jr.,
agriculture professor at Texas, A&M University and one of the event's
speakers.
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 Fresno Bee
More ethanol bankruptcies predicted - - An
Omaha investment banker predicts as many as 40 ethanol plants could be in
bankruptcy by early next year. That according to a report in the Des Moines
Register. Mark Lakers of Agribusiness and Food Associates says that 40
figure includes the 16 plants owned by VeraSun Energy, which is currently
operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Lakers expects the ethanol industry
to go through a consolidation similar to what has happened the last two
decades with the poultry and pork industries. “We believe that the number of
ethanol producers will reduce from 150 to something closer to 50 producers
in the next three to five years,” says Lakers.
<more> Nov. 19, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
New Family Leave regulations promise confusion
and litigation- - By Anthony P. Raimondo - - The Family Medical
Leave Act (FMLA) entitles workers to up to twelve weeks of
unpaid
leave to attend to the “serious health condition” of themselves of a family
member. California has a similar state law, the California Family Rights
Act that, while similar to the FMLA, contains some critical differences.
This area of law is undergoing some significant changes as the U.S.
Department of Labor has issued significant new regulations. The U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL) this week published revised FMLA regulations that
explain how and when employees can take unpaid leave to care for a sick
relative or themselves. The new rules, which take effect on January 16, 2008
are an attempt to resolve frustrations that both employers and employees
have with the law. Given the history of FMLA lawsuits, it is likely that
these regulations will spawn a new generation of lawsuits to determine their
scope and application. In the same token, the California courts will be
called upon to examine how the new regulations affect interpretations of the
CFRA. Employers have been frustrated with abuse of FMLA leave, especially in
the area of intermittent leave. Employees complain that they're unfairly
being denied FMLA leave, and, often face retaliation when they take leave.
<more>
Nov. 19, 2008
Model Dairy recalls some chocolate milk - - Nevada’s Model Dairy has recalled half-gallon plastic bottles of 2 percent chocolate milk after the discovery of egg protein in the product. The recall affects Model Dairy chocolate milk with a best by date of Nov. 27 or Nov. 28 and UPC codes of 7140600127. Egg protein can cause severe sensitivity or allergy problems for some people. So far, no reactions have been reported to Model Dairy, a company official said Tuesday. The recall involves about 400 bottles of the affected product in northwest Nevada and Portola, Calif. Anyone with questions or concerns can call 800-433-2030. Nov. 19, 2008 Reno Gazette
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008
Just a little more milk next year - - USDA
Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Outlook this week projects milk production will
increase a little next year but cow numbers will back off a bit. Lower milk
prices next year will lead to higher culling rates however the lower feed
costs will mean the cows that remain will be fed a little better. As a result,
USDA says milk production will increase 1% in 2009, that would be the lowest
increase in a number of years. Dairy export demand will continue to weaken as
the world economy shows down while Australia and New Zealand production gets
back to normal levels. Powder prices continue to go down as Commodity Credit
continues to buy.
<more> Nov. 18, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
California remains top milk-producing state - -
California continues to lead the nation in milk production, a U.S. Department
of Agriculture report states. California cows produced about 287 million
gallons of milk in October, far more than Wisconsin's 173 million gallons,
second-most in the nation, the California Farm Bureau Federation states. Milk
production in 23 major production states last month increased 1.5 percent from
October 2007, the USDA report states. The milk totals for last month in
California were down slightly - nine-tenths of a percent - from the same
period last year.
<more> Nov. 18, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Turf wars: New rules for organic dairies' cows
- - A long struggle over what kind of milk counts as organic is coming to a
head. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently issued draft rules that
would require that the cows be on pasture at least half the year and get
plenty of fresh grass. The proposals are meant to close a loophole that allows
some huge feedlots to sell their milk as organic, even though their cows
rarely if ever get to graze on fresh grass. Advocates for family farms and
consumers say that's not what shoppers think they're buying when they pay a
premium for organic milk. Ronnie Cummins of the Organic Consumers Association
is among those welcoming the proposed new rules, calling them long overdue.
The public comment period on the draft rules runs through Dec. 23. Nov. 18,
2008 AP
US says it will work with China on product safety
- - The United States, preparing to open its first Food and Drug
Administration offices outside the country, said Tuesday that it has embarked
on a new strategy with Beijing to ensure that Chinese products imported into
the U.S. are safe. Worries about the quality of Chinese exports to the U.S.
have become a major feature of bilateral trade ties, with substandard Chinese
food and toys covered in lead paint among the recurring product safety scares.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, speaking on the eve of
opening of an FDA office in Beijing, said a new strategy was needed because
the United States imported $2 trillion worth of goods a year, equal to four
times the size of the Brazilian economy.
<more> Nov. 18, 2008 AP
Senate decides to delay river bill. Plan to
restore San Joaquin put off until new Congress convenes in January. -- The
Senate will postpone until early next year action on a big public lands bill
that includes efforts to restore the San Joaquin River, lawmakers decided
Monday. While not entirely unexpected, the delay disappoints those who had
hoped to resolve the long-simmering river restoration issue sooner rather than
later. It also gives supporters and opponents more time to maneuver. "It's
unfortunate that the Senate could not move on this bill," said Rep. Jim Costa,
D-Fresno, adding that "it is my hope that the House will move quickly" in
January.
<more> Nov. 18, 208 Fresno Bee
Schwarzenegger orders faster push for renewable
energy - - California utilities, already struggling to meet a law
requiring more renewable energy, saw the bar raised even higher Monday. Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order calling on utilities to
provide one-third of their power from renewable resources by 2020. "This will
be the most aggressive target in the nation," he said. Increased reliance on
renewable energy conceivably could hike future rates, however, because of
higher production costs and the need to upgrade transmission facilities.
Schwarzenegger's order came on the eve of today's international summit on
global climate change in Los Angeles. California law currently requires
utilities to produce 20 percent of their power from renewable resources by
2010.
<more> Nov. 18, 2008 Sacramento Bee
County Bank takes $54 million hit. Merced-based parent company suffers big third-quarter loss - - The parent company of Merced-based County Bank, battered by the real-estate downturn, announced Monday that it lost more than $54 million in the third quarter of 2008, threatening the bank's survival. "It is uncertain if we will be able to continue," Capital Corp of the West chief executive Richard Cupp wrote in the earnings statement filed Monday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. In a conference call Monday, Cupp called the statement a "precautionary legal disclosure," but acknowledged the bank needs to raise millions of dollars -- from investors or the federal bank bailout fund -- if it is to survive. <more> Nov. 18, 2008 Fresno Bee
Monday, Nov. 17, 2008
Water supplies may drop for Calif. cities, farms
- - California fish and wildlife managers on Friday approved new rules
that could severely restrict pumping from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
to protect a native fish, triggering protests from farmers and cities
reeling already from water shortages. The Fish and Game Commission voted 3-0
to enact emergency regulations that may scale back water pumping from
December through February to safeguard the longfin smelt, considered a
bellwether species for the estuary. "Clearly as a society we haven't erred
on the side of the fish in the past; we've erred on the side of the water
supply," said Commissioner Michael Sutton. "We have to come down on the side
of the fish. If we don't take care of these ecosystems, they're not going to
yield us the services for much longer." Pumping restrictions would only kick
in if scientists find a certain number of dead or living longfin smelt in
various sampling locations throughout the delta, including near the massive
pumps that send water to more than 25 million Southern Californians. Water
officials say they expect some reductions will happen.
<more> Nov. 17, 2008 AP
New Immigration Regulation Eased After Firms
Complain Homeland Security Measure Requires Checks of New Hires - - In a
concession to business groups, the Homeland Security Department will
significantly scale back its planned crackdown this winter on federal
contractors that hire illegal immigrants. Under a rule published yesterday,
the agency said only contractors that do more than $100,000 in federal work
will be required to use an electronic government system to check the work
documents of new hires. Originally, officials had proposed that companies
doing $3,000 in federal work must comply. The agency also said it would
require federal contractors to check only laborers used on specific
contracts, instead of their entire workforce. The revisions significantly
reduce the number of companies that will be subject to the program, which
will apply to federal contracts and solicitations issued after Jan. 15. The
Bush administration had hoped to make the work eligibility system, called
E-Verify, mandatory for nearly 200,000 government contractors, covering
about 4 million U.S. workers over 10 years.
<more> Nov. 17, 2008 Washington Post
Immigration activists gear up for the new
political battlefield - - By Anthony P. Raimondo - - With a new
President preparing to take office and a Congress that has moved more to the
left,
employers are wondering where the debate of immigration will go, and
what the prospects are for meaningful reform. Immigration is a difficult
issue to predict, as the issue does not break down along party lines. While
the answer remains unclear, knowing how the playing field has changed can
help employers to understand the debate and the political challenges that
continue to present obstacles to business-friendly reform of the U.S.
immigration system. Changes in Congress have led to the removal of strict
pro-enforcement advocates, most notably Republican Elizabeth Dole of North
Carolina. At the local level, a number of vocal proponents of strict
immigration enforcement lost their positions, including Mayor Lou Barletta
of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, an anti-immigrant politician who gained a
national profile by bashing immigrant workers at every opportunity. But
while these changes may leave the business community optimistic about the
prospects for reform, the proponents of strict enforcement are re-tooling
their message and are preparing to gear up to promote policies that include
a focus on workplace enforcement. Those in this camp believe that there
were some encouraging election results, and that the battle over immigration
is not over.
<more>
Nov. 17, 2008
CWT accepts 17 more export assistance bids -
- CWT accepting 17 export assistance bids last week. Two from Land O’Lakes
for 1,800 metric tons of butter to South Korea and 36 tones of cheddar
cheese to South Korea. Three bids were from California Dairies for 500 tons
of butter to Iran, 16.9 metric tons of butter to Honduras and 400 tons of
anhydrous milkfat to Mexico. Also accepted, four bids from Darigold of
Seattle for 3,400 metric tons of butter to Egypt, 100 tons to Indonesia and
75 to Singapore. Eight bids from Dairy Farmers of America, five covered
4,093 metric tons of anhydrous milkfat to Mexico, 18 tons to Haiti and 18
tons to Jamaica. Three bids were for 80 tons of whole milk powder to Haiti,
40 tons of powder to Trinidad and 20 tons to Panama. With these bids, CWT
has now assisted in the export of 24,335 metric tons of butter, 1,285 tons
of cheese, 1,788 metric tons of whole milk powder and 10,441 tons of
anhydrous milkfat. The milk equivalent of all that, 1.9 billion pounds.
Nov. 17, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Capital Press Editorial: Ag needs to tune in,
turn on and get involved to survive - - Millions of voters cast their
lot with the Humane Society of the United States last week, helping
California's Proposition 2 win, and win big. Conventional egg production
will now effectively be banned in California in 2015. Well before that
happens, many of those millions who voted "yes" will pick up a dozen eggs
from the market; most of those eggs will be raised conventionally. Few will
recognize their own hypocrisy. This is a disconnect agriculture must repair.
Most Americans have no idea where their food comes from. An even tinier
sliver of the public actually knows a farmer or rancher, or has even met
one. This is a product of our small numbers; fewer than 2 percent of the
U.S. population feeds everyone else. Yet our numbers need not limit us so -
if farmers and ranchers understand that we can no longer just do what we do
and hope to be left alone. The desire to be left alone is universal among
farmers, whether they till the soil in Argentina or Zimbabwe. It is part of
the attraction of a job that becomes a lifestyle. As much as we would like
to, farmers and ranchers cannot stand outside the fray as food becomes more
and more political. We must get involved in the politics of food and make
our stories known to those who would dictate to us what we can farm and how
we can farm it.
<more> Nov. 17, 2008 Capital Press
Canada confirms another BSE-positive - -
Canada is confirming another case of BSE; this one is a 7-year-old dairy cow
in British Columbia. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the
animal’s birth farm has been identified and they are in the process of
tracing herdmates. Officials say the “positive” was found by the national
surveillance program and no part of the animal entered the human or animal
food system. CFIA says this latest case should not impact Canada’s
“Controlled Risk” BSE status. Much like previous cases, this animal was born
after the ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban was put in place in Canada.
Investigators determined the previous BSE case was most likely the victim of
cross-contamination of feed. The risk of that happening was reduced last
year when a total ban on ruminant feed products was implemented. Nov. 17,
2008 Brownfield Ag News
New bacteria discovered in raw milk - - Raw
milk is illegal in many countries as it can be contaminated with potentially
harmful microbes. Contamination can also spoil the milk, making it taste
bitter and turn thick and sticky. Now scientists have discovered new species
of bacteria that can grow at low temperatures, spoiling raw milk even when
it is refrigerated. According to research published in the November issue of
the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology, the
microbial population of raw milk is much more complex than previously
thought.
<more> Nov. 11, 2008 Environmental News Network
Valley water districts reach agreement on amendments to San Joaquin River Restoration Bill - - Several San Joaquin valley water districts have announced their support of enactment of the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act following amendments to the Act. The San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority, Merced Irrigation District, the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Authority, the Merced, Turlock, Modesto, Oakdale and South San Joaquin Irrigation Districts, and Westlands Water District announced their support of the Act. In a joint press release, the districts said an agreement regarding amendments to the Act that calls for water contract security for these “third party” water agencies has eliminated their concerns that other amendments of the Act could result in water supply reductions for the third party water agencies. “It was important that the third parties not be impacted by the latest amendments that were proposed by Sen. Feinstein on September 26,” said Dan Nelson, executive director of the San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority. “The protection of existing water rights and contracts has always been a fundamental issue for the third parties and one particular group, the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority, had to receive the legislative guarantee of no modification of their senior rights as set forth in their Exchange Contract before the legislation moved forward. This legislative guarantee is consistent with the settlement itself which provided the settlement would not have adverse effects on third parties.” The proposed legislation is the result of an agreement reached to resolve a lawsuit brought by a group of environmental organizations against the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation over the operation of Friant Dam. The environmental groups argued that the historic operation of Friant Dam prevented sufficient water from flowing down the San Joaquin River to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, thus eliminating a valuable fishery. The settlement agreement was reached after a lengthy 20-year court battle. The proposed legislation is a part of that agreement and in its present form calls for $88 million from water users in the Friant system to begin the restoration project as part of a PayGo requirement for shared funding. Nov. 17, 2008
Friday, Nov. 14, 2008
California workers' comp rates to rise nearly 9% - - The State
Compensation Insurance Fund said Thursday it will boost its workers'
compensation insurance rates by an average 8.9 percent in January, ignoring
the California insurance commissioner’s call for a smaller increase. In
plans it filed with state regulators, State Fund – which says it has about
200,000 policyholders serving just under a quarter of the California
workers' compensation insurance market – blamed its rate increases on
"medical inflation." The fund cited a recent report by California's Workers
Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau that said medical costs have surged 12
percent each year since 2006.
<more> Nov. 14, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Wage
and labor posters require prominent posting - - Wage and labor posters
need to be posted prominently in the workplace, Western United Dairymen
members are reminded. California labor codes require that posters containing
current information about wage and labor practices must be displayed in
conspicuous locations in dairies where they can be viewed by employees. The
reminder comes after the California Labor Commissioner’s office conducted a
statewide enforcement sweep last week that covered 25 counties and focused
on nurseries, greenhouses, landscapers, farm labor contractors, dairies,
growers and other agricultural businesses. The sweep resulted in 71
citations totaling $267,600 in fines statewide. WUD members can obtain wage
and labor posters from the WUD field representative. Nov. 14, 2008
8 Lodi
dairies cited in sweep - - Investigators from the California Labor
Commissioners' Office noted violations at eight Lodi dairies in a statewide
enforcement sweep last week that resulted in 71 citations totaling $267,600
in fines statewide. De Snayer Dairy on Rond Road was issued a $500 citation
for a labor code violation involving employing a minor, according to records
from the commissioners' office. The violations noted at other local dairies
did not include fines. On Nov. 5 and 6, labor investigators conducted an
enforcement sweep that covered 25 counties and focused on nurseries,
greenhouses, landscapers, farm labor contractors, dairies, growers and other
agricultural businesses. Most of the inspections were in Los Angeles,
Orange, Monterey and San Diego counties. Fines totaling $198,000 were levied
for failure to provide workers' compensation insurance. Another $64,000 in
fines were levied for failure to provide a wage-deduction statement or to
keep records properly. Nov. 14, 2008 Stockton Record
USDA
proposes organic pasture rule - - USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service
(AMS) is proposing to amend the livestock provisions of the National Organic
Program. The revisions are intended to provide greater detail for livestock
regulations of pasture and ruminant animals. According to the proposed rule,
"By specifying in greater detail that producers are to provide ruminants
with pasture, recognize pasture as a crop, and incorporate pasture into
their organic system plan, producers will have better records and tools for
managing pasture and demonstrating compliance with the livestock
regulations. Certifying agents will have better tools for measuring
compliance with the livestock regulations ... [The] proposed rule would also
clarify the replacement animal provision for dairy animals ..." Deadline for
public comments on the proposed rule is Dec. 23. Nov. 14, 2008 USDA
Notice
Water
outlook workshop set for Nov. 21 - - As part of efforts to address the
state’s drought, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) will hold its first
ever Winter Outlook Workshop Nov. 21 in San Diego. The workshop will bring
together nationally known scientists to provide state water managers with
the most accurate prediction possible for water year 2009 which runs from
Oct. 1, 2008, through Sept. 30 next year. California is potentially facing
yet another dry year. The past two water years have been critically dry, and
storage in the state’s reservoirs is at a 14-year low. Court-ordered
restrictions on water deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
have further contributed to the lack of water in some parts of the state.
Many local communities have placed mandatory or voluntary restrictions on
water use. An accurate long-range forecast for 2009 precipitation is a
critical tool for water managers throughout the state. The workshop will be
held at the San Diego Westin Hotel in San Diego. It is free, but attendance
is limited to 75. Please email anorris@water.ca.gov to RSVP. For those who
can’t attend, the workshop will be webcast live at
http://cawater.rmxpres.com/webcast/data/winoutlook2009112108/msh.htm.
Nov. 14, 2008 Western Farm Press
California gets dire warning on global warming - - Global warming will
have a broad and devastating impact on California's economy over the next
century, according to a report released Thursday. Roads and bridges, the
water supply, agriculture, public health and even winter skiing all will be
affected by global climate change, said the report by University of
California-Berkeley agricultural and resource economics professors David
Roland-Holst and Fredrich Kahrl. The report said damage could reach many
billions of dollars per year. It estimated $113 billion in crop land and
orchards, livestock, forests and squid and salmon fisheries are at risk,
with annual damage ranging from $300 million to $4.3 billion. The report
said an estimated $5 billion in levees, aqueducts and other water systems
are at risk, and costs could reach $600 million a year in what the
researchers call the "high-warming scenario.
<more> Nov. 14, 2008 San Jose Mercury News
Dean Foods shares rise as analyst upgrades stock -- Dean Foods Co. shares advanced on Friday as an analyst upgraded the nation's leading milk and dairy products distributor to "Buy" saying high costs hampering the company should improve in 2009. Shares of Dean Foods, known for brands like Horizon organics and Silk soy milk, gained $1.03, or 7.4 percent, to $15.04 in morning trading. The stock is off nearly 46 percent since January. Stifel Nicolaus & Co. analyst Christopher Growe wrote in a research note he was upgrading the stock from "Hold" since improved costs in 2009 could help earnings. <more> Nov. 14, 2008 AP
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008
Higher
indemnity sought for TB cattle. Current payment barrier to voluntary herd
liquidation, official says - - Calling the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's current indemnity limit for cattle a barrier to herd
liquidation in bovine tuberculosis cases, producer group Western United
Dairyman is asking more compensation. The USDA is directed to pay fair
market value for cattle with a limit of $3,000. WUD is asking Congress to
grant authority to the agency to pay more money to owners. "The value of
some of the animals far exceeds the $3,000 limit," said Charlie Garrison, a
Washington, D.C., lobbyist for the Modesto-based organization. Garrison was
referring to animals in the only Fresno County dairy herd that have not been
sent to slaughter following detection of a bovine tuberculosis-infected
animal. Two other infected dairy herds in Fresno County were depopulated
last summer. The outbreak was detected in December when a sample collected
from a cow during routine slaughter inspection tested positive for bovine
tuberculosis. The final dairy is under quarantine and testing of all cattle
that have come into contact with the herd continues.
<more> Nov. 13, 2008 Capital Press
US to
detain all milk-related shipments from China - - U.S. government health
officials Thursday, Nov. 13, slapped a sweeping detention order on dozens of
imported foods from China, from snacks and drinks to chocolates and candies.
It is unusual for the Food and Drug Administration to put such a broad hold
on goods from an entire country, not just a few rogue manufacturers. The
agency said the action was needed as a precaution to keep out foods
contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine, which can cause serious
kidney problems. "The problem of melamine contamination in Chinese food
products is a recurring one," said the FDA order, posted on the Internet.
Under the directive, FDA inspectors can hold foods made with milk
ingredients at ports of entry until independent tests show they are
melamine-free. The order also applies to pet foods and some bulk protein
products. Essentially, the FDA action shifts the burden of proof to Chinese
companies, which must now supply evidence that their products are safe.
<more> Nov. 13, 2008 AP
U.S.
dairy industry seeks more Chinese customers. Milk Advisory Board members go
on eight-day trade mission - - California dairy industry representatives
and members of the California Milk Advisory Board are in China to find more
milk customers. The goal of the eight-day trade mission is to capitalize on
the rising demand for dairy products at a time when Chinese consumers have
serious questions about the safety of their own country's dairy industry.
They also hope to learn more about the dairy industry in China. In addition
to the California Milk Advisory Board and executives, others eager to open
new export venues include Cacique USA, California Dairies Inc., Challenge
Dairy Products, DairyAmerica Inc., Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Fiscalini
Cheese Company, Foster Farms Dairy, Great Lakes Cheese Company, Joseph Gallo
Farms, Land O'Lakes Inc., Leprino Foods, Pacific Cheese and Western United
Dairymen. "Though some companies have contracts with the Chinese dairy
industry, for many California dairy producers and manufacturers of products
made with real California milk, breaking into international markets seems
like an intangible goal," said Stan G. Andre, chief executive officer of the
California Milk Advisory Board.
<more> Nov. 13, 2008 Capital Press
California official reportedly a candidate for top EPA post - - Mary
Nichols, the savvy negotiator who is leading California's complex effort to
reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, is reportedly a candidate to head
President-elect Barack Obama's Environmental Protection Agency. Nichols, 63,
is chairwoman of the state's powerful Air Resources Board. She was a
high-level EPA official under President Clinton, serving as the agency's
assistant administrator for air and radiation. Appointed to head the state
air board by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last year, the Los Angeles Democrat
and former environmental attorney has energetically mediated between
business and environmental advocates in designing the nation’s first
regulatory program to control global warming pollution.
<more> Nov. 13, 2008 LA Times
Ag employers guess
on labor rules. UFW wants immigration issue settled; Feinstein affirms
commitment - - Labor shortages have eased for most segments of
agriculture and the imminent threat of a no-match letter has waned, as
immigration reform seems to be in a holding pattern. "There's a lot of
guessing going on now with labor and immigration reform," said Jack King,
California Farm Bureau Federation manager of national affairs. In
agriculture there is uncertainty about long-term labor supply and growers
are considering labor needs when choosing what to plant, King said. The
Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act - known as AgJOBS
- was at one time thought to be a lock to pass Congress, but is now left in
limbo. The compromise legislation has two parts - an earned legalization and
a streamlined guestworker program. Even with bipartisan support it failed to
gain momentum in Congress and was withdrawn. In a statement from Sen. Dianne
Feinstein's office, she reaffirmed her commitment to pass immigration
reform, but did not have a definite timeline.
<more> Nov. 13, 2008 Capital Press
Agriculture won't be spared in state budget meltdown. Williamson Act funds
threatened, tax increases possible - - California agriculture will not
escape the latest round of state budget cuts and a combination of proposals
for higher fees and the elimination of state support for the Williamson Act
have put farmers and ranchers on notice. Threats to the budget of the
California Department of Food and Agriculture also have the industry on
edge; the department's efforts to fight invasive pests such as the Asian
citrus psyllid have been hit hard by cutbacks. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
called the Legislature into a lame-duck session last week to patch yet
another $10 billion hole in the state's finances; the gap is nearly as large
as the one that caused a record impasse over the budget last summer. Part of
the governor's proposals include higher fees for veterinary services and the
elimination of state support for the Williamson Act, which had already been
cut 10 percent in the last round of cuts.
<more> Nov. 13, 2008 Capital Press
Kansas
agriculture regulators mull limits on 'no hormone' label for dairy products
-- The Kansas Department of Agriculture is studying a proposal to limit
labels advertising milk and dairy products as coming from cows not injected
with artificial growth hormones. Recombinant bovine growth hormone, also
known as rbGH or rBST, is injected into cows to boost their milk production,
typically by 5 to 15 percent. Some dairy producers who don't inject their
cows with the substances market and label their milk as containing "no
artificial hormones," or "rbGH-free" or "rBST-free." But the dairy industry
contends such labels are misleading, and pushed this year for state
legislation making it unlawful to label any farm product with a claim that
cannot be confirmed by a laboratory.
<more> Nov. 13, 2008 AP
Study
says Valley's dirty air costs $6.3b, causes more than 800 deaths - -
There's a new annual price tag for breathing dirty air in the San Joaquin
Valley: $6.3 billion, mostly because more than 800 people die years earlier
than they should. That's more deaths due to bad air than car accidents, said
nationally known economist Jane V. Hall, who Wednesday released her latest
analysis of poor air quality in this region. The dollar and death figures
are nearly twice as high as Hall found in her first study two years ago,
partly because stricter federal standards are in force. The new standards
assume more people are harmed by bad air. But she also said new research
indicates microscopic specks of soot and chemicals are more dangerous than
previously thought.
<more> Nov. 13, 2008 Fresno Bee
Passing: Former Fresno County Ag Commissioner Insalaco - - Former Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner Cosmo Insalaco weathered devastating freezes, pushed agri-tourism and was recognized as a leader in the central San Joaquin Valley farm community. Mr. Insalaco, who retired as commissioner in 1999 after serving 21 years, died Monday from a sudden illness. He was 72. Friends said Mr. Insalaco moved to Arroyo Grande near the Central Coast shortly after his retirement, but his dedication to agriculture remained. He continued as a judge in the Agriculture Building at The Big Fresno Fair, including this year's fair. <more> Nov. 13, 2008 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008
Buis, Vilsack, Peterson possible ag secretary
- - Three names have emerged in the first round of speculation about who
will be the secretary of agriculture in an Obama administration: National
Farmers Union President Tom Buis, former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack and House
Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. Before joining the NFU, Buis
was the senior agricultural aide to former Senate Majority Leader Tom
Daschle and worked as legislative director for Rep. Jim Jontz, D-Ind. In the
1980s, he was a grain and livestock farmer in Indiana with brothers Mike and
Jeff, who continue to operate the family farm. Vilsack served two terms as
governor of Iowa before launching a bid for the Democratic presidential
nomination in 2007. He ended his campaign in February after failing to win
any major primaries. Peterson, a CPA and native of Minnesota, led the fight
for passage of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 and has been a
staunch defender of maintaining the farm program safety net for all farmers.
Some have speculated Obama will attempt to have all of his nominees for
cabinet positions selected by Dec. 1, but veteran Washington observers say
that will be a tall order given the large number of candidates for positions
in the new administration. Nov. 12, 2008 Western Farm Press
San Joaquin River restoration bill nears passage
-- The San Joaquin River restoration effort, which has had many
near-death experiences amid federal budget concerns and farmer worries, now
appears poised for congressional approval as early as next week. Seemingly
endless rounds of negotiations were capped this week when negotiators
resolved the lingering concerns of Los Banos area farmers on the San Joaquin
Valley's west side. This isn't the first time negotiators have congratulated
themselves, but the latest Capitol Hill progress sounds final. "I think it
should satisfy all concerned," Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein said
Tuesday. "As far as I'm concerned, this is it."
<more> Nov. 12, 2008 Fresno Bee
Kansas Mulls Rules On 'No Hormone' Label For Milk
- - Kansas regulators are considering tighter rules for labeling dairy
products that come from cows not injected with artificial growth hormones.
Recombinant bovine growth hormone typically raises cows' milk production by
5 to 15%. The dairy industry argues it's misleading to label products as
"hormone-free." The industry pushed this year for legislation making it
unlawful to label any farm product with a claim that cannot be confirmed by
a laboratory. But opponents of stricter labeling say the restriction would
makes it harder for smaller manufacturers who don't use the artificial
hormone to market their dairy products. A public hearing is planned for Dec.
2 in Topeka. The Kansas Agriculture Department is also taking written
comments on the proposal. Nov. 12, 2008 AP
LA Times Op-Ed: Terrorism in the name of animal
rights - - Words convey more than concepts; they stir up our feelings
and direct our thoughts. Racial and religious epithets have started riots,
and calling the police officer who pulls your speeding car over "Sir" is a
smart way for you to start the conversation. Animal rights activists know
how important words can be. The Northern California-based organization In
Defense of Animals and its founder, Elliot Katz, advocate substituting
"companion animal" for "pet" and "animal guardian" for "pet owner" in local
ordinances and everyday parlance. The idea is "to elicit responsible
treatment of companion animals and end abuse, neglect and abandonment of
pets." Well, OK, it's never right to abuse or neglect animals, but U.S. law
already contains vigorously enforced animal welfare statutes that require
animals to be fed, sheltered and treated as more than just property. It is
legal to toss an old coat in a dumpster, but it is not legal to toss an old
dog into one. So if we already distinguish animals from property, why do we
need word changes in public ordinances? Probably because many animal rights
activists want more. They want to persuade us that animals deserve nearly
equal rights with people. "Rights-holders," of course, couldn't be
"enslaved" as pets, nor could they be used in scientific research.
<more> Nov. 12, 2008 LA Times
Lake County GMO ban unlikely to survive- -
Efforts to overturn a Lake County ordinance banning genetically modified
crops are already under way just weeks after its narrow approval by the
Board of Supervisors. Lake County voters last week elected rancher James
Compton to the board, tipping the board's majority to 3-2 against the ban.
"I don't believe the county should have an ordinance," he said Tuesday,
affirming his pre-election stance on the issue. Compton said the county
should not be regulating farming practices, a view he shares with
supervisors Rob Brown and Jeff Smith.
<more> Nov. 12, 2008 Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Kosher Meat Shortage in US Turning Jews into Vegetarians - - The bankruptcy of the kosher meatpacking plant Agriprocessors, the largest American kosher meat operation, has forced many Jews to go vegetarian amid kosher-food shortages and soaring prices. The Postville, Iowa plant had supplied more than half of the kosher meat for millions of Jews as well as non-Jews who prefer buying meat processed according to Jewish law. Federal investigators raided the plant in May and charged officials with violating immigration laws and hiring 389 illegal workers. Agriprocessors filed for bankruptcy this week after the resulting labor shortage left it unable to meet customer demand and forced a shutdown of its beef department, according to the Des Moines, Iowa Register. Charges that could result in multi-million dollar fines have been placed against the company's owners. <more> Nov. 12, 2008 Israel National News
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2008
Study: Dairy scandal taints all Chinese brands
- - The Olympics giveth, melamine-tainted milk taketh away. A new Fortune/Interbrand
survey measuring global perceptions of Chinese brands, launched on
Fortune.com two weeks after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games ended, showed an
uptick in opinions of Chinese goods - at first. Some 5% of those who
responded to the survey immediately after the games said the label "made in
China" actually helped brands, and 36% initially said "made in China"
neither hurt nor helped Chinese brands. (In 2007 only 3% had a positive
association with "made in China," and 30% of respondents were neutral on the
matter.) But the halo effect of the games soon faded. After the revelation
in mid-September that milk from several Chinese dairies contained melamine,
a chemical used in plastics, opinion of Chinese brands reverted to their
traditional levels: Two-thirds of respondents overall said the "made in
China" label hurts Chinese brands, exactly the same outcome as the prior
year.
<more> Nov. 11, 2008 CNN
Immigration: Pelosi triggers battle over possible
end to worksite raids - - House Speaker Pelosi has touched off a new
round of fighting over whether the Homeland Security Department should
continue to stage controversial raids of worksites around the country. That
may foreshadow a dispute that could move front and center when the new
Congress convenes in January. Pelosi indicated at a news conference
Wednesday that she supports an end to worksite enforcement operations
nationwide by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is part of the
Homeland Security Department. She said the urgency of putting together
comprehensive immigration reform legislation has been intensified by the
raids. "How do we end the ICE raids, have a situation where we can end the
ICE raids as we put together the comprehensive immigration reform?" she
asked. She did not offer a timeline for the Democratic-led Congress to take
up comprehensive immigration legislation. In response to additional
questions, a Pelosi spokesman said the speaker has long expressed concerns
that the Raids are ineffective and "unnecessarily divide families at the
expense of children." The aide added: "As the speaker clearly stated during
her press conference last week, she supports a bipartisan solution that
protects our borders, enforces our laws, unites families and creates a path
to legalization." But such comments already have come under fire by
Republican lawmakers who believe worksite enforcement actions are a valuable
tool to dissuade employers from hiring illegal workers. "The last thing we
should be talking about is ending ICE raids. We need more enforcement, not
less," said House Homeland Security ranking member Peter King. House
Judiciary ranking member Lamar Smith also weighed in. "Instead of
criticizing, the Speaker should be commending ICE for protecting American
jobs by ensuring that they don't go to illegal immigrants, targeting
identity thieves and holding employers accountable," Smith said. "I'm
troubled that the speaker seems to be more concerned with the welfare of
illegal immigrants than of the U.S. citizens who have to compete against
them for jobs." Nov. 11, 2008 National Journal
Names floated for top Obama jobs - -
President-elect Obama is weighing an array of Washington insiders and
outsiders, including some Republicans, for top administration posts,
according to Democratic officials. Possible nominees for Agriculture
secretary include former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack; Tom Buis, president of
National Farmers Union; and former Rep. Charles Stenholm, D-Texas. Obama has
signaled that he will make no Cabinet-level appointments immediately, and
his deliberations are tightly held by his closest aides. But that hasn't
stopped Democrats and interest groups from circulating lists and offering
recommendations to the Obama transition team.
<more> Nov. 11, 2008 AP
Deal expected on San Joaquin River legislation
- - Congress finally appears to be on track to sign off on a deal to
restore the San Joaquin River and bring back water and salmon to a now-dry
stretch. Federal legislation needed to implement the legal settlement has
been hung up for two years over concerns from various parties. But Senator
Dianne Feinstein tells The Associated Press she has a final deal with all
the parties, including water users and environmentalists, that could get
through the House and Senate during a lame-duck session of Congress expected
to begin next week. Nov. 11, 2008 AP
Coalition announces final version of animal
well-being principles - - What’s in? What’s out? During a recent
press conference, Dr. Jamie Jonker, the National Dairy Animal Well-being
Initiative’s co-chair for the principles and guidelines committee and
director of regulatory affairs for the National Milk Producers Federation,
explained the changes between the draft initiative and the final approved
initiative. The additions and deletions from the initiative’s six guiding
principles, and commentary about them by Jonker, are highlighted below. “As
producers, we want a program that can help reassure quality and our
acceptable social license to produce milk.” –Dairyman Logan Bower, Blain,
Pennsylvania NDAWI Producer Outreach Committee Member “What we are trying to
do is maintain consumer trust and confidence in the dairy industry. This
program will provide the assurance to the rational majority of consumers who
want to continue to enjoy dairy products that the industry is committed to
doing what is right. We’re not likely to persuade those who have a
philosophical objection to the use of animals in food production. ” –Charlie
Arnot, CMA Consulting NDAWI Consultant
<more> Nov. 11, 2008 Progressive Dairyman
Dairying in a union world: Solving labor relations challenges for dairy producers - -- By Anthony P. Raimondo for Progressive Dairyman - - In recent years, unions have increasingly targeted dairies in their organizing efforts. As organized labor searches for ways to avert a decades-long decline in private industry union representation, unions have targeted industries that employ Hispanic workers, and have focused on industries that cannot be “off-shored,” including the hospitality, construction and janitorial industries. The dairy industry fits this profile, and more and more milk producers find themselves confronted by union-organizing campaigns. Most union organizing in the United States is largely governed by federal law. However, agriculture (including the dairy industry) is exempt from the federal laws that govern relationships between employers and unions, leaving agricultural labor relations primarily a matter of state law. Since 1975, unions in California agriculture have operated under the ALRA, which provides a mechanism for employees to decide on union representation through government- conducted secret ballot elections. California law provides a range of rules that govern what unions and employers can and cannot say in the course of a union-organizing campaign, and regulates pre-election conduct of the parties. The law establishes who is eligible to vote, and establishes unfair labor practices (ULPs) for certain types of conduct. <more> Nov. 11, 2008 Progressive Dairyman
Monday, Nov. 10, 2008
USDA projects lower corn, soybean harvests -
- The Agriculture Department on Monday lowered its forecasts for this year's
U.S. corn and soybean harvests, pushing up the prices of both commodities.
The USDA said corn production is expected to be 12.02 billion bushels, down
from last month's revised estimate of 12.03 billion and below analysts'
estimates of 12.08 billion. Corn yield per acre is expected to come in at
153.8 bushels, down from last month's estimate of 153.9. Analysts expected
the yield to be 154.4. The lower yield and production "caught the market
off-guard," said Joe Victor, vice president for marketing at Allendale Inc.,
a commodities broker based in McHenry, Ill. Corn and soybean futures prices
initially rose in response to the report. Corn for December delivery traded
at $3.77 a bushel by late morning, up 1.5 cents, after reaching $3.85
immediately after the report, according to the Chicago Board of Trade.
Soybeans for January jumped 19 cents in early trading to $9.40 per bushel.
<more> Nov. 10, 2008 AP
USDA nudges 2009 milk production estimate a
little higher - - World Supply and Demand Report from USDA on Monday
reflected a slight increase in milk production estimates for 2009 to 191.5
billion pounds. The report projects cow numbers to hold steady but
production per cow will increase thanks to lower feed costs. The report also
predicts exports to continue their decline which means domestic stocks will
increase. It also predicts the Commodity Credit Corporation will continue to
buy nonfat dry milk through 2009. Low powder prices could prompt more milk
into the cheese market so the Outlook Board lowered the predicted Class III
price for next year. The average cash cheese price for 2009 was lowered 11
cents now running $1.675 to $1.765 per pound. The Class III average price
estimate was cut by $1.10 now pegged from $14.75 to $15.65 per
hundredweight. Class IV dropped $1.45 no placed between $11.50 and $12.50.
The all-milk price for 2009 is now expected to range from $15.30 to $16.20,
down $1.20 from last month’s estimate. Nov. 10, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
What can farmers expect from new administration?
- - Now that the voters have spoken – finally – what can farmers
anticipate from a Barack Obama administration? Don’t expect any major policy
pronouncements right away – the president-elect may have to focus on a
little thing like fixing the economy first. (A call to the Obama transition
office about possible secretaries of agriculture brought a polite “We’ll
have to get back to you” response.) For now, farm organization leaders and
ag writers are left having to review the Obama campaign’s previous
statements on agricultural issues to such groups as the National Corn
Growers Association and the National Farmers’ Union to get a sense of what
he might do. During the campaign, Obama spokesmen seemed to go out of their
way to emphasize their candidate’s support for renewable fuels, due, in
part, to the Illinois senator’s relationship with the Illinois Corn Growers
Association. Obama is also expected to be less of a free-trade enthusiast
than the current president.
<more> Nov. 10, 2008 Western Farm Press
California livestock vote raises fear in Iowa -
- Sponsors of a California ballot initiative that sets new welfare
standards for livestock are pledging to push those changes nationwide.
That's just what livestock interests in Iowa and nationally were worried
about. They contributed millions to a campaign to defeat the measure, which
would effectively ban the use of sow stalls and hen cages. Farming interests
in Iowa contributed about $300,000 to the campaign against the measure. The
measure won't take effect until 2015, and it's not clear how quickly and
widely those standards could be adopted nationwide, industry officials say.
"It's too soon to say what's going to happen," said Kevin Vinchattle,
executive director of the Iowa Egg Council, the trade organization for
Iowa's egg industry, which is the nation's largest.
<more> Nov. 10, 2008 Des Moines Register
What Proposition 2 Really Means for Agriculture
- - Proposition 2 was one of a number of law changes that the California
electorate had to decide on at the same time as they were choosing their new
president. The Proposition broadly lays down regulations for housing animals
ensuring they have enough space to move. It requires that calves raised for
veal, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs should be confined only in ways that
allow these animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and turn
around freely. Exceptions have been made for transportation, rodeos, fairs,
4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes. However,
any breaches of the regulations would incur misdemeanor penalties, including
a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 180 days. The
legislation has been introduced because of rising concerns in California
among the public over the way teat the state's 40 million farm animals were
being treated.
<more> Nov. 10, 2008 BeefMagazine.com
Waxman seeks top energy panel post --- In the
first big post-election clash on Capitol Hill, two House heavyweights are
battling to lead an influential committee that will have jurisdiction over
global warming in the new Congress. The fight pits California Democratic
Rep. Henry Waxman, a key ally of environmentalists, against Democratic Rep.
John Dingell of Michigan, who has ties to the auto industry. Waxman is
trying to oust Dingell as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce
Committee. While Waxman supporters say they think they've got enough votes
to prevail, Dingell is fighting hard to keep the position. If Waxman is
successful in his attempted coup, it means that two Californians would take
leading roles in the contentious debate over global warming. Democratic Sen.
Barbara Boxer is the head of the Senate's environmental committee, which has
jurisdiction over the issue.
<more> Nov. 10, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Calif. drought forces cattle ranchers to downsize - - California's worst drought in decades is forcing the state's cattle ranchers to downsize their herds because two years of poor rainfall have ravaged millions of acres of rangeland used to feed their cows and calves. The parched, yellow pastures on Joe Gonzales' cattle ranch attest to the severity of a dry spell that is devastating the economic fortunes of many of the state's beef producers. Gonzales, who normally runs 500 cows on his 2,000-acre spread about 30 miles south of San Jose, cut his herd by half over the past year and may have to sell more if the drought persists. "When there's no rain, there's no grass," said Gonzales, 65. "As the drought continues, you have to either continue to feed your cattle or sell them. ... It's the worst I've seen it in more than 30 years." <more> Nov. 10, 2008 AP
Friday, Nov. 7, 2008
House, Senate, ag committees could see changes - - U.S. Senate:
At press time, all members of the Senate Ag Committee were re-elected or
leading. Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN) was leading by less than 500 votes, which
becomes an automatic recount in Minnesota. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA),
ranking member of the Senate Ag Committee, was leading and close to securing
50%. Under Georgia law, if he fails to receive 50%, Chambliss will face a
run-off election. House: Seven members of the House Ag Committee were
defeated: Nancy Boyda (D-KS), Robin Hayes (R-NC), John Kuhl (R-NY), Nick
Lampson (D-TX), Tim Mahoney (D-FL), Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO), and Tim Walberg
(R-MI). Hayes served as ranking member of the House Ag Livestock
Subcommittee and was a good friend of the meat and livestock industries.
Nov. 7, 2008 Beef Magazine.com
WUD makes the case for price increase at CDFA hearing - -
Western United Dairymen forcefully made the case for a Cass 1, 2, and 3
price increase at a hearing held recently before the CDFA. The petition was
presented by WUD, Alliance of Western Milk Producers (Alliance) and the
California Dairy Women (CDWA). The joint petition called for a temporary
$1.01 per hundredweight increase in Class 1, 2 and 3 prices for a period of
six months, January – June 2009. The request for the price increase was
fostered by the incredible milk price and production cost squeeze being felt
by California dairy families. “Hopes that perhaps historically high feed
prices were an anomaly have now faded. Even with current declines, prices
are still well above previous years and very few, if any, producers have
contracted feed at desirable levels. At the same time, milk prices, which
have already started a precipitous drop, may register further declines,”
noted WUD’s Director of Economic Analysis Tiffany LaMendola.
“The months ahead will prove to be a
difficult “transition period for dairy families – a transition to production
costs that will be sustained at new, historically high levels; a transition
to dramatically lower milk prices; and a transition to costly and time
consuming environmental regulations. We are hopeful that our proposed
temporary price increase will aid producers in weathering this difficult
transition.” California Dairies, Inc. testified in support of the WUD,
Alliance and CDWA joint petition. Processors testifying in support of the
Dairy Institute alternative proposal calling for a $1.35 per hundredweight
decrease in Class 1 prices and a $0.26 per hundredweight decrease in Class 2
and 3 prices included companies such as Safeway, The Kroger Co., Nestle USA,
Kraft Foods, Super Store Industries, Dean Foods Company, Inc., and HP Hood.
To read the post-hearing brief submitted by WUD,
please click here. Nov.
7, 2008
California Milk Advisory Board embarks on China trade mission - - The
California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today that on November 8,
key board members, members of the executive team and several partners will
travel to China to participate in an organized trade mission. The delegation
will be investigating and promoting the state dairy industry’s trade
opportunities with the country as demand for products made with Real
California Milk increases. This trade mission is extremely well timed to
take advantage of heightened opportunities to open up new export avenues for
California’s productive dairy industry and to meet China’s growing demand
for safe and reliable dairy products. In addition to a number of CMAB board
and executive team members, partners including Western United Dairymen CEO
Michael Marsh, Cacique USA, California Dairies, Inc., Challenge Dairy
Products, DairyAmerica, Inc., Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., Fiscalini
Cheese Company, Foster Farms Dairy, Great Lakes Cheese Company, Joseph Gallo
Farms, Land O'Lakes, Inc., Leprino Foods, Pacific Cheese will travel to
China on the eight-day mission. The mission is designed to establish a
greater understanding of the scope of the dairy industry in China, and to
help facilitate business deals that will initiate and expand additional
trade options.
<more> Nov. 7, 2008 CMAB Press Release
Dealing with the animal rights
movement - - The recent passage of Proposition 2 in California has left
many in the livestock industry scratching their heads over how to deal with
the snowballing animal welfare movement. University of Florida researcher
Dr. Wes Jamison has been studying the movement for nearly 20 years. He says
producers need to understand the correct lessons of Proposition 2. “The
wrong lessons are that you need to spend more money or that you need to
somehow tell your story better. The correct lesson is that you need to learn
to communicate in the language of your consumer,” Dr. Jamison says. So what
should that message be? “What you want to tell people is that you do the
right things in the right ways for the right reasons—and that meat is a good
thing,” he says. “It’s basically that simple. It’s the idea that you don’t
run from your moral responsibility, that you actually take it seriously—and
then actually get out in front of it and advertise it.”
<more> Nov. 7, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Sustainable ag talk set for CSU Stanislaus Nov.
20 - - "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Sustainable
Agriculture" is the subject of a talk set for Nov. 20 at CSU Stanislaus. The
presentation by Dr. Cliff Ohmart, the Research/IPM Director for the Lodi
Winegrape Commission and architect of the Lodi Rules for Sustainable
Winegrowing, California’s first third party-certified sustainable
winegrowing program. The talk is part of the university’s Agricultural
Studies Department’s Agricultural Studies Speaker Series. Sponsored by
Yosemite Farm Credit, ACA, the event is in the Faculty Development Center,
Room 118 from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 7, 2008 CSU Press Release
Election Of Obama May Not Be Most Pertinent Result - - While it’s human
nature to focus on returns of the presidential and congressional elections,
the factor that might be the most concerning following the Nov. 4 balloting
was California ballot initiative Proposition 2. The proposition, which won’t
become law until 2015, requires that all farm animals, "for all or the
majority of any day," not be confined or tethered in a manner that prevents
an animal from lying down, standing up, turning around or extending its
limbs without touching another animal or an enclosure such as a cage or
stall. This proposition passed by a 2 to 1 margin, and effectively will
eliminate egg production in the state of California – affecting 95% of the
state's egg production. What is significant is that agriculture spent a lot
of money, and 30 of the state’s largest newspapers came out in opposition to
Proposition 2. Yet it passed overwhelmingly.
<more> Nov. 7, 2008 Beef Magazine.com
American Farm Bureau and NFU leaders optimistic about Obama administration
- - Two of the nation’s leading ag groups see an Obama administration as
being supportive of agriculture. American Farm Bureau's director of public
policy, Mark Maslyn, says, “I think that we will work fine with
president-elect Obama and vice president-elect Biden and the new congress
just as we have with the current congress and with the current
administration.” Maslyn says some of the advantage Senator Obama had over
John McCain was probably due to McCain’s stance on the farm bill and ethanol
subsidies, “There are people for whom energy and renewable fuels and the
position that the McCain campaign staked out it could have made a difference
for him.”
<more> Nov. 7, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Some
Thoughts On The Obama Era - - by Troy Marshall, Beef Magazine.com -
- The American people have spoken, and they’ve chosen change. I’ve always
had faith in the American people, so I’m looking forward to the new Obama
administration with hope rather than despair, anticipating unity rather than
division, and good change vs. the status quo. Historically, new presidents
tend to move to the center of the political spectrum once the realities of
governing and re-election become obvious. This election may be a little
different, though, as Obama not only enjoyed a significant victory but will
enjoy significant majorities in both houses of Congress. This was an
interesting election. Usually when one side enjoys such a significant
victory, it’s accompanied by a well-defined mandate. That wasn’t the case
here, as this election was more a referendum on George W. Bush and the
change was never thoroughly defined. Thus, we all awoke on Wednesday morning
without a clear understanding of what that change will be or any certainty
of what an Obama presidency and a reinforced majority in Congress will
actually do.
<more> Nov. 7, 2008 Beef Magazine.com
Diesel
prices drop, but how long will it last? - -After hitting record highs
this summer, diesel fuel prices are finally dropping. As they welcome the
reduced fuel prices, many California farmers and ranchers say they wish the
lower prices would have come sooner, during the height of harvest when fuel
use is at its highest. And analysts say they expect fuel prices to head up
again by spring. Many farmers have already harvested their crops or are
winding down. However, those who are currently working the ground for their
winter plantings are benefiting from the fuel savings. They are also seeing
lower transportation costs for hauling their commodities from the farm to
the processor, said Fresno County farmer Keith Nilmeier, who grows tree
fruit and winegrapes and runs a trucking business.
<more> Nov. 6, 2008 Ag Alert
EQIP sign-up period extended to Dec. 5 - - The sign-up period for producers to apply for 2009 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding has been extended to Dec. 5, 2008. The original application deadline of Oct. 31 was based on final EQIP rules and procedures being in place by the end of September. Since the rules and procedures are not yet finalized, several questions about conservation program opportunities for California's producers remain. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) officials say extending the deadline will allow them to better serve the public. Additional updates and information on the 2009 EQIP program are available through a local NRCS office, or on the Web at http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/2009/index.html Nov. 7, 2008 NRCS Notice
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008
Californians could be in the mix as search begins for
new USDA chief - - By Mark Looker, WUD Communications Manager - -
Californians should figure prominently as the new Administration begins its
search for officials to fill key posts.
California Senators
Barbara Boxer and
Dianne Feinstein
carry considerable clout with the incoming Obama Administration, as does
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
and Valley Congressmen
Dennis
Cardoza (D-Merced) and
Rep. Jim Costa.
Sources close to the new Administration who requested anonymity have
indicated that former CDFA Secretary Bill Lyons, Jr. will play a key role in
providing advice about issues affecting California agriculture, as well as
providing advice on filling various agriculture and other
natural resource
posts. Lyons, a Democrat who served as CDFA secretary in Gov.
Gray Davis’
administration from 1999-2002, helps run the family
cattle ranch
located west of
Modesto
. In the CDFA post, Lyons earned a reputation as a skilled administrator who
knew how to reach across the aisle while dealing with many contentious
issues affecting
California ’s diverse farm
industry. “He is seen as a centrist, reasonable voice for agriculture who
commands a lot of respect on both sides of the aisle,” said the source. “He
is viewed as the go-to guy for California farming.” The source would neither
confirm nor deny whether Lyons was among those being considered for a top
USDA post. Nov. 6, 2008
Statement of USDA Secretary Ed Schafer on the Transition to a New
Administration - - One of the wonderful aspects of this great republic
is how we can almost seamlessly change America's leadership in a manner free
from unrest and discord. This is something that should make all Americans
proud. I congratulate the President-elect and wish him and his team well as
they begin preparing to assume leadership of our nation. Over the past
several months Federal departments, including the USDA, began preparing for
the Presidential transition. Earlier this year, President Bush charged
members of his administration to commence the most comprehensive effort ever
in transition preparation to ensure the President-elect has complete
cooperation from the current Administration for a smooth, seamless transfer
of authority. Nov. 6, 2008 USDA Press Release
Ag
ready for new president. Agriculture groups hope Obama will take on
immigration, other pressing issues - - Democrat Barack Obama of Illinois
cruised to victory over Republican rival John McCain of Arizona Tuesday
night, putting a U.S. senator from a major ethanol state in the White House.
Most of the West's major agricultural groups did not endorse in the race,
although the Farm Bureaus of California, Oregon and Washington, as well as
Western Growers backed McCain. Most ag groups said they were ready to work
with the new administration, and many had high hopes that some of the
problems they'd had with the Bush administration would be solved under a new
regime. "It'd be nice to have an administration that paid attention to the
needs of agriculture," said Mike Marsh of the Western United Dairymen. "I'm
not necessarily sure that we had that with the present administration."
Marsh said he hoped that under a new administration the U.S. Department of
Agriculture would finally implement a $200 million-a-year dairy export
incentive program that Congress has approved several times. The USDA under
Bush never acted on the program. "If this had been in place, my farmers
would be better off right now," he said. "We'd have more markets for our
dairy products."
<more> Nov. 6, 2008 Capital Press
Dairies request price boost. Temporary raise in milk prices could offset
fuel, food costs - - California's dairy farmers are asking the state to
increase the price of liquid milk by about $1 per hundredweight for six
months as a way for producers to adjust to what may be a permanent increase
in fuel and feed costs. "Dairymen cannot survive in this high-cost
environment," said Turlock dairy farmer Linda Lopes, president of the
California Dairy Women Association. "Bills have to be paid. Six months of
good milk prices do not balance the preceding 18 months of low milk price.
Dairymen need this small increase to help service increased debt load and
plant losses." Lopes and several other representatives of producers groups,
including the Western United Dairymen and the Alliance of Western Milk
Producers, urged the California Department of Food and Agriculture to grant
the price increase during a two-day hearing held last week in Sacramento.
<more> Nov. 6, 2008 Capital Press
Farmers see money in cow manure. Waste can be
converted to methane gas and sold to power companies -- With energy
costs high and crop prices sluggish, farmers are turning to solar power,
converting animal waste to natural gas and planting exotic trees to help
them survive a tough economy. Farmer and entrepreneur David Albers is among
those using technology to boost revenue at his 2,800-cow dairy and that of
many others. Albers, who spoke at the first Farming Clean Energy Conference
held at Southern California Edison's AgTAC Center on Wednesday, is president
of BioEnergy Solutions, a company that builds facilities to extract methane
gas from cow manure. Unlike other systems that use the gas to power farm
buildings, Albers' company collects it, processes it, then pumps it into a
pipeline to be sold to Pacific Gas & Electric Co. He and participating
dairies benefit by getting paid for the gas while also managing their cow
waste in a more environmentally friendly way.
<more> Nov. 6, 2008 Fresno Bee
Animal
agriculture needs to tell its story - - On Tuesday, California became
the third state to approve a ban on the use of gestation crates, veal crates
and battery cages. The Humane Society of the United States has made no
secret of its intentions to continue to push this effort across the country.
Dr. Gatz Riddell with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners says
those involved in animal agriculture need to establish a credible way to
convince consumers that they do take good care of their animals. Riddell
says a vast majority of producers do care for their animals but a few bad
instances are what prompt consumer reaction and allow groups such as PETA
and HSUS to push their agenda. “It’s inexcusable what happened to those
animals and there are programs in place to prevent that.”
<more> Nov. 6, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Gilmore outworked Florez in the 30th, pundits say
- - - - Hanford Republican Danny Gilmore claimed the 30th Assembly
District seat in Tuesday’s election by outhustling Shafter Democrat Fran
Florez, observers said Wednesday. “I never saw a Republican work so hard in
Kern County, walking and talking to Democrats,” said the termed-out
incumbent Nicole Parra, D-Hanford. She pointed to a campaign that stayed
positive until near the end, and said Gilmore often showed up at events that
Florez didn’t make. Campaign consultant Stan Harper said Florez has done
great work but “this time around, I just didn’t see the fire in the belly
that she normally had.”
<more> Nov. 6, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Obama
to Back Ailing Ethanol Makers, Follow Failed Bush Policy --
President-elect Barack Obama plans to support unprofitable U.S. ethanol
producers and pursue the same policies that failed George W. Bush. Obama,
the Democratic senator from Illinois, the second- biggest corn-growing
state, will maintain Bush's goal requiring fuel producers use at least 36
billion gallons of biofuels in 2022, said Heather Zichal, the campaign's
senior energy adviser. The ethanol industry, which loses about 66 cents a
gallon at current prices, will receive at least as much support as from the
current administration, including tax credits to spur consumption, she said.
``Obama recognizes how important the renewable and biofuels industry is to
creating jobs and meeting our goal of reducing dependence on foreign oil,''
Zichal said in a Nov. 3 interview. ``He's fully committed to it and sees
tremendous value in the renewable fuels standard and continuing down this
path.''
<more> Nov. 6, 2008 Bloomberg News
Schwarzenegger: $4.4B in tax hikes to end deficit
- - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed $4.4 billion in tax
increases and billions more in spending cuts to close California's worsening
budget deficit, declaring: "We must stop the bleeding." Schwarzenegger on
Thursday called for a special session of the state Legislature to address a
deficit that has grown to $11.2 billion just six weeks after he signed the
budget for the current fiscal year. He said the state's economic condition
has deteriorated significantly since then, with a cratering stock market and
the continued decline of the housing industry. California's budget relies
greatly on capital gains taxes, which have dropped precipitously in recent
months along with swooning stock prices. Sales and property taxes also have
declined. He said lawmakers will not be able to close the budget gap with
cuts alone. He proposed a temporary 1.5 percent sales tax increase and other
"revenue generators.” Nov. 6, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Most Senate Ag Committee members will return
- - For the time being it appears most of the Senate Ag Committee will
return in the new Congress, although one of its members— Senator Saxby
Chambliss of Georgia, ranking Republican on the Senate Ag Committee—may be
facing a December 2nd runoff election. As of this morning, none of the three
candidates in that Georgia race had received the required 50 percent of the
vote. It looks like another member of the Senate Ag Committee—Senator Norm
Coleman of Minnesota—faces a recount in his race against Al Franken. The
chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, Tom Harkin of Iowa, was re-elected.
Both sides lost some members of the House Ag Committee. And there will be
also be new faces on the House ag panel due to the increased margin of
control by Democrats. That will increase the number of Democratic members
and staff for the House Ag Committee, with fewer Republican seats. In
another race of interest to agriculture, former USDA secretary Mike Johanns
won the Nebraska Senate seat to replace Chuck Hagel. Nov. 5, 2008
Brownfield Ag News
New attitude: Obama vows change, agency by
agency - - President-elect Barack Obama has vowed to reverse or sharply
modify many of the Bush administration's policies. Based on his campaign
promises, these are key areas where changes are expected. AGRICULTURE Obama
has cultivated the support of many farm groups, and he stood behind a
massive, $290 billion farm bill enacted earlier this year over President
Bush's veto. He supports traditional farm subsidies, weather-related
disaster assistance for farmers and subsidies for corn ethanol. However,
Obama favors lowering the maximum amount of subsidies an individual farmer
can receive, something Congress has resisted. "We'll close loopholes that
let agribusiness break the rules and we'll put more fruits and vegetables in
our schools and fight hunger," Obama said in South Dakota in May. Some of
his positions on trade may be less popular with farmers. He has been cool to
some free trade agreements and wants to revisit some aspects of NAFTA, which
has been a boon for agricultural exports to Canada and Mexico.
<more> Nov. 5, 2008 AP
USDA Under Secretary Dorr resigning December 1
- - The head of USDA’s Rural Development agency, Tom Dorr, was praised
Wednesday by Ag Secretary Ed Schafer as “a transformational leader” as
Schafer announced Dorr’s resignation, effective December first. At the Farm
Progress show in August, Dorr told Brownfield about the highlights of his
job, the people, “Ninety-nine percent of the time you find very bright,
capable people. You give ‘em a lot of leash and they’ll do remarkable
things. And that’s what we’ve experienced, not just within the agency, but
within all those people that we’ve worked with all across rural America
because of their commitment to rural.” Secretary Schafer says rural America
is changing and Under Secretary Dorr recognized the new challenges and
opportunities eight years ago and had the vision and leadership to make a
stronger, modernized and more effective rural development agency. Nov. 5,
2008 Brownfield Ag News
Redistricting amendment clings to narrow lead
- - A constitutional amendment to strip lawmakers of authority to draw
political districts was clinging to a narrow lead today. The redistricting
measure, Proposition 11, was leading by a margin of 50.5 percent to 49.5
percent, with 92 percent of precincts fully or partially counted. "We do
think we're headed for victory -- and we're looking forward to that," said
Jeannine English, AARP state president and a leader of Yes on 11. The
initiative was championed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and promoted by
AARP, California Common Cause and the League of Women Voters of California,
among others.
<more> Nov. 5, 2008 Sacramento Bee
ker at mllooker@ainet.com
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008
Gilmore leads Florez for Assembly - -
Republican Danny Gilmore enjoyed an early lead over Democrat Fran Florez in
a hotly contested South Valley state Assembly race Tuesday evening. But
thousands of votes were still not counted, including many from a Democratic
portion of the district. Gilmore, a retired highway patrolman from Hanford,
was up 58% to 43% over Florez, a Shafter City Council member and mother of
state Sen. Dean Florez. "I'm excited with the results so far, but we've
still got a ways to go," said Gilmore, who gathered with supporters at the
Kings County fairgrounds in Hanford. Florez was counting on a big turnout in
the Bakersfield area to bring her back. Only about a third of the total
expected vote in Kern County had been counted as of 10:30 p.m.
<more> Nov. 5, 2008 Fresno Bee
Gilmore leading in 30th Assembly District race
- - Republican Danny Gilmore held a lead in one of California's tightest
races early Wednesday morning, but thousands of ballots remained uncounted
in Kern County, the home turf of Democrat Fran Florez. The two battled to
claim the 30th Assembly District seat being vacated by Nicole Parra,
D-Hanford. Gilmore's lead was 55 percent to 45 percent at 2 a.m.
districtwide, but Florez was winning Kern County 63 percent to 37 percent,
with almost a third of precincts still to report. But Kings County,
Gilmore's home, also had many uncounted ballots.
<more> Nov. 5, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Assembly Ag Chair Galgiani easily re-elected
- - Incumbent Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani held a nearly 2-to-1 lead late
Tuesday in her bid to retain the 17th Assembly District seat over Republican
challenger Jack Mobley, a Merced businessman and retired U.S. Air Force
officer. With 263 of 275 precincts reporting Tuesday night, Democrat
Galgiani held a 65.9 percent to 34.1 percent lead. "I'm grateful that it
looks like at this point I will have an opportunity to continue the work
that I've started," she said. "And I pledge to my voters I will continue to
work as hard as I can every day to continue to deserve their support." In
seeking re-election, the Stockton native promised that she would seek to
advance a proposal to bring high-speed rail though the Central Valley. She
also said she would use her position as the recently elected chairwoman of
the Assembly Agriculture Committee to advance and protect farming.
<more> Nov. 5, 2008 Stockton Record
Bill Berryhill edging Eisenhut in 26th; Brother
Tom, Galgiani win re-election - - San Joaquin County was giving
Republican Assembly candidate Bill Berryhill an edge in his contest against
Democratic opponent John Eisenhut in their race to represent voters in the
26th Assembly District. Their campaign grew increasingly heated over the
past month when the Democratic Party poured more than $500,000 into the
race. It was one of five seats held by termed-out Republicans that Democrats
eyed to increase their majority in the Legislature. With all precincts in
the district reporting early this morning, Berryhill had 55,940 votes, or 52
percent, and Eisenhut had 52,308 votes, or 48 percent. In Stanislaus County,
Eisenhut had 20,884 votes against 20,701 for Berryhill. "We feel good that
we got our message out, and I'm looking forward to being able to serve the
people of the 26th," Berryhill said from an election night party. If the
race holds, Berryhill will serve in the Legislature with his older brother,
Tom, who was cruising to an easy re-election in the Modesto-based 25th
Assembly District.
<more> Nov. 5, 2008 Modesto Bee
Rep. McNerney likely winner vs. Andal in 11th
Congressional district race- - Rep. Jerry McNerney was poised to win
re-election Tuesday, holding off Stockton Republican Dean Andal in the
state's most-watched House race. The Pleasanton Democrat, who upset Tracy
Republican Richard Pombo in 2006, was leading Andal 53.5 percent to 46.5
percent with 423 of 649 precincts reporting. "Things look really good,"
McNerney said from a campaign party in Dublin. In San Joaquin County,
McNerney, a 57-year-old wind energy expert, was leading Andal 51 percent to
49 percent, with 121 of 391 precincts reporting. His margin was far greater
in Alameda, Santa Clara and Contra Costa counties.
<more> Nov. 5, 2008 Stockton Record
Lodi area Assembly race too close to call - -
The race for the state Assembly's 10th District - considered one of the most
competitive in the state - was too close to call late Tuesday, according to
early election returns. With 472 of 491 precincts reporting, Lodi Republican
Jack Sieglock held a slim lead of 47.4 percent of the vote over Democrat
Alyson Huber of El Dorado Hills, who had 45.8 percent. "Obviously we're very
pleased with the votes up to this point. We're cautiously optimistic,"
Sieglock, 51, a former Lodi mayor and county supervisor who is now a
consultant, said earlier in the evening. Huber, 36, a business litigation
attorney who has never run for office, held out hope for later election
returns. "We're still watching Sacramento County," she said, referencing the
one area of the district where she led late Tuesday.
<more> Nov. 5, 2008 Stockton Record
Wolk defeats Aghazarian for Senate seat - -
Assemblywoman Lois Wolk of Davis defeated Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian of
Stockton in what is considered a swing district. With more than
three-fourths of the vote counted in the 5th Senate district, Democrat Wolk
had 63 percent of the vote to Republican Aghazarian's 37 percent.Democratic
Sen. Mike Machado's departure due to term limits opened up this Senate seat,
which has traditionally been one of the few electoral battlegrounds in
California. It includes Yolo County, a swath of San Joaquin County and
stretches west across Solano County. Both candidates reached out to
independent voters. Nov. 5, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Election results - - California election results
are available on the Secretary of
State's website at
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008
USDA Trying to Put Loophole in Organic Dairy
Rules Out to Pasture - - Since you are what you eat, the U.S. Department
of Agriculture is proposing stricter grazing standards for cows certified to
produce organic dairy products, closing loopholes that allowed some
operators to cut corners. Regulators found that some producers, though
certified organic, were cutting corners on the standards because the current
rule doesn't define what "access to pasture" means. Some dairies didn't give
grazing time to cows that had just given birth or wouldn't let cows out to
pasture in the rain. The Oct. 24 proposal specifies that organic livestock,
those raised free of hormones, antibiotics or pesticide-treated grain, must
be allowed to graze in a pasture at least 120 days a year. Thirty percent of
the cows' feed must be from such grazing, rather than being fed organically
produced food in a feedlot or an indoor facility. The change, eight years in
the making, is significant because consumers pay up to twice as much for
organic milk, whose sales are growing but are only about 6 percent of the
$17 billion spent annually on milk.
<more> Nov. 4, 2008 Washington Post
September cheese production above a year ago but
below August - - Total cheese production in the U.S. in September was
795 million pounds, 2.3% more than September of 2007 but 3.1% below August
of this year. Italian type cheese production increased .3% from a year ago
to 333 million pounds while American type output was 5.7% higher at 317
million pounds. California’s total cheese production in September was 167.94
million pounds, down 5.5% from a year ago. Italian production in the Golden
State slipped 4.2% to 97.88 million pounds, American output dropped 9.8% to
53.3 million and cheddar plunged 21.1% to 26.2 million pounds in September.
<more> Nov. 4, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Federal court continues hearing on No-Match rule
- - A federal court Friday continued until at least Nov. 21 the hearing
on a lawsuit concerning the Department of Homeland Security’s co-called
“No-Match” regulation. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
issued a proposed regulation (the so-called “safe harbor” rule) that would,
for the first time, link mismatched names and Social Security numbers to
immigration violations. A lawsuit was filed, and the court blocked
implementation of the regulation. DHS then revised the regulation in an
effort to address the court’s concerns and have the order lifted. On October
23, 2008, a “Supplemental Final Rule” was issued, signifying the end of the
public comment period for the revised regulation. Before the rule can be
implemented, it must be published in the Federal Register for 30 days, and
the court must agree to lift the court order. Nov. 4, 2008
Valley farms could grow clean energy. Event to
spotlight potential, challenges and successes - - Central San Joaquin
Valley farmers are well known for growing a bounty of crops, but energy
advocates say the region's farms and ranches also could be cultivating
leadership in adopting clean energy. Farmers, government officials, and
utility representatives will meet Wednesday and Thursday at the Southern
California Edison's AgTAC Center in Tulare for the inaugural Farming Clean
Energy Conference. Conference organizers say the event is designed to
spotlight the Valley's clean energy potential, possible challenges and
examples of successful clean energy projects.
<more> Nov. 4, 2008 Fresno Bee
Dean
Foods shares tumble as 2009 outlook, 3rd-quarter results miss analyst
estimates -- Shares of Dean Foods Co. tumbled on Tuesday after the milk
and dairy products distributor issued an outlook for 2009 below analyst
expectations, saying it will be hurt by start-up costs related to a new
joint venture.
The Dallas-based company
also said its third-quarter profit rose, but results missed analyst
estimates.
Shares fell $3.84, or 17.3
percent, to $18.32 in morning trading. Earlier in the session they hit a new
52-week low of $16.25. The stock has ranged from $17.54 to $29.23 over the
past year.
Both Stifel Nicolaus
analyst Christopher Growe and Deutsche-Bank North America analyst Eric
Katzman said they expected the stock to fall on the 2009 outlook.
<more> Nov. 4, 2008 AP
Forecasters uncertain about California water
- - Forecasters are flipping a coin when asked whether California will
endure a third dry year in a row. Maybe yes, maybe no. Meteorologists can't
bet one way or the other this year because there is no warm-water El Niño or
cold-water La Niña in the Pacific Ocean. El Niño can mean more rain; La Niña
can mean less. This year, the ocean is La Nada -- the unofficial term that
means the ocean's water temperature is normal, offering no clues for
forecasters and little encouragement for farmers or reservoir operators. "I
have yet to see a long-range forecast that I would put money on," said
meteorologist and consultant Jan Null of Golden Gate Weather Services, based
in Saratoga. Uncertainty is the last thing San Joaquin Valley farmers and
reservoir operators want to hear. Reservoirs already are down to about 60
percent of average for this time of year. The reserve in storage is
dwindling with each dry year.
<more> Nov. 4, 2008 Merced Sun-Star
Election results - - California election results will be available after 8
p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, on the Secretary of
State's website at
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
Monday, Nov. 3, 2008
U.S. corn harvest over halfway point - - The
United States Department of Agriculture reports as of Sunday, November 2, 55%
of the U.S. corn crop was harvested. That's an increase of 16% from the
previous week, but down 28% from a year ago and 24% below the five year
average. Even this late in the season, corn continues to reflect the late
start to planting, flooding in some key production areas in the early summer
and variable weather conditions across the Midwest. While much warmer and
drier than normal weather late in the year has allowed producers in many areas
to catch up rapidly with harvest, only four of the 18 primary producing states
are at or ahead of average, and most of the delays are substantial. Due to the
delayed development of this year's crop, the USDA is still updating the
condition rating; the figure stayed unchanged from last week at 64% good to
excellent.
<more> Nov. 3, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Making the California water crisis a people issue - -
You almost need binoculars driving up Pacheco Pass on Highway 152 to find the
water now puddled in San Luis Reservoir north of Los Banos. The lake in the
foothills on the West Side of the San Joaquin Valley can hold 2.1 million acre
feet of water. It now holds just over 200,000 acre feet of water — stark
visual testimony to the current California water crisis. The major storage
lake for both the federal and state water projects is historically low this
time of year. However, it has been years since it has been as low as it is
now. Water contractors are starting to refill it from dams in Northern
California. However, it is so low some believe it will not refill this season
because of demand for water from it next summer and the lack of refill water
flowing from the north. As dramatic an example the San Luis Reservoir is that
California is in the throes of the major drought, the issue must become a
people issue rather than a lake or ag water issue before political movement
can be made toward a solution, according to Sacramento agricultural lobbyist
and Hanford dairyman George Soares.
<more> Nov. 3, 2008 Western Farm Press
San Joaquin County’s ag economy generates $6.6
billion - - Farming generates $6.6 billion in economic production -
including crops and related activities such as food processing and
transportation - in San Joaquin County and nearly 47,000 jobs, or 17 percent
of area employment, a new report says. The University of the Pacific analysis
says that output is neatly divided between $3.3 billion in farm sector
production and $3.3 billion in food processing, including fruit and nut
packing, canning, dairy processing and winemaking. "Clearly, agriculture is a
large industry and an important industry to this county," said Jeffrey
Michael, director of the Business Forecasting Center at Pacific's Eberhardt
School of Business. Sheer size - the seventh-ranked agricultural county in the
nation's leading farm state - is only one factor that sets San Joaquin County
apart, he noted.
<more> Nov. 3, 2008 Stockton Record
Responsible Dairy Symposium supported by WUD - -
Dairy Herd Management magazine, in partnership with Western United
Dairymen; Dairy Management, Inc; the National Grocers Association; the Center
for Food Integrity; and the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine is hosting
the first Responsible Dairy Symposium on March 9 to 11 in Amarillo, Texas.
Symposium topics include animal well-being, the environment, human capital,
and food safety. To learn more about the symposium, download a flyer at
http://www.westernuniteddairymen.com/responsibledairy.pdf. Nov.
3, 2008
Opinion:
Why We Vote - – By Mark Looker, WUD Communications Manager - - It
is traditional as Election Day draws near for newspapers and other pundits to
issue a call for all good citizens to
do
their duty and exercise their right to vote. I think often times in the midst
of all the campaign back-and-forth we can become disillusioned and can throw
our hands up and say “Why bother?” I’d like to offer one good reason to vote
and I’m confident it is not a Democratic, Republican or Independent reason to
vote: We vote to honor the countless individuals who have either sacrificed
their lives or served in the Armed Forces and risked their lives to uphold one
of our most basic rights: The right to vote. My father, Warren Looker, was
like many other Americans who served his country in a time of great need. He
was no hero. He was a skinny, red-headed kid who graduated from Lima (Ohio)
High School in 1942 and joined the Naval Air Corp. He served as an ordnance
man on a Liberator bomber crew and saw action in both the Pacific and European
theaters. He was training crews in Kansas for the coming invasion of the
Japanese homeland when the atomic bombs were dropped twice on Japan, ending
World War II. Many years later, he repeatedly and without hesitation told his
seven children: “Greatest President ever? Harry Truman. Otherwise, you all
wouldn’t be here!” Public policy and politics was a staple at our dinner
table. He loved talking about government policies and party politics and urged
us all to chime in. Above all, he urged us to get involved, to vote and care
about our community and country. He passed away in 2001 but his legacy is
reflective of what Tom Brokaw came to call “The Greatest Generation” in his
book on those who came of age in World War II. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, we vote
because of people who went to war not because they wanted to go to war but
because they had a duty to their country, to their fellow citizens and because
they cared about what the future would hold for their children. On Tuesday,
honor those who fought for that right and those who fight still. Nov. 3,
2008 Mark Looker can be reached at
marklooker@yahoo.com
Election results - - California election results will be available after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, on the Secretary of State's website at http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
Friday, Oct. 31, 2008
USDA
announces final rule to establish Forward Pricing Program - - The USDA
today announced a final rule establishing the Dairy Forward Pricing Program
as directed by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. This program
will allow milk producers and cooperative associations to voluntarily enter
into forward price contracts with milk handlers for milk used for non-fluid
purposes. The program exempts handlers regulated under the federal milk
order program from paying producers and cooperative associations the minimum
federal order price for milk under forward contract. The final rule appears
in today’s Federal Register. Oct. 31, 2008 USDA Press Release
EPA
finalizes CAFO manure, wastewater rules - - The U.S. EPA has finalized a
rule requiring concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to safely
manage manure. EPA estimates CAFO regulations will prevent 56 million
pounds of phosphorus, 110 million pounds of nitrogen, and 2 billion pounds
of sediment from entering streams, lakes, and other waters annually. This is
the first time EPA has required a nutrient management plan (NMP) for manure
to be submitted as part of a CAFO’s Clean Water Act permit application.
Manure contains the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, which, when not
managed properly on agricultural land, can pollute nearby streams, lakes,
and other waters. Previous rules required a CAFO operator to use an NMP for
controlling manure, but the regulation builds on that by requiring the NMP
to be submitted with the permit application. The plan will be reviewed by
the permitting authority and conditions based on it will be incorporated as
enforceable terms of the permit. The proposed NMP and permit will be
available for public review and comment before going final.
<more> Oct. 31, 2008 EPA Press Release
WUD
comments on CAFO rule - - “Western United Dairymen has provided input
throughout the entire process of rule development and has coordinated with
the National Milk Producers Federation and other livestock organizations
along the way,” said Paul Martin, WUD’s Director of Environmental
Services. “We will be studying this rule with diligence, especially to be
sure that the Region 5 Waste Discharge Requirement meets the federal
requirements. Additionally, we intend to open a dialogue with USEPA to
attempt to get our WDR to be accepted as a “Functional Equivalent” to the
certification of no discharge allowed by the EPA Rule. It is WUD’s intent
to ensure that our members are not required to be subjected to two separate
permitting processes.” Oct. 31, 2008
Authorities call for more conservation efforts, storage - - California
water officials warned yesterday that the state's water supplies continue to
shrink, using the bleak forecast to call for more aggressive conservation
and advocate for new storage. The Department of Water Resources told its
city and farm customers that a persistent dry spell and depleted reservoirs
could sharply limit deliveries next year, perhaps to just 15 percent of
need. However, the amount the state eventually delivers in 2009 could rise
depending on how much snow falls. For example, last year the final
allocation was 35 percent of the amount requested – a 10 percent increase
above the preliminary estimate.
<more> Oct. 31, 2008 San Diego Union
State
prepared to slash water deliveries - - The state could cut as much as 85
percent of the water it delivers to local suppliers, the second-lowest
allocation estimate in modern California history, officials said Thursday.
The water allocation estimate is the first for 2009 by the state Department
of Water Resources, which plans to update its figures each month through
spring. Water delivery could be increased if the Golden State's two-year
drought ends with a wet winter in the coming months. The decision could have
an impact on agencies all over California that receive some of their supply
from the state. Those agencies serve 25 million Californians and 750,000
acres of farmland. In the Bay Area, five water agencies would be affected.
<more> Oct. 31, 2008 SF Chronicle
Record
17.3 million Californians registered to vote - - A record 17.3 million
voters are registered in California, Secretary of State
Debra
Bowen reported today. Bowen had predicted a record number, but today's
announcement marked the official pre-election tally from her office. A late
surge of registrations - one million between Sept. 5 and the Oct. 20
deadline - pushed the number past the previous high of 16.6 million in
February 2005. More than 1.7 million people registered since January, Bowen
said. The percentages of Democrats and independent voters have grown since
the 2004 presidential election, while the percentage of Republicans in
California has dropped to 31.4 percent. GOP registrants made up 34.7 percent
of the voter rolls in 2004. Democrats moved to 44.4 percent from 43 percent
in 2004. The percentage of those who decline to state a party preference
increased to 19.9 percent from 17.7 percent. Oct. 31, 2008 Sacramento Bee
National Milk leader calls for new direction - - The 2008 Farm Bill was
favorable to the dairy industry, points out Jerry Kozak, president and CEO
of the National Milk Producers Council. But, he adds, “We will never see
another farm bill like the one that was passed into law this past summer.”
It’s time to look ahead, he suggested. Five goals remain:* Achieve
immigration reform. Failure by the nation’s leaders to achieve meaningful
immigration reform and intensified enforcement of existing laws has created
anxiety in the farming community, he said.* Reform federal orders. “We need
to remove the old fabric from the chair, but keep the frame,” Kozak said.
For example, make allowances must be replaced by a competitive pay price, he
added.
<more> Oct. 31, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
California State Water Project initial allocation only 15 percent - -
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced an initial
allocation of 15 percent for water delivery to the State Water Project (SWP)
contractors in 2009, the second lowest initial allocation in history. “This
further dramatizes the urgent need for additional investments in water
storage and conveyance infrastructure to assure an adequate and reliable
water supply,” said DWR Director Lester Snow. “The uncertainly of
precipitation patterns due to global warming and deteriorating conditions in
the Delta, California’s main water hub, demand immediate action to enhance
our ecosystem and keep our economy productive in the 21st century. The
governor has sounded the wakeup call, and the clock is ticking.” It reflects
the low carryover storage levels in the state’s major reservoirs, ongoing
drought conditions and court ordered restrictions on water deliveries from
the Delta.
<more> Oct. 31, 2008 Western Farm Press
Farmers don't want to take it anymore - - By Don Curlee - - The
year: 1976. In the blockbuster movie "Network" the television anchor man
played by Peter Finch encouraged people all over the country to go to their
open windows and yell: "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this
anymore." The year: 2008. Several California farmers, most of them in the
Central Valley, are lining up at their open windows and clearing their
throats. In the movie the fed-up and frustrated citizens were beset by
over-regulation and government meddling in every aspect of their lives. For
Central Valley farmers the issue is the same, most of it revolving around
water or the lack of it. A recent decision by the judiciary and by federal
agencies has rankled many farmers even though those representing them have
managed to put a happy face on it of farmer acceptance and resignation. That
image has been accepted by the media, but more intense emotions are roiling
beneath the surface.
<more> Oct. 31, 2008 Capital Press
Remember
to set your clocks back one hour Saturday night!
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008
California cuts water deliveries to cities, farms - - The state said
Thursday it would cut water deliveries to their second lowest level ever,
prompting warnings of water rationing for cities and less planting by
farmers. The Department of Water Resources announced it will deliver just 15
percent of the amount that local water agencies throughout California
request every year. That marks the second lowest projection since the first
State Water Project deliveries were made in 1962. It could force farmers in
the Central Valley to fallow fields and cities from the San Francisco Bay
area to San Diego to impose mandatory water rationing. The state's
reservoirs are low after two years of dry weather and court-ordered
restrictions on water pumping out of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This
year, water agencies received just 35 percent of the water they requested.
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 AP
Legislative report calls for water changes. Groundwater supply not
sustainable, needs permitting - - The state Legislature's top analyst
has released a report on California's water supply that could add new life
to two perennial issues - regulating groundwater supplies and rewriting the
state's water-rights laws. The Legislative Analyst report notes that
California is one of just two Western states - the other is Texas - that
does not have a state-run groundwater permitting law. The report also
suggested that lawmakers revise the legal definition of "reasonable use"
when it comes to water rights. Neither proposal sits well with the farming
and ranching community. Staffers who deal with water legislation acknowledge
that the proposals make sense from a broad view, but they shook their
collective heads at the potential legislative war that would ensue should
lawmakers take on the issues seriously when they convene in Sacramento this
January. "This'd go over real well with the aggies," one staffer said,
recounting a multi-year row over a bill by state Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa
Monica, that would only assess groundwater levels, not regulate its use.
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 Capital Press
No-Match rule inches toward implementation -
- By Anthony P. Raimondo - - Last year, the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS)
issued a proposed regulation (the so-called “safe harbor”
rule) that would, for the first time, link mismatched names and Social
Security numbers to immigration violations. A lawsuit was filed, and the
court blocked implementation of the regulation. DHS then revised the
regulation in an effort to address the court’s concerns and have the order
lifted. On October 23, 2008, a “Supplemental Final Rule” was issued,
signifying the end of the public comment period for the revised regulation.
Before the rule can be implemented, it must be published in the Federal
Register for 30 days, and the court must agree to lift the court order. The
next hearing is currently scheduled for October 31, 2008. It remains
uncertain whether the rule will take effect, and if so, when it will take
effect.
Unless and until the rule takes effect, employers should follow a standard
mismatch protocol. If you receive a mismatch notice, first check your
records for a clerical error. If there is no clerical error, then notify
the employee in writing of the mismatch, and direct them to resolve it with
the Social Security Administration. Never fire an employee just because you
receive a mismatch notice. However, you may be required to fire the
employee if you receive information while following up on the mismatch that
indicates that the employee is undocumented.
<more>
Oct. 30, 2008
Pre-rainy season report due for San Francisco Bay
Watershed dairy producers - - Dairymen within the San Francisco
Regional Water Quality Control Board are reminded that their Pre-Rainy
Season Report, along with necessary pictures, must be postmarked by Nov.
15. Please keep a copy of the report on site and send the original by
certified mail. If your paperwork is lost it is your responsibility to
prove it was sent! If you have any questions please call Leslie Corp at
530-354-4981. Oct. 30, 2008
Late
campaign money in Prop. 2 election - - In the money chase surrounding
Proposition 2, the "yes" side is swamping the farming and ranching community
as Election Day nears. Bankrolled by the Humane Society of the United
States, Prop. 2 would essentially ban conventional egg production in
California. The HSUS is largely funding the effort, backed by Hollywood
stars and old-money philanthropists. The "yes" campaign had spent nearly $8
million as of Oct. 18, according to state records - more than a half-million
dollars more than the "no" side. The egg industry is the chief funder of the
"no" campaign, although pork producers have also chipped in, as have state
Farm Bureaus as well as some beef and dairy companies. "We'll be outspent,"
said "no" spokeswoman Julie Buckner, "but we'll have enough money to
compete."
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 Capital Press
California: Ethanol country? State’s cattle eat the byproducts from new
Stockton plant - - Pacific Ethanol is bringing California farmers a
little closer to the heartland with the opening of a giant new ethanol plant
in Stockton. The Stockton plant is getting about 20 percent of the
corn it needs to run from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and its
environs. Company officials say they're pleased with this start. California
air-quality officials require motor-fuel companies to include ethanol in
their gasoline mix, but until recently most of it was made thousands of
miles away and needed to be shipped in. Shipping issues will continue to
persist, as Pacific Ethanol must still import most of its corn by train from
the Midwest, but locating their plants in California has one distinct
advantage: the proximity of cattle, which eat the byproducts of ethanol
production.
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 Capital Press
Ethanol production increasing supply of livestock feed - - The U.S.
ethanol industry will continue to grow in 2009, creating a substantial
increase in the supply of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a
co-product of ethanol, according to Ken Hobbie, president and CEO of the
U.S. Grains Council. Ethanol production increased in 2008 by approximately 3
billion gallons to 9.3 billion gallons compared to last year, Hobbie told
more than 500 attendees at the USGC’s International Distillers Grains
Conference in Indianapolis, Ind. Even more critically, production is
projected by Informa Economics to reach 11.9 billion gallons in 2009.
According to Hobbie, roughly 33 percent of the grain going into U.S. ethanol
production will come out as DDGS.
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 Delta Farm Press
Report: China's
animal feed tainted with melamine - - The industrial chemical melamine
is commonly added to animal feed in China to make it appear higher in
protein, state media reported Thursday, in what appeared to be a tacit
admission by the government that contamination is widespread in the
country's food supply. The practice of mixing melamine into animal feed is
an "open secret" in the industry, the Nanfang Daily newspaper reported,
describing a process of repackaging melamine scrap into an inexpensive
product called "protein powder," which is then sold to feed suppliers. The
Web sites of the official Xinhua News Agency and the Communist Party
mouthpiece People's Daily newspaper also carried the story, in a rare move
publicizing information that reflects poorly on the country - especially
given recent food safety scandals involving contaminated Chinese dairy
products and eggs.
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 AP
Less
grass means less gas, cattle researcher says - - A University of
Manitoba scientist says he's figured out how to cut the amount of greenhouse
gas belching from cows by as much as 200 litres a day - feed them grain
instead of grass. For the past four years, Prof. Ermias Kebreab has been
analyzing cow burps at the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment
south of Winnipeg to measure the amount of methane dairy cows produce when
they are fed different types of food. About 98 per cent of the methane from
a cow is emitted through its mouth - "only two per cent comes out the other
way," said Kebreab. Traditional wisdom holds that grass is less of a
contributor to global warming than more energy-intensive crops like grain.
However, Kebreab's report, published in the Journal of Animal Science, shows
that may not be the case.
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 ENS
Schwarzenegger announces commission to overhaul tax structure - - Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger established a new state commission Thursday to
overhaul the state's tax structure after facing significant volatility tied
to stock market losses that already have hamstrung this year's budget. The
Republican governor, joined in Los Angeles by Democratic Assembly Speaker
Karen Bass, blamed the state's latest budget problem on a tax system that
relies on the top 1 percent of earners to pay a significant share of
revenues. He said changes are necessary to even out the state's revenues
over time to stabilize funding for state programs. Schwarzenegger did not
specify exactly what types of different taxes he would seek, though
Democrats in the past have suggested expanding taxes beyond retail and
assessing services, such as lawn mowing or auto repair.
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Become
A Master Of Beef Advocacy - - It doesn’t require you to pass the SAT,
ACT or even the LSAT to earn this MBA, but beef producers will benefit just
the same. It’s the MBA – the Masters of Beef Advocacy Program – launching
this fall by the beef checkoff program. The newly designed MBA program is an
e-learning opportunity developed to assist producers across the country in
becoming effective spokespersons for the industry. The program consists of
six, 1-hour core courses for the 2009 fiscal year: beef safety, beef
nutrition, animal care, environmental stewardship, modern beef production
and the beef checkoff.
<more> Oct. 30, 2008 CattleNetwork.com
Sustainable ag talk set for CSU Stanislaus Nov. 20 - - "Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Sustainable Agriculture" is the subject of a talk set for Nov. 20 at CSU Stanislaus. The presentation by Dr. Cliff Ohmart, the Research/IPM Director for the Lodi Winegrape Commission and architect of the Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, California’s first third party-certified sustainable winegrowing program. The talk is part of the university’s Agricultural Studies Department’s Agricultural Studies Speaker Series. Sponsored by Yosemite Farm Credit, ACA, the event is in the Faculty Development Center, Room 118 from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 30, 2008 CSU Stanislaus Notice
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
Oct. 30
hearing on emergency petition for milk price increase - - The California
Department of Food and Agriculture will hold a hearing on October 30 and 31
on a petition submitted by the Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Western
United Dairymen, and the California Dairy Women’s Association for a hearing
to consider implementation of a temporary “surcharge” on the regulated
minimum prices for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 milk. The suggested level
of the surcharge is approximately $1.00 per hundredweight for a period of
six months. Two alternative proposals have been filed with CDFA. One by the
Dairy Institute of California calls for a $1.35-per-hundredweight decrease
in Class 1 prices and an approximate $0.26-per-hundredweight decrease in
Class 2 and Class 3 prices. The other, submitted by Milk Producers Council,
asks for a “transportation surcharge” to Class 1 of approximately $0.14 per
hundredweight. The public hearing is set to begin at 10 a.m. on October 30
and 31 in the CDFA auditorium in downtown Sacramento, at 1220 N Street. WUD
members are encouraged to attend. The hearing notice can be downloaded from
the CDFA website at
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/hearings/2008/HearingNotice.08-19-08.pdf.
Still no cause known for explosion at California
Dairies plant - - Clean-up continues today at the California Dairies
milk powder plant in Visalia, California. Investigators have yet to
determine what caused an explosion which blew a hole in the side of the
plant’s eight-story evaporation tower on Monday. Richard
Cotta, President and CEO of California Dairies says the plant was running
smoothly, “The computer data shows that within the span of 2.7 minutes the
dryer temperatures exceeded maximum temperatures, a spontaneous combustion
explosion occurred and the dryer was cooled back down to normal.” Cotta says
the plant’s safety mechanisms, the automatic shut-down, the automatic fire
suppression and fire quench systems, “All did their job.” The hole in the
wall was actually part of the safety system as well; such buildings are
designed with explosion doors and walls to vent the energy in this manner.
No one was injured in the explosion.
<more> Oct. 29, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Passing: Joseph H. Mendoza, Sr., 90 - -
Joseph H. Mendoza, Sr., passed away at home in Point Reyes, Saturday,
October 25 at the age of 90. He is the father of Joseph H. Mendoza, Jr., a
long-time member of Western United Dairymen. Visitation will be Thursday,
Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Parent-Sorenson Mortuary, Petaluma. A
Rosary will be held Thursday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church,
35 Liberty St., Petaluma. The Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Vincent
de Paul Church on Friday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. To read the complete obituary
please click here. Oct. 29, 2008 Marin Independent Journal
Governor opposes Prop 2. - - Gov.
Schwarzenegger released his positions on the dozen measures on the Nov. 4
ballot. He is opposed to Prop. 2. To see his stand on the other measures,
please click here. Oct. 29, 2008 Capitol Alert
Animal-rights group seeks access to Clovis
students - - An animal-rights group has sent a letter to the Center for
Advanced Research & Technology in Clovis, saying it wants to explain to
students about the suffering of cows in the milk industry. The issue arose
because CART students are competing in a "Got Milk?" contest sponsored by
the California Milk Processor Board. PETA said in a news release that
"newborn male calves are traumatically torn from their mothers and confined
to tiny, filthy crates before the calves are slaughtered for veal." PETA
also contends that dairy products have been linked to allergies, ear
infections and juvenile onset diabetes in children and contribute to heart
disease and some types of cancer in adults. Spokeswoman Kelly Avants said
Monday that the Clovis Unified School District is considering PETA's
request. She also said CART students have been examining both sides of the
issue. Monday night, students were scheduled to hear both sides to
Proposition 2 on the Nov. 4 ballot. Prop. 2 would require farmers to free
their egg-laying chickens from their cages, and would limit restrictions on
pregnant sows and calves raised for veal. Animal-rights activists say Prop.
2 would create a more humane way to raise veal, pork and egg-laying
chickens. Oct. 29, 2008 Fresno Bee
California
courts continue to limit meal and rest period claims - - By Anthony
P. Raimondo -- The rules governing meal and rest periods remain
uncertain as California Courts of Appeal and the California Supreme Court
examine more and more claims based on meal and rest period rules. In
Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court, a Court of Appeal rejected
some longstanding and unfair interpretations of meal and rest period
requirements. The case involved restaurant workers who do an hour or so of
prep work at the start of their shift, then take a meal break, then work
six or seven hours through the dinner rush and clean up. The workers’
attorneys argued that some workers had skipped meals altogether, and the
rest were entitled to a second meal period because they worked more than
five hours after their first meal period. The court rejected the principle
that employers must be sure that employees actually take meal periods, and
rejected the rule that the meal periods must occur every five hours,
regardless of the length of the shift. Instead, the court injected some
sanity in to meal and rest period rules by ruling that employers must make
meal periods available, and must give employees an opportunity to take
them. But if an employee freely chooses not to take a meal period, then the
employer is not liable. The court also ruled that an employee is only
entitled to a second meal period if he or she works a total of 10 hours or
more. Unfortunately, the California Supreme Court accepted this case for
review, which erases the decision as if it never happened. <more>
Oct. 29, 2008
CDQAP
certification equals reduced fees - - As state water quality control
boards start to send out Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) bills in
November, producers should be prepared to see a significant increase in the
fee. Dairies with 3,000 or more mature animals will see the fee rise from
$4,360 to $6,132; herds of 1,500 to 2,999 head will see an increase from
$2,725 to $3,833; herds of 700 to 1,499 head will see fees climb from $1,308
to $1,840; and those with 300 to 699 will face a hike from $654 to $920.
Fees for herds with less than 300 animals will increase from $327 to $460.
Producers can combat the fee hike next year by becoming certified through
the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP). Producers who are
certified through the environmental stewardship program will receive a 50
percent discount on their WDR fees. To become certified, producers will need
to attend all three classes of the University of California Cooperative
Extension Environmental Stewardship Short Course I. They will also need to
develop an Environmental Stewardship Farm Management Plan, and successfully
complete an on-site evaluation by a non-regulatory third-party evaluator.
WUD members can check their CDQAP certification status by contacting their
local WUD field representative. Oct. 24, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008
USDA
lowers corn, soybean production estimates unexpectedly - - In a fairly
unexpected move, the United States Department of Agriculture has lowered a
number of key estimates for this year's soybean and corn crops, changing the
numbers from the October 10 report. According to Dan Zwicker of ADM, this is
the first set of mid-month revisions issued since the 1960's. On the whole,
the cuts were on the difficult growing situation faced over the past year by
many producers, with the late start to planting, heavy rain and flooding
during June and widely variable conditions late in the season, including
hurricane damage. The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service made the
revisions after they found discrepancies between their estimates and the Farm
Service Agency's database. Changes were not only made to corn and soybeans,
but also to sorghum, canola, sunflowers and dry edible beans. The USDA lowered
their corn projection by 166.540 million bushels, down to 12.033 billion
bushels, and cut yield by a tenth of a bushel to 153.9 bushels per acre. Even
with the downward revisions, if realized, 2008's production and yield would be
the second highest on record; 2007's corn crop was a record and the all time
high on yield was set in 2004. 2007 production totaled 13.074 billion bushels,
with average yield at 151.1 bushels per acre. Both planted and harvested area
were revised 1.020 million acres lower, with the harvested area now at 78.177
million acres, compared to 2007's 86.542 million.
<more> Oct. 28, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Visalia dairy plant catches fire after explosion -
- An explosion in an eight-story milk-evaporation tower blew out a wall,
sparked a blaze and forced the evacuation of the California Dairies plant in
the Visalia Industrial Park Monday morning. There were no injuries. The plant,
which opened in January, produces powdered milk. It employs about 75 people
and boasts the largest evaporative "dry unit" in North America. Evaporative
milk is made by spraying tiny droplets of condensed milk into a heated tower.
As the water is baked out of the milk, it turns into a fine powder. Officials
with the Visalia Fire Department believe friction from the powder as it moved
throughout the tower sparked the explosion and fire. The incident on the
tower's fourth floor occurred just before 10 a.m.
<more> Oct. 28, 2008 Visalia Times Delta
WUD
calls on USDA to adjust TB indemnity limit - - The current indemnity
limit for cattle should be adjusted so that fair market value can be used to
compensate owners of registered breeding stock who are facing the decision
to voluntarily depopulate their herd in order to help eradicate bovine
tuberculosis, said Western United Dairymen in a recent letter to members of
Congress. California has seen its bovine TB-free status reclassified due to
a handful of animals that tested positive in a small number of dairy herds.
Voluntary depopulation is the preferred way to combat the spread of the
disease. But, the USDA indemnity limit of $3,000 per animal is “a barrier”
to voluntary depopulation as it is “wholly inadequate” to compensate owners
of registered herds. “Registered cattle breeding herds often represent a
lifetime of work of members of more than one generation to develop superior
and highly sought after genetics in their animals,” said WUD. WUD explained
that “the cost of doing business goes up for everyone else in a state that
suffers a downgrade in tuberculosis-free status.” Using fair market value,
rather than the $3,000 per cow limit, does not carry any risk said WUD,
since independent appraisals would still have to be performed and the APHIS
administrator would have final say on amounts to be paid. Oct. 24, 2008
WUD Weekly News Update
CDQAP
certification equals reduced fees - - As state water quality control
boards start to send out Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) bills in
November, producers should be prepared to see a significant increase in the
fee. Dairies with 3,000 or more mature animals will see the fee rise from
$4,360 to $6,132; herds of 1,500 to 2,999 head will see an increase from
$2,725 to $3,833; herds of 700 to 1,499 head will see fees climb from $1,308
to $1,840; and those with 300 to 699 will face a hike from $654 to $920.
Fees for herds with less than 300 animals will increase from $327 to $460.
Producers can combat the fee hike next year by becoming certified through
the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP). Producers who are
certified through the environmental stewardship program will receive a 50
percent discount on their WDR fees. To become certified, producers will need
to attend all three classes of the University of California Cooperative
Extension Environmental Stewardship Short Course I. They will also need to
develop an Environmental Stewardship Farm Management Plan, and successfully
complete an on-site evaluation by a non-regulatory third-party evaluator.
WUD members can check their CDQAP certification status by contacting their
local WUD field representative. Oct. 24, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Oct. 30
hearing on emergency petition for milk price increase - - The California
Department of Food and Agriculture will hold a hearing on October 30 and 31
on a petition submitted by the Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Western
United Dairymen, and the California Dairy Women’s Association for a hearing
to consider implementation of a temporary “surcharge” on the regulated
minimum prices for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 milk. The suggested level
of the surcharge is approximately $1.00 per hundredweight for a period of
six months. Two alternative proposals have been filed with CDFA. One by the
Dairy Institute of California calls for a $1.35-per-hundredweight decrease
in Class 1 prices and an approximate $0.26-per-hundredweight decrease in
Class 2 and Class 3 prices. The other, submitted by Milk Producers Council,
asks for a “transportation surcharge” to Class 1 of approximately $0.14 per
hundredweight. The public hearing is set to begin at 10 a.m. on October 30
and 31 in the CDFA auditorium in downtown Sacramento, at 1220 N Street. WUD
members are encouraged to attend. The hearing notice can be downloaded from
the CDFA website at
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/hearings/2008/HearingNotice.08-19-08.pdf.
Governor will call special legislative session on
budget - - With the economy reeling, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced
Monday that he will call lawmakers back into session next month to grapple
with a shortfall that is "much bigger" than the $3 billion projected just
three weeks ago. "I think everything is happening very quickly,"
Schwarzenegger said, pointing to a nose-diving stock market that has had
"tremendous impact on our capital gains and the revenues coming in."
Schwarzenegger declined to pinpoint the size of the state's budget gap, saying
more should be known within days. Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata put the
figure at $10 billion. "We have to deal with it quickly," Schwarzenegger said.
<more> Oct. 28, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Californians for Safe Food rolls out new ‘No on
Prop. 2' TV ad - - Californians for SAFE Food, a coalition of public
health and food safety experts, labor unions, consumers, family farmers and
veterinarians, unveiled a new television ad urging Californians to vote “NO”
on Proposition 2, the ‘Standards for Confining Farm Animals Initiative.’ The
ad is airing frequently in major markets across the state. The ad directly
takes on the Yes on Prop. 2 campaign spokespeople and claims. To view the ad,
please click
here. Oct. 28, 2008 No on Prop. 2 Press Release
New endangered species rules clear hurdle - -- The Bush administration on Monday said that the changes it wants to make to endangered species rules before President Bush leaves office will have no significant environmental consequences. That's the conclusion of a draft assessment released by the Interior Department that represents one of the last remaining hurdles for the regulations to become final before Jan. 20. The administration in August proposed letting federal agencies approve power plants, dams and other projects without consulting government wildlife experts in some cases. Current regulations require government biologists to be consulted in all cases - even when a project is unlikely to harm threatened wildlife or the places they live. <more> Oct. 28, 2008 AP
Monday, Oct. 27, 2008
Visalia Dairy Plant Milk Powder Explosion- -
The blaze that was burning on the fourth and fifth floors of California
Dairies' milk evaporation tower Goshen and Plaza in Visalia is now
contained. Mark Nelson, the fire chief for the Visalia Fire Department, said
the fire was contained shortly after 1 p.m. at the milk processor on the
2000 block of Plaza Drive in Visalia. The cause of the blaze is believed to
be friction from the powdered milk as it moved through the 8-story
processing unit. About 75 workers were evacuated from the plant. There were
no injuries reported.
Click here to view video report from KFSN-TV Fresno. Oct. 27, 2008
Corn, soybean prices jump on early stock rally
- - Corn and soybean prices shot up Monday after an early rally on Wall
Street lured investors back into the commodities complex. Wheat also rose.
Corn for December delivery jumped 12.5 cents to settle at $3.8525 a bushel
on the Chicago Board of Trade, while January soybeans added 30.5 cents to
settle at $8.975 a bushel. December wheat added 13.25 cents to settle at
$5.295 a bushel. The rallies in grains came after Wall Street traded higher
earlier in the day, encouraging investors to put some of their money back
into commodities markets. The Dow later ended the day down more than 200
points after a late-session drop. However, Vic Lespinasse of
Grainanalyst.com noted that trading volume in agriculture pits was light,
"making it easier to move the market."
<more> Oct. 27, 2008 AP
Rep. Costa expresses strong opposition to Prop. 2
- - Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) has expressed his strong opposition to
passage of Prop. 2. In an email message to Western United Dairymen CEO
Michael Marsh, Costa cited his dairy background in opposing the measure.
“Having grown up on my family’s dairy farm and worked there for 17 years
milking cows and tending to our calves, I believe I know what
humane animal treatment is all about,” he
said. “Proposition 2 is an extreme and unwarranted effort by PETA and their
allies.” Costa is a member of the House Agriculture Committee and served
for served 24 years in the state Assembly and Senate. He is seeking his
third term to Congress in November. Oct. 27, 2008
Ethanol's Use Outstrips Plans to Deal With Its
Risks - - The national push to wean the country from imported fuel by
adding American-brewed ethanol to gasoline has come at a cost: The flammable
liquid is being transported through residential neighborhoods, catching off
guard many communities that are unprepared to fight potential fires. Some
are having to piece together emergency plans after the shipments have begun
passing through their cities and towns, officials say. In Alexandria, for
example, officials are seeking to shut down or restrict an ethanol transfer
operation in a rail yard surrounded by townhouses, a Metro station and an
elementary school, arguing that pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of
fuel daily from trains to tankers is potentially dangerous and a slap at
city residents.
<more> Oct. 27, 2008 Washington Post
No TB from Calif. found in Idaho cattle - -
State veterinarian Bill Barton says officials have yet to find any cases of
bovine tuberculosis connected to cattle brought to Idaho from California.
Idaho State Department of Agriculture officials announced in July they were
searching for 961 purebred Holstein diary bulls imported over the past few
years from herds that recently tested positive for the disease. Barton says
he plans to wrap up testing on thousands of animals that the bulls may have
come into contact with by the end of the year. Barton says all the bulls
have been located and the department has also been inspecting the facilities
where they were kept. Oct. 27, 2008 AP
Responsible Dairy Symposium - -- Dairy Herd Management magazine, in
partnership with Western United Dairymen, Dairy Management Inc, the National
Grocers Association, the Center for Food Integrity and UC Davis School of
Veterinary Medicine is hosting the first Responsible Dairy Symposium March
9-11 in Amarillo, Texas. Topics will include animal well-being, the
environment, human capital and food safety. To learn more about the
symposium click here to
download a flyer. To register,
please click here. Oct. 24, 2008
Valley air board now has a scientist in one of
its seats - - A crucial appointment to the board that governs the
Valley's air district has been made by the governor. Henry Forman, a
professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UC Merced, will fill the spot
reserved for a scientist on the board. The scientist position is one of four
new seats authorized by legislation last year to expand the board of the San
Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District. Originally, the board
had 11 members. Eight of them were sitting supervisors from the eight
counties that make up the air district; three were members of city councils
in the district. The county supervisors have often leaned toward serving the
interests of business and agriculture, which aren't always supporters of
aggressive efforts to clean the air.
<more> Oct. 27, 2008 Fresno Bee
Conservation tillage catches on with growers as costs continue rising - - Conservation tillage is catching on in California for one basic reason – it reduces passes across fields. In today’s economy, anything that lowers costs is as welcome as the Publishers Clearing House man on your front porch. Topper van Loben Sels, who farms 3,000 acres in the North San Joaquin Delta near Walnut Grove, Calif., started small on the road to conservation tillage, but now practices it farm-wide on his corn to benefit all his row crops. “You can’t just jump into conservation tillage,” says Loben Sels, who grows wine grapes, pears, corn, wheat, tomatoes, safflower, alfalfa, and a few small seed crop plots. “You have to figure out how and why it works. No-till didn’t work for us because it was too labor intensive. <more> Oct. 27, 2008 Western Farm Press
Friday, Oct. 24, 2008
CWT announces
new herd retirement program - -
Cooperatives Working Together
(CWT) will conduct a new herd retirement program this fall, the organization
announced Friday. This will be the second herd retirement round conducted
this year. The previous one was initiated in June. As farm-level milk prices
drop to their lowest level in 18 months, CWT officials said it was time the
program offered its members another opportunity to retire their herds to
trim overall national milk production, and strengthen prices going into
2009. All bids must be postmarked by Monday, November 24th, in order to be
considered. More information on the program is available at
www.cwt.coop,
<more> Oct. 24, 2008 CWT Press Release
EQIP
cost share sign-up extended to Dec. 5 in California - - Conservation
cost share applications for the popular Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) are being accepted for funding consideration in fiscal year
2009 now through Dec. 5, 2008, at USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) offices throughout California. This is an extended date from
the previously announced deadline said officials that helps ensure a fair
and equitable opportunity for customers to apply for conservation cost share
assistance. The program, providing financial and technical assistance to
farmers and ranchers for natural resource improvements, received a record
$53,959,920 in funding in California for 2008.
<more> Oct. 24, 2008 Western Farm Press
CDQAP
certification can translate into savings - - As state water quality
control boards start to send out Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) bills in
November, producers should be prepared to see a significant rise in the fee.
Dairies with 3,000 or more mature animals will see the fee rise from $4,360
to $6,132, herds of 1,500 to 2,999 will see a rise from $2725 to $3,833,
herds of 700 to 1,499 will climb from $1,308 to $1,840 and those with 300 to
699 animals will face a hike of $654 to $920. Herds under 300 animals will
see a rise from $327 to $460. Producers can combat the fee hike next year by
becoming California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP) Environmental
Stewardship program certified and receiving a 50% discount on their WDR
fees. To become certified, producers attend all three classes of the
University of California Cooperative Extension Environmental Stewardship
Short Course I , develop an Environmental Stewardship Farm Management Plan,
and successfully complete an on-site evaluation by a non-regulatory third
party. WUD members can check on their CDQAP certification status by
contacting their local WUD field representative. Oct. 24, 2008 WUD Weekly
Update
U.S.
to renew push for crackdown on illegal workers - - In a final drive to
toughen immigration enforcement, the Bush administration will again try to
institute a system that would force employers to fire workers who have
discrepancies in their Social Security data. Homeland Security Secretary
Michael Chertoff said Thursday that he would ask a federal judge to lift an
injunction imposed against the "no-match" rule after foes including the
American Civil Liberties Union and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sued to stop
it last year. The move could affect millions of workers -- citizens and
immigrants alike -- and continues to draw fierce opposition from business as
well as civil liberties and immigrant advocate groups. In an annual address
on border enforcement and illegal immigration, Chertoff said that he
expected continued resistance to the rule but that his agency had addressed
concerns raised in the lawsuit.<more>
Oct. 24, 2008 LA Times
Lake
County votes to ban GMO crops - - Lake County on Tuesday became the
latest in the region to ban the cultivation of genetically modified crops.
Voters in both Mendocino and Marin counties approved bans on growing
genetically modified crops in 2004. Unlike in those counties, Lake County
supervisors, not voters, made the decision. They approved the ordinance on a
3-2 vote following 3½ hours of contentious public debate. Sonoma County
voters rejected a ban in 2005 and Napa County has not taken up the issue.
More than 100 people packed the Lake County Board of Supervisors chambers on
Tuesday. Most of about 20 people who spoke favored the ban drafted by
Supervisor Ed Robey.
<more> Oct. 24, 2008 Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Commentary: Delta Vision report points to need for comprehensive water
solution - - By Chris Scheuring, managing counsel of the California
Farm Bureau Federation Natural Resources and Environmental Division - -
It could be the most complicated, difficult policy decision facing
California today: Figure out what to do in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Recommendations on how to attack the delta's environmental problems will
have everything to do with the water supplies for thousands of family
farmers and ranchers and for millions of California residents. So it's no
wonder that the recommendations of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force
made such a splash when they were released last Friday. The task force
worked for nearly two years and wrote a detailed, comprehensive plan that
can be boiled down to its essence in a few words: There's no "silver
bullet" that will solve all the delta's problems; we have to consider
anything and everything.
<more> Oct. 24, 2008 Ag Alert
‘We blew it' on global food, says Bill Clinton - - Former President Clinton told a U.N. gathering Thursday that the global food crisis shows "we all blew it, including me," by treating food crops "like color TVs" instead of as a vital commodity for the world's poor. Addressing a high-level event marking Oct. 16's World Food Day, Clinton also saluted President Bush - "one thing he got right" - for pushing to change U.S. food aid policy. He scolded the bipartisan coalition in Congress that killed the idea of making some aid donations in cash rather than in food. Clinton criticized decades of policymaking by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and others, encouraged by the U.S., that pressured Africans in particular into dropping government subsidies for fertilizer, improved seed and other farm inputs as a requirement to get aid. Africa's food self-sufficiency declined and food imports rose. <more> Oct. 24, 2008 AP
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008
National Milk protests special treatment for ethanol plants - - The
National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) today joined a growing chorus of
animal agriculture groups who are speaking out after USDA Secretary Schafer
suggested that USDA to extend rural development loans to ethanol plants that
bought corn at the higher prices that prevailed earlier this year. Schafer
also stated the ethanol industry is too important to be allowed “to fall
into more financial difficulty” and must be supported by the U.S.
government. Such a program would be a “startling new development that
discriminates in favor of one segment of American agriculture,” said NMPF in
a letter signed by seven other leading animal agriculture groups.
Click here to read the entire letter. Oct. 23 ,2008 NMPF Press
Release
Air
District prevails in national suit over construction emissions - - In
yet another endorsement of the San Joaquin Valley Air District’s landmark
regulation of development-associated air pollution, the U.S. District Court
in Fresno this week struck down a lawsuit contesting the regulations. The
suit, filed by the National Association of Homebuilders in June 2007,
alleged that the Air District’s pioneering regulation, which establishes
development fees for air-pollution mitigation, was pre-empted by federal
authority. The court disagreed. “This decision affirms that we have the
authority to regulate the effects of motor vehicles and equipment attracted
to development sites,” said District Counsel Philip Jay. Specifically, the
court found that the Clean Air Act allowed the air district to regulate
aspects of land use critical to air quality.
<more> Oct. 23, 2008 Air District Press Release
Deputies bag Kings County semen-theft suspects - - It was third time
luck for officers of the Kings County Rural Crime Task Force, who had been
trying to stop a string of bull-semen thefts. Detective Darin Pearson said
they were already working on leads when someone called in a description of a
suspicious vehicle seen leaving a milk barn on Excelsior Avenue east of
Hanford. Pearson said they attempted to stop the vehicle and after a short
pursuit, a man jumped from the car and ran. He and his companion were
arrested after deputies found a cryogenic container containing $2,000 worth
of bull semen in their possession. Two previous thefts at other dairies
netted tanks of semen worth $9,000 and $10,000, Pearson said. They are
investigating whether the two suspects were involved in those thefts.
<more> Oct. 23, 2008 Capital Press
Corn,
soybeans looking good, but prices aren't - - A farming season that once
appeared to be doomed by the weather has turned out pretty good for Midwest
soybean and corn crops. But, to the surprise of farmers harvesting soybeans
and starting on corn, it's the fall of once record-high prices that now
threatens to take a lot of the shine off of 2008. "Our potential was there,"
said Rolland Vandeveer, who has more than 5,000 acres of corn and soybeans
near Salem, Ill., about 80 miles east of St. Louis. "This probably was going
to be our best year for the last 20 years." Farmers in Illinois and Iowa,
the country's top corn and soybean producers, endured wet, cool springs that
slowed planting and growth. Then they watched heavy, soaking rains and
rising rivers swamp their fields, forcing many to plant their crops two or
even three times.
<more> Oct. 23, 2008 AP
Task
Force report: Build peripheral canal - - Momentum is growing to
construct a peripheral canal around the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta,
but doing so could jeopardize the century-old farming traditional in the
estuary. A task force appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger voted 6-0 last
week to recommend that the state build the canal in conjunction with the
existing method of moving fresh water through the delta toward the giant
pumps near Tracy. On Friday, Oct. 17, the Delta Blue Ribbon Task Force
issued its findings, codified in a report that required five drafts to
complete. Its chief recommendation is to hold the environmental health of
the estuary as a co-equal to the needs of the farmers and citizens who rely
on water from the pumps.
<more> Oct. 23, 2008 Capital Press
New
Tomales Bay watershed grazing rules set for Nov. 10 meeting - - New
regulatory requirements for grazing operators in the Tomales Bay watershed
will be discussed Nov. 10 at a workshop set for the Dance Palace in Point
Reyes Station. The requirements, set by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water
Quality Control Board, affect owners of parcels over 50 acres. The workshop
is designed to inform landowners and lessees of the new requirements and
assist with compliance. Dinner will be provided by the Marin County Farm
Bureau. RSVPs can be made to Kathy at UC Cooperative Extension (707)
565-02621. The workshop is supported by Western United Dairymen and several
local farm and government organizations. Oct. 23, 2008 UCCE Notice
Oct. 30 hearing on emergency petition for milk
price increase - - The California Department of Food and Agriculture
will hold a hearing on October 30 and 31 on a petition submitted by the
Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Western United Dairymen, and the
California Dairy Women’s Association for a hearing to consider
implementation of a temporary “surcharge” on the regulated minimum prices
for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 milk. The suggested level of the surcharge
is approximately $1.00 per hundredweight for a period of six months. The
concerns leading to the call for an emergency hearing include the
extraordinary high feed prices and fuel costs producers are facing, as well
as the extreme volatility in the cheese market. Two alternative proposals
have been filed with CDFA. The alternative submitted by the Dairy Institute
of California calls for a $1.35-per-hundredweight decrease in Class 1 prices
and an approximate $0.26-per-hundredweight decrease in Class 2 and Class 3
prices. The Dairy Institute cites competitive concerns, structural changes
in interstate Class 1 price relationships, and structural changes in
intra-state price relationships between various classes of milk as a basis
for the decrease. The alternative submitted by Milk Producers Council
supports the addition of a “transportation surcharge” that would increase
the Class 1 revenue by an amount sufficient to recover the revenue being
removed to fund new transportations subsidies. According to Milk Producers
Council, this would amount to an approximate $0.14-per-hundredweight
increase in the Class 1 price. The public hearing is set to begin at 10 a.m.
on October 30 and 31 in the CDFA auditorium in downtown Sacramento, at 1220
N Street. WUD members are encouraged to attend. The hearing notice can be
downloaded from the CDFA website at
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/hearings/2008/HearingNotice.08-19-08.pdf.
Oct. 17, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
China arrests 6 for role in contaminating milk -- China arrested six people Thursday for their alleged role in supplying contaminated milk to the country's dairy companies, as the Health Ministry said more than 3,600 Chinese children remain hospitalized after consuming compromised products. The six suspects, who worked in the major dairy-producing region of Inner Mongolia, either sold melamine to milk suppliers or added the industrial chemical to milk themselves, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Melamine, used in plastics and fertilizer, can cause kidney stones and lead to kidney failure in larger doses. A total of 3,654 children remain sick, with three in serious condition, the Health Ministry said in a notice on its Web site late Wednesday. Authorities say middlemen apparently added melamine to milk they collected from farmers to sell to large dairy companies. The suppliers are accused of watering down the milk and then adding the nitrogen-rich chemical to make the milk seem higher in protein when tested. Protein tests often simply measure nitrogen levels. <more> Oct. 23, 2008 AP
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008
Judge declines to reduce pumping of delta water for
salmon - - A federal judge on Tuesday denied a request by environmental
groups to reduce delta pumping and take other measures at two major California
reservoirs to help the state's endangered salmon population. In an 11-page
ruling, U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger didn't outright reject the
requests, but said a hearing would be necessary if environmental groups wanted
to pursue the proposals. Environmentalists aren't sure whether they will seek
a hearing because an updated opinion on how to manage the salmon is due in
March, said Michael Sherwood, an attorney for the environmental group
Earthjustice. They will discuss the matter today.
<more> Oct. 22, 2008 Fresno Bee
Judge: Delta salmon 'unquestionably in jeopardy' -
- A federal judge ruled Tuesday that California's canal water systems are
placing wild salmon "unquestionably in jeopardy," but stopped short of issuing
court-order limits on pumping in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Environmental groups had sought the temporary pumping limits to guard three
species of migrating salmon in the delta until a new fish protection plan is
due in March. But U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger declined to do so, after
the state Department of Water Resources said last month it would voluntarily
reduce pumping to protect the juvenile fish. "Upon initial glance, the
department believes that the judge handed down a responsible ruling," said
spokesman Ted Thomas.
<more> Oct. 22, 2008 AP
Wal-Mart to Toughen Standards - - Wal-Mart
plans to announce Wednesday in Beijing that it will require manufacturers
supplying goods for its stores to adhere to stricter ethical and environmental
standards, the latest effort by the big retailer to answer criticism of its
business practices. At a gathering of more than 1,000 suppliers, Chinese
officials and advocacy groups, Wal-Mart executives plan to reveal a new
supplier agreement that will require manufacturers to allow outside audits and
to adhere to specific social and environmental criteria. The agreement will be
phased in beginning in January. The changes signal a move on the part of
Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, away from intermittent transactions
with many suppliers toward longer-term arrangements with a smaller group of
manufacturers. Wal-Mart is betting that using its buying power this way can
help keep prices low even as it keeps a closer eye on its suppliers. By next
year, Wal-Mart will start keeping close track of the factories from which its
products originate, even if they pass through many hands. By 2012, Wal-Mart
will require suppliers to source 95 percent of their production from factories
that receive the highest ratings in audits of environmental and social
practices.
<more> Oct. 22, 2008 NY Times
The MILC: Obama, yes; McCain, no - - Just
weeks before the tight 2004 presidential election, incumbent George W. Bush
came to Eau Claire to announce his support for a dairy subsidy that favors
Wisconsin farmers but is costly to taxpayers. At that event, the state's
largest farm lobby endorsed Bush for re-election, the first time the group had
made such a move. But this year, the GOP candidate, Arizona Sen. John McCain,
doesn't support the Milk Income Loss Contract program because of its effect on
an already strained budget and the 42,000-member Wisconsin Farm Bureau
Federation won't be making any endorsement, its lobbyist said. Paul Zimmerman
said the Farm Bureau's decision this year wasn't based on any particular
stance by McCain or Democratic opponent Barack Obama, but instead on members'
mixed reactions to the decision to endorse in the 2004 race.
<more> Oct. 22, 2008 Wisconsin State Journal
Presidential candidates differ on approach to
estate tax - - The presidential candidates differ on their approach to the
estate tax. According to CNN Money, the McCain plan would put a 15% tax on
anything above a $5 million individual or $10 million married couple
exemption. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a co-chair of McCain’s rural policy
team, says McCain’s plan is much more “family farm friendly.” Grassley says,
“In other words, Obama takes the position that you oughtta pay for the farm
twice in order to pass it on from one generation to the other.” Senator
Obama’s plan would exempt $3.5 million for individuals, $7 million for married
couples with a 45% tax rate above that. House Agriculture Committee Chair
Collin Peterson says the Obama plan is realistic, “That would take care of
most farmers in the United States. There would be very few that would be
affected beyond that.”
<more> Oct. 22, 2,008 Brownfield Ag News
Prop 2 fuels animal-rights debate - - As
Election Day draws near, debate on Proposition 2 heats up in California and
across the nation. Prop 2 continues to generate attention, including recent
appearances by proponents on the Oprah Winfrey show and the Ellen Degeneres
show. Prop 2 prohibits veal calves, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs from
being tethered or confined in such a way that they cannot lie down, stand up
and fully extend their limbs, or turn around freely without touching the sides
of an enclosure, during the majority of the day. Studies from the University
of California-Davis have suggested that Prop 2 will eliminate the California
egg industry. Dairy is not specifically listed on the proposition, but
veterinarians in California say the dairy industry could be impacted. Pete
Kistler, veterinarian with Valley Veterinarians in Tulare, Calif., points out
that in 2006 the Mendes Calf Ranch in nearby Tipton, Calif., was sued by the
Animal Legal Defense fund. The calf ranch was accused of animal cruelty and
keeping calves in enclosures that were too small for the calves to comfortably
stand up and turn around.
<more> Oct. 22, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
Oct. 30 hearing on emergency petition for milk
price increase - - The California Department of Food and Agriculture
will hold a hearing on October 30 and 31 on a petition submitted by the
Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Western United Dairymen, and the
California Dairy Women’s Association for a hearing to consider
implementation of a temporary “surcharge” on the regulated minimum prices
for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 milk. The suggested level of the surcharge
is approximately $1.00 per hundredweight for a period of six months. The
concerns leading to the call for an emergency hearing include the
extraordinary high feed prices and fuel costs producers are facing, as well
as the extreme volatility in the cheese market.Two alternative proposals
have been filed with CDFA. The alternative submitted by the Dairy Institute
of California calls for a $1.35-per-hundredweight decrease in Class 1 prices
and an approximate $0.26-per-hundredweight decrease in Class 2 and Class 3
prices. The Dairy Institute cites competitive concerns, structural changes
in interstate Class 1 price relationships, and structural changes in
intra-state price relationships between various classes of milk as a basis
for the decrease.The alternative submitted by Milk Producers Council
supports the addition of a “transportation surcharge” that would increase
the Class 1 revenue by an amount sufficient to recover the revenue being
removed to fund new transportations subsidies. According to Milk Producers
Council, this would amount to an approximate $0.14-per-hundredweight
increase in the Class 1 price. The public hearing is set to begin at 10 a.m.
on October 30 and 31 in the CDFA auditorium in downtown Sacramento, at 1220
N Street. WUD members are encouraged to attend. The hearing notice can be
downloaded from the CDFA website at
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/hearings/2008/HearingNotice.08-19-08.pdf.
Oct. 17, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Future Farmers of America Foundation On-line
Fundraiser - - Here’s a real quick way to give a dollar to Future Farmers of
America Foundation. The Campbell Soup Co. will donate $1 (up to $250,000
total) for every click of the red barn on its website to the FFA Foundation
for its scholarship and education programs. You can only click once. So,
please go to the website
http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/preserving.aspx and click the barn Oct.
20, 2008
MJC Springer Dairy Sale switched to Oct. 24 - -
Due to scheduling conflicts, the 12th Springer Sale offering 10 Jersey
and 25 Holstein springing heifers has been rescheduled for Friday, October
24. The sale preview is at 4 p.m., a Tri Tip dinner at 5 p.m., and the sale
begins at 6 p.m. The sale is being held at the Modesto Junior College west
campus dairy unit off Blue Gum Avenue in Modesto. All heifers originate from
TB-negative herds and they will be tested prior to sale day making them
eligible for out-of-state shipment. Proceeds are used for the education
portion of the dairy department, to raise heifers for student experience,
and to support the Hal Carlton Scholarship Fund, which annually provides
agriculture scholarships. Go to for a catalog
please click here or contact Bill Hobby at (209) 575-6200 x6053 to RSVP.
Schwarzenegger to call special legislative session to deal with fiscal crisis - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision Tuesday to call state lawmakers back for a special session next month comes with several strategic advantages. The governor is planning to summon sitting lawmakers -- not the new class that will be elected in two weeks -- for the emergency session. They already are well-versed in the intricacies of the current state spending plan. They will no longer be waging reelection campaigns. And some will be leaving the Legislature when their terms expire Nov. 30. Analysts say that if Schwarzenegger again proposes a tax increase to deal with the state's fiscal problems, the current crop of lawmakers is still his best hope of getting it passed -- even though Republican members beat back his efforts to temporarily raise the sales tax during the summer. Administration officials say they are drafting a plan to submit to lawmakers. <more> Oct. 22, 2008 LA Times
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008
Corn, soybeans jump as oil, stocks move higher
- - Corn and soybean prices rose sharply Monday as a rebounding oil
market prompted investors to shift money back into commodities. Wheat prices
fell. Corn for December delivery rose 15.5 cents to settle at $4.185 a
bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade, while soybeans for November delivery
added 34 cents to settle at $9.4075 a bushel. December wheat fell 2.75 cents
to settle at $5.635 a bushel on the CBOT. After surging to record levels
this summer, agriculture futures have fallen steeply as the global economic
downturn undermines demand for commodities. Vic Lespinasse, a market watcher
at Grainanalyst.com, said a rebounding crude oil market and a big rally on
Wall Street were a "bullish combination for the grains."
<more> Oct. 21, 2008 AP
Methane digester tax credit included in financial
rescue plan - - As the dust settles from the massive Congressional
financial rescue bill, items of interests to the dairy industry are
beginning to come to the surface. Western United Dairymen’s Washington DC,
legislative advocate, Charlie Garrison of The Garrison Group, reports that
included in the legislation is what is termed as a tax extenders package,
which includes the tax credit for production of electricity from open-loop
biomass, including methane digesters. Garrison says the credit is
inflation-adjusted and currently is approximately 1-cent-per-kilowatt hour.
The Senate bill extends the placed-in-service date for open-loop biomass
facilities to qualify for the tax credit to December 31, 2010. Expansions of
existing facilities now would specifically qualify as well. WUD President
Ray Souza praised Garrison for his efforts. “Charlie worked hard to make
sure that the tax credit for electricity from methane digesters was kept in
the tax package,” said Souza. “His vigilance and determination really paid
off and we appreciate his work on behalf of our members.”
Other significant elements include a one-year Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
patch that would increase the exemption amounts from $44,350 for individuals
and $66,250 for jointly-filed couples to $46,200 and $69,950 respectively.
Second, the package contains a series of extenders, including extensions of
the tax credits for the production of and investment in energy projects,
energy efficiency projects, and the development of new green and carbon
reducing technologies. Specifically, this bill provides extensions of the
tax credit for qualified wind facilities through 2009, extensions of the tax
credits for closed/open loop biomass, geothermal, solar, small irrigation,
municipal solid waste, trash combustion, and qualified hydropower through
2011, and extends through 2014 the investment tax credits for solar
property, fuel cell property, and micro-turbine property. This bill also
allows a new tax credit for investment in qualified new clean renewable
energy bonds, it increases the rates for tax credits for biodiesel and
renewable diesel, and it creates a new tax credit for the production of
plug-in electric vehicles. Oct. 17, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Oct. 30 hearing on emergency petition for milk
price increase - - The California Department of Food and Agriculture
will hold a hearing on October 30 and 31 on a petition submitted by the
Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Western United Dairymen, and the
California Dairy Women’s Association for a hearing to consider
implementation of a temporary “surcharge” on the regulated minimum prices
for Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 milk. The suggested level of the surcharge
is approximately $1.00 per hundredweight for a period of six months. The
concerns leading to the call for an emergency hearing include the
extraordinary high feed prices and fuel costs producers are facing, as well
as the extreme volatility in the cheese market.Two alternative proposals
have been filed with CDFA. The alternative submitted by the Dairy Institute
of California calls for a $1.35-per-hundredweight decrease in Class 1 prices
and an approximate $0.26-per-hundredweight decrease in Class 2 and Class 3
prices. The Dairy Institute cites competitive concerns, structural changes
in interstate Class 1 price relationships, and structural changes in
intra-state price relationships between various classes of milk as a basis
for the decrease.The alternative submitted by Milk Producers Council
supports the addition of a “transportation surcharge” that would increase
the Class 1 revenue by an amount sufficient to recover the revenue being
removed to fund new transportations subsidies. According to Milk Producers
Council, this would amount to an approximate $0.14-per-hundredweight
increase in the Class 1 price. The public hearing is set to begin at 10 a.m.
on October 30 and 31 in the CDFA auditorium in downtown Sacramento, at 1220
N Street. WUD members are encouraged to attend. The hearing notice can be
downloaded from the CDFA website at
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/dairy/pdf/hearings/2008/HearingNotice.08-19-08.pdf.
Oct. 17, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Americans for Medical Progress feature animal
research benefit videos -- As part of Americans for Medical Progress’s
mandate to inform audiences of the necessity and humane nature of animal
research, AMVA has just created its own YouTube channel to spotlight clips
from our Speaking for Research DVDs and other special materials. The
channel is called "RaisingVoices," reflecting AMVA’s overall education
initiative "Raising Voices, Saving Lives." Go to www.YouTube.com and enter raisingvoices
(one word) into the search box to view the menu of available materials. If
you are a registered YouTube user, you may rate the videos and leave
comments. Also, clips from AMP's "Veterinarians Speaking for Research" DVD
have been selected to air on the newly-launched 24 hour web channel AVMA-TV,
a special project of the American Veterinary Medical Association, designed
to advance public information and interest in animal welfare and the
veterinary profession. Go to
www.avmatv.org. The AMP clips are found by clicking on the 'community'
tab and then scrolling down to 'research'. Oct. 21, 2008 Americans for
Medical Progress Newsletter
New No on Prop. 2 Ad Features California
Pediatrician and Food Safety Expert - – Californians for SAFE Food, a
coalition of public health and food safety experts, labor unions, consumers,
family farmers and veterinarians, today unveiled its second television ad
urging Californians to vote “NO” on Proposition 2, the ‘Standards for
Confining Farm Animals Initiative.’ The ad begins airing today in major
markets. The advertisement features health and food safety experts, Dr. Kara
Hutton, Bay Area Pediatrician, and Dr. Bruce Charlton, University of
California Food Safety Lab System (title and affiliation for identification
purposes only), as well as strong images describing the negative
consequences of Prop. 2 for Californians, namely: Proposition 2 will
compromise our high food safety standards, risking increased exposure to
Salmonella poisoning, drive up food costs and grocery bills and put
California family egg farmers out of business. The ad can be viewed
by clicking here. Oct. 21, 2008 No on Prop. 2 Press Release
MJC Springer Dairy Sale switched to Oct. 24 - - Due to scheduling conflicts, the 12th Springer Sale offering 10 Jersey and 25 Holstein springing heifers has been rescheduled for Friday, October 24. The sale preview is at 4 p.m., a Tri Tip dinner at 5 p.m., and the sale begins at 6 p.m. The sale is being held at the Modesto Junior College west campus dairy unit off Blue Gum Avenue in Modesto. All heifers originate from TB-negative herds and they will be tested prior to sale day making them eligible for out-of-state shipment. Proceeds are used for the education portion of the dairy department, to raise heifers for student experience, and to support the Hal Carlton Scholarship Fund, which annually provides agriculture scholarships. Go to for a catalog please click here or contact Bill Hobby at (209) 575-6200 x6053 to RSVP.
Monday, Oct. 20, 2008
Dairy Situation & Outlook: Production Up, Lower
Milk Prices - - U.S. estimated milk production continues to run above
year ago levels, but since July at a rate of less than 2%. While milk cow
numbers have been higher than a year ago, increases in milk per cow have
been well below past increases. September milk production for the U.S. was
estimated to be 1.7% higher than a year ago, the result of 1.1% more milk
cows but only a 0.6% increase in milk per cow. Milk cow numbers, which were
increasing month to month beginning with May of 2007 saw August numbers to
fall from July and September numbers from August for a total decline of
15,000 head, or a 0.2% decline from July. High feed prices and lower milk
prices and anticipated even lower milk prices this winter has negatively
impacted milk per cow and increased dairy cow slaughter. From January
through September dairy cattle slaughter was about 5% higher than a year
ago. Milk production for the year will be about 2% higher than 2007.
California, which experienced lower milk production than a year ago for July
and August, produced 0.8% more milk in September. But, cow numbers declined
2,000 head from August and milk per cow was 0.3% lower.
<more> Oct. 20, 2008 CattleNetwork.com
Panel: Quenching California's thirst requires a
canal - and more - - Independently, neither water users nor
environmental groups have the full solution to meeting the water demands of
a thirsty and growing California, a governor-appointed panel concluded
Friday. But together they might. The state's Delta Vision Task Force ended
nearly two years of study Friday by declaring that, with a finite supply of
water at its disposal, California must do more of everything to meet its
water needs. That includes building some type of canal to divert fresh water
around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the task force concluded – this
state's most controversial water proposal for two generations. It also
includes more dams, aggressive statewide conservation and unflinching
enforcement of existing water laws to protect the environment. The plan's
central theme is that water supply and a healthy environment should be
co-equal goals.
<more> Oct. 18, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Union loses decertification election at Modesto
Dairy - -- A decertification election was held last week at the Rocking
S Dairy in Modesto. The United Food and Commercial Workers union received no
votes, while the no-union option received 33 votes, reports Ag Accent, a
publication of the Ag Action Committee. The union had been authorized only a
year before but was operating under an unusual one-year contract.
Decertification elections can be scheduled only in the final year of a
contract. The campaign on behalf of management was conducted by Saqui and
Raimondo. Oct. 20, 2008 Ag Accent Newsletter
Pollution Credits Let Dumps Double Dip -- America's garbage dumps are reaping a windfall from the fight against global warming. But their payday might not be doing much to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. For more than a decade, the landfill here in New Jersey has made extra profit simply by collecting methane given off by rotting trash, and selling it as fuel. Last year, the landfill learned that doing this also qualified it to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars via a new program that pays companies to cut their greenhouse-gas emissions. Eliminating methane lets dumps sell "carbon credits" to environmentally conscious people and companies. The long-term goal of trading credits -- basically, vouchers representing reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases -- is to reduce global pollution by encouraging others to cut emissions when the buyers of the credits can't or won't cut their own. <more> Oct. 20, 2008 Environmental News Network
Gasoline prices tumble despite likely OPEC cuts
- - Consumers got another break at the gas pump Monday, as prices
dropped further below $3 a gallon and approached year-ago levels even as the
near-certainty of an OPEC production cut pushed oil prices marginally
higher. Gasoline has fallen more than a dime a gallon since Friday, hitting
a national average of $2.92 on Monday, according to auto club AAA, the Oil
Price Information Service and Wright Express. Pump prices have fallen 29
percent from their July record high of $4.114 a gallon and are only 10 cents
higher than a year ago. That difference could be bridged this week if
gasoline keeps falling at the current rate. The pullback at the pump comes
amid a dramatic turnaround in crude oil prices.
<more> Oct. 20, 2008AP
California faces deeper drought in 2009 - -
After a summer in which drought conditions and court rulings combined to
cause fallowing of fields and abandonment of crops, San Joaquin Valley water
managers say there's little reason for optimism in the new water year. The
new state water year began Oct. 1, but officials have warned it will take
several good water years to replenish California's shriveled supply. The
federal Central Valley Project is carrying over about 3.9 million acre-feet
of water, 35 percent of system capacity, into 2009. The 15-year carry-over
average, however, is 6.7 million acre-feet. Carry-over storage in CVP
facilities represents the combined amount of water remaining at the end of
the water year in Shasta, Trinity, Folsom and New Melones reservoirs and the
federal share of the joint federal/state San Luis Reservoir.
<more> Oct. 20, 2008 Central Valley Business Times
Future Farmers of America Foundation On-line Fundraiser - - Here’s a real quick way to give a dollar to Future Farmers of America Foundation. The Campbell Soup Co. will donate $1 (up to $250,000 total) for every click of the red barn on its website to the FFA Foundation for its scholarship and education programs. You can only click once. So, please go to the website http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/preserving.aspx and click the barn Oct. 20, 2008
Friday, Oct. 17, 2008
Air district sued over Fresno County dairy
approval. Suit says adverse effects weren't considered - - A lawsuit
filed Thursday against the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
contends district officials approved a proposed 6,120-animal dairy in
southwest Fresno County without considering global warming or adverse
effects on human health. The Center for Biological Diversity and California
Rural Legal Assistance said the proposed dairy near the community of Burrel
violated the California Environmental Quality Act by not requiring equipment
that converts methane gas into energy. The lawsuit in Fresno County Superior
Court also said megadairies produce large amounts of greenhouse gas
emissions such as methane, particulate pollution, hydrogen sulfide and
ammonia that are dangerous to human health. Air district officials had no
immediate comment, spokesman Anthony Presto said.
<more> Oct. 17, 2008 Fresno Bee
Theft of bull semen from Kings dairy leads to 2
arrests - - A cryogenic container filled with $2,000 worth of prize bull
semen was stolen and later recovered late last week, when two Tulare County
thieves were spotted transporting the substance away from the Hanford-area
milk barn in the 8300 block of Excelsior Avenue. Two brothers from Tulare,
26-year-old Alejandra Cisneros and Ismael Cisneros, 28, were arrested on
Oct. 9 when the Kings County Rural Crimes Investigation Unit working
alongside other agencies in the California Rural Crime Task Force tracked
the pair across county lines. Investigators believe that the two broke into
the medical room of an Excelsior Avenue milk barn and stole an entire
cryogenic container filled with bull semen, which they later may have
intended to sell for profit.
<more> Oct. 17, 2008 Hanford Sentinel
Milk production up 1.9% in September - - Milk
production in the 23 major dairy states in September was 14 billion pounds,
up 1.9% from September of 2007. Production per cow in the 23 states averaged
1,652, a 7-pound increase over a year ago. The number of milk cows in the
dairy states in September, 8.46 million, which is 118,000 more than a year
ago but 8,000 less than in August. California milk production in September
was 3.277 billion pounds, a .8% increase over a year ago. The Golden State
dairy herd added 19,000 head over the last year to 1.841 million cows while
production per cow slipped 5 pounds to 1,780.
<more> Oct. 17, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
New CDFA Undersecretary named - - Gov.
Schwarzenegger has announced the appointment of Will Brown as undersecretary
of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Brown, 58, of San
Mateo, has a broad background in both business and government, and a long
history of working with agricultural and consumer food distribution and
retail interests, as well as on a wide range of federal and state public
policy issues. Since 2003, he has operated his own government relations and
public affairs consulting practice, Will Brown Government & Public Affairs,
with offices in Sacramento and Austin, TX. Immediately prior, from 2001 to
2003, Brown served as a government relations consultant for Lang, Hanson,
O’Malley and Miller in Sacramento, and previously, from 1989 to 2001,
managed offices in Sacramento and Austin as director of the western region
for Albers & Company, a Washington D.C. based, multi-state, government
affairs consulting and public policy research firm. From 1986 to 1989 he
served as the principal consultant to the California State Assembly’s
Committee on Finance and Insurance. He came to the Legislature after serving
as a corporate finance officer and operations manager for Bank of America’s
World Banking Division from 1979 to 1986. He has previous experience as a
financial analyst for mergers and acquisitions with Marshall and Stevens,
and as a legislative aide staffing a member of Congress on the House
Interior and Insular Affairs Committee. Brown has an MBA in finance and
management from Washington University in St. Louis, and a BA in political
science and economics from San Francisco State University. “It is my
pleasure to welcome Will Brown to our agency,” said CDFA Secretary A.G.
Kawamura. “He brings valuable experience and will work alongside me as we
continue to promote and protect the environment and the vital contributions
of California’s farmers and ranchers.” Oct. 17, 2008 CDFA Press Release
State Energy Commission adopts greenhouse gas
emissions reduction strategies - -The California Energy Commission and
the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted the final opinion
on strategies to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and meet AB 32
goals. "The Final Opinion on Greenhouse Gas Regulatory Strategies", proposed
jointly by Chairman Jackalyne Pfannenstiel and Commissioner Jeffrey Byron
(California Energy Commission's AB 32 Implementation Committee) and
President Michael R. Peevey (CPUC) provides recommendations and outlines a
variety of options for the Air Resources Board (ARB) to consider in deciding
how to design a program to achieve the greenhouse gas emission targets in
the electricity sector. In addition to a strategy of mandatory emission
reduction measures based on energy efficiency and renewable energy, the
Final Opinion offers recommendations for structuring a market-based cap-and
trade program to meet the goals set out in the ARB's Climate Change Scoping
Plan. The ARB's Scoping Plan expects that the electricity industry will
contribute at least 40 percent of the total greenhouse gas reductions from
direct mandatory approaches and measures. With the addition of a potential
cap-and-trade program, the electricity sector may be called upon to reduce
its emissions even more.
<more> Oct. 17, 2008 CEC Press Release
Farming Clean Energy Conference will look at ag opportunities - - The Farming Clean Energy Conference set for Tulare Nov. 5-6 is designed to encourage the adoption of clean energy within the agricultural sector California’s San Joaquin Valley say organizers. The conference is aimed at farmers and agri-business owners and the practical actions that they can take to develop successful clean energy projects. The conference will encourage participants to share experiences with their peers, the financial community, technology vendors and regulators. The agricultural sector has the potential to become a leading clean energy producer as well as a major beneficiary of clean energy production but, say organizers, clean energy resources still face numerous obstacles to commercialization. This conference will highlight opportunities and obstacles to implementation of on-farm efficiency and renewable energy projects including: wind and solar power, biomass, biofuel and biogas production. The session will be held at Southern California Edison’s Agricultural Technology Application Center (AGTAC Center)4175 S. Laspina Street, Tulare. Registration is Day 1 Only (full-day) $50; Day 2 Only (half-day) $25; Both Day 1 & 2 $65. Register at the Farming Clean Energy Conference website: http://valleycleanenergyconference.org/ or call (415) 507-2181. Oct. 17, 2008
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
State presents bold plan to clean up air - -
California regulators, following the lead of Bay Area air quality managers,
would impose fees on the state's worst air polluters as part of a bold
proposal to slash emissions to 1990 levels. The fees, along with green
technology job training and a cap-and-trade system outlined Wednesday by the
California Air Resources Board, would vault the state ahead of federal
efforts to curb climate-changing greenhouse gases. The plan is "recognition
of the severity of the problem and realizing that many of the leadership
opportunities to act exist on the state level," board Chairwoman Mary
Nichols told a conference of business leaders in Silicon Valley on
Wednesday. "There was no excuse for us to stay on the sidelines. We had to
work."
<more> Oct. 16, 2008 SF Chronicle
China's milk heartland fights to reclaim trust
- - China's dairy heartland promised it has banished a toxic chemical
from its milk and launched a media campaign to restore its reputation among
consumers wary after thousands of children were poisoned. There are 2.5
million cows in Inner Mongolia, which are a lifeline for tens of thousands
of poor farmers and supply two of China's biggest dairy firms, Inner
Mongolia Yili Industrial Group and Mengniu Dairy. But they were forced to
literally pour away their income after the discovery of the industrial
compound melamine in baby formula that made tens of thousands of children
sick and caused frightened consumers to shun Chinese dairy products
globally. At least four infants died.
<more> Oct. 16, 2008 AP
Most ag groups back McCain. Despite opposition to
farm bill, GOP candidate nets farm support, cash - - On a sunny day in
May, Republican presidential candidate John McCain walked into one of the
nation's leading agricultural counties and attacked the federal farm bill.
McCain blasted the legislation during a Stockton, Calif., rally, saying:
"This bill deserves your condemnation. The president's vetoing it and to its
everlasting shame, the Congress of the United States - Republican and
Democrat - will override the president's veto." McCain said afterwards at a
news conference that he would not shrink from his opposition. "I'll do what
I believe is best for this country and say what I think is best for this
country and take those positions," McCain said. "I believe that people will
respect me for it and eventually support my candidacy." With less than a
month before the Nov. 4 election, farming and ranching groups around the
West are lining up behind the Arizona senator - despite his opposition to
key elements of the Farm Bill - to support his candidacy over that of
Democrat Barack Obama, the senator representing the traditional farm state
of Illinois.
<more> Oct. 16, 2008 Capital Press
MJC Springer Dairy Sale switched to Oct. 24 -
- Due to scheduling conflicts, the Modesto Junior College 12th springer sale
offering 35 Springing Heifers; 25 Holsteins and 10 Jerseys is set for
Friday, Oct. 24 . review at
4 p.m., Tri Tip Dinner at 5 p.m., and Sale at
6:p.m. The sale is at the MJC College West Campus Dairy unit off Blue
Gum Avenue. The heifers are from high quality herds coming from the best
sires in the business. All heifers originate from TB negative herds and
will be tested prior to sale for out of state shipment. Catalogs will be
available the second week of October. Proceeds go to the education portion
of the dairy department and raising of the heifers for student learning. In
addition money is raised for the Hal Carlton Scholarship fund which annually
provides scholarships to MJC students. To download a sales catalog,
please click here. For
more information or to RSVP contact Bill Hobby(209) 575-6200 x6053. Oct.
16, 23008 MJC Notice
FSA announces suspension of ten-acre minimum for
commodity programs - - USDA’s Farm Service Agency announced today that
farms of less than ten acres will still be eligible for USDA’s Direct and
Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) for the 2008 crop year. Also the deadline
for 2008 DCP signup for farms with ten base acres or less of covered
commodities has been extended to Nov. 26, 2008. Congress voted to
temporarily set aside a new Farm Bill provision that restricted eligibility
for these commodity programs to farms of ten acres or more. That
congressional modification enacted in House Resolution 6849 applies only to
the 2008 crop year. The Farm Bill, officially known as the Food,
Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 was enacted on June 18, 2008. HR 6949
was enacted on October 13, 2008. Note that the extended deadline for 2008
DCP signup applies only to farms with ten base acres or less. And for crop
years 2009 through 2012, the ten acre minimum eligibility restriction will
still apply. Producers with questions should contact their local Farm
Service Agency office. For assistance in finding your nearest FSA office
visit the FSA California website
www.fsa.usda.gov/ca.
Assembly Speaker tours rice fields. Karen Bass
hopes to gain understanding for future water bond debate - - Assembly
Speaker Karen Bass was a fish out of water sitting behind the wheel of a
giant rice harvester near the Sacramento Valley town of Richvale. But that
was the point. Bass, D- Los Angeles, traveled up from her offices in
Sacramento at the invitation of termed-out Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa, R-Richvale.
La Malfa wanted to give Bass, a Los Angeles native, a first-hand look at how
life looks in his part of California. Bass and her counterpart, Senate
Leader Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, have each said they hope to find
consensus on a new state water-supply bond in 2009. In preparation, Bass is
doing something her predecessor did not: She's seeing for herself what
drives the parts of rural California that are so desperate to get a new
reservoir built. Bass met with Fresno-area farmers and local officials
earlier this year and last week toured the Oroville dam as well as LaMalfa's
rice fields. She even harvested some rice with LaMalfa. Bass said the tour
was enlightening.
<more> Oct. 17, 2008 Capital Press
Retooled Approach May Make Bio-based Butanol More
Competitive with Ethanol - - A modified method of producing biobutanol
could make the fuel more competitive with ethanol as a clean-burning
alternative to gasoline. According to Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
chemical engineer Nasib Qureshi, biobutanol offers several advantages. It
can be transported in existing pipelines, it's less corrosive, it can be
mixed with gasoline or used alone in internal combustion engines, and it
packs more energy per gallon than ethanol. Until the mid-20th century,
biobutanol was produced from fermented sugars such as corn glucose. But low
yields, high recovery costs and petroleum's increased availability after
World War II sidelined fermentation-based systems for biobutanol production.
<more>. Oct. 16, 2008 ARS Press Release
Fertilizer conference set for Nov. 12-13 in Modesto - - “Fresh Approaches to Fertilizing Techniques” is the theme for this year’s conference on Nov. 12-13, 2008 at the Doubletree Hotel in Modesto, California. The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) and the Western Plant Health Association (WPHA) are teaming up to hold a two-day symposium combining the 16th Annual Fertilizer Research and Education Conference and the WPHA Central Valley Region Nutrient Seminar. The conference program is geared toward a wide range of agriculturalists, including agricultural supply and service consultants and advisors; growers; university extension specialists; and local, state and national governmental agency personnel. A panel of speakers will show how groundbreaking fertilizer research can be integrated into agricultural practices. Presenters will provide general and technical information, current research data, and practical applications for each of four key agricultural topics: <more> Oct. 16, 2008 CDFA Press Release
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008
Grain prices fall sharply on Wall Street decline
- - Grain prices fell sharply Tuesday after Wall Street's failure to
extend the previous day's massive rally prompted investors to pull money out
of commodities. Stocks ended trading moderately lower as investors cashed in
profits following the Dow Jones industrials' stunning 936-point advance on
Monday. Soybeans for November delivery fell 32 cents to settle at $8.96 a
bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade, while wheat for December delivery lost
15.5 cents to settle at $5.73 a bushel. December corn lost 0.25 cent to
settle at $4.1125 a bushel. In a note to clients, Vic Lespinasse of
Grainanalyst.com said the "steep break in equity markets" shortly before
agriculture markets closed "was partly behind the big sell off in grains at
the end of the session."
<more> Oct. 15, 2008 AP
First No on Prop. 2 TV ad airs - - Californians
for SAFE Food, a coalition of public health and food safety experts, labor
unions, consumers, family farmers and veterinarians, today unveiled its
first television ad urging Californian’s to vote “NO” on Proposition 2, the
‘Standards for Confining Farm Animals Initiative.’ The ad begins airing
statewide today. The advertisement features strong images and language
describing the negative consequences of Prop. 2 for Californians, namely:
Proposition 2 will put California family egg farmers out of business, drive
up food costs and grocery bills and compromise our food safety, risking
increased exposure to Salmonella poisoning. The advertisement was produced
by Laurel Canyon Media Group and can be viewed
by
clicking here. Oct. 15, 2008 No on Prop. 2 Press Release
New dairy beef quality assurance manual released
- - Twenty percent of all beef comes from dairy cattle, including cull
cows and dairy steers. A new dairy beef quality manual released by the
California Beef Council highlights key issues that producers should pay
attention to when marketing cull cows to optimize the value of those animals
to both their operation, as well as to the beef industry as a whole. “For
dairy producers, milk is their primary product, however it’s also important
for them to remember that they are members of the beef chain,” says Bill
Dale, executive director of the California Beef Council. Copies of the
California Dairy Beef Quality Assurance manual will be distributed to
approximately 1,700 California dairy producers in October. Recipients will
also receive a copy of the executive summary of the 2007 National Market Cow
and Bull Beef Quality Audit. For more information about the California Dairy
Beef Quality Assurance manual, contact the California Beef Council at
askus@calbeef.orgor (916)
925-2333. Oct. 15, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
More unauthorized DFA payments found - - Another case of some unauthorized payments by Dairy Farmers of America.
CEO Rick Smith says they have found a series of payments made to Mississippi
dairy producer Bucky Jones from 2001 to 2005. The payments were $3,500 per
month for 53 months reaching a total of $185,500. Jones was a member of the
DFA Southeast Council Board. Smith says the CEO at that time, Gary Hanmann
was aware of the payments which were funneled through a business owned by a
longtime friend and listed as consulting fees. The Jones payments were found
by investigators looking into another unauthorized payment of $1 million
from Hanmann to Ohio dairy farmer Herman Brubaker who was Chairman of the
DFA Board at the time. That money has been repaid with interest. Brubaker
was the cooperative’s first board chairman serving from 1998 until 2003.
Hanmann, the first CEO, retired in 2006. Information on both cases has been
turned over to the U.S. Department of Justice. Oct. 15, 2008 Brownfield
Ag News
13 milk machines reported stolen from Tipton
dairy - - Tulare County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the
reported theft of 13 milk machines from a Tipton dairy Tuesday. A
representative of Peers Dairy, in the 13400 block of Avenue 152, told
deputies that the machines were taken from the dairy sometime after 9:45
p.m., a sheriff’s report stated. The machines were worth an estimated
$5,200, the report stated. Oct. 15, 2008 Visalia Times Delta
Committee Examines Role of
Credit Derivatives in the U.S.
Economy - - Today, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to
review the role of credit derivatives in the U.S. economy, and the role they
may have played in the recent credit and
financial crisis affecting markets
around the world. "We need to get a handle on these
credit default swaps
and determine the regulatory modifications that are needed to minimize the
systemic risk to the economy that I
am concerned they pose right now," said House Agriculture Committee Chairman
Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota. "There is an estimated $55 trillion in
credit default swaps somewhere out there, but no one knows for sure if any
of these swaps offset each other, exactly who is on the hook for these
swaps, who is trading with who and on what terms; and worst of all, no one
has any idea who is solvent and who is upside down. The first step we need
to take is to shed some light on just how the unwinding of these obligations
will take place."
<more> Oct. 15, 2008 House Ag Committee Press Release
China broadens dairy product recall amid health scandal - - China on Wednesday pulled all dairy products more than a month old from shops across the country in one of the biggest steps taken by authorities to end a deadly scandal over contaminated milk. All dairy products made before September 14 will be tested for a chemical blamed for killing four babies and leaving more than 53,000 others sick, according to a notice posted on the product-safety watchdog's website. "All supermarkets, shops, and all city, town and village-level vendors will urgently remove and seal up all milk powder and liquid milk made before September 14, pending further testing," said the notice. The announcement by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine gave no reason for the blanket removal of the goods or why the order was not issued when the scandal first broke last month. <more> Oct. 15, 2008 AFP
Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008
Cash cheese nudging higher again - - The cash cheese markets on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange continue to nudge higher on unfilled bids and uncovered offers. Barrels hit $1.90 on Tuesday and Matt Mattke with Stewart Peterson thinks we could go higher. “It’s just been basically a couple of companies looking for product,” says Mattke and, “with sellers seeing that they’re content to see this thing run-up to maybe that $2.00 level again.” However, in the longer term it is, “Highly likely that the block-barrel average will drop down to the $1.55-$1.57 area in the foreseeable future.” <more> Oct. 14, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Consumers Select the New Face of the California Happy Cows Campaign Through
"Audition" Ads - - We’ve all seen those commercials featuring the “Happy
Cows” roaming the sunny fields in warm California , chatting about how great
they have it. Well, cows from over the world have caught on and will have
the chance to “audition” to become the next California Happy Cow, joining
the ranks of Diane, Janice and Sadie. Thanks to the latest advertising
campaign from the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), 10 new TV spots
will act as a series of “audition” commercials and fun entertainment for the
masses. Consumers and Happy Cow fans can cast their votes online at
RealCaliforniaMilk.com for the cow they deem most worthy of the illustrious
Happy Cow title. The first four of these :30 second commercials, which debut
nationally this week, include “wannabe” Happy Cows from various regions of
the U.S., Canada and Europe. The voting function on the Web site will be
live from October 13, 2008 to September 30, 2009, and the aspiring Happy Cow
with the most votes will be revealed to viewers online in October 2009.
<more> Oct. 14, 2008 CMAB Press Release
Candidates display opposite views on farm
programs, ethanol tariffs - - Agriculture hasn’t exactly been on the
front burner of the 2008 presidential elections. If John McCain or Barack
Obama mentioned the subject during either of their first two debates, it was
only a fleeting reference. Fortunately, the presidential campaigns have
provided a considerable amount of information about where the candidates
stand on a number of issues. That and their previous public statements
provide at least some insight into what either might do on farm issues once
he takes office Jan. 20.
<more> Oct. 14, 2008 Western Farm Press
State's largest ethanol plant is up and running - - Production has begun
at the largest ethanol plant in California, Pacific Ethanol's facility at
the Port of Stockton that is projected to produce 60 million gallons per
year. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was Friday, although the plant, which will
process 21 million bushels of corn per year, has been running for about two
weeks. Neil Koehler, president and chief executive of publicly traded
Pacific Ethanol, said starting up the Stockton plant puts the company on
track to produce 220 million gallons of ethanol annually, "and dramatically
increases the availability of renewable fuels produced in the state of
California." In addition to ethanol, the plant will annually produce 500,000
tons of wet distiller's grains, a waste product of the ethanol manufacturing
process that is used as a high-protein feed product for dairies.
<more> Oct. 14, 2008 SF Chronicle
China
issues blanket recall on dairy; Hong Kong toddler sick - - China's store
shelves are being cleared of all milk and milk powder more than a month old,
a huge recall that marks the latest government effort to restore consumer
confidence after four babies died from drinking milk tainted with an
industrial chemical. In Hong Kong, authorities announced that another child
has developed kidney stones after consuming contaminated products, bringing
to eight the number of children in the territory sickened by Chinese dairy
products. All of mainland China's milk powder and liquid milk produced
before Sept. 14 was ordered pulled off the shelves to be tested by
manufacturers, the official Xinhua news agency said.
<more> Oct. 14, 2008 AP
Parkinson's linked to vitamin D - - Scientists are testing whether
vitamin D supplements can ease symptoms of Parkinson's disease. A US team
found 55% of Parkinson's patients had insufficient levels of vitamin D,
compared to 36% of healthy elderly people. However, the Emory University
researchers do not yet know if the vitamin deficiency is a cause or the
result of having Parkinson's. The study appears in the journal Archives of
Neurology.
<more> Oct. 14, 2008 BBC News
Opponents ramp up campaign to defeat Prop. 2 - - With less than three weeks before the Nov. 4 election, those who oppose a ballot initiative that would ban modern housing systems for egg-laying hens are ramping up their efforts to defeat Proposition 2. California egg farmers have been "extremely busy" getting their message out about how the measure would negatively affect consumers, producers and food safety, said Debbie Murdock, associate director of the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association. They've been doing interviews on television and radio, speaking to their local boards of supervisors, chambers of commerce and groups such as the Rotary Club, as well as debating the issue in forums with proponents of the measure. <more> Oct. 14, 2008 Ag Alert
Monday, Oct. 13, 2008
WUD responds to misleading claims on milk in
Newsweek article - - Western United Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh has
responded to an Oct. 13 Newsweek magazine article that encourages consumers
to buy organic milk “with the ridiculous and misleading claim that there are
so many hormones and antibiotics (in many brands of conventional milk.)” The
facts are clear, writes Marsh, “All milk, regardless of whether the milk is
produced organically or conventionally, contains hormones. All milk. That's
one of the reasons milk is so good for you.”
Marsh’s entire letter can be read
by clicking here. A letter
from Dr. Michael Payne of UC Davis can also be read
by clicking here. To read the original Newsweek article,
please click here. Oct. 13, 2008 Newsweek
Dairy Carbon Footprint Dropping - - Improved
efficiency in the production of milk has resulted in a huge reduction in the
dairy industry's carbon footprint, making it very "green," said a University
of Illinois Extension dairy specialist. "Using 1944 as the base year of
comparison--and also the year of the largest number of dairy cows in the
United States, the number of dairy cows has dropped from 25.6 million to 9.2
million cows while milk production has increased from 117 billion pounds to
186 billion pounds," said Mike Hutjens. "Using pounds of carbon dioxide per
gallon of milk as the carbon footprint value, the dairy industry's footprint
has dropped from 31 pounds in 1944 to 12 pounds per gallon in 2007." Dairy
cattle's environmental impact continues in the news as global warming
concerns are raised due to methane production and carbon dioxide
relationships involved in the industry, he said.
<more> Oct. 13, 2008 CattleNetwork.com
New Chino slaughterhouse promises humane handling
of cows - - The new owners of a Chino meatpacking plant that was at the
center of the largest beef recall in U.S. history say they have taken steps
to ensure there is no repeat of the animal abuse and rule violations that
forced their predecessors to shut down. Officials with American Beef Packers
Inc. flew in a Chicago-based consultant this week to train employees on
humane animal-handling techniques and they have contracted with a New
York-based video-monitoring service to audit operations around the clock.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, animal-rights groups and the news media
are going to be watching closely, company officials said.
<more> Oct. 11, 2008 Riverside Press Enterprise
Guest worker program called poorly run - - As
the U.S.-Mexico border tightens and immigration enforcement increases, the
Bush administration is expected to announce reforms to make it easier for
businesses to import H-2A workers. Labor advocates and some prominent
industry representatives agree, however, that neither agribusiness nor
government officials are ready to manage an expansion that could make
California the country's biggest importer of legal guest workers. California
produces more food than any other state and requires half a million
farmworkers at peak hiring. With many illegal immigrants now filling those
jobs -- up to 70 percent, the industry estimates -- employers have seen
little need to resort to the H-2A program. This year, however, California
employers showed more interest in the decades-old program, requesting about
4,000 H-2A workers. That's up from 2,500 in 2006, when 59,000 H-2A workers
were approved for jobs nationwide.
<more> Oct. 11, 2008 Modesto Bee
Feud enlivens bitter Central Valley Assembly race
- - For political junkies, the race for a Central Valley Assembly seat has
it all – a long-standing feud, campaign cash pouring in and an unpredictable
finish. Set aside the sizzle, and there are broader implications. The 30th
District between Fresno and Bakersfield is a longtime legislative
battleground, one of the few districts in the state where neither party
dominates. The Republican candidate has fallen just short in the past three
elections. But with the Democratic incumbent termed out, Republicans say
they have their best shot in years to flip the seat in their favor. The race
pits Republican Danny Gilmore, 58, a retired highway patrolman from Hanford
who is making his second run at the seat, against Democrat Fran Florez, 65,
a Shafter City Council member and former bank branch manager. Two familiar
names not on the ballot are playing a big role: termed-out Democratic
incumbent Nicole Parra, who has made political waves by supporting the GOP's
Gilmore, and state Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, Fran's son and a Parra
rival. The Parra-Florez feud is legendary in the Valley, and the Assembly
race is shaping up to be a proxy battle between the two politicians.
<more> Oct. 13, 2008 Sacramento Bee
San Joaquin River restoration details still being
hashed out -- Lawmakers are revisiting a San Joaquin River restoration
plan even as it comes under sustained pressure over funding and how it would
work. With two Valley water districts raising pointed questions recently
about whether farmers would get enough water, negotiators continue to tinker
with the ambitious plan. Some options could delay the time when water starts
flowing downstream from Friant Dam to help the salmon population. "There's a
lot that has to be hashed out here," said Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia. "A
lot of chess moves have to be made." River-restoration supporters
acknowledge they will have "a busy couple of weeks," Friant Water Users
Authority General Manager Ron Jacobsma said Friday night, but they still
hope that they can get a bill passed before January.
<more> Oct. 12, 2008 Fresno Bee
Global warming getting political cold shoulder in
U.S. amid economic woes - - The global economic crisis has thrown a
political chill over one of the main initiatives under consideration in the
United States to combat global warming: the so-called cap-and-trade plan.
Democratic leaders in the House and the Senate, and both presidential
candidates, continue to rank tackling global warming as a chief goal next
year. But the focus on stabilizing the economy probably will make it more
difficult to pass a law to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
At the very least, it will push back when the reductions would have to
start.
<more> Oct. 13, 2008 AP
Analysts say global carbon market will pass $100B
by year's end - - The global carbon market is on pace to grow more than
80 percent this year to $116 billion, according to the clean-technology
research and analytics firm New Energy Finance. The burgeoning market --
which hinges on the buying and selling of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gas emissions -- grew almost 36 percent, from $64 billion at the
start of January to $87 billion at the end of September. The robust growth
is due largely to consistently high prices for carbon allowances and credits
in European Union countries that are bound by the Kyoto Protocol cap on
heat-trapping gases, which expires in 2012. "The limits being set by the
European Commission are increasingly tight," explained Douglas Higgins, an
NEF analyst in London. "There's more demand for these credits, so we're also
seeing higher prices." A World Bank carbon finance analyst in Washington,
D.C., concurred that the carbon market is likely to surpass the $100 billion
mark by year's end.
<more> Oct. 13, 2008 Environmental News Network
Chinese dairy giants issue first public apology for scandal - - Top managers of the country's three leading dairy companies - Mengniu, Yili and Bright Dairy -have issued a first public apology for their companies' involvement in the ongoing contaminated milk scandal. During a talk show program, Dialogue, broadcast last night on the economic channel of China Central Television, executives of the three companies admitted to "the problems and mistakes" of their firms. Their apology came one month after the surfacing of the scandal involving tainted milk products from dairy giant Sanlu Group, in which melamine-contaminated baby formula had sickened thousands of infants nationwide with kidney-related illnesses, reports The China Daily. <more> Oct. 13, 2008 ANI
Friday, Oct. 10, 2008
White House signs off on CAFO voluntary discharge
rule - - The White House approved a U.S. EPA rule yesterday that would
allow certain livestock operations to bypass Clean Water Act permit
requirements if they voluntarily certify that they do not discharge animal
waste into waterways, according to a published report in Inside EPA. The
rule also would ensure that information within livestock producers' nutrient
management plans is available for public comment, reviewed by the permit
authority and incorporated into their permits. WUD staff will review the
rule when finally signed and published to evaluate any effect on California
dairy producers, said Paul Martin, WUD’s director of environmental services.
“Authority to implement the CAFO rule rests with the Regional Water Quality
Control Boards, and we expect that regional water board programs will take
precedence over the federal rule since state laws are stricter than the
federal requirements,” explained Martin. WUD has previously provided USEPA
with information regarding California law, as has the State Water Resources
Control Board. Additionally, WUD has worked with National Milk Producers
Federation, the American Farm Bureau Federation and other commodity groups
to provide coordinated comments to EPA as the rule was developed. EPA
spokesman Dave Ryan told Inside EPA that the agency is working to quickly
finalize the rule but noted that the agency cannot discuss the decision
until it is signed by Administrator Stephen Johnson in the last step in the
rulemaking process. The text of the rule will not be available until then.
"We will work with the state agencies to implement the final rule," Ryan
said. EPA drafted the rule in response to a 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals decision in 2005, Waterkeeper Alliance v. EPA , that vacated the
agency's 2003 Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations rule. Both farm groups
and environmentalists sued the agency over the 2003 rule, which expanded the
number of operations covered by CAFO regulations and included requirements
to address the land application of manure from CAFOs. The agency has
estimated that the court decision could save CAFOs $15.4 million in
administrative burdens, though permitting authorities will see a net $0.5
million annual increase in administrative burden. Oct. 10, 2008 Inside
EPA
USDA raises corn, soybean forecast - - The
U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday, Oct. 10, increased its monthly
forecast for this year's corn and soybean harvest due to wetter weather,
potentially lowering commodity prices. The department said this year's corn
production is now estimated to be 12.2 billion bushels, up from September's
estimate of 12.1 billion. Soybean production is projected to be 2.98 billion
bushels, higher than last month's forecast of 2.93 billion bushels. The corn
crop benefited from September rains that "brought much needed moisture" to
many corn-growing regions, the department said. The USDA also raised its
projections for wheat production to 2.5 billion bushels from 2.46 billion.
<more> Oct. 10, 2008 AP
Renewable Energy Tax Extenders Pass in 11th Hour,
Signed into Law - - The oft-stalled legislative package of renewable
energy and energy efficiency Production Tax Credit (PTC) and Investment Tax
Credit (ITC) extensions has finally been adopted. President Bush last Friday
signed into law the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, a financial
recovery measure that also incorporated the Energy Improvement and Extension
Act of 2008, a package of tax credit extensions that have bandied back and
forth between the Senate and the House for the past two years. The package
signed into law passed the Senate 93-2 on September 23. On the verge of
adjournment and by a vote of 263-171, the House passed the exact same
package last Friday as part of the financial system rescue plan that
immediately went to the White House for the president's signature.
<more> Oct. 10 ,2008 25 X 25 Newsletter
Pietrowski lands closest to hole to win Michael Marsh’s
money - - A gorgeous October day at the Visalia County Club provided the
perfect backdrop for a golf tournament sponsored by Western United Dairymen
that benefited WUD’s federal Political Action Committee. Approximately 90
players turned out Monday for the South Valley Tournament, one of two
tournaments WUD holds every year to help fill up the PAC’s coffers which
support congressional candidates who share Western United Dairymen’s
legislative goals and philosophy. The biggest news of the day came when
Larry Pietrowski was closest to the pin on the 8th hole and won
$100 put up by Michael Marsh, Western United Dairymen’s CEO. “I had to pry
the money out of his closely clenched hand but it was worth it,” said Larry.
Tournament results included:· Winning Team with a score of 56: Frank
Mendonsa, Kelly Toomey, George Atsma and Gilbert Nunes · Dairy Leader
Alumni Winning Team – A tie! With a score of 65, Josh Zonneveld’s team split
the win with Larry Pietrowski’s foursome.· Men’s Longest Drive– Jamie
Bledsoe· Women’s Longest Drive – Belinda Cordeiz· Closest to the pin
(hole #13) – Arie De Jong · Closest to the pin (hole #8) – Larry
Pietrowski (winner of $100 Mike Marsh’s money)* Putting contest winner, Jay
Pezoldt.
U.S. Dairy Supply Safe - - Problems such as
those experienced with China's milk supplies are not likely to occur in the
United States, said a University of Illinois Extension dairy specialist.
"China is back in the news with the recall of milk products due to the
addition of melamine, an industrial chemical used in plastics and fertilizer
production," said Mike Hutjens. "This contamination of milk has led to a
crisis in China leading to the death of babies, 340 children hospitalized
with kidney disorders, and 54,000 infants exposed to the dangerous
compound." Milk has been pulled from stores and formal apologies extended by
the Chinese government and the firm responsible. "The take-home message for
U.S. consumers is that the U.S. dairy supply is safe due to the constant
testing and regulation for food safety," he said. "No antibiotics,
pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals can be added to U.S. milk. And
all milk is monitored, regardless of type--organic, natural, and
conventional."
<more> Oct. 10, 2008 University of Illinois Press Release
Time to stand up for water rights and the right to farm - - By Aaron Kiess, Executive Director, California Alfalfa and Forage Association - - If you’ve never written or called your state legislators, it’s time to let them know you oppose the Pacific Institute’s “More With Less” report. CAFA and other organizations have been on the offensive since the report was released on Sept. 9. “More With Less” stands for more regulations, an erosion of water rights, less water, and less freedom to make crop selections. The report claims growers can grow more with less water and should shift to “high value” tree and vegetable crops. The Institute wants courts and regulators to “apply California’s water-rights laws more rationally to ensure water is being used reasonably and beneficially.” Another recommendation: “Redesigning misguided federal and state subsidies that encourage wasteful use of water.” The report (available at www.pacinst.org) is a blueprint for the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta, but it should concern all regions in California. If implemented, it would set a dangerous precedent. CAFA’s letter below, sent to the California Department of Food & Agriculture, provides key points to use when writing or e-mailing state legislators. <more> Oct. 10, 2008 Western Farm Press
Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008
Water workshops aimed at dairies - - A series
of workshops designed to help Central Valley dairy producers comply with
state water quality regulations will begin Oct. 14 and run through Nov. 5.
The free workshops are sponsored by the California Dairy Quality Assurance
Program. The workshops will focus on the Waste Discharge Requirements in
place since May 2007. Workshop topics will include an overview of the
reports that are due in December, covering the field risk assessment and
infrastructure checklist. The sessions will also cover the importance of
good sampling procedures, how leaching impacts nutrient management plan
options, and steps to take now to make sure the next annual report process
goes smoothly.
<more> Oct. 9, 2008 Capital Press
New metal theft laws could cure epidemic - -
Supporters are hoping that a package of new laws cracking down on metal
theft will ease the epidemic of thefts that has plagued farmers and
ranchers. Law enforcement officers and farmers agree the bills signed into
law late last month by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger should help police and
scrap-metal dealers alike by ending piecemeal county ordinances. Bill
Yoshimoto, project director for the Agricultural Crime Technology
Information and Operations Network, said the laws would make it easier to
prosecute those charged with metal theft. Theft of metal from farms and
urban areas has increased over the past several years as the price of scrap
metal has risen dramatically. Copper wire, brass sprinklers and even bronze
funeral urns have been targets in rural areas. In cities, there have been
reports of manhole covers and streetlight-wiring theft.
<more> Oct. 9, 2008 Capital Press
On Parched Farms, Using Intuition to Find Water -
- Phil Stine is not crazy, or possessed, or even that special, he says. He
has no idea how he does what he does. From most accounts, he does it very
well. “Phil finds the water,” said Frank Assali, an almond farmer and
convert. “No doubt about it.” Mr. Stine, you see, is a “water witch,” one of
a small band of believers for whom the ancient art of dowsing is alive and
well. Emphasis, of course, on well. Using nothing more than a Y-shaped
willow stick, Mr. Stine has as his primary function determining where
farmers should drill to slake their crops’ thirst, adding an element of the
mystical to a business where the day-to-day can often be painfully plain.
Asked how he does it, Mr. Stine has a standard retort. “I just tell people,”
Mr. Stine said, “it’s the amount of lead” in your haunches.
<more> Oct. 9, 2008 NY Times
China implements dairy industry reforms - -
Peering into five pails of foaming milk, Wang Guifeng quickly jotted down
the farmer’s name before signaling the batch was OK. Every day he rejects
milk from two or three farms whose cows don’t meet hygiene standards or show
signs of disease. The inspections are part of a raft of new safety measures
and increased supervision over the Chinese dairy industry in the wake of the
country’s tainted milk crisis. “They (government regulators) have tightened
quality control and the farmers understand that. The farmers know they have
to feed their cows well and not give them antibiotics or other things,” said
the 31-year-old inspector. “Nowadays we’re a lot stricter.”
<more> Oct. 9, 2008 AP
Cal Poly hosts dairy symposium Oct. 17-18 - -
The first annual dairy producer symposium, hosted by the Cal Poly Dairy
Science Department and Dairy Farm Advisory Team, will be held at the San
Luis Obispo campus on October 17 and 18. “Creating the Future” will offer
speakers on topics such as communicating with the media, consumers and
government officials; the rapid growth of export markets; and the potential
benefits of micro-filtration technology. The symposium opens on October 17
with a tour of the Cal Poly dairy and dairy processing center. It concludes
on Saturday, October 18, with speakers at the Embassy Suites Hotel in San
Luis Obispo. The symposium’s purpose is to connect producers with the Cal
Poly dairy science program, launch a long-term funding campaign for the
university’s dairy, and provide parents and prospective students an
opportunity to learn more about the dairy program. Registration is $700 per
dairy family or $100 per family with a sponsorship ticket provided by
industry sponsors. Registration covers a Friday night hotel room at the
Embassy Suites, Friday BBQ at Cal Poly, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday
at the Embassy Suites. More information is available from Dr. Bruce Golden,
chair of the Cal Poly Dairy Science Department at (805) 756-2560 or by
visiting the Cal Poly website at
http://www.calpoly.edu/~dsci/.
San Francisco Regional dairy lagoon deadline Oct. 15 - - For producers under regulation by the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board, the October 15 deadline is quickly approaching to get dairy lagoons cleaned. Each fall, producers in the region need to schedule manure haulers to clean their ponds and to take pictures to verify that work has been completed. The Annual Pre-Rainy Season Report is due November 15. Members with questions are encouraged to contact Leslie Corp, Western United Dairymen’s field representative, at (530) 354-4981 for assistance.
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008
Fed, central banks cut rates to aid world economy
- - In a rare coordinated move, the Federal Reserve and other major
central banks from around the world slashed interest rates Wednesday to
prevent a mushrooming financial crisis from becoming a global economic
meltdown. Overseas markets tumbled on worries that the move wouldn't
immediately help ease the pain from the financial crisis. U.S. share prices
seesawed, with some investors buying a few beaten down shares, but most
still gloomy about the economy's prospects. The Fed reduced its key rate
from 2 percent to 1.5 percent. In Europe, which also has been hard hit by
the financial crisis, the Bank of England cut its rate by half a point to
4.5 percent and the European Central Bank sliced its rate by half a point to
3.75 percent.
<more> Oct. 8, 2008 AP
WUES service technicians can be present for water
inspections - - Clarifying an earlier article, Western United Dairymen
members are reminded they can have a service technician from Western United
Environmental Services (WUES) present when water quality officials conduct
inspections on their dairies as part of the Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs).
When dairy operators are notified of an impending visit by a water quality
inspector, the operator can notify WUES service technicians and ask them to
be present. Further information is available by contacting WUES at (209)
238-3818. Oct. 8, 2008
Corn, soybeans experience their own “meltdown”
- - The “meltdown” affecting world financial markets has done a number
on the corn and soybean markets as well. That is good news for livestock
producers, but bad news for corn and soybean growers. “As long as these
credit and financial markets are under pressure, the commodity markets will
remain under pressure,” says Marty Foreman, senior economist with Doane
Advisory Services in St. Louis. Perhaps if the crop-production estimates
from USDA come out a little short this Friday, it might help stabilize corn
and soybean prices. But until the financial markets stabilize, “I don’t have
a high degree of confidence that we will go up very much,” Foreman adds.
Corn for December delivery settled at $4.17 on the Chicago Board of Trade
Tuesday. That is $3.70 off the contract high of $7.87 set on June 27.
<more> Oct. 8, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
National Dairy Well-Being Initiative Guidelines
Released - - The final principles and guidelines for the National Dairy
Animal Well-Being Initiative were released at World Dairy Expo last week.
“"We are concerned that consumers are losing confidence in the food chain,”
says Logan Bower, a dairy producer from Pennsylvania. “Like others involved
in animal agriculture, dairy producers have an ethical obligation to care
for our animals. With a program like this, we can restore consumer
confidence that we are taking care of our animals and maintain our market
access." The principles and guidelines are not an on-farm welfare program,
says Charlie Arnot, facilitator for the National Animal Well-Being
Initiative. They are a basic, uniform umbrella of well-being principles and
guidelines that any on-farm animal well-being program should include.
<more> Oct. 8, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
Final standards for milk substitutes in school
lunch - - The USDA Food & Nutrition Service has finalized the nutrient
standards for non dairy beverage alternatives to milk in school nutrition
programs. The National Milk Producers Federation says the rule allows
schools to select an “acceptable non-dairy beverage” if they receive a
written substitution request from a parent or legal guardian. The school
would have to pay for any expense above the federal reimbursement for the
beverage. National Milk stresses that while the new rule allows
substitution, it is the exception not the rule. Milk will still be offered
with all meals in schools, “Because of its unique nutrient package and
importance to children’s health.” Oct. 8, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Ethanol producer gets $76 million to expand
cellulosic capacity - - Poet LLC will receive $76.3 million in federal
funding to begin producing fuel from corn cobs and fiber, the nation's top
ethanol producer said Tuesday. Privately held Poet said it will expand
capacity from 50 million to 125 million gallons per year at its corn ethanol
plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa, with about 25 million gallons made from plant
waste typically left behind in farmers' fields. With the added cellulosic
production, a bushel of corn will produce 11 percent more ethanol per bushel
of corn, and 27 percent more per acre of corn, Poet said.
<more> Oct. 8, 2008 AP
Paul Martin reappointed to USDA Air Quality Task
Force - - Paul Martin, Western United Dairymen’s director of
environmental services, has been re-appointments to the USDA Agricultural
Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF). The appointment is for a two year period
and an orientation is being planned for Nov. 6-7 in Washington, DC. The Task
Force was established to comply with Congress and consists of leaders in
farming, industry, health, and science. In 1996, Congress found that
various studies have alleged that agriculture is a source of PM10 emissions
and that many of these studies have often been based on erroneous data.
Congress also cited ongoing research by the Department of Agriculture and
that federal air pollution policy be based on sound scientific findings that
are subject to adequate peer review and take into account economic
feasibility. The Secretary of Agriculture was charged to ensure that
Departmental federal air quality research not report erroneous data. Oct.
8, 2008 USDA Notice
China Sets Temporary Melamine Limit in Dairy
Products -- China has set temporary limits for melamine in dairy
products and banned the sale of foodstuff that fail the standard, after milk
formula tainted with the chemical killed four babies and sickened more than
54,000. Infants' milk formula mustn't contain more than 1 milligram of
melamine per kilogram, five government agencies said today in a joint
statement on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's Web site
today. A limit of 2.5 milligrams per kilogram was set for other dairy
products including liquid milk.
<more> Oct. 8, 2008 Bloomberg
Saving Face Goes Sour - - Could a New Zealand
dairy trader have done more to prevent China's milk scandal? At press time,
Sanlu Group milk products contaminated with the toxic chemical melamine had
killed four babies, sickened 53,000 and triggered import bans and recalls
worldwide. But 43 percent of Sanlu is owned by New Zealand cooperative
Fonterra, the world's biggest dairy trader, and Fonterra has three people on
the seven-member Sanlu board. Still, Fonterra executives were in the dark
about the mass poisoning until August—eight months after their Sanlu
partners found out. Once in the loop, they failed to persuade Sanlu to go
public for six weeks. "Fonterra," says Paul French, chief China analyst for
the Shanghai-based consultancy Access Asia, "apparently believed all the …
books in which foreign executives are taught not to let their Chinese
partners get offended or 'lose face'."
<more>
Oct. 7, 3008 Newsweek
Many Chinese doubt food scandals will end - -
When Charles Shao started spending millions of dollars in 2004 to build a
Chinese dairy farm that meets international quality standards, "everyone
thought we were fools," he says. "Now they say, you were right to take such
care. Send me your milk!" says Shao, an American and CEO of Huaxia Dairy
Farm, an hour's drive from Beijing. For the past month, China's government
and dairy industry have struggled to contain the spread of tainted milk
products, from Australia to South America. The government vowed this week to
overhaul China's "chaotic" dairy industry. Premier Wen Jiabao apologized to
the victims and promised "never again." But similar crises will happen
again, predict Shao and other experts in China's massive food-processing
business.
<more>
Oct. 8, 2008 USA Today
Low reservoirs show drought effects - -
Northern California got a little rain the other day, but whether it was just
a tease or a signal that the state's drought could end this winter is still
unknown. Anyone interested in the state's water situation should point his
computer mouse-arrow to a site maintained by the state Department of Water
Resources that lists all of the state's reservoirs - federal, state and
local - and is updated each day with how much water they could hold if full
and how much they really have as the rainy season begins. It's a pretty
scary picture. The big reservoirs such as Shasta, Oroville and Folsom are
not only way down in hard numbers but, even more alarming, are way down in
historic terms.
<more> Oct. 7, 2008 Dan Walters Column
New UC Davis sustainable ag classes begin, with new major on the way - - A growing student interest in sustainable food and farming systems that are good for people and the environment has led to new classes and development of a new major at UC Davis. Sustainable food and agricultural systems that integrate environmental health, economic profitability, and social and economic fairness are becoming universally recognized as the direction society must go, according to UC Davis researchers implementing the new major. Starting this year, new freshman-level courses in food systems and sustainable agriculture and an upper-division course in agroecology, the study of the ecology of the entire food system, will be offered. <more> Oct. 8, 2008 Western Farm Press
Tuesday , Oct. 7, 2008
Ag lending thrives amid financial turmoil - -
As of August, just two of Yosemite Farm Credit's roughly 3,200 borrowers
were delinquent on their payments. You read that right. In this time of
financial disarray, caused mainly by residential mortgages gone bad, the
farm lending business is looking good. Yosemite Farm Credit, based in
Turlock, and other ag lenders are benefiting from the high prices for many
farm products these days. The growers can make the payments on the loans
they took out for land, equipment and other needs. "The fundamental
economics of agriculture overall are positive," said Roger Sturdevant, an
executive vice president with Bank of the West and manager of its farm
lending division, based in Fresno.
<more> Oct. 5, 2008 Modesto Bee
Cheese plant may make Colorado big dairy producer
- - Once the new Leprino Foods cheese plant opens in Greeley, experts
say the millions of pounds of milk processed there will boost Colorado into
the top 10 dairy-producing states in the country. Western Dairy Association
CEO Cindy Haren said Colorado "will become two-thirds of what California
has." California is the No. 1 dairy producer nationwide. Denver-based
Leprino is building a cheese plant on the site of the former Western Sugar
processing plant. Operations are expected to start by 2011 and be at full
capacity about a year after that. The plant will require 4 million pounds of
milk a day at first and 7 million pounds a day at full operation.
<more> Oct. 5, 2008 AP
Chinese may be looking for U.S. dairy products
- - The melamine contamination scandal in China has pretty-well ruined
consumer confidence in Chinese dairy products in their own country.
Margaret Speich with the U.S. Dairy Export Council just returned from trip
to China and she says those consumers are looking for dairy products from
other countries and the U.S. is in a good position to supply those products.
Speich says in terms of volume and value, China was our fourth-largest
export customer last year, “Mostly dairy ingredients,” things like whey
proteins, milk powder, lactose and a little cheese. Speich says it has been
clearly communicated that the dairy products involved in the melamine
scandal are of Chinese origin. “We’ve been a good, steady supplier to that
market,” and she says major suppliers and end-users in China are well-aware
of the quality of U.S. dairy products.
<more> Oct. 7, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Late corn and soybean development continues to
lag - - The United States Department of Agriculture reports that as of
Sunday, October 5, 73% of the U.S. corn crop has reached maturity. That's up
21% from the previous week, but down 22% from last year and 16% behind the
five year average. Across the Cornbelt, states range from 51% in Wisconsin
to 100% in North Carolina. This year's corn crop continues to show the
effects of the late start to planting and widespread weather issues during
the rest of the growing year. 14% of corn has been harvested, compared to 9%
a week ago, 39% a year ago and the five year average of 30%. Aside from
Colorado and Ohio, all states are behind average, ranging from only 2%
(Pennsylvania at 28%) to as much as 43% behind (Missouri at 30%). The crop
is rated 61% good to excellent, steady with last week and down 2% from last
year.
<more> Oct. 7, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
WUD field reps can be present for
water inspections - - Western United Dairymen members can have WUD field
representatives present when
water quality officials conduct inspections, WUD’s Director of
Environmental Services reminds WUD members. When dairy operators are
notified of an impending visit by a
water quality inspector,
the operator can notify WUD field staff and ask them to be present. WUD
members are encouraged to contact their local field representative any time
they have questions or concerns about inspections from a regulatory agency.
Oct. 7, 2008
U.S. cheesemakers triumph at World Cheese Awards
- - U.S. artisan cheesemakers scored their best ever overall performance
at this year’s World Cheese Awards Sept. 29, taking home a U.S. record 56
medals. U.S. manufacturers finished among the winners in 28 classes of
cheese, ranging from cheddar to gorgonzola to cream/fresh cheese with savory
additives. Among the 2008 U.S. winners, Fiscalini Cheese Co., Modesto,
Calif., took home a gold, two silvers and two bronzes for its cheddar,
boccocini mozzarella and semi-hard Lionza. “The U.S. performance attests
to the quality and breadth of U.S. cheeses and the meticulousness and skill
of U.S. cheesemakers,” says Angelique Hollister, marketing director, cheese
and manufactured products, for the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).
twenty-four U.S. companies received honors, the highest number of U.S.
manufacturers ever to be recognized in the competition. Of the 56 medals, 16
were gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze—all record highs. The previous U.S. best
of 44 total medals came in 2004. More than 2,400 cheeses from all corners of
the globe vied for the tastebuds of the 12-judge panel of chefs and food
experts. “Even though the United States is one of the globe’s top milk
producers, one of the hurdles the U.S. dairy industry has had to overcome in
the global marketplace is the misapprehension that we do not know cheese,”
says Marc Beck, USDEC senior vice president, export marketing. “When cheese
buyers from around the world see the accolades we receive year-after-year at
this prestigious competition, they understand U.S. cheese expertise and that
our products are as good or better than cheese produced anywhere.” Oct.
7, 2008 USDEC Press Release
From jewelry to milk, entrepreneurs sell ideas
- - Kosher dairies, necklaces for tweens and electronic license plates
were among the ideas pitched to a panel of judges Friday in Fresno's
entrepreneur challenge finale. Phillip Colett, a University of California at
Santa Barbara student, was aiming at another retail trend: the Kosher food
industry. Colett's company, Kosher Renaissance, would help California
dairies tap the multibillion-dollar Kosher market by using a system of
cameras and technology to achieve certification on a large scale. Under the
strictest level of Kosher certification, a rabbi must be present during the
entire milking process. "The current system is very labor intensive, but
this system would allow a rabbi to see multiple dairies at once," said
Colett of Fresno. "He will have a 360-degree view including a cow's udders."
Colett's system would allow dairies to significantly reduce the cost of
producing Kosher milk, making their product more competitive and attractive
to consumers seeking the extra level of scrutiny. "I have eight dairies in
Fresno County that are ready to go," said Colett, who would use the prize
money to purchase equipment.
<more> Oct. 4, 2008 Fresno Bee
China milk crisis to cost billions, up to a year
to restore confidence - - China's milk crisis will likely cost billions
of dollars, disrupt millions of livelihoods, and it could be a year before
consumer confidence in dairy companies is restored, experts say. Chinese
officials are anxious to draw a line under the scandal that killed four
infants and sickened more than 53,000 children after melamine, a chemical
used to make plastic, was found in milk from leading dairies. State media
trumpeted on the weekend that samples from 31 brands of baby formula
contained no trace of the chemical. Similarly, samples from hundreds of
batches of liquid and powdered milk were also melamine-free.
<more> Oct. 7, 2008 AFP
Raising the bar: OSHA takes us to new heights on
heat illness regulations - - by Michael C. Saqui and John F.
McCarthy - - Many of you have
been
following our stories about Cal/OSHA’s increasingly vigilant prosecution of
heat illness prevention program violations. In response to political
pressure, Cal/OSHA has been raising the bar, and enjoying their venture into
the legislative realm. While Cal/OSHA has no authority to construct new
laws, they have done their best to remodel the existing laws. For example:
WATER: * What the laws says: * California Code of Regulations Section 3395
(c) says "Employees shall have access to potable drinking water....Where
the supply of water is not plumbed or otherwise continuously supplied, water
shall be provided in sufficient quantity at the beginning of the work shift
to provide one quart per employee per hour for drinking for the entire
shift." * What Cal/OSHA wants: * Supervisor/designated person will monitor
water containers every 30 minutes, and employees are encouraged to report to
supervisor/designated person low levels or dirty water. * Every morning
there will be short tailgate meetings to remind workers about the importance
of frequent consumption of water throughout the shift. * Employers will
place water containers as close as possible to the workers, not away from
them. * When drinking water levels within a container drop below 50%, the
water shall be replenished immediately; or water levels should not fall
below the point that will allow for adequate water during the time necessary
to effect replenishment.
<more>
Oct. 7, 2008
California working with EPA to meet federal
1-hour ozone standard -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is
proposing to approve California’s plan for the San Joaquin Valley to attain
the federal 1-hour ozone health standard. Under the Clean Air Act, the San
Joaquin Valley is classified as an extreme area which must attain the 1-hour
ozone standard by the end of 2010. Although the EPA has adopted a more
stringent 8-hour ozone regulatory standard, areas still exceeding the 1-hour
ozone standard, such as the San Joaquin Valley, must continue their efforts
to meet the 1-hour standard. The EPA was challenged for not acting on the
1-hour plans, and agreed that it was obligated to act. "The EPA revoked the
1-hour standard in 2005 in favor of the more protective 8-hour standard, and
that's where we've been focusing our resources," said Kerry Drake, associate
director of the Air Division for the EPA’s Pacific Southwest region. "The
good news is that by reducing emissions to meet the new standard, the old
standard will also be met.
<more> Oct. 7, 2008 EPA Press Release
USDA and DOE release national biofuels action plan - -
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary
Ed Schafer
and Department of Energy
(DOE) Secretary Samuel
W. Bodman today released the National
Biofuels
Action Plan (NBAP), an interagency plan detailing the
collaborative efforts of Federal agencies to accelerate the development of a
sustainable biofuels industry. "Federal leadership can provide the vision
for research, industry and citizens to understand how the nation will become
less dependent on foreign oil and create strong rural economies," Secretary
Schafer said. "This National Biofuels Action Plan supports the drive for
biofuels growth to supply energy that is clean and affordable, and always
renewable."
<more> Oct. 7, 2008 USDA Press Release
Dairy security specialist aims to prevent disaster -- The spread of disease -- accidentally or intentionally -- through the nation's livestock could cripple dairy and meat producers and create a severe food shortage. To prevent such a catastrophe, federal and state officials have been working with farmers to improve safeguards and emergency plans. Matt Mathison is helping lead the effort as chairman of the Wisconsin Agro-Security Resource Network and a member of the FBI Agro-Security Team of Wisconsin. The 55-year-old Wisconsin native describes himself as a city kid whose father grew up on a dairy farm. He studied microbiology and worked as an ingredients supplier to the dairy industry before going to work for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board 11 years ago. <more> Oct. 5, 2008 AP
Friday, Oct. 3, 2008
China’s Dairy Farmers Squeezed by Milk Scandal - - At a dairy farming
village on the outskirts of this northern city, a group of residents
surrounded a village official last week, and started berating him. “We’ve
lost everything, but look at the nice car you have,” one dairy farmer said,
pointing at a government official they called Mr. Wang, who stood
uncomfortably by a shiny Volkswagen in Nantongyi Village. “You know
everything but you won’t talk. You have no conscience!” another man shouted.
China’s dairy farmers stand accused of adulterating their milk for profit in
China’s worst food safety crisis in decades. But farmers say they too are
the victims of a widening scandal that has sickened 53,000 babies, caused at
least four deaths and triggered an international recall of dairy products.
<more> Oct. 3, 2008 NY Times
Cash Prizes Await Golfers in Visalia Monday - - The
WUD golf tournament Monday, Oct. 6 will have extra financial incentives for
participants. Anyone lucky enough to land a hole-in-one at
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008
Economist says ag bankers might become more "tight-fisted" - - Loans to
farmers for spring planting should not be too difficult to come by,
according to Cornell University ag economist Brent Gloy. The effects of the
$700 billion dollar bailout package passed by Congress today and signed by
President Bush are not yet known. But, Gloy tells USDA news that those
farmers who are not highly leveraged should come out okay. But he says ag
bankers WILL be more tight-fisted going into next year, “Because, there’s a
lot of risk out there and nobody wants to get caught having too much risk.
So, I think they’re going to scrutinize your loan package a little bit more
closely, maybe, than they have in the past.”
<more> Oct. 3, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
New
dairy website launched for California dairy industry - - A new website
dedicated to providing information about the California dairy industry has
been launched - - www.cowsandcrops.com
It is the brainchild of Manuel Soares of Tulare County who says on the site,
“Many in my family are dairyman, farmers, or both. I grew up on a dairy and
for more than thirty years I have either managed dairies or been directly
involved with agriculture. Agriculture is very important to this nation and
I have great passion for it. The purpose of CowsAndCrops.com is to create a
place where agricultural producers can meet and share insight and compare
notes.” Oct. 3, 2008
Fall water quality workshops aimed at Central Valley producers - -
A series of workshops designed to help Central valley dairy producers comply
with state water quality regulations will be held beginning Oct. 14 and
running through Nov. 5 at locations throughout the Valley. The workshops are
sponsored by the California Dairy Quality Assurance program (CDQAP) and are
free. The workshops will focus on the Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR)
that have been in place since May 2007. Workshop topics will include an
overview of reports that are due in December, covering field risk assessment
and infrastructure checklist. The sessions will also cover the importance of
good sampling procedures, how leaching impacts nutrient management plan
options and steps to take now to make sure the next annual report process
goes smoothly. CDQAP officials stressed that while many producers are
increasingly relying on professional experts to assist them with compliance
and reporting requirement, that individual dairy owners and operators remain
ultimately responsible for compliance. Producers are encouraged to take an
active role in their dairy’s Nutrient Management Plan.
Click here for a schedule of
workshops. Oct. 3, 2008 CDQAP Notice
Cal Poly hosts dairy symposium Oct. 17-18 - - The Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Dairy Science Department and Dairy Farm Advisory Team is hosting its first annual dairy producer symposium on Oct. 17 -18. “Creating the Future” will offer speakers on topics such as communicating with the media, consumers and government officials; the rapid growth of export markets; and the potential benefits of micro filtration technology. The symposium opens on October 17 with a tour of the Cal Poly dairy and dairy processing center. It concludes on Saturday, October 18, with speakers at the Embassy Suites Hotel. The symposium’s purpose is to connect producers with the Cal Poly dairy science program, launch a long-term funding campaign for the university’s dairy, and provide parents and prospective students an opportunity to learn more about the dairy program. Registration is $700 per dairy family or $100 per family with a sponsorship ticket provided by industry sponsors. Registration covers a Friday night hotel room at the Embassy Suites, Friday BBQ at Cal Poly, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday at the Embassy Suites. More information is available from Dr. Bruce Golden, chair of the Cal Poly Dairy Science Department at (805) 756-2560 or by visiting the Cal Poly website at http://www.calpoly.edu/~dsci/ . Oct. 3, 2008 Cal Poly Notice
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008
Governor vetoes several Valley-related bills.
Farmworkers and raw-milk dairies are among affected groups -- Gov.
Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that sought to give more cash assistance to
Valley farmworkers hurt by the drought, saying the extra payments would
stretch the state's "fragile" unemployment insurance fund. The veto came
late Tuesday as the governor acted on dozens of bills before the midnight
bill-signing deadline for the year. He also rejected a bill by Valley Sen.
Dean Florez, D-Shafter, that would have allowed raw-milk dairies, including
one in Kerman, to bypass a new bacteria standard that treats raw milk like
pasteurized milk. As expected, the governor vetoed labor-backed legislation
that would make it easier for farmworkers to join a union.
<more> Oct. 2, 2008 Fresno Bee
Tulare
OKs new meat processing plant - - San Joaquin Valley dairy producers
will have a new facility to process their culled cows. Western Pacific Meat
Packing Inc. has been granted a permit by the city of Tulare for a $70
million processing plant they plan to build adjacent to the city's
wastewater treatment plant. Tony Brady, acting chief executive officer for
Western Pacific, said that construction would begin within the next year.
The 195,000 square foot beef-packing plant will be located in the city's
industrial park and will include a cold storage facility and a cogeneration
plant. Brady said the meat-packing plant would have the capacity to process
1,000 animals per shift. They will be processed immediately upon arrival at
the plant, he said. No corrals or holding facilities will be built.
<more> Oct. 2, 2008 Capital Press
CVP
carries over 35 percent of capacity into 2009 water year - - The Bureau
of Reclamation's Central Valley Project (CVP) is carrying over approximately
3.9 million acre-feet of water, 35 percent of capacity, into Water Year (WY)
2009. This is little more than half the 15-year carry-over average. The
Bureau of Reclamation's water year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept, 30. The 15-year
carry-over average is 6.7 million acre-feet. Carry-over storage is the
combined amount of water remaining at the end of the water year in Shasta,
Trinity, Folsom, and New Melones reservoirs and the Federal share of the
joint Federal/State San Luis Reservoir. Precipitation in California this
year was only about 80 percent of average. In the Northern Sierra Nevada,
the eight-station index of precipitation in for the water year currently
ending is 35 inches. The seasonal average is 50 inches. The total 2008
deliveries for the CVP are estimated at 5.7 million acre-feet. Historically,
the CVP supplies annually about 7 million acre-feet of water for
agriculture, cities, and the environment.
<more> Oct. 2, 2008 Western Farm Press
Governor rejects climate-change institute at UC -
- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has sought to build an international image
as an environmental champion in the fight against climate-changing carbon
emissions, rejected an unprecedented attempt to create the first-of-its-kind
research institute into reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The proposal,
authored by Senate Leader Don Perata, a Democrat, would have created the
California Climate Change Institute at the University of California. The
institute would have been financed, in part, with roughly a $1.20-a-year
levy on millions of private and public utility customers. The institute
would have had an annual budget in the neighborhood of $50 million and
financed research into the causes and solutions of global warming, a
phenomena that many scientists believe is an irreversible result of modern
industrial expansion.
<more> Oct. 2, 2008 Capitol Weekly
Governor vetoes
AB 2386. ALRB secret ballots are safe for now - -
By Michael C. Saqui
and John F. McCarthy - -
First of all, thanks to our friends at the Grower’s Shipper Association for
sharing
this good news with us. Last night, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed
AB 2386, the “mediated election” bill. AB 2386 would have effectively
deprived employees of the right to conduct democratic, secret ballot
elections in the ALRB. The Governor’s veto message focuses on three main
points:
1. The
ALRA was passed to provide protections such as secret ballot elections so
workers could decide privately without fear of retaliation or intimidation
whether or not to be represented by a union; 2. AB
2386 would weaken workers’ privacy rights since it authorized unions to
receive and distribute ballots, complete information and return the ballots;
and 3. Creation
of a dedicated funding source to enhance oversight and education in the
agricultural industry. <more> Oct. 2, 2008
Bill
requires new rural home buyers to be told about right-to-farm law - -
Legislation requiring that developers or the expert who develops a natural
hazard report for a rural property inform a potential buyer about
California's right-to-farm law whenever the property changes hands has been
signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger. The bill’s author Assembly member Lois Wolk
(D-Davis) says the goal is to prevent complaints and nuisance lawsuits by
"come-heres" who want the rural life - without being exposed to the messy
side of agriculture. Oct. 2, 2008
Fonterra Milk Powder Prices Decline for Third Month -- Fonterra
Cooperative Group Ltd., the world's biggest dairy exporter, said whole milk
powder prices fell for a third time at auction, taking their loss for the
past three months to 35 percent. Powder for December delivery fell to an
average $2,865 a metric ton in a sale yesterday, down 10.3 percent from the
price for November shipments in last month's auction, the company said on
its GlobalDairyTrade Web site. Near-month contracts have fallen from $4,375
a ton at the group's first auction in July. Yesterday's sale was the first
since Chinese authorities took control of large parts of the Asian nation's
dairy industry last month after discovering the industrial chemical melamine
in products made by Fonterra affiliate Sanlu Group Co. There are ``no
significant differences'' evident in demand from region to region, Fonterra
said today.
<more> Oct. 2, 2008 Bloomberg News
Finance worries hit home. Crisis on Wall Street drives crop prices down,
credit costs up - - The financial crisis on Wall Street is reverberating
through the agricultural sector, throwing into question U.S. farmers'
ability to obtain affordable credit and adequate prices for crops. "It just
starts to have a domino effect as the losses mount," said Gary Hinz, a
commodity broker with Agri-Marketing Service. "We're in a panic situation
right now." For a while, it seemed that agriculture was insulated from the
housing market crash and the ensuing lending meltdown, with commodity prices
and farm incomes rising even while the national economy slowed. As
investment banks and hedge funds that invested heavily in derivatives based
on risky mortgages became insolvent, however, they've liquidated their
investments in commodities, Hinz said.
<more> Oct. 2, 2008 Capital Press
Is your dairy ready for a crisis? - - Surely
the three California dairies that tested positive for Bovine tuberculosis
this year weren’t expecting the disease to hit their operations. Surely the
Washington dairy that found a cow with BSE (“mad cow disease”) on its
premises in 2003 wasn’t expecting that blow. And surely foot and mouth
disease will never hit your dairy. Never say never. Safeguarding your dairy
for an animal health emergency is critical, two experts told a surprisingly
small audience today at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.
<more> Oct. 1, 2008 AgWeb.com
Cash Prizes Await Golfers in Visalia Monday - - The
WUD golf tournament Monday, Oct. 6 will have extra financial incentives for
participants. Anyone lucky enough to land a hole-in-one at
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008
China
says milk clean, dairy scare spreads abroad - - China tried to repair
confidence in its dairy products on Thursday, saying the latest chemical
tests had come back clean, as the country's tainted milk scandal
reverberated around the world. The food safety administration instructed
stores to display a list of trusted brands after spot checks of 65
companies' milk and yoghurt found no signs of the industrial chemical
melamine. There was no clean bill of health, though, for powdered milk. The
food safety watchdog said on Wednesday that 31 more batches had tested
positive for melamine, which has been added to milk to cheat in quality
tests.
<more> Oct. 2, 2008 Reuters
From
Garbage to Gas. Converting City Refuse and Farm Leftovers to Clean Energy -
- It’s a trashy idea. And it’s one that everyone concerned about gas
prices—and the environment—will surely love. The idea is to combine
household garbage and other urban trash—known as “municipal solid waste” (MSW)—with
after-harvest leftovers from fields, orchards, and vineyards to create
ethanol and other forms of bioenergy.This straightforward, eco-friendly
strategy is one that ARS scientists at the Western Regional Research Center
in Albany, California, and their colleagues are pursuing full bore. The
scientists, with the Bioproduct Chemistry and Engineering Research Unit, are
collaborating in this ambitious research and development with Comprehensive
Resources, Recovery, and Reuse, Inc., or CR3, of Reno, Nevada, and the
Salinas (California) Valley Solid Waste Authority. From a biofuels-chemistry
point of view, MSW is a treasure trove of cellulose—the fiber that can be
converted into ethanol.
<more> Oct. 2, 2008 ARS News
Environmental stewardship award finalists named - - The three finalists for the 2008 Leopold Conservation Award are examples of the many California farmers and ranchers who are combining environmental stewardship with economic success, according to Brant Haglund, Sand County Foundation president. Named after the Wisconsin home of pioneer conservationist Aldo Leopold, the foundation - along with the organization Sustainable Conservation and California Farm Bureau Federation - present the annual award in recognition for land stewardship and management. This year's finalists are Howe Creek Ranch, operated by Steve and Jill Hackett in Ferndale; Montna Farms operated by Al Montna in Yuba City; and Three Creeks Ranch, operated by Chet Vogt in Elk Creek.<more> Oct. 2, 2008 Capital Press
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008
Gov. vetoes raw milk bill - - Gov.
Schwarzenegger Tuesday vetoed the raw milk bill SB 201 by Sen. Dean Florez,
saying that it would have “created a convoluted and undefined regulatory
process with no enforcement authority or clear standards to protect public
health. Here is Schwarzenegger’s complete veto message: “I am returning Senate
Bill 201 without my signature. This bill weakens food safety standards in
California, something I cannot support. Last year I signed AB 1735, which
passed the Legislature unanimously and put into law food safety standards for
raw milk. Those standards are now in question by the proponents of this bill.
Looking past the lobbying techniques, public relations campaign, and legal
maneuvering in the courts, one conclusion is inescapably clear: the standard
in place has kept harmful products off the shelves and California ’s raw milk
dairies have been operating successfully under it for the entirety of 2008.
Based on fears with no basis in fact, the proponents of SB 201 seek to replace
California’s unambiguous food safety standards for raw milk. Instead they have
created a convoluted and undefined regulatory process with no enforcement
authority or clear standards to protect public health. For these reasons, I
cannot support this measure.” Oct. 1, 2008
Governor vetoes Florez raw milk bill - - The
governor has vetoed a bill by state Sen. Dean Florez that would have created
alternative requirements for dairy farms that produce and process raw milk for
sale. Florez, D-Shafter, said in a news release the bill addressed “misguided
regulations” to hold raw milk to the same bacteria standards as pasteurized
milk without acknowledging the healthy bacteria in nonpasteurized milk. He
said the rules “doomed” Californians’ access to raw milk.
<more> Oct. 1, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Governor vetoes card check bill - - Gov.
Schwarzenegger Tuesday vetoed the proposed card check legislation, citing
concern that AB 2386 would “weaken workers’ existing privacy rights and
protections” under the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA.) The veto is
considered an important victory for a broad coalition of ag groups, including
Western United Dairymen, which waged a hard fight encouraging the Governor to
veto the bill. Here is Schwarzenegger’s entire veto message: “I am returning
Assembly Bill 2386 without my signature. In 1975, the historical Agricultural
Labor Relations Act (ALRA) was passed by the California Legislature in order
“to ensure peace in the agricultural fields by guaranteeing justice for all
agricultural workers and stability in labor relations.” The ALRA allowed for a
secret ballot election and provided protections so that an agricultural worker
could decide privately without fear of retaliation or intimidation whether or
not to be represented by a union. AB 2386 creates a new and unique process for
how agricultural workers choose or decline union representation. I am
concerned that aspects of AB 2386’s novel process weaken workers’ existing
privacy rights and protections under the ALRA. Specifically, I am concerned
that authorizing the union seeking to represent workers to receive and
distribute election ballots from the Agricultural Labor Relations Board
(Board), complete information on the ballot envelopes, and return the workers’
ballots to the Board unnecessarily compromises the workers’ right to privacy
protected by the existing secret ballot process. However, as I indicated last
year in my veto of SB 180, I remain committed to ensuring that agricultural
workers receive all the workplace protections that our labor laws afford. To
that end, I am calling for the creation of a dedicated funding source to
facilitate enhanced oversight and education in the agricultural industry. I am
directing my Labor and Workforce Development Agency to work with the
proponents of this bill and all stakeholders to develop a proposal which will
create such a program in a fiscally responsible way, for the ultimate benefit
of both agricultural employees and employers.” Oct. 1, 2008
California Farmers & Businesses Praise Governor's
Veto of Card Check Bill -- A coalition of business and agricultural
organizations today applauded Governor Schwarzenegger's veto of Assembly Bill
2386 (Nunez), which they said would have imposed a card-check program on
farmworkers and eliminated their right to a secret ballot. "We are extremely
pleased that the Governor saw this bill for exactly what it was: an assault on
democracy and the rights of farmworkers to cast their union votes in private,"
said Barry Bedwell, president of the California Grape & Tree Fruit League, a
coalition member. "He has preserved California 's carefully constructed labor
law that has evolved over the past three decades." In his veto message, the
Governor echoed the concerns of farmers and the business community, saying
that the bill "unnecessarily compromises the workers' right to privacy
protected by the existing secret ballot process. The Governor has made a clear
statement that the current system works and that union voting has nothing to
do with worker safety, said Bedwell, who added that California agriculture is
committed to improving existing safeguards for the state's farmworkers. The
industry looks forward to working with the Administration and regulators to
boost enforcement and education efforts intended to protect and promote the
safety of our farmworkers," he said. The coalition opposed to AB 2386
includes: Western United Dairymen; California Dairies, Inc.; California
Independent Grocers Association; the Agricultural Council of California and
California Farm Bureau. Oct. 1,2008 California Grape & Tree Fruit League
Press Release
Water funds allocated - - The state's water
crisis attracted Gov. Schwarzenegger’s attention Tuesday as he approved $842
million to boost the water supply and bolster endangered levees. The governor
was receptive to the water solution proposed by Senate President Pro Tem Don
Perata (D-Oakland). Nearly $900 million will soon flow from state coffers to
water projects all over California under a measure Schwarzenegger signed to
distribute some of the water and flood control bonds passed by voters two
years ago. In signing SB 1XX, Schwarzenegger said the $845-million
appropriation will not solve long-term water supply problems. It does not
include money for dam construction. Oct. 1, 2008 LA Times
Parents file lawsuit in China against dairy firm
- - The parents of a baby allegedly sickened by tainted infant formula are
suing the dairy at the heart of China's contaminated milk scandal, state media
reported, as 15 more companies were accused Wednesday of producing spiked
products. From the time of birth, the 1-year-old in central China's Henan
province was fed infant formula made by Sanlu Group Co., according to a report
by Caijing, a leading Chinese business magazine. The report says the case is
believed to be the first civil lawsuit filed in response to the melamine
contamination of liquid milk, yogurt and other products made with milk. Four
infants have died and some 54,000 have become ill after drinking the
contaminated formula, which has been linked to kidney stones.
<more> Oct. 1, 2008 AP
The Churning Point. Maryland dairyman says building
an organic creamery will keep his farm alive. But preservationists say it will
spoil the rural landscape -- Bobby Prigel seems like a poster child for
the local-food movement. A fourth-generation dairy farmer, he wants to build a
creamery to make organic butter, yogurt, cheese and ice cream. He wants to
sell those products to consumers in nearby Baltimore instead of shipping his
milk out of state. He wants to make enough money to pass on the farm to a
fifth generation. But some neighbors and conservationists are challenging
Prigel's plans. Opponents, led by the Long Green Valley Association, say
zoning rules prohibit his proposed 10,000-square-foot creamery and retail shop
among the rolling hills of Long Green Valley, a designated rural conservation
area. They also are suing the Prigel family's Bellevale Farm and a Maryland
state preservation agency, arguing that preservation easements on the land
prohibit Prigel from processing milk on his farm. The case has pitted neighbor
against neighbor and raised broad questions about the definition of
agriculture. Does a creamery that makes butter and cheese qualify as farming
or as manufacturing? And how much say should neighbors have in how farmers
farm?
<more> Oct. 1, 2008 Washington Post
Making the Most of Manure - - Manure from
livestock could someday be used as a value-added bioenergy fuel for on-farm
heating and power, according to Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists
studying this approach. This will be good news to U.S. livestock producers,
who need environmentally friendly ways to manage the manure generated by about
96.7 million cattle and 67.7 million hogs and pigs. ARS
agricultural engineer Keri Cantrell,
environmental engineer Kyoung Ro, and
research leader Patrick Hunt work at the ARS Coastal Plains Soil, Water and
Plant Research Center in Florence, S.C. They have teamed up to study how to
use a technique called wet gasification to convert wet manure slurry into
energy-rich gases and produce relatively clean water.
<more>
Oct. 1, 2008 ARS Press Release
Governor kills port smog-fighting bill, signs into
law sprawl and water supply measures - - California embarked Tuesday on a
sweeping effort to curb suburban sprawl by rewarding communities that build
homes and workplaces closer together to reduce pollution that contributes to
global warming. However, a multibillion-dollar proposal to curb air pollution
near the state's ports was rejected by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who
concluded that the related cargo fees would harm an already suffering economy.
The state's water crisis also attracted his attention Tuesday as he approved
$842 million to boost the water supply and bolster endangered levees. The
three environment-related measures were in the spotlight as Schwarzenegger
finished work on this year's legislation before a midnight deadline. In 2008,
Schwarzenegger has signed 771 bills and vetoed 415.
<more> Oct. 1, 2008 LA Times
Cash Prizes Await Golfers in Visalia Monday - - The
WUD golf tournament Monday, Oct. 6 will have extra financial incentives for
participants. Anyone lucky enough to land a hole-in-one at
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008
Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008
China's Milk Scandal Hits Western Brands. Cadbury
Announces Chocolate Recall -- China's tainted-milk scandal, which has led
to bans or recalls in 16 countries and raised fresh concerns about the
made-in-China label, spread Monday to big-name Western brands as British candy
maker Cadbury announced a recall of its Chinese-made chocolate. Cadbury said
11 types of chocolate bars made at its factory in Beijing and sold in China,
Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia were being recalled as a precautionary
measure. Tests "cast doubt on the integrity of a range of our products
manufactured in China," Cadbury said in a statement. In Indonesia, Kraft Foods
and Mars also said they would suspend sales of Chinese-made Oreo cookies, M&Ms
and Snickers bars in that country. The sweets were among a dozen allegedly
tainted products that tested positive for high levels of melamine last week,
according to Indonesia's Food and Drug Monitoring Agency.
<more> Sept. 28, 2008 Washington Post
China's dairy farmers lectured on food safety -
- Chinese President Hu Jintao publicly lectured a dairy executive on the
importance of food safety Tuesday, leading a media campaign to show the
government's resolve in a scandal over tainted milk powder. Thousands of
children have been hospitalized with kidney illnesses and four have died after
drinking milk formula tainted with the chemical melamine, causing public
outrage and shining the spotlight back on safety issues in the country's food
industry after a series of earlier problems with other products. On the main
evening television news broadcast, Hu was shown visiting a dairy farm in the
eastern province of Anhui. "Food safety is a matter of the health of the
people," Hu told the head of the local dairy company that owned the farm,
shaking his finger.
<more> Sept. 30, 2008 Reuters
Country of origin labeling law goes into effect
- - Born in the USA? Made in Mexico? Picked in Peru? Cultivated in Canada?
Supermarket shoppers, now you know. Starting today, new federal rules take
effect requiring all U.S. supermarkets and large food retailers provide labels
telling consumers which country a wide variety of food came from. Covered by
the new rules: ground beef, chicken, pork, veal, steak, lamb and goat, along
with fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, macadamia nuts, pecans and
peanuts. Although there are some loopholes — for instance "processed foods"
like bacon aren't covered — consumer groups say the labels will allow shoppers
to bypass foods whose countries have poor hygiene records, or to deliberately
help American farmers and ranchers.
<more> Sept. 30, 2008 San Jose Mercury News
Fresno Bee Editorial: Time for a new water ethic
- - Water is always in short supply in California and the Valley, even when
it's raining cats and dogs -- which doesn't happen often. That shortage is
likely to get worse for a number of reasons. It's time for Fresno and its
residents to get serious about using less water. The installation and use of
water meters will help, when it's finally completed in about five years, but
we need to start now to find other ways to reduce our use of water. The
pressure on our water supply will come from several sources. Global climate
change may reduce annual snowfall, which means less water will be available --
absent massive efforts to capture and store it -- in the summer months, when
consumption skyrockets.
<more> Sept. 30, 2008 Fresno Bee
Cash Prizes Await Golfers in Visalia Oct. 6 - - The
WUD golf tournament Monday, Oct. 6 will have extra financial incentives for
participants. Anyone lucky enough to land a hole-in-one at
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008
Oct. 2
wine and cheese tasting benefits CSU ag program - - A Thursday Oct. 2 wine and
cheese tasting will benefit the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies program.
“Tastes of the Valley” will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Assyrian
American Civic Club in Turlock from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. Silent
auction items are also being sought. Additional information is available
from Mark Bender or Wendy Olmstead at (209) 664-6648. Sept, 5, 2008 CSU
Notice
Schwarzenegger requires menu postings - - Battling the bulge, California became the first state Tuesday to require chain restaurants to post calorie content of menu items. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation that will affect about 17,000 facilities once it is fully implemented in 2011. The measure, Senate Bill 1420, is designed to spark diners to ponder their girth before choosing between a Jumbo Jack and a Burrito Supreme. "When people go to the grocery store now...they can already read the labels and make informed decisions about what they eat," Schwarzenegger said. "But now they will also have that pleasure when they go to the restaurant." Schwarzenegger's signing of the menu-labeling bill came two months after he approved legislation to ban restaurants from using trans fats by January 2010. <more> Sept. 30, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Monday, Sept. 29, 2008
Milk prices, pour better or worse. In California,
they're all over the map - - Have you checked out the price of milk
lately? Be prepared to be confused, baffled and amazed. What people pay for
milk in California is based upon a complex combination of state regulations
and retailing strategy. The state determines the minimum price that milk
processors -- the companies that bottle milk or turn it into cheese and ice
cream -- must pay farmers. The price fluctuates monthly based upon what
butter, cheese and powdered milk sell for on commodity exchanges. Retailers
can set milk prices as high as they want, but state regulations prohibit them
from selling milk below cost unless they can prove they are matching the price
of a competitor. Depending on the brand and how many cartons you want to
purchase, you can pay anywhere from $2.70 to $6.99 for a single gallon of
milk, and that's just at one grocery store -- Ralphs.
<more> Sept. 29, 2008 LA Times
Nation's financial pressure felt by ag markets and
producers - - The pressure of the nation’s financial troubles is being
felt by the commodities markets. At the close on Monday, following the failure
of the U.S. House to pass a $700 billion bailout plan for the financial
industry, grain and livestock markets were down sharply. David Kohli, with
Ford & Young Futures of Indiana, says both are under pressure from outside
markets, but the livestock sector has another layer of concern, “They’re
looking for the consumer to hold up that other hand that they reach out – but,
will the consumer be there when they offer their beef and pork? That’s the big
question we have to answer.”
<more> Sept. 29, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
U.S. EPA requires six Chino dairies to protect
water from manure waste -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is
ordering six Chino, Calif.-area dairies to comply with California Regional
Water Quality Control Board permit requirements. Through an administrative
order, the EPA is ordering Brothers Three Dairy, Quality Dairy, Jorritsma and
Anema Dairy, Martin Vander Laan Dairy, TLC Sonlight Dairy #2 and Goyenetche
Dairy #2, to comply with permit requirements which require that dairies
prevent runoff or discharge from their operations to nearby waterways, such as
the Santa Ana River. “The EPA is citing these six Chino dairies for failing
to comply with California’s dairy permit, which is designed to protect
streams, rivers and groundwater from discharges of manure waste and other
pollutants,” said Alexis Strauss of the Water Division, EPA Region 9. “We
expect these diaries to promptly correct their violations and improve their
environmental performance, which we will oversee until satisfactorily
resolved.”
<more> Sept. 29, 2008 EPA Press Release
New Dairy USA exhibit at the Fresno fair is a gas
- - Shhh -- listen! What's that sound? It's coming from that plastic cow
on top of the ag building at The Big Fresno Fair. Is it the wind? No. To put
it as politely as possible, it's the sound of a cow, er, making methane. Every
few seconds the sound emanates from the life-sized cow standing beside an
outhouse. "It's a methane gas sound," Lauri King, deputy manager of the fair,
said more or less straight-faced. Methane gas is given off from manure and
belching of real cows. The unnamed plastic cow is part of the new Dairyville
USA exhibit sponsored by Producers Dairy and Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
<more> Sept. 29, 2008 Fresno Bee
Pacific Ethanol opens Stockton plant - -
Sacramento's Pacific Ethanol Inc. said today its newest ethanol plant, in
Stockton, has begun operations. The plant can produce 60 million gallons of
ethanol a year and increases the company's capacity by more than one third. It
is the company's second California plant, joining a facility in Madera. The
company also owns plants in Oregon and Idaho and owns a 42 percent stake in a
Colorado plant. The startup in Stockton "dramatically increases the
availability of renewable fuels produced in the state of California," said
President and Chief Executive Neil Koehler in a press release.
<more> Sept. 29, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Cash Prizes Await Golfers in Visalia Oct. 6 - - The
WUD golf tournament Monday, Oct. 6 will have extra financial incentives for
participants. Anyone lucky enough to land a hole-in-one at
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008
Valley
legislators describe bailout vote drama
- - Rep. George
Radanovich, R-Mariposa, voted against the $700 billion bailout bill before he
voted for it. Radanovich's mid-stream switch was not enough to change the
outcome of the closely watched vote, which more than one House member called
"historic" today. Radanovich's flip, though, did suggest the kind of roiling
political cross-currents that left the San Joaquin Valley congressional
delegation sharply divided. "This is a bill that no one wanted to vote for,"
Radanovich said afterward. "I would have loved to vote against it, but in the
end we couldn't afford not to do something." In ultimately supporting the
failed bailout package, Radanovich joined Democratic Reps. Dennis Cardoza of
Merced and Jim Costa of Fresno. Opposing the bill from the start was Rep.
Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, who said he rejected multiple entreaties from the
White House.
<more> Sept. 29, 2008 Modesto Bee
How California lawmakers voted on the bailout -
- With the Dow closing down a record 777 points on Monday after Congress
thumbed down a $700 billion bailout package for the financial industry, take a
look at how the California delegation -- the nation's largest -- voted.
Overall, the delegation cast 29 aye votes and 24 no votes. A majority of both
Republican (10 to 9) and Democratic lawmakers (19 to 15) from the state
supported the bailout package. The plan failed the full House of
Representatives 228 to 205, with 133 Republicans and 95 Democrats in
opposition. A total of 140 Democrats and 65 Republicans backed the plan.
<more> Sept. 29, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Why China's milk industry went sour - - It did
not take long for the euphoria of the Beijing Olympics to fade. China's
failure to produce good milk has killed at least four babies, and sickened
many thousands of others. Domestic and export markets in anything that might
contain Chinese milk powder are stymied, and scores of dairy firms have gone
to the wall. The still unraveling saga has reduced China's reputation for food
safety - and manufacturing integrity - to its lowest level in years. Experts
in the industry say the problems start at source - the cows. Most farmers are
poor and do not eat well - and neither do their cows. Average herds of just
three to five cows are often kept in substandard, filthy conditions. But
bigger problems occur as the milk moves through the production chain.
<more> Sept. 29, 2008 BBC News
Congress
Fixes USDA's Misinterpretation of Farm Bill Base Acre Provision - - The
House of Representatives
today passed bipartisan legislation to suspend for the 2008 crop year a
Farm Bill provision that required producers to have a minimum of 10-base acres
to receive program benefits. The House and Senate each passed by
unanimous consent the Senate amendment to H.R. 6849, originally
sponsored by
Congressman Bob Etheridge
of North Carolina,
Chairman of the House Agriculture General Farm Commodities and
Risk Management
Subcommittee. H.R. 6849, as amended by the Senate, makes
technical corrections to the permanent crop disaster program included in the
2008 Farm Bill. It also temporarily reverses the US Department of
Agriculture's published notice regarding the Farm Bill's 10 base-acre
provision, which would have denied farm program benefits to hundreds of
thousands of producers nationwide by refusing to allow for the aggregation of
small base acreage. "This is good news for thousands of farmers who rent or
lease smaller tracks of land for their farms. It allows farmers to continue
to receive payments for the work they do on small farms, and ensures that our
rural economy stays strong," said Etheridge. "I will begin working
immediately to provide a permanent solution to the USDA's extremely narrow
interpretation of the 10-base-acre provision." The House had already passed on
September 24 a version of H.R. 6849 that would have suspended the 10 base acre
provision for two years and was fully paid for under Congressional Paygo
rules. The Senate
amended the bill to provide just a one year fix. The bill will now be sent to
the President for his signature. Sept. 29, 2008 House Ag Committee Press
Release
Friday, Sept. 26, 2008
Valley air labeled healthy for dust, soot - -
The San Joaquin Valley's air is now classified as healthy under the federal
standard for dust and soot, the dangerous, tiny specks that can trigger lung
problems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made the landmark
announcement Thursday following two years of protests from environmentalists
who say officials have simply ignored many violations. Environmentalists
sued the EPA in March after the agency waived several violations because of
high-wind conditions in the Valley. Arguments are supposed to be heard in
the 9th U.S. Circuit Court in February. Local air officials say the Valley
-- 25,000 square miles from Stockton to Bakersfield -- has not violated the
so-called PM-10 standard since 2003. It is the first completed cleanup of a
major pollutant here since the 1990s.
<more> Sept. 26, 2008 Fresno Bee
Tainted milk crisis hits more global companies
- - The roll call of companies facing potential recalls grew Friday,
Sept. 26, as reports of foods tainted with the industrial chemical, which
has been blamed in the deaths of four Chinese infants, spread to a widening
range of products. Food companies around the globe are rushing to assess
their products and in some cases setting new strategies to prevent problems.
"We have to think about any processed food with milk or protein in it," said
James Rice, a food industry veteran who is now China country manager for
Tyson Foods Inc., the world's largest meat processor.
<more> Sept. 26, 2008 AP
Congress Struggles Over Renewable Energy Tax
Credits as Adjournment Nears - - As of press time Friday,
negotiations continued between the House and the Senate on a renewable
energy and energy efficiency Production Tax Credits (PTC) and Investment Tax
Credit (ITC) package that provides wind, solar and other renewable
incentives that are set to expire at the end of the year. In response to the
passage of a $17-billion Senate bill that is fully paid-for with sources
that include new tax revenue from oil companies, the House today passed a
counter proposal that would also fully offset the costs of the credits, but
places a cap on future wind tax credits and does not include a new home
energy-efficiency credit. The House bill also eliminates a key provision
that extends new Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) to finance facilities
that generate electricity from a variety of renewable energy sources. The
Senate bill, by comparison, authorizes $800 million in new CREBs. The
program ran out of funding in 2007. All previous House-passed energy tax
bills this session have extended CREBs.
<more> Sept. 26, 2008 25 x 25 newsletter
China’s Milk Scandal Now Seen as Risk in Europe
- - European Union regulators on Thursday ordered rigorous testing of
imports containing at least 15 percent milk powder after concluding that
food containing tainted milk powder from China may well be circulating in
Europe and putting children at risk. The action, announced by the European
Food Safety Authority and the European Commission, significantly expands the
potential geographic reach of a milk adulteration scandal in China to now
include a range of foods sold around the world. The Europeans said cookies,
toffees and chocolates were the major concerns. The World Health
Organization and the Unicef also expressed concern on Thursday about the
Chinese milk contamination and the implications for other foods. In the
United States, some consumer groups called on the Food and Drug
Administration to restrict imports of foods that may contain suspected dairy
ingredients from China.
<more> Sept. 26, 2008 NY Times
Cash Prizes Await Golfers in Visalia - - The
WUD golf tournament Monday, Oct. 6 will have extra financial incentives for
participants. Anyone lucky enough to land a hole-in-one at
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008
Farmers having little problem getting ag credit
- - The economic turmoil on Wall Street has not reached the dusty
country roads in the nation's Heartland, where a rural economic boom has
meant farmers are not having much trouble getting loans to plant crops, buy
land and replace equipment. "The fundamentals of agriculture right now, in
terms of income and opportunities, is good. There are profits to be made, so
I think that is underpinning the willingness to lend to that sector," said
Jason Henderson, a branch executive with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas
City. The 10th Federal Reserve District — which encompasses Colorado,
Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming and parts of New Mexico and Missouri —
surveys banks each quarter for its agricultural credit conditions report.
<more> Sept. 26, 2008 AP
World Dairy Expo ready to go - - World Dairy
Expo kicks-off on Tuesday and runs through Saturday at the Alliant Energy
Center in Madison, Wisconsin. This is the first show since the Canadian
border was reopened to live cattle and as a result, cattle numbers are going
to be up substantially this year. One of the feature events of the show
each year is the “Dinner with the Stars” a banquet that honors the Dairy
Woman of the Year, the Dairy Man of the Year, the Dairy Industry Person of
the Year and the International Dairy Person of the Year. The people are
nominated and those nominations are sent to four panels of judges around the
country who determine the final award winners.
<more> Sept. 26, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
New USDA food safety undersecretary named - -
USDA Secretary Ed Schafer says he welcomes the President's intention to
designate Elizabeth (Beth) Johnson as Acting Under Secretary of Food Safety.
The designation is pending the October 1 retirement from federal service of
Dr. Richard A. Raymond, MD, who has been responsible for overseeing the
policies and programs of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS),
since July 2005. "Beth Johnson steps up to the challenge, highly regarded
for her commitment and my confidence in her ability to marshal the resources
of dedicated people and considerable scientific research for inspection and
food safety," said Schafer. Johnson has most recently served as Chief
Assistant to Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner and Deputy Chief of Staff since
May 2005. A registered dietitian, Beth Johnson joined USDA in 2002, having
served more than a decade advising government and the private sector on the
subjects of nutrition, farm credit and livestock. Her previous government
experience includes positions at the Food and Drug Administration as a
nutritionist for the food labeling division and as a research dietitian at
the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Sept. 26, 2008 USDA Press Release
Agreement reached in dispute over milk labeling - - The Montana Department of Livestock has reached an agreement with a milk distribution company that will temporarily halt a lawsuit while both sides negotiate over milk labeling. Core-Mark International Inc., filed a lawsuit against the state Board of Livestock over the department's decision to enforce regulations that don't allow the sale of milk in "dual-dated" milk cartons. Those cartons are marked with both Montana's "sell by" date and Washington state's "use by" date. Core-Mark says the policy was aimed at banning cheaper Washington state milk from Montana stores. Department officials met with Core-Mark managers this week. Under the agreement, the Core-Mark can petition to "potentially revise" Montana's labeling. Dual-dating will be allowed until a permanent resolution is reached. Sept. 16, 2008 AP
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008
U.S. EPA says San
Joaquin Valley is meeting standard for PM10 air emissions - – The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency said today the San Joaquin Valley has
reached the standard set for controlling PM10 emissions. In a press release,
EPA said it has redesignated the San Joaquin Valley air basin to attainment
for the national ambient air quality standard for coarse particulate matter
(PM-10) while also approving the PM-10 maintenance plan for the area. In
doing so, the EPA first approved the state’s request to change the boundary
of the San Joaquin Valley nonattainment area by splitting the area into two
separate PM-10 nonattainment areas. Geographically, the area will now be
divided into the San Joaquin Valley air basin PM-10 area, and the East Kern
PM-10 area. This change reflects natural geographical and jurisdictional
divisions for these two distinct air basins. With this split, PM-10 now
follows the same regulatory boundaries as PM-2.5 and ozone for the SJV air
basin. East Kern will continue to be a PM-10 nonattainment area. The EPA is
approving a commitment from the state to install a PM-10 monitor in East
Kern that will address Clean Air Act requirements for the area. “The EPA
remains committed to the emission controls, enforcement and monitoring
requirements currently in place in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Deborah
Jordan, Air Division director for the U.S. EPA’s Pacific Southwest region.
“In addition to the current controls, many additional reductions will be
needed to attain the more protective PM 2.5 standard and the ozone
standard.” The maintenance plan retains all PM-10 controls and monitoring
for the SJV air basin, provides a demonstration that the area will continue
to attain until 2020, and provides for contingency measures if the area does
not continue to attain. Sept. 25, 2008 EPA Press Release
Vet urges dairy
producers to be 'animal welfarists' - - Improving the public perception
of the dairy industry would go a long way toward avoiding a conflict similar
to the one facing California's poultry industry if Prop. 2 passes in
November. That was the message imparted to dairy producers by Florida
veterinarian Jan Shearer during an industry-sponsored meeting in Tulare
County last week. "Become animal welfarists, embrace that term," Shearer
said. Prop. 2, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, would
ban the battery cage system for raising laying hens, as well as placing
restrictions on California's tiny veal and hog industries. Shearer urged
producers to make animal welfare in livestock production a priority.
Shearer, who serves on the animal welfare committee of the American
Association of Bovine Practitioners, also encouraged the development of a
marketing approach to providing consumers with information about how
livestock are raised; opening up farms to the public was one option he
proposed.<more>
Sept. 25, 2008 Capital Press
Hallmark plant worker sentenced in abuse case - - A former
slaughterhouse worker was sentenced Wednesday to jail and probation after
being seen abusing sick and injured cattle in a secretly taped video that
prompted the largest beef recall in U.S. history. Daniel Ugarte Navarro
pleaded no contest in June to two felony counts of animal cruelty and two
misdemeanor counts of cruelty to downed animals. The Humane Society of the
United States shot the video at Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. in Chino, leading
to a federal investigation and the recall of 143 million pounds of beef in
February.
<more> Sept. 25, 2008 AP
MJC Springer
Dairy Sale Oct. 25 - - The Modesto Junior College 12th springer sale
offering 35 Springing Heifers; 25 Holsteins and 10 Jerseys is set for
Saturday Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. A steak lunch will be served. The sale is at
the MJC College West Campus Dairy unit off Blue Gum Avenue. The heifers are
from high quality herds coming from the best sires in the business. All
heifers originate from TB negative herds and will be tested prior to sale
for out of state shipment. Catalogs will be available the second week of
October. Proceeds go to the education portion of the dairy department and
raising of the heifers for student learning. In addition money is raised
for the Hal Carlton Scholarship fund which annually provides scholarships to
MJC students. For more information or to RSVP contact Bill Hobby(209)
575-6200 x6053. Sept. 25, 2008 MJC Notice
Friends and former students remember Max Corbett Jr. - - More than 1,000
people gathered for a memorial service held for Tulare agriculture
instructor Max Corbett Jr., and they each had a story to tell about him.
There were stories about his gruffness, his wardrobe and his slow pitch
softball prowess. There were many more about how he quietly helped his
students achieve their goals. Corbett, 61, was working at the school's dairy
Sept. 13 when he was killed by a bull. He had spent the previous four days
helping out at the Tulare County Fair. His death stunned the community.
Former student and Tulare-area dairyman Joey Airoso said when Corbett came
to teach at Tulare Union, "he was just what the doctor ordered." Corbett put
the Tulare agriculture and dairy programs on the map, Airoso said. His
dairy-judging teams won honors on state and national levels.
<more> Sept. 25, 2008 Capital Press
Dairy
counties score extension advisors - - Tulare, Stanislaus and San Joaquin
counties' Cooperative Extension programs have filled dairy advisor positions
- two that had been vacant for the past several years. Jennifer Heguy, 26, a
Los Banos native, began working as dairy advisor in Stanislaus and San
Joaquin counties in April. Noelia Silva del Rio, a native of Spain, arrived
in Tulare County to begin work as dairy advisor in August. The positions
link research being conducted at the university level with practical
applications for producers. Both new advisors said they are eager to begin
identifying areas where producers in the counties will benefit from new
research. Silva del Rio fills a seat that wasn't so cold. Her predecessor,
Debora Bacon, left just one year ago. Prior to Bacon's arrival, the position
had been open for several years following the retirement of long-time dairy
advisor Tom Schultz.
<more> Sept. 25, 2008 Capital Press
Tie-down rules get green light. Hay haulers hail new regulations; state
patrol OKs exemption - - California hay haulers are throwing fewer
straps over their loads before heading out on the highway now that the
California Highway Patrol has approved an exemption to federal tie-down
rules. For the past year-and-a-half, haulers were required to use up to nine
lateral straps for truck and trailer loads of hay in California after new
rules to conform to federal tie-down rules went into effect. Hay haulers had
fought for an exemption, citing safety studies that proved the traditional
method of securing hay loads was better than the federal regulations. They
said the additional time and cost of the lateral hay straps was burdensome
and insisted that the side-to-side tie-down method required under the new
rule was unsafe. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued the
exemption pending the adoption of cargo-specific regulations.
<more> Sept. 25, 2008 Capital Press
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008 USDA
releases official animal disease traceability business plan -- The U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) today released the official version of its Business Plan to Advance
Animal Disease Traceability. The plan provides benchmarks to guide the
National Animal Identification System’s progress towards the long-term goal
of 48-hour traceback of affected or exposed animals in the event of an
animal disease outbreak. The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) is
a modern, streamlined information system that helps producers and animal
health officials respond quickly and effectively to events affecting animal
health in the United States. NAIS utilizes premises registration, animal
identification and animal tracing components to both locate potentially
diseased animals and release animals from disease suspicion. It is a
state-federal-industry partnership, which is voluntary at the federal level.
<more> Sept. 25, 2008 CattleNetwork.com
EU
bans baby food with Chinese milk, recalls grow - - The European Union
banned imports of baby food containing Chinese milk on Thursday as tainted
dairy products linked to the deaths of four babies turned up in candy and
other Chinese-made goods that were quickly pulled from stores worldwide. The
27-nation EU adds to the growing list of countries that have banned or
recalled Chinese dairy products. In addition to the ban, the European
Commission called for tighter checks on other Chinese food imports. Chinese
baby formula tainted with melamine has been blamed for the deaths of four
infants in China and the illnesses of 54,000 babies there. Health experts
say ingesting a small amount of the chemical poses no danger, but melamine -
used to make plastics and fertilizer - can cause kidney stones and lead to
kidney failure. Infants are particularly vulnerable.
<more> Sept. 25, 20078 AP
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008
Fiscalini methane digester featured in CBS
Evening News segment on global warming - - John Fiscalini and the
Fiscalini Farms methane digester were featured on the Tuesday edition of CBS
Evening News with Katie Couric. The segment focused on the presidential
candidates and their stands on global warming. The story says, in part,
“None of this clean energy comes cheap. Just ask John Fiscalini. His new
generator alone cost $1 million. "Being the greenest person on the planet
and losing money is not going to keep me in my business for very long," he
said. So he's glad both McCain's and Obama's cap and trade program would
give him credit for greenhouse gases he's capturing … so he could sell them
to a company that needs more pollution permits. "I just happen to be one of
those people who kind of enjoys being out in front of the pack," he said. A
complete transcript of the story and a video can be viewed
by clicking here. Sept. 24, 2008 CBS Evening News
Report: More factory farming but oversight lags
- - Some huge livestock farms produce more raw waste than cities as
large as Philadelphia or Houston. But federal regulators are failing to
control pollution from the gigantic operations or assess health risks from
the enormous quantities of manure they produce, according to congressional
investigators. The Government Accountability Office report was being
released Wednesday to a House committee hearing on federal oversight of
factory farms. The conclusions fueled concerns about a proposed
Environmental Protection Agency rule change that would eliminate one of the
few federal oversight mechanisms over air and water pollution from big
farms.
<more> Sept. 24, 2008 AP
Electricity From What Cows Leave Behind - -
For years, the cows at Green Mountain Dairy here produced only milk and
manure. But recently they have generated something else: electricity. The
farm is part of a growing alternative energy program that converts the
methane gas from cow manure into electricity that is sold to the power
utility’s grid. Central Vermont Public Service, which supplies electricity
to 158,000 customers around the state, was among the first utilities in the
country to draw electricity from cow manure on dairy farms. About 4,000
utility customers participate by agreeing to pay a premium for the
electricity. “We realized we could help meet a customer demand for
renewables, help solve a manure management problem and make these farmers
more financially secure,” said Steve Costello, a spokesman for Central
Vermont Public Service. Four Vermont dairy farms are producing electricity
for the utility, and two more are expected to be online by year’s end, Mr.
Costello said. The utility hopes to add six more farms by 2010.
<more> Sept. 24, 2008 NY Times
Chinese imports banned amid tainted milk scandal
- - More than a dozen countries — from Indonesia to Colombia — have
banned or recalled Chinese dairy products amid fears over a widening tainted
milk scandal that has killed four Chinese babies and sickened thousands of
others. Worries that compromised ingredients may have contaminated other
foods like yogurts, cookies and candies have led several more countries,
from Canada to Australia, to step up testing of Chinese imports. The health
scare has hit hardest in Asia, where nervous parents have rushed their
children to hospitals for health checkups in recent days after China
revealed that baby formula laced with the industrial chemical melamine had
killed four babies and sickened 54,000. Melamine is used to make plastics
and fertilizer. It can cause kidney stones and lead to kidney failure.
<more> Sept. 24, 2008 AP
New Zealand dairy trader says China's Sanlu brand
won't recover from tainted milk scandal -- China's Sanlu milk brand --
the company at the center of China's tainted baby formula scandal -- won't
recover from the damage it has suffered, its New Zealand partner said
Wednesday as it slashed the value of its holding in the company. Tens of
thousands of Chinese children have sought medical care, nearly 13,000 have
been hospitalized and four infants have died because of Chinese-made infant
formula contaminated by the industrial chemical melamine. The Chinese
government has taken control of Sanlu Group Co., 43 percent owned by New
Zealand's Fonterra Cooperative, and shut down its operations, Fonterra Chief
Executive Andrew Ferrier said at a briefing. Fonterra was meeting with
Chinese central government officials from the ministries of Health and
Commerce "to try to work through what are the next steps for Sanlu," he
said.
<more> Sept. 24, 2008 AP
PETA wants Ben & Jerry's ice cream to use breast
milk - - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has suggested that
a famous ice cream company replace cow’s milk with human breast milk in its
products. In a letter to Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, cofounders of Ben
& Jerry’s Homemade Ice Cream, PETA executive vice president Tracy Reiman
writes that the suggestion is based on an idea from a restaurant in
Switzerland. Storchen, Reiman wrote, is set to unveil a menu that includes
food made with at least 75 percent breast milk. The humans who donate the
milk are paid, according to the letter. “If Ben and Jerry’s replaced the
cow’s milk in its ice cream with breast milk, your customers – and cows –
would reap the benefits,” Reiman wrote.
<more>
Sept. 24, 2008 AP
Senate passage of tax extender bill good for
biodiesel - - After many tries so far this session, the U.S. Senate late
Tuesday passed an energy tax extenders package. Although it’s not quite as
much as biodiesel producers had hoped for, the bill provides for, among
other things, the dollar per gallon biodiesel tax credit to be extended
through 2009. Previous failed versions called for a three-year extension.
Senate Majority Leader Democrat Harry Reid of Nevada and House Republican
Whip Roy Blunt of Missouri, quoted by the Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch
web site, are apparently in uncharacteristic lock-step in their warnings to
House members that the measure not be changed when sent back to the House
for consideration. Time is not an ally. Congress is scheduled to recess
Friday, so pressure is now on House Members to pass the bill that also has
positive implications for wind, solar, tidal and other energy technologies.
They’re expected to take up the bill Wednesday.
<more> Sept. 24, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Nobel Prize winner speaks of biofuels' potential
- - The director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory says
ethanol is a transition step in the development of biofuels. Nobel Prize
winner Steve Chu told officials of state agriculture departments Tuesday
that researchers are seeking to use waste materials or grasses to make their
own gasoline or diesel-type fuel, rather than to make ethanol. "I think you
have to go to this generation of biofuels so that it is not seen as a direct
competition with food," Chu said. "Its energy inputs are far less than
growing corn, which is a very heavy energy-intensive crop due to the
fertilizer, all the tillage, everything else."
<more> Sept. 24, 2008 AP
Feds investigate bribes, price-fixing in
California - - Federal investigators say food broker Randall Rahal
liked to use a simple little test to see whether he could bribe purchasing
agents at the country's biggest food companies to buy from the tomato
processor he represented. Rahal would drop a $100 bill and then pick it up
and ask the potential bribe recipient: "Is it yours?" If the agent said yes,
Rahal knew they were open to a "business offer," he would boast, according
to an FBI search warrant affidavit filed last month in Sacramento federal
court as part of a bribery and fraud inquiry that also involves Rahal's
client, tomato processor SK Foods of Lemoore, Calif. That investigation was
launched in August 2005 and has since expanded into a price-fixing probe of
tomatoes, 95 percent of which are processed in California.
<more> Sept. 24, 2008 AP
House of Representatives Suspends USDA's
Misinterpretation of Farm Bill Base Acre Provision - - The House of
Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation to suspend for the 2008
and 2009 crop years a Farm Bill provision that required producers to have a
minimum of 10-base acres to receive program benefits. The House today
passed H.R. 6849 by voice vote in response to the US Department of
Agriculture's plan to deny farm program benefits to hundreds of thousands of
producers nationwide by refusing to allow for the aggregation of small base
acreage. "The USDA's decision to eliminate such a large number of base acres
could affect hundreds of thousands of producers all across this country,"
said House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota.
"Their selective interpretation of the Farm Bill is doing no favors for
America's farmers and ranchers, who are rightly concerned that the
Department is ignoring the Congress's clearly stated intent. With passage
of this bill, we are making clear to farm country that the Farm Bill will be
implemented as Congress intended."
<more> Sept. 24, 2008 House Ag Committee Press Release
Cash Prizes Await Golfers in Visalia - - The
WUD golf tournament Monday, Oct. 6 will have extra financial incentives for
participants. Anyone lucky enough to land a hole-in-one at
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008
Chinese tainted milk scandal fans fear of imports
- - At least eight Asian countries have banned or restricted Chinese
dairy products in response to a widening tainted milk scandal that prompted
worried parents across the region Tuesday to rush their children to
hospitals for health checkups. The European Union also urged customs
authorities throughout the bloc to keep a closer eye on food imports from
China. Across Asia, reports spread of cookies, ice cream and even meat buns
that might contain milk products laced with a toxic chemical that has been
blamed for four infant deaths in China. Some 54,000 others have fallen ill.
Growing public fears led some schools and stores to pull more products as a
precaution. Even major international food makers such as Kraft Foods were
hit by unconfirmed rumors of recalls of numerous snacks, including Oreo
cookies and M&Ms.
<more> Sept. 23, 2008 AP
NMPF to Fight Inclusion of Dairy Products in
Proposed Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand - – The National Milk
Producers Federation said today it would seek the full exclusion of New
Zealand’s dairy products under the newly-announced Transpacific free trade
agreement because of the New Zealand dairy industry’s unique structure and
excessive manipulation of dairy markets globally and in the U.S. The Bush
Administration announced today that it wants to create a free trade pact
with four nations: Chile, Singapore, Brunei and New Zealand. The U.S.
already has trade agreements with the first two of these, while Brunei is
essentially a small city-state. The real change as a result of a so-called
Trans-Pacific trade agreement between these nations and the U.S. would be to
throw open American markets to one large multinational company that works
under the auspices of the New Zealand government. New Zealand is the world’s
largest dairy exporter, and benefits tremendously from the defacto dairy
monopoly in New Zealand whereby one company controls more than 90% of the
country’s milk production.
<more> Sept. 23, 2008 NMPF Press Release
US says dairy sector could be ready for NZ trade
deal - - The United States' dairy industry is more open to a free trade
deal with New Zealand than in the past, US trade representative Susan Schwab
says. New Zealand has pressed for years for a free-trade agreement with the
United States, but has faced strong opposition from US dairy and other
farmers worried about opening the US market to a strong competitor. But Ms
Schwab today announced the US will begin negotiations on joining the "P4"
trans-Pacific trade pact early next year with New Zealand, Chile, Singapore
and Brunei. Ms Schwab today said the US dairy industry's attitude had
changed over the years. "There are clearly sensitivities that need to be
negotiated," She said.
<more> Sept. 23, 2008 NZPA
Cash Prizes Await Golfers in Visalia - - The
WUD golf tournament Monday, Oct. 6 will have extra financial incentives for
participants. Anyone lucky enough to land a hole-in-one at
the designated
contest hole will win $5,000 cash. Also, for a mere $10 golfers can go
head-to-head with CEO Michael Marsh to see who can get closest-to-the-hole
on a selected hole at the Visalia Country Club. One lucky golfer will win
$100 being put up by Marsh. News of the offer stunned veteran WUD golfers,
who requested anonymity. They asked, “This is coming out of Marsh’s own
personal pocket? Given his penchant for fiscal frugality, the prudent golfer
would be well advised to demand two sets of verifiable identification before
accepting his personal check. And if it is a $100 bill, be sure to bring a
blue pen to check its authenticity.” Proceeds from the golf tournament will
go to the WUD Federal PAC, which supports congressional candidates who share
Western United Dairymen’s legislative goals and philosophy. The four-person
scramble gets underway with a noon shotgun start. The day culminates with a
dinner at which awards and prizes will be presented. The cost is $150 per
player and includes green fees, golf cart, practice balls, lunch, tee
prizes, refreshments and dinner. Contact Heidi Savage at
hsavage@westernuniteddairymen.com or (209) 614-5625 for
registration and sponsorship information. To download a registration form,
please click here. Sept. 23, 2008
Mexican dairy producers demand gov't support -
- Thousands of Mexican dairy producers on Monday hit the streets all over
the country with the aim of pouring a million liters (more than 264,000
gallons) of milk onto the pavement to demand that the government take
measures in favor of their industry. The producers are demanding that the
price they currently receive per liter, some 4 pesos (37 cents), be
increased by 1 peso (around 9 cents), Alvaro Gonzalez, the president of the
National Front of Milk Producers and Consumers, told Efe in Mexico City. One
gallon equals 3.78 liters. "We need urgent action on the part of the
government that will allow us to survive," Gonzalez said. The Mexican dairy
market uses as a milk price reference the price paid by the public firm
Liconsa, which is tasked with buying milk from small and medium-sized
businessmen and distributing it at low prices among the country's neediest
families. In Mexico, there are 200,000 milk producers, of whom just 3,000
own their own plants and marketing systems, while the rest are forced to
take the minimum stipulated price of 2.8 pesos per liter (26 cents), even
though the minimum retail price is 11 pesos per liter ($1.03). Each day,
Mexicans consume 45 million liters of milk. Sept. 23, 2008 EFE News
Service
Company sues over Montana milk-dating regulations
- - A company that distributes milk in Montana and Washington state is
asking a judge to stop Montana from enforcing its milk-dating regulations.
Core-Mark International Inc. filed suit against the Montana Board of
Livestock in federal court in Great Falls. The first hearing is scheduled
for Oct. 3. At issue is Montana's "sell by" date on milk cartons, versus the
"use by" date on milk from Washington state. Milk from Washington can stay
on store shelves longer and is therefore cheaper. After prodding from
Montana milk producers, the state Department of Livestock began enforcing
regulations requiring removal of milk from shelves if the cartons contained
both the Washington and Montana dates. Mark Heulskamp, president of
Core-Mark's Spokane, Wash., division, claims Montana is trying to ban cheap
Washington milk so its own producers can sell more expensive milk without
competition. Sept. 23, 2008 AP
Johne's Disease Testing Brochures Free to
Producers - - A free brochure on Johne’s disease is available from the
National Johne's Education Initiative, a USDA-APHIS-VS program designed to
help educate producers about Johne's disease.
The testing
brochure is written for producers and helps producers become familiar with
recommended test regimen for the detection of Johne's disease in cattle
based on herd type and testing purpose. To obtain your copy of "Think
Healthier Bottom Line -Test for Johne's & Know Your Herd's Johne's Disease
Status" or to learn more about Johne's disease, please visit
www.johnesdisease.org or
call the National Institute for Animal Agriculture at (270) 782-9798.
Sept. 23, 2008 NIAA Press Release
EPA to deny perchlorate standards -- The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency will deny calls to set drinking water safety
standards for the chemical perchlorate, documents show. The federal agency
says there's no need to legally regulate the chemical, a component of rocket
fuel found in soil and groundwater that affects thyroid development in
newborns and young children, a draft of the decision, obtained by The
Washington Post, recommends. Environmentalists and child safety advocates
have been battling for six years to force the EPA to set drinking water
standards for perchlorate, saying 20 million to 40 million people are
exposed to the chemical at levels that some scientists consider unsafe.
However, the U.S. Defense Department and White House officials oppose
setting perchlorate standards saying cleanup costs would be prohibitive, the
Post said.
<more> Sept. 23, 2008 UPI
Farm Groups Worried About Meat Labeling Law -
- Farm groups are protesting the Agriculture Department's use of a new food
labeling law, saying it has loopholes that could confuse consumers about
where their meat comes from. National Farmers Union President Tom Buis and
other farm groups said last week the department has written the law _ which
passed with widespread support in the federal farm bill earlier this year _
in a way that will allow meatpackers to avoid labeling packages of meat as
exclusively U.S. products. The law is scheduled to take effect at the end of
the month. At issue are the new country of origin labels on fresh meats, an
issue long debated by Congress. The labels are favored by High Plains
ranchers who own small operations and compete with Canadian beef. The
leading opponents have been grocery stores and large meatpacking companies _
many of whom mix U.S. and Mexican beef _ and other businesses involved in
getting products to supermarkets.
<more> Sept. 23, 2008 AP
State water system and delta on tap at state ag board meeting Wednesday - - The California State Board of Food and Agriculture – as part of its statewide listening sessions in developing its “Ag Vision 2030” report – will hear from two major water experts at its Wednesday, Sept. 24 meeting in Sacramento. Ag Vision 2030 will lay out significant resource management goals for the next 20 years. The board will host Phil Isenberg, Chair of the Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force, along with the authors of the Pacific Institute's study More with Less: Agricultural Water Conservation and Efficiency in California . The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street, Sacramento. "California's water future depends on policy action," said Al Montna, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture. "As stewards of California ’s food supply, we have the knowledge and experience to help guide that policy into action." <more> Sept. 23, 2008 CDFA Press Release
Monday, Sept. 22, 2008
Milk production up 1.5% in August - - Milk
production in the 23 major dairy states in August totaled 14.5 billion
pounds, up 1.5% from August of 20007. Production per cow increased 2 pounds
from a year ago to 1,717 and the number of dairy cows increased 137,000 head
to 8.47 million. California milk production slipped 1.9% in August to 3.39
billion pounds, the Golden State dairy herd grew by 24,000 head to 1.84
million but production per cow slipped 60 pounds to 1,840.
<more> Sept. 20, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Dairy Situation & Outlook: Milk Production Up,
Butter Prices Increase - - Milk production continues to increase at a
slower rate than during the first six months of the year. For the 23
reporting states August milk production was only 1.5 % higher than a year
ago, the result of 1.6% more milk cows but milk per cow two pounds lower.
Milk cow numbers which have been increasing month to month since May 2007
were 3,000 head lower than July. U.S. milk production for August is
estimated at just 1.1% higher than a year ago. Unfavorable weather explains
much of the smaller increase in milk production. For example, due to hot
weather California's milk production was 1.9% lower than a year ago. Milk
per cow fell 60 pounds or 3.2%, more than offsetting 1.3% more cows. Idaho
also experienced a decrease of 10 pounds or 0.5% per cow, but with 6.7% more
cows total milk production was still 6.3% higher.
<more> Sept. 20, 2008 CattleNetwork.com
FDA issues draft guidance on regulating
genetically engineered animals - - The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, as
released for public comment draft guidance on the regulation of genetically
engineered (GE) animals. The guidance document is intended to clarify the
FDA's regulatory authority in this field, as well as the requirements and
recommendations for producers of GE animals and products derived from GE
animals. The comment period for the draft guidance, titled "The Regulation
of Genetically Engineered Animals Containing Heritable rDNA Constructs,"
runs for 60 days and closes Nov. 18, 2008. The 25-page document is available
online at
http://www.fda.gov/cvm/GEAnimals.htm
<more> Sept. 20, 2008 FDA Press Release
No decision yet on the increase in the federal
make allowance - - A further delay in the implementation of the federal
make allowance increase. USDA will delay the announcement of the Advanced
Prices and Pricing Factors for October 2008 from Friday to next Tuesday. The
change was at the request of the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C, “In
order to provide sufficient opportunity for consideration of the motion for
preliminary injunction pending before the Court.” That is the request to
halt implementation of the increase in the federal make allowance originally
scheduled to take effect on September 1st.
<more> Sept. 20, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Oregon-California cow-calf operations face new
requirements - - Oregon cattle producers with pasture to pasture permits
can expect a letter from the Oregon Department of Agriculture in the next
few days advising them of a new requirement. Now that California will lose
its bovine tuberculosis free status, their cattle will need to be tested
before they can be brought back into Oregon next year. The department is
encouraging producers to get that test done in Oregon, before moving cattle
down to California for fall feeding. Under the pasture-to-pasture permit,
TB-free tests are good for up to 12 months.
<more> Sept. 20, 2008 Capital Press
China's dairy farmers dump daily stocks, consider
selling cows as tainted milk scandal expands - - Yang Lianying frowned
at the large steel tank that he and other Chinese dairy farmers in his
village filled earlier in the day with milk from their cows. Bending down,
he turned a red valve at the base of the container, releasing the cool,
white liquid in a gush onto the concrete floor. Amid a scandal over tainted
milk that has ground China's dairy industry to a halt, farmers like Yang are
being forced to toss out fresh milk and are being squeezed by feed costs
they can't recoup. "Nobody wants our milk right now," Yang said as he hosed
and swept his income out the shed's back door. Farmers like Yang, who lives
in north China's Hebei province, are part of an industry that has lost
public trust after tons of infant formula and other milk products were found
to be contaminated with melamine, a chemical used in plastics and
fertilizers, sickening nearly 12,900 children and leaving four dead.
<more> Sept. 22, 2008 AP
House Ag Committee Suspends Base Acre Minimum
after USDA Misinterprets Farm Bill Provision - - In response to the US
Department of Agriculture's plan to deny farm program benefits to hundreds
of thousands of producers, the Agriculture Committee has approved a bill to
suspend for the 2008 and 2009 crop years a Farm Bill provision that required
producers to have a minimum of 10-base acres to receive program benefits.
"The Department's notice is a substantial change from what was in place
prior to the most recent Farm Bill and runs contrary to what Congress
intended when it wrote this provision and passed the bill," said Chairman
Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota. "This will protect the farm safety net for
producers while giving us time to decide how to correct the problem for
later years. I commend the Chairman for urgently addressing this issue. I
support this bill because it protects thousands of farmers who would be
adversely affected by the USDA's interpretation of this provision in the
farm bill," said Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte of Virginia. The Committee
held a business meeting to review H.R. 6849, which would have permanently
allowed farmers to combine base acres from multiple working farms to meet
the 10 base acre minimum established in the Farm Bill. Chairman Peterson
introduced a substitute amendment that suspended the entire 10 acre
provision for two years. That amendment, which was adopted by the Committee,
provides a temporary, less expensive solution to the situation and is fully
offset in order to meet Paygo requirements. Sept. 20, 2008 House Ag
Committee Press Release
The Best Snack on Earth - - It's unavoidable
advice: If you're going to eat cheese, it should be the fat-free or low-fat
kind. Trouble is, that usually limits your choices to mass-produced,
vacuum-sealed cheeses that have had much of their flavor sucked out along
with the fat. So it's hardly an appetizing proposition. And for what real
benefit? Fewer calories and a lower risk of heart disease? Not so fast. "The
combination of protein and fat in regular, full-fat cheese is very
satiating," says Alan Aragon, a nutritionist in Westlake Village, Calif.,
and the Men's Health Weight-Loss Coach. "As a result, eating full-fat cheese
holds your appetite at bay for hours, and I've found that it cuts down my
clients' food intake at subsequent meals." Aragon's advice: Enjoy snacks of
full-fat cheese especially if you're on a diet. "Just don't eat it
mindlessly," he says.
<more> Sept. 22, 2008 Men’s Health
House Approves Bill to Strengthen Oversight of
Futures Markets - - The House of Representatives voted to approve a
bipartisan bill to increase the transparency, oversight, and
anti-manipulation authority over commodity futures and options markets. The
House overwhelmingly passed H.R. 6604, the Commodity Markets Transparency
and Accountability Act of 2008, a bill sponsored by House Agriculture
Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota, by a vote of 283-133.
H.R. 6604 strengthens trader position limits on oil and other futures
markets as a way to prevent potential price distortions caused by excessive
speculative trading. It directs the CFTC to get a clearer picture of the
over-the-counter (OTC) markets, and it calls for new full-time CFTC staff to
improve enforcement, prevent manipulation, and prosecute fraud.
<more> Sept. 20, 20098 House Ag Committee Press Release
Parra tells lawmakers she will endorse Republican Gilmore - - Nicole Parra will apparently make it official next week: she’s crossing party lines with her endorsement. The termed-out Democratic assemblywoman told a group of moderate Democrats Thursday that she will endorse Republican Danny Gilmore to take her seat, according to a lawmaker who was there. Parra made her comments during a talk to the members of New Democrat Caucus, a group of moderate Democratic state legislators, during a dinner in Half Moon Bay. <more> Sept. 20, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Friday, Sept. 19, 2008
USDA changes California’s bovine TB status -
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) is reclassifying California ’s status to modified accredited
advanced for bovine tuberculosis. Bovine tuberculosis does not threaten the
quality and safety of milk and meat products produced in California. Because
of the APHIS action, breeding cattle or bison leaving California will
require a negative tuberculin test before they move. Spayed heifers and
steers, cattle from TB-accredited free herds, cattle moving to packing
plants, cattle or bison less than 6 months of age, and intact heifers moving
directly to a feedlot can move to most states without testing.
<more> Sept. 19, 2008 CDFA Press Release
China recalls dairy products over health scare
- - Starbucks stopped serving milk in many of its Chinese outlets on
Friday as a crisis over poisoned dairy products that have left four babies
dead and thousands of others sick spiraled. The move by the US coffee chain
came amid a government-ordered mass recall of dairy products after an
industrial chemical initially reported to be only in milk powder was also
detected in regular milk, yoghurt and ice cream. Supermarket shelves across
the country were emptied of many products made by Chinese dairy giants
Mengniu, Yili and Guangming after the government said melamine had been
discovered in some of their regular milk. Mengniu is one of the main
suppliers for Starbucks, leading to the recall in two thirds of the chain's
330 outlets in mainland China.
<more> Sept. 19, 2008 AFP
Dairy producers to learn about beef quality
assurance at Sept. 30 Tulare seminar - - California is the leading dairy
state in the nation, and that also makes the state’s dairy industry a large
contributor to the total beef supply. Dairy producers in the Tulare area
will have an opportunity to learn more about their role in the beef
business, as well as some practical considerations for managing and
marketing their dairy cows on Sept. 30 at Tulare Sales Yard, Inc. The
program “Managing and Marketing your Cull Cows” will include the release of
a new beef quality assurance (BQA) manual developed specifically for dairy
producers by the California Beef Council (CBC). Additionally, speakers Drs.
Jim Reynolds, DVM, a clinician based at the Veterinary Medicine Teaching and
Research Center, Tulare, and John Maas, UC Extension Beef Veterinarian will
offer producers insight regarding on-farm animal welfare assessments, as
well as information about the uses of dairy beef in the meat supply. Dr.
Reynolds will also discuss practical considerations for on-farm euthanasia.
The program will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at Tulare Sales
Yard, Inc. ,4013 S K St. Tulare 93274 and will conclude by 4:30 PM. Lunch
and all educational materials will be provided to participants
free-of-charge. Further information is available by contacting Holly Foster
at 530.570.0757 or holly@calbeef.org.
Sept. 19, 2008 Beef Council Press Release
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. To view a sample letter, please click here. Letters
should be sent by fax (916) 558 3160
to:
The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California,
Attention: Michael Prosio
Aug. 29,
2008
ACTION ALERT: Ask Governor to veto raw milk bill - - Sept. 5, 2008 - - Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) has successfully pushed a bill through the Legislature providing the two raw milk producer/processors in the state with a poorly written alternative to healthy standards for their products. SB 201 keeps in place a Coliform standard for unpasteurized, guaranteed raw milk products signed into law last year by the Governor. SB 201 allows raw milk dairies to select an alternative to the Coliform standard by implementing a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan (HACCP) approved in content by both CDFA and the State Department of Public Health (DPH). Gary Conover, WUD’s director of Government Relations, pointed out the bill’s flaws: “The new legislation does not provide enough guidance for the two raw milk dairies in California to develop HACCP plans that will actually protect raw milk product consumers from dangerous bacteria and pathogens that are difficult to control in unpasteurized products.” In addition, Conover notes, “The Senator and sponsor failed to secure the participation of the oversight agencies to develop more detailed provisions in the HACCP plan. The language in the legislation does not provide CDFA and DPH will needed enforcement in order to protect consumers. For these reasons, both Western United Dairymen and the Dairy Institute strongly opposed the bill, citing the need to ensure consumers of raw milk product they will unequivocally receive the same high standard of health protection all other milk product consumers receive. Several serious health problems have occurred in the last several years from the consumption of raw milk products.” WUD and DI will request a veto by the Governor citing the bill’s flaws. SB 201 has the potential of removing a health protection standard that has worked well since its adoption into law on January 1 of this year. Abandoning the Coliform protection for consumers would be a serious mistake. WUD members: Contact your creamery and ask that they communicate with the Governor and encourage his veto of SB 201 (Florez). Sept. 9, 2008
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008
California loses bovine TB-free status - -
California is losing its bovine tuberculosis-free status and anyone shipping
beef or dairy cattle out of California now must deal with the
repercussions. According to the USDA, the change in the state's status was
to become official on Thursday, Sept. 18. At press time Wednesday, the
status was to be downgraded to "modified accredited advanced," meaning
breeding animals being moved out of state must have tested clean within the
past 60 days. The exceptions are cattle headed to feedlots or slaughter. The
California Cattlemen's Association had sought exemptions for beef cattle
coming from areas not linked to the tuberculosis outbreak. Matt Byrne,
spokesman for the association, said Wednesday, Sept. 17, he didn't think
they would win that exemption. In 2007, California had 700,000 head of beef
cattle and 1.7 million head of dairy cows, according to California
Department of Food and Agriculture. Dairy cows are more likely to be
imported into California and relatively few cattle are sent out state,
according to Mike Marsh of Western United Dairymen.
<more> Sept. 17, 2008 Capital Press
California production cost averages $18.04 -
- The price of corn has risen by 34 percent and hay has increased by 23
percent since last year at this time. Wheat, almond hulls, soybeans and
other feedstuffs have also risen in price. These increased prices have led
to a rise in the average cost of production. In California, the average cost
of production is $18.04 per hundredweight, and the minimum price for milk is
$16.22, says Tiffany LaMendola, director of economic analysis for Western
United Dairymen. “Some of these guys are definitely seeing negative
margins,” she says. In the northern coastal region of California, they are
facing production costs of more than $20 per hundredweight. The California
Department of Food and Agriculture recently lowered the price of milk paid
to the producer. A petition has been filed to increase the price paid to
producers. The petition was filed by Western United Dairymen, the Alliance
of Western Milk Producers and the California Dairy Women. Sept. 17, 208
Dairy Herd Management
China: tainted milk scandal spreads, 3rd baby
dies - - Tainted milk formula in China has killed three babies and
sickened 6,200 in a spreading scandal that prompted three more companies —
including China's biggest dairy — to recall products, the health minister
said Wednesday. Health Minister Chen Zhu said he expects the numbers of
affected babies to increase as "more and more parents take kids to the
hospital." About 20 percent of the dairy companies tested nationwide had
sold products tainted with melamine, officials said. Suppliers to the
companies are thought to have added the banned chemical, normally used in
plastics, to watered-down milk to make it appear higher in protein. The
companies included Mengniu Dairy, China's biggest milk company, which said
it was recalling its baby formula after government tests found melamine in
the product.
<more> Sept. 17, 2008 AP
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. To view a sample letter, please click here. Letters
should be sent by fax (916) 558 3160
to:
The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California,
Attention: Michael Prosio
Aug. 29,
2008
ACTION ALERT: Ask Governor to veto raw milk bill - - Sept. 5, 2008 - - Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) has successfully pushed a bill through the Legislature providing the two raw milk producer/processors in the state with a poorly written alternative to healthy standards for their products. SB 201 keeps in place a Coliform standard for unpasteurized, guaranteed raw milk products signed into law last year by the Governor. SB 201 allows raw milk dairies to select an alternative to the Coliform standard by implementing a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan (HACCP) approved in content by both CDFA and the State Department of Public Health (DPH). Gary Conover, WUD’s director of Government Relations, pointed out the bill’s flaws: “The new legislation does not provide enough guidance for the two raw milk dairies in California to develop HACCP plans that will actually protect raw milk product consumers from dangerous bacteria and pathogens that are difficult to control in unpasteurized products.” In addition, Conover notes, “The Senator and sponsor failed to secure the participation of the oversight agencies to develop more detailed provisions in the HACCP plan. The language in the legislation does not provide CDFA and DPH will needed enforcement in order to protect consumers. For these reasons, both Western United Dairymen and the Dairy Institute strongly opposed the bill, citing the need to ensure consumers of raw milk product they will unequivocally receive the same high standard of health protection all other milk product consumers receive. Several serious health problems have occurred in the last several years from the consumption of raw milk products.” WUD and DI will request a veto by the Governor citing the bill’s flaws. SB 201 has the potential of removing a health protection standard that has worked well since its adoption into law on January 1 of this year. Abandoning the Coliform protection for consumers would be a serious mistake. WUD members: Contact your creamery and ask that they communicate with the Governor and encourage his veto of SB 201 (Florez). Sept. 9, 2008
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008
CWT Finishes Fifth Herd Retirement Round, Removes
25,000 Cows - – Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has completed the
farm audits of its fifth herd retirement round conducted earlier this
summer, resulting in the removal of 24,860 cows representing 436 million
pounds of milk. At the end of the on-farm auditing process, CWT removed 203
herds in 37 states. It had received 607 bids from 41 states during the
bidding process. As has been the case with its previous herd retirement
rounds, most of the cows removed were in the western regions of the country.
This round also removed 275 bred heifers. The average accepted bid in this
round was $6.10 per hundredweight. “As CWT has done since its first herd
retirement in 2003, we took out the most milk we could while paying a
reasonable price to the farmers whose bids were accepted. As always, we pay
an average price that reflects current market conditions,” said Jim
Tillison, Chief Operating Officer of CWT, adding that the average accepted
bid in 2008 was slightly higher than in 2007, but lower than in 2005.
<more> Sept. 16, 2008 CWT Press Release
Alaska Creamery Case Has Palin Critics Taking Aim at
Fiscal-Conservative Claim - - Republican vice-presidential nominee Sarah
Palin promotes herself as a small-government conservative. But when Alaska
government officials wanted to shut down a money-losing creamery, the
governor overturned the decision after dairy farmers near her hometown
complained the loss of subsidies would cripple them. On June 8, 2007, a
board overseeing the 71-year-old state-run Matanuska Maid creamery announced
the business would close after amassing $1.5 million in red ink since 2005,
the result of a run-up in milk prices and other essentials. "I feel we are
safeguarding the public interest in the decision that has been made," Mac
Carter, chairman of the Alaska Creamery Board, said in a letter to the Palin
administration. Gov. Sarah Palin overturned a decision to close a
money-losing creamery. On June 16, 2007, Gov. Palin attended a rally by
dairy farmers near her hometown of Wasilla who pleaded that the creamery
stay open to help them and other members of the local dairy industry.
"Things are kind of a mess right now with what's happening with Mat-Maid,
and we're going to clean it up," the governor said at the event. She then
sacked the creamery board and replaced it. The new board, headed by one of
her childhood friends, ordered the creamery kept open. Six months later --
after the business racked up more than $800,000 in additional losses,
according to state officials -- the new board ordered it closed again.
<more> Sept. 16, 2008 Wall Street Journal
Probe finds 20 percent of China milk companies in
scandal - - Twenty percent of Chinese dairy firms probed in the wake of
a baby milk health scare have been found to have produced melamine-tainted
formula, state media reported on Tuesday. Chinese quality officials last
week ordered a nationwide probe into all baby milk powders after it was
reported that dozens of children had developed kidney stones after drinking
tainted formula produced by the Sanlu Group. Two infants have since died and
more than 1,200 diagnosed with kidney illness in a growing scandal that
authorities have warned may be yet to peak. The head of the state-owned
company has been sacked.
<more> Sept. 16, 2008 Reuters
Joseph Farms Cheese wins several awards in
competitions - - Joseph Gallo Farms, maker of Joseph Farms Cheese, has
been honored with several awards at various recent competitions. At the Los
Angeles County Fair, Joseph Farms stole the show, winning eight Gold Medals
– for Monterey Jack, Marbled Jack, Pepper Jack, Gouda, Mozzarella, Muenster,
Sharp Cheddar, and Extra Sharp Aged Cheddar (2+ years) -- plus Silver Medals
for both their Mild Cheddar and Provolone and a Bronze Medal for its Medium
Cheddar. At the California State Fair, Joseph Farms Cheese won a Gold Medal
for their Pepper Jack cheese as well as Bronze Medals for their Monterey
Jack and Marbled Jack cheeses. At the renowned World Dairy Expo Championship
held in Madison, Wisconsin, Joseph Farms received international recognition
after its Monterey Jack cheese was selected second in its category, out of a
record 405 entries for all categories. The Merced County Fair annually holds
a Grade A milk competition, which includes several surrounding counties.
Joseph Gallo Farms proudly took home the highly coveted first place award
for an independent milk producer. Tested for purity, overall quality and
taste, they were acknowledged as a premier California milk producer. Carl
Morris, General Manager, said, "Our vertical integration allows us to
oversee every aspect of the process: from the feed we grow, to the treatment
of our cows, to the cheese we make. It is our goal to surpass industry
standards and to give our consumers the healthiest and best tasting cheese
possible." Mike Gallo, CEO, said, "We here at Joseph Gallo Farms are deeply
honored to have received the numerous awards for our cheese over the years.
However, the praise that means most to us is from our loyal customers and
their families. As a family business, we always have family in mind when we
make our all-natural cheese - - your family and ours.” Sept. 15, 2008
Joseph Farms Press Release
Schwarzenegger says he will veto Calif. Budget
- - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday rejected the budget passed
hours earlier by the Legislature, pledging to veto it for failing to meet
his reform demands and solve California's persistent fiscal problems. If
Schwarzenegger follows through on his threat, it would mark the first time
in modern history that a California governor would veto a state spending
plan. It set in motion a historic showdown with the Democratically
controlled Legislature, which has said it is prepared to override the
pending veto. Schwarzenegger's announcement, with a veto coming as soon as
Wednesday, came after a record-long stalemate that forced the state to delay
billions of dollars in payments to schools, medical clinics, daycare centers
and state vendors. Lawmakers finally cobbled together a patchwork spending
plan on the 78th day after the start of the fiscal year, passing a $143
billion budget shortly after 2 a.m. Tuesday. He called the budget
irresponsible and said the reforms it contained were phony.<more>
Sept. 16, 2008 Fresno Bee
Another labor voices opposition to Prop. 2- - UNITE HERE has joined the United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council (UFCW) and other leading labor unions and business organizations in the fight to stop the dangerous and costly Prop. 2 ballot initiative, ‘Standards for Confining Farm Animals. Initiative Statute.’ UNITE-HERE, represents 80,000 hotel and restaurant workers in California and UFCW represents 190,000 food and commercial workers in California and the western US. “It has become increasingly clear that Prop. 2 hurts California consumers and working families by driving up the cost of eggs, risking food safety and making Californians dependent on foreign-produced eggs,” said George Landers, Executive Director of the UFCW Western States Council. “We are proud to join Californians for SAFE Food and the growing coalition to stop Prop. 2 from hurting workers, families and consumers in California.” <more> Sept. 16, 2008 No on Prop. 2 Press Release
Monday, Sept. 15, 2008
Economy's downturn hits Central Valley milk
producers - - Once again, too much of a good thing is causing distress
in the dairy industry. Foster Farms Dairy, one of the largest processors in
the Northern San Joaquin Valley, is ending contracts with some of the
30-plus farmers who supply it with milk. The Modesto-based company cited an
oversupply resulting from reduced demand in the sluggish economy. It
declined to say how many farmers are affected, or what proportion of its
milk supply they produce. It's also not known how the company determined
which contracts to cancel. Because of a lack of capacity at other processors
in the region, these farmers face the prospect of going out of business.
"We're going to try to find someone else, but right now there's no one to
pick up our milk," said Tom Marchy, a Waterford-area dairyman who will stop
selling to Foster Farms on Nov. 1.
<more> Sept. 14, 2008 Modesto Bee
Falling milk prices, higher feed prices hurt
dairy farmers - - Dairy farmers dealing with falling milk prices are
also seeing all their feed prices soar. Led by high alfalfa prices, dairymen
all over the state have seen their prices for corn, wheat, almond hulls,
soybeans and other feedstuffs rise during the past year. "Dry roughage,
which is hay, has gone up 23 percent since last year at this time," said
Tiffany LaMendola, director of economic analysis for Western United
Dairymen. Add to that the price of corn, which has gone up 34 percent since
last year, and dairy farmers are scrambling to find ways to keep their cows
healthy and productive. "The average cost of production for dairymen is
$18.04 per hundredweight (of milk)," LaMendola said. "But the minimum price
for milk is $16.22 (per hundredweight). Some of these guys are definitely
seeing negative margins."
<more> Sept. 13, 2008 Merced Sun-Star
CWT finalizes fifth herd retirement program -
- Cooperatives Working Together has completed the farm audits of its fifth
herd retirement round conducted earlier this summer, resulting in the
removal of 24,860 cows representing 436 million pounds of milk. At the end
of the on-farm auditing process, CWT accepted bids from 203 herds in 37
states. It had received 607 bids from 41 states during the bidding process.
As has been the case with its previous herd retirement rounds, the West had
the most production removed, 8,793 cows representing 37% of the milk taken
out. The West also had the highest average bid price, $6.35. Average bid in
the Midwest was $6.01. The Southwest had the lowest bid, $5.98. The national
average bid was $6.10 per hundredweight. This round also removed 275 bred
heifers.
<more> Sept. 15, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Aggressive bull kills Tulare high school ag
teacher - - A high school agriculture teacher was killed by an
aggressive bull Sunday morning at the high school farm in Tulare while
herding milk cows, school officials said this morning. Max Corbett, 61, the
dairy and farm manager of the Tulare Joint Union High School District farm,
was attacked about 7:45 a.m. His wife, Mary Corbett, witnessed the attack
and called 911, according to a statement issued by the school district.
"It's a shocker for all of us," said Alfonso Gamino, assistant
superintendent for human resources. "He was someone who touched many lives
personally. We lost a loved one."
<more> Sept. 15, 2008 Fresno Bee
Judge asked to invalidate Valley water contracts
-- A federal judge is weighing a request by environmentalists to invalidate
42 water contracts associated with the Central Valley Water Project. U.S.
District Court Judge Oliver Wanger heard arguments Friday that the contracts
should be rewritten because they were based on flawed environmental data
regarding the effects of water pumping on a threatened fish that lives in
the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. "First there must be a decision as to how
much water is needed for the Delta smelt, and that's what's the problem
here," argued Jaime Crook, an attorney for the environmental groups. "They
are signing 40-year contracts, and it's a significant commitment of water."
In December Wanger ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to prepare a
new environmental assessment by 2009. Until then, environmentalists argue,
the old data should not be used in determining how much water users receive
from the federal canals that divert delta water from the wet north to 25
million Californians in the arid south. Southern and Central California
farmers already suffering from drought say they will get less water from the
delta if those contracts are invalidated. Sept. 13, 2008 AP
Legislative leaders strike compromise budget deal
- - Legislative leaders said Sunday they have a compromise deal on an
11-week-late state budget that calls for no tax increases, no borrowing from
local governments or other state special funds – and which makes no one
happy. Emerging from a weekend meeting in the office of Senate GOP leader
Dave Cogdill of Modesto, the quartet declined to give specific details of
their compromise plan, saying they wanted to talk to their respective
caucuses first. But they did say the plan closes part of the $15.2 billion
gap in the $103.4 billion budget for the fiscal year that began July 1 with
$9 billion in spending cuts. The rest of the gap will be patched through
closing tax loopholes and "accelerated revenue collections," an accounting
term for collecting some one-time revenue in this fiscal year rather than
the next.
<more> Sept. 15, 2008 Sacramento Bee
California Bond Deal Earns 9% and Turns Cow
Manure to Natural Gas - - What's the price of turning cow manure into
natural gas? A 9% tax-free interest rate, according to a private-activity
bond issue that closed recently in California. Environmental Power Corp.
announced this month that it had closed on the $62.4 million bond
transaction, a private placement issued through the California Statewide
Communities Development Authority and underwritten by Ziegler Capital
Markets. The proceeds will finance manure-to-natural gas facilities in
Fresno and Kings counties, serving three different dairies in each county.
Environmental Power's wholly owned subsidiary, Microgy Inc. of Colorado,
will install anaerobic digesters that process manure from the dairies, and
"other agricultural- and food-based residuals," to produce natural gas,
according to a staff report prepared by the California Debt Limit Allocation
Committee, which authorized the private-activity bond allocation. The
California projects follow the template Microgy created in Texas, where it
financed similar projects using $60 million in environmental facilities
revenue bonds issued in 2006 through the Gulf Coast Industrial Development
Authority. The company plans to build and own anaerobic digesters, and sell
the energy they produce, either as "pipeline-quality natural gas," or as
propane, or by generating electricity with the gas. Environmental Power
contracted with utility Pacific Gas and Electric to take natural gas
produced at its planned California facilities. The company says it can
charge a premium for its renewable natural gas because utilities such as
PG&E face regulatory mandates to grow their renewable energy portfolios. The
future development of carbon-credit trading and greenhouse gas offset
allowances are also "a potentially lucrative revenue source," according to
an investor presentation on its Web site. Sept. 15, 2008 The
BondBuyer.com
Tainted formula again raises concerns about
Chinese products - - A scandal over tainted infant formula spread Monday
as authorities acknowledged that as many as 10,000 babies may have ingested
milk powder laced with the same chemical found in contaminated pet-food
exports last year that caused scores of U.S. animals to die. The admission
cast a cloud over China's dairy industry, and New Zealand's prime minister
accused China of covering up the contamination until she blew the whistle.
Inspectors fanned across China for rush inspections of the nation's 175 baby
formula producers to try to rebuild confidence in dairy products among
stunned consumers. Following the success of the Beijing Summer Olympics last
month, the infant-formula scandal is proving an embarrassment to the
government, showing it has yet to ensure food safety despite a string of
global recalls last year involving Chinese products, including tainted
toothpaste and key ingredients used in pet food.
<more> Sept. 15, 2008 McClathcy Newspapers
China says company knew of tainted milk for weeks
- - China's health minister blamed a dairy Saturday for the delay in
warning the public about tainted milk powder linked to kidney stones in
infants and at least one death, as authorities increased the number of known
sick babies to 432. The incident has been an embarrassing failure for
China's product safety system, which was overhauled in an attempt to restore
consumer confidence after a string of recalls and warnings around the world
over tainted toothpaste, faulty tires and other Chinese-made goods.
Officials complained they were not alerted to the milk problem until Monday
even though the product's maker, Sanlu Group Co., had received complaints as
early as March and its tests found a banned chemical in the milk powder in
August. The company ordered a recall Thursday.
<more> Sept. 13, 2008 AP
California State Fire Fighters Association
opposes Prop. 2 - - The California State Firefighters’ Association (CSFA)
has announced their opposition to Prop. 2, ‘Standards for Confining Farm
Animals. Initiative Statute’ because of the many negative public health
implications inherent in the measure, and has joined Californians for SAFE
Food in the fight to stop the dangerous and costly Prop. 2 ballot
initiative. “Proposition 2 will jeopardize food safety and public health by
increasing the public’s exposure to dangerous Salmonella contamination and
deadly Bird Flu, which is unacceptable to the California State Firefighters’
Association,” said Kevin Nida, President, California State Firefighters’
Association. “The CSFA represents the state’s first responders and strongly
opposes any measure that puts the public at risk – Prop. 2 clearly falls
into that category.”
<more>
Sept. 13, 2008 Non on Prop. 2 campaign
Update on DHS and Social Security No-Match
letters - - By Michael C. Saqui and Anthony P. Raimondo - - Employers
may receive a trick or a treat this year. A status conference scheduled for
September
12, 2008, was vacated and rescheduled for October 31, 2008. On October 10,
2007, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued
a preliminary injunction in AFL-CIO, et al. v. Chertoff, et al. (N.D. Cal.
Case No. 07-CV-4472 CRB). The preliminary injunction enjoins and restrains
the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration
from implementing the controversial Final Rule entitled "Safe-Harbor
Procedures for Employers Who Receive a "No-Match" Letter.” The Final
Rule would amend the regulations relating to the unlawful hiring or
continued employment of unauthorized aliens. The amended regulation outlines
steps an employer would be required to take in response to receiving a
no-match letter from the Social Security Administration indicating that an
employee’s name does not match the social security number on file. If the
business completed various actions to rectify the no-match within 90 days of
receiving the letter, the business would have a safe harbor from the
no-match letter being used against them in an enforcement action.
Specifically, upon receipt of a no-match letter, employers would be required
to: 1. Verify within 30 days that the mismatch was not the result of a
record-keeping error on the employer’s part; 2. Request that the employee
confirm the accuracy of employment records; 3. Ask the employee to resolve
the issue with SSA; 4. If these steps lead to resolution of the problem,
follow instructions on the no-match letter itself to correct information
with SSA, and retain a record of the verification with SSA; and 5. Where the
information could not be corrected, complete a new I-9 form without using
the questionable Social Security number and instead using documentation
presented by the employee that conforms to the I-9 document identity
requirements and includes a photograph and other biographic data. Employers
unable to confirm employment through these procedures would risk liability
for violating the law by knowingly continuing to employ unauthorized
persons. <more> Sept.
15, 2008
Think tank solutions run dry in our valley -
- Most likely, the Pacific Institute is sincere in suggesting ways to save
water. Last week, the Oakland-based think tank issued a study that said if
valley farmers would just be a little water-wiser, the state could save a
lot of liquid. The co-authors even suggested that 20 reservoirs could be
filled with the water saved by simply using better conservation methods down
on the farm. So why build even two more reservoirs -- as Gov.
Schwarzenegger, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and many who depend on water are
urging -- when all we have to do is re-educate a few wasteful farmers?
Perhaps the study's conclusions are applicable in some areas of the valley,
but if we followed all of co-author Peter Gleick's suggestions around here,
we could end up with thousands of thirsty city dwellers and ruined cropland.
<more> Sept. 14, 2008 Modesto Bee Editorial
A Little Grass Called "Brachypodium" Will Be a Big Help in Biofuels Research - - A short little grass known as purple false brome may speed discoveries about switchgrass, its famous cousin and energy-crop hopeful. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists like John Vogel and Yong Gu at the agency's Western Regional Research Center in Albany, Calif., are probing the genetic makeup of purple false brome, or Brachypodium distachyon, as a faster way to learn more about the genes inside switchgrass. Brachypodium (pronounced BRACKY-poe-dee-umm) accelerates energy-crop research because its genome, or genetic material, is significantly smaller than that of switchgrass, according to Vogel. The smaller genome means Brachypodium's genome can be studied in depth in a shorter amount of time than it would take to scrutinize the switchgrass genome. <more> Sept. 15, 2008 ARS Press Release
Friday, Sept. 12, 2008
USDA
cuts estimates for corn, soybean harvests - - The Agriculture Department
on Friday reduced its forecast for this year's corn and soybean harvests due
to dryer weather in Ohio and other key states, potentially leading to higher
commodity prices. U.S. corn production will be 12.1 billion bushels, down
from its 12.3 billion estimate last month, the USDA said. The soybean crop
is projected to be slightly lower, at 2.93 billion bushels, down from its
earlier estimate of 2.97 billion. While the predicted corn crop will be 8
percent below last year's, it would still be the second largest on record.
The soybean crop would be 13 percent higher than last year's and the fourth
largest ever. That represents a major turnaround from earlier this summer,
when some analysts feared the Midwestern floods in June had devastated the
crops and would make already-expensive agricultural commodities even
pricier.
<more> Sept. 12, 2008 AP
Raw
cream from Valley dairy recalled - - Grade A raw cream produced by
Organic Pastures of Fresno County -- with the code date SEP 12 -- was
recalled by the state Thursday. The quarantine order was announced by State
Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer and came after the detection of
Campylobacter bacteria was confirmed in the cream Thursday, officials said.
Mark McAfee, the owner of Organic Pastures dairy in Kerman, said the recall
was part of a "no illness event." "There are no illnesses from raw cream
being reported, and it is very old product already," he said. "We are
cooperating with [the California Department of Food and Agriculture] out of
an abundance of caution." He said cross contamination from other products
tested could have occurred.
<more> Sept. 12, 2008 Fresno Bee
Smelt
again at center of water conflict. Environmentalists want 3 dozen contracts
canceled or reworked- - Environmentalists want the federal government to
cancel or renegotiate more than three dozen long-term water contracts in the
Central Valley because they say they were drawn up using flawed data. If the
request is approved by U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger, agricultural users
both north and south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta say it would likely
mean less water for them. Some say the environmentalists' request has the
potential to turn the state's intricately woven water world upside down.
That's because some Sacramento River users say that if there's no federal
contract, they should be able to reassert their longtime state water rights
-- a claim that could devastate the Westlands Water District and even hurt
the Friant Water Users Authority and other San Joaquin River water users.
<more> Sept. 12, 2008 Fresno Bee
Palin
asks Schwarzenegger to veto fees aimed at cutting pollution at California
ports - - Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican candidate for vice
president, has urged Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto a fee on cargo
containers going through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, setting
off a wave of criticism from California environmentalists. Palin's letter to
Schwarzenegger is dated Aug. 28 -- one day before presidential candidate and
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) announced that he had picked her as his running
mate. The letter argues that both consumers and the economy in California
and Alaska would suffer as a result of the fee. Though the issue might
otherwise be viewed as a relatively parochial port matter, Palin's newfound
status as a national political figure has raised the stakes in what state
environmentalists consider to be their most important pollution reduction
effort this year. They say Palin has no business getting involved in the
California issue.
<more> Sept. 12, 2008 LA Times
Assembly ag chair Galgiani first to back gov's budget - - With the state
budget stalemate 73 days old, Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani, D-Stockton,
has become the first lawmaker -- Democratic or Republican -- to officially
endorse the budget compromise put forth by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The
moderate Central Valley Democrat said, "I have decided to break ranks with
both my Democratic and Republican colleagues. I am rejecting both sides'
budget proposals and will vote for the taxpayers." "It's time for someone to
step across the partisan divide and on to responsible common ground. I am
doing so, and I invite Democrats and Republicans to join me," she added.
<more> Sept. 12, 2008 Sacramento Bee
China launches nationwide baby formula probe - - China's government vowed "serious punishment" on Friday after a major dairy recalled 700 tons of milk powder linked to a rash of kidney stones in infants in a case that reignited fears about Chinese product safety. U.S. authorities warned American consumers to avoid all Chinese infant formula. A New Zealand company that owns a stake in the Chinese producer said it believed none of the powder was exported from China. Sanlu Group Co., China's biggest milk powder producer, ordered the recall after more than 50 babies suffered kidney stones and one died, the official Xinhua News Agency said. It said tests found it was tainted with melamine, a chemical used in plastics. "Those responsible will face serious punishment," said a Health Ministry spokesman, Mao Qunan, quoted by Xinhua. The agency said investigators concluded the chemical was added when the milk was purchased from farmers but gave no other details. It said 78 "suspicious people" were summoned for questioning. <more> Sept. 12, 2008 AP
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
‘Organic Pastures’
raw cream recall announced by CDFA - - Grade A raw cream produced by
Organic Pastures of Fresno County – product with the code date SEP 12— is
the subject of a statewide recall and quarantine order announced by
California State Veterinarian Dr. Richard Breitmeyer. The quarantine order
came following the detection of campylobacter bacteria in the cream. The
detection was confirmed this morning. Campylobacter is one of the most
common causes of food-borne illness in the United States. At this point, no
illnesses have been reported. People with symptoms who consumed this product
should consult their physicians. Under the recall, Organic Pastures Grade A
raw cream labeled with a SEP 12 code date is to be pulled immediately from
retail shelves and consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any product
remaining in their refrigerators.
<more> Sept. 11, 2008 CDFA Press Release
Martin
Sheen is spokesman for raw milk at LA press conference – The appearance
of actor Martin Sheen at a press conference hosted by Organic Pastures owner
Mark McAfee is reported on in the Haphazard Gourmet Girls blog.
Click here to read the entry. Sept. 1, 2008 Haphazard Gourmet Girls
State's farm revenue hits record. International demand for dairy products
helped push numbers - - A new report has some good news for California
agriculture: Farm revenues reached a record in 2007. The USDA’s National
Agricultural Statistics Service and Economic Research Service reported that
California's 75,000 farms and ranches received $36.6 billion for their
output in 2007, up from $31.8 billion in 2006. The previous record was set
in 2005 when revenues totaled $32.4 billion. The dairy industry had the
biggest gains, showing a 15 percent rise in sales value. The report said
dairy producers received $7.33 billion in 2007, $4.49 billion more than in
2006. At the same time, California dairy farms increased output 4.8 percent
in 2007 and milk prices rose from $11.58 to $18.03 per hundred pounds of
milk sold. The report also stated that California produced 22 percent of the
U.S. milk supply in 2007, most of it used for cheese and butter production.
Michael Marsh, chief executive officer of Western United Dairymen, said
dairy producers saw a much-needed market adjustment in 2007. It followed
2006's very low milk prices and a deadly heat wave that killed 20,000 head
of cattle and as many as 13,000 calves, and upward pressure on corn prices
that began at the end of 2005. "In 2007, the farmers made back most of what
they lost in 2006," Marsh said.
<more> Sept. 11, 2008 Capital Press
CHP
authorizes revised securement rules for hay haulers- - Thanks to an
exemption approved by the California Highway Patrol, California hay haulers
are able to operate under revised cargo securement regulations that ensure
the stability of loads while calling for fewer straps than are required for
general cargo securement. "This exemption will allow hay haulers to utilize
scientifically proven cargo securement methods that are safer for the
truckers and those on the roadways," said Emily Robidart, director of field
crops and farm policy for the California Farm Bureau Federation. "Without
the exemption, haulers would be required to comply with the general cargo
securement regulations put into place last year that would require
additional straps and take more time per load to secure. This exemption
allows haulers to use the new methods while enforcement officers get the
necessary training to implement the new regulations."
<more> Sept. 11, 2008 Ag Alert
Dry
times put extra focus on groundwater - - Some rely on it as their sole
source of supply. Others count on it as a crucial supplement when
alternative sources are restricted. And many farmers describe groundwater as
an increasing source of worry. The combination of drought and court-imposed
water cutbacks has put more pressure on the state's groundwater resources.
Farmers like Tulare County walnut grower Terry Langiano say they must dig
deeper to find water and they worry that not enough is being done to assure
reliable supplies from both underground and surface water sources.
<more> Sept. 11, 2008 Ag Alert
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. To view a sample letter, please click here. Letters
should be sent by fax (916) 558 3160
to:
The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California,
Attention: Michael Prosio
Aug. 29,
2008
ACTION ALERT: Ask Governor
to veto raw milk bill - - Sept. 5, 2008 - - Sen. Dean Florez
(D-Shafter) has successfully pushed a bill through the Legislature providing
the two raw milk producer/processors in the state with a poorly written
alternative to healthy standards for their products. SB 201 keeps in place a
Coliform standard for unpasteurized, guaranteed raw milk products signed
into law last year by the Governor. SB 201 allows raw milk dairies to select
an alternative to the Coliform standard by implementing a Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Point plan (HACCP) approved in content by both CDFA and the
State Department of Public Health (DPH). Gary Conover, WUD’s director
of Government Relations, pointed out the bill’s flaws: “The new legislation
does not provide enough guidance for the two raw milk dairies in California
to develop HACCP plans that will actually protect raw milk product consumers
from dangerous bacteria and pathogens that are difficult to control in
unpasteurized products.” In addition, Conover notes, “The Senator and
sponsor failed to secure the participation of the oversight agencies to
develop more detailed provisions in the HACCP plan. The language in the
legislation does not provide CDFA and DPH will needed enforcement in order
to protect consumers. For these reasons, both Western United Dairymen and
the Dairy Institute strongly opposed the bill, citing the need to ensure
consumers of raw milk product they will unequivocally receive the same high
standard of health protection all other milk product consumers receive.
Several serious health problems have occurred in the last several years from
the consumption of raw milk products.” WUD and DI will request a veto by the
Governor citing the bill’s flaws. SB 201 has the potential of removing a
health protection standard that has worked well since its adoption into law
on January 1 of this year. Abandoning the Coliform protection for consumers
would be a serious mistake. WUD members: Contact your creamery and ask
that they communicate with the Governor and encourage his veto of SB 201
(Florez). Sept. 9, 2008
Money,
health at center of fight over diesel rules - - They have been
overshadowed by the state budget free-fall and California’s greenhouse gas
emissions law, but looming regulations to curb diesel soot from a million
trucks and school buses are certain to have enormous public health and
financial impacts here while serving as a national model. The financial
impact alone could be far greater than the planned multibillion-dollar
market structure of the better-known greenhouse gas law. The Air Resources
Board, which enforces air-quality standards in California, is expected to
approve the new on-road diesel rules on Dec. 11-12—two months later than
originally scheduled, in part because analysts need to cull through
voluminous data and review material from the diesel industry, fleet owners,
environmentalists and others.
<more> Sept. 11 ,2008 Capitol Weekly
USDA
downgrades NM's bovine TB-free status - - New Mexico has lost its status
as a bovine tuberculosis free state. State officials say that decision is
excessive and could cost ranching and dairy operations unnecessary tests.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that because two herds have been
found in New Mexico's accredited free-zone since May 2007, the zone no
longer met federal requirements. The USDA says downgrading New Mexico was
necessary to reduce the likelihood of the spread of bovine tuberculosis
within the United States. The USDA decision had been expected. Bovine TB was
discovered in 2003 in Curry and Roosevelt counties, then this spring a
single cow in a Curry County feedlot was found to be infected. Sept. 11,
2008 AP
Green
Power Generated From Cow Manure Flows on Ohio Electric Cooperative Lines
-- A herd of 3,900 dairy cows in northern Ohio is producing milk and
renewable energy in the state's first-ever project to capture methane from
manure for generation of electricity. Bridgewater Dairy in Williams County
on August 28 fired up two generators at its new anaerobic biodigester
facility and began flowing green power to Buckeye Power, Inc., and Ohio's
rural electric cooperatives. Buckeye Power, Inc., has a contract with
Bridgewater Dairy to purchase all of the electricity and use it to provide
green energy to the state's 24 electric cooperatives. North Western Electric
Cooperative in Bryan, Ohio, provided the grid interconnection via a
three-phase circuit on its 12.4-kilovolt system.
<more> Sept. 11, 2008 Buckeye Power Press Release
Wisconsin’s increased milk production poses processing challenges - - A new report says growth in Wisconsin’s dairy industry could mean milk production will eventually exceed the state’s capacity to process and store it. University of Wisconsin-Madison dairy economist Bob Cropp says the state produced about 24 billion pounds of milk in 2007. He says Wisconsin’s current plant capacity is about 28 billion pounds. Cropp says if an investment in expanded capacity is not made within 5 years, dairy farmers would have to move their milk greater distances. A survey by the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association shows dairy producers in Wisconsin are taking steps toward expansion, by making plans to invest $116 million dollars in building and modernization projects. Sept. 11,2 008 AP
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 1008
Monsanto
CEO: Water Debate Will 'Dwarf' Food Vs Fuel - - The top executive at
Monsanto Co. (MON) said the contest for scarce global water resources will
soon overshadow the current food-versus-fuel debate. "I think that the
conversation around food scarcity will be dwarfed by water utilization," said
Hugh Grant, chairman and chief executive of the U.S. agribusiness group at a
conference in Kansas City, Mo. Grant also said United Nations estimates for
global food needs over the next 50 years underestimated the impact of water
shortages. A fierce debate has emerged in the U.S. and other large
agricultural producing nations over the competing use of crops - notably corn
- for human and animal feed or renewable fuels such as ethanol. Grant has
argued in the past that food and fuel needs were not exclusive as
technological advances would help boost yields to meet surging demand. "I
think there's going to be a thirstier 50 years to come," said Grant, referring
to a UN forecast that the world would need to produce as much food in the next
five decades as in the past 10,000 years. "There's no new water." Sept. 10,
2008 Dow Jones Newswires
Obama tells U.S. farmers he backs ethanol mandate
- - Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama told farmers on Tuesday that
he backs the federal requirement to use ethanol as a way to reduce reliance on
oil imports. The alternative fuel, distilled mostly from corn (maize), is
popular in farm country, particularly the U.S. Midwest. But sky-high grain
prices and rising food prices have led to suggestions to relax the so-called
renewable fuels standard. Federal law calls for use of 9 billion gallons of
ethanol as motor fuel this year. A week ago, the Republican National
Convention called for an end to ethanol mandates, in line with the views of
its nominee, John McCain.
<more> Sept. 10 ,2008 Reuters
Hotline To The Cowshed - - A wireless measuring
system, consisting of sensors and transmission units, helps to keep livestock
healthier with a minimum use of resources. Gone are the good old days when
farmers knew all their cows by name. There is little time left for the animals
in today’s dairy industry. And it is easy to overlook the first signs of
disease. This situation can now be remedied by a tiny sensor in the cow’s
rumen, which monitors the animal’s state of health and raises the alarm in
good time. The system determines the pH level and the temperature inside the
cow’s rumen. The data are wirelessly transmitted to an external receiver
module in the animal’s collar via an encapsulated measuring probe. A network
of sensors forwards the signals to a central database. The farmer immediately
receives a warning if the readings are above or below a reference value. At
present, the pH level in the rumen can only be measured via pharyngeal probes.
<more> Sept. 10, 2008 Science Daily
New ideas for saving ag water. Tax exemptions for
irrigation equipment is one of several proposals - - Farmers in the
hard-hit Westlands Water District have shelled out an estimated $500 million
on water-saving measures in the past decade. But more can be done, said one of
the authors of a report issued this week that touts water-saving alternatives
to building reservoirs. "We acknowledge there have been significant
developments in efficiency, and we looked at accelerating that trend," said
Heather Cooley, who helped draft the report by the Oakland-based Pacific
Institute. The institute came out with a laundry list of steps that would
require significant policy changes and could cost farmers and government
agencies millions more. They include:
<more> Sept. 10, 2008 Fresno Bee
Miles of Aisles for Milk? Not Here - - Like
cars and homes, grocery stores are beginning to shrink. After years of
building bigger stores — many larger than a football field and carrying 60,000
items — retailers are experimenting with radically smaller grocery stores that
emphasize prepared meals, fresh produce and grab-and-go drinks. The idea is to
lure time-starved shoppers who want to pick up a few items or a fast meal
without wandering long grocery aisles or paying restaurant prices. Safeway has
opened a smaller-format store in Southern California, and Jewel-Osco is
building one in Chicago. Wal-Mart plans to open four “Marketside” stores in
the Phoenix area this fall, and Whole Foods Market is considering opening
smaller stores.
<more> Sept. 10, 2008 NY Times
Washington dairy owners sentenced in E. coli case
- - A federal judge disregarded a plea agreement for the Woodland,
Washington couple whose raw cow’s milk sickened 18 people in 2005, instead
requiring them only to pay $25 in court fees to end the federal criminal case.
Anita and Mike Puckett each pleaded guilty in June to one misdemeanor count of
distribution of adulterated food. They faced up to a year in jail and a
$100,000 fine but a plea agreement included a recommendation for one year’s
probation and a $250 fine each. A Sept. 2 sentencing memo from the prosecution
again recommended probation because of the couple’s “reckless” behavior when
it came to hygiene standards at their Dee Creek Farm. At Friday’s sentencing
in Tacoma, though, federal judge Karen Strombom decided probation wasn’t
needed in the case and that probation officer’s time would be better spent
supervising other cases, said Emily Langlie, a spokeswoman for the U.S.
Attorney’s Office in Seattle. Strombom also decided not to levy any fine
against the Pucketts, finding they were likely unable to afford it and noting
they already paid a $8,000 fine to the state for safety and hygiene
violations, Langlie said.
<more> Sept. 10, 2008 The Daily News
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. To view a sample letter, please click here. Letters
should be sent by fax (916) 558 3160
to:
The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California,
Attention: Michael Prosio
Aug. 29,
2008
ACTION ALERT: Ask Governor to veto raw milk bill - - Sept. 5, 2008 - - Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) has successfully pushed a bill through the Legislature providing the two raw milk producer/processors in the state with a poorly written alternative to healthy standards for their products. SB 201 keeps in place a Coliform standard for unpasteurized, guaranteed raw milk products signed into law last year by the Governor. SB 201 allows raw milk dairies to select an alternative to the Coliform standard by implementing a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point plan (HACCP) approved in content by both CDFA and the State Department of Public Health (DPH). Gary Conover, WUD’s director of Government Relations, pointed out the bill’s flaws: “The new legislation does not provide enough guidance for the two raw milk dairies in California to develop HACCP plans that will actually protect raw milk product consumers from dangerous bacteria and pathogens that are difficult to control in unpasteurized products.” In addition, Conover notes, “The Senator and sponsor failed to secure the participation of the oversight agencies to develop more detailed provisions in the HACCP plan. The language in the legislation does not provide CDFA and DPH will needed enforcement in order to protect consumers. For these reasons, both Western United Dairymen and the Dairy Institute strongly opposed the bill, citing the need to ensure consumers of raw milk product they will unequivocally receive the same high standard of health protection all other milk product consumers receive. Several serious health problems have occurred in the last several years from the consumption of raw milk products.” WUD and DI will request a veto by the Governor citing the bill’s flaws. SB 201 has the potential of removing a health protection standard that has worked well since its adoption into law on January 1 of this year. Abandoning the Coliform protection for consumers would be a serious mistake. WUD members: Contact your creamery and ask that they communicate with the Governor and encourage his veto of SB 201 (Florez). Sept. 9, 2008
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008
California dairy industry has $61.4 billion
impact on state --California’s dairy business generated $61.4 billion in
economic activity within California in 2007 and a record 41 billion
pounds
of milk. The data represents a 30 percent increase in economic growth and a
nearly 12 percent increase in milk production since 2004, according to a
study released today by the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). Despite
current economic factors, California’s dairy business experienced continued
growth in 2007, maintaining its position as the top dairy producing state.
These growth trends are expected to continue as the study projects total
California milk production to exceed 55 billion1 pounds by 2020. From the
increase in fluid milk production to the growing number of dairy product
exports including butter, cheese and frozen desserts, California remains a
leader in overall dairy shipments. The study was conducted for the CMAB by
J/D/G Consulting Inc., an independent dairy industry research firm based in
Florida that conducted the last study in 2004. Previous data from 2004
placed the dairy industry’s economic impact on California at $47.4 billion.
<more> Sept. 9, 2008 CMAB Press Release
To download the CMAB Economic Impact Report Fact
Sheet, please
click here (Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Court upholds injunction banning sale of RR
alfalfa - - The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the
injunction banning the sale of Roundup Ready alfalfa. In the two-to-one
decision, the court turned down the appeal of a lower court ruling that said
USDA must develop an environmental impact study to begin selling seed again.
The biotech crop was sold commercially until March 2007 when an injunction
was granted halting the sale. Seed cannot be sold again until a full
environmental impact study is conducted. The Center for Food Safety and an
Oregon alfalfa seed producer sued the government over the sale of the seed,
claiming it contaminated organic and conventional alfalfa production. The
same radical environmental group is involved in a legal battle against
Roundup Ready sugar beets.
<more> Sept. 9, 2008 Western Farm Press
Study focuses on respiratory health of dairy
employees - - Fieldwork is underway in California to assess whether
dairy employees are at a higher risk for respiratory health. The California
Dairy Environmental Health Research Initiative is monitoring the exposure of
200 dairy workers to evaluate the effect of modern California dairy
practices on employee respiratory health. A group of food processing
employees who are similar in age, ethnicity and socio-economic status make
up the control group. Several large dairies through California’s San Joaquin
Valley are participating.
<more> Sept. 9, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
Timid traders in Class III dairy markets - -
Cash cheese prices went up on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for a fifth
consecutive session on Monday. Since last Tuesday, blocks are up 16.5 cents
and barrels have gained 18.25 cents. Most of the movement has come on very
light trading except for last Friday. Dave Kurzawski with Downes & O’Neill
says traders are wondering where the sellers have gone? “They’re out there
and there is still plenty of product out there,” but it seems they have
backed-off thinking, “We’ll see if we can’t let this market come up a little
bit.” He thinks we may see cash cheese up to the $1.90 to $1.95 range. The
question is, will they come in all at once, sell a bunch and cause the
market to drop? That is why Class III futures have not kept up with the
gains in cash cheese. “The thinking is the sellers could come in and easily
drop this price 10 or 20 cents pretty rapidly.” Basically, Kurzawski says
the Class III traders don’t think the rally in cash cheese will last.
<more> Sept. 9, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
SJV growers face Jan. 1 deadline for new rules on
internal combustion engines - - San Joaquin Valley almond growers
have until Jan. 1, 2009, to meet new emissions requirements for gas-powered
irrigation pump engines. A new rule by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution
Control District establishes new thresholds for spark-ignited internal
combustion engines in agricultural operations as part of its effort to
reduce agricultural emissions of NOx, CO and VOCs in the Central Valley.
Under District Rule 4702, growers with irrigation pumps or other engines
powered by gasoline, natural gas, propane/LPG, biogas or other fossil fuels
must retrofit engines that do not meet those thresholds with an emission
control device, such as an exhaust catalyst, or replace them with a more
efficient lean-burn, electric or diesel engine that meets the limit. Rich
burn engines, which comprise about 99 percent of most agricultural
spark-ignited engines in the Valley, must meet NOx emissions requirements of
less than 90 ppm, CO emissions below 2000 ppm and VOC emissions below 250
ppm. Growers must also install and maintain a monthly time meter and use
logs on new or modified engines as part of the rule requirements.
<more> Sept. 9, 2008 Western Farm Press
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. To view a sample letter, please click here. Letters
should be sent by fax (916) 558 3160
to:
The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California,
Attention: Michael Prosio
Aug. 29,
2008
ACTION ALERT: Ask Governor
to veto raw milk bill - - Sept. 5, 2008 - - Sen. Dean Florez
(D-Shafter) has successfully pushed a bill through the Legislature providing
the two raw milk producer/processors in the state with a poorly written
alternative to healthy standards for their products. SB 201 keeps in place a
Coliform standard for unpasteurized, guaranteed raw milk products signed
into law last year by the Governor. SB 201 allows raw milk dairies to select
an alternative to the Coliform standard by implementing a Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Point plan (HACCP) approved in content by both CDFA and the
State Department of Public Health (DPH). Gary Conover, WUD’s director
of Government Relations, pointed out the bill’s flaws: “The new legislation
does not provide enough guidance for the two raw milk dairies in California
to develop HACCP plans that will actually protect raw milk product consumers
from dangerous bacteria and pathogens that are difficult to control in
unpasteurized products.” In addition, Conover notes, “The Senator and
sponsor failed to secure the participation of the oversight agencies to
develop more detailed provisions in the HACCP plan. The language in the
legislation does not provide CDFA and DPH will needed enforcement in order
to protect consumers. For these reasons, both Western United Dairymen and
the Dairy Institute strongly opposed the bill, citing the need to ensure
consumers of raw milk product they will unequivocally receive the same high
standard of health protection all other milk product consumers receive.
Several serious health problems have occurred in the last several years from
the consumption of raw milk products.” WUD and DI will request a veto by the
Governor citing the bill’s flaws. SB 201 has the potential of removing a
health protection standard that has worked well since its adoption into law
on January 1 of this year. Abandoning the Coliform protection for consumers
would be a serious mistake. WUD members: Contact your creamery and ask
that they communicate with the Governor and encourage his veto of SB 201
(Florez). Sept. 9, 2008
Animal ag challenges topic for Sept. 10 Tulare
meeting - - Animal welfare, public perception and the threat to animal
agriculture posed by animal rights groups will be the subjects of a meeting
to be held Wednesday Sept. 10 in Tulare. “Animal Agriculture Under Attack”
organizers say the meeting will provide information about animal welfare
groups, their goals and their strategies. The No on Prop. 2 campaign will
provide an update from Ryan Armstrong, egg producer from Valley Center, who
recently testified before the California Legislature Joint Informational
Hearing in San Luis Obispo that the provisions of Prop 2 will put his
1,000,000 hen facility out of business. Animal welfare and the dairy
industry will be the topic of remarks by Dr. Jan Shearer, Dairy Extension
Veterinarian, University of Florida. Dr. Shearer specializes in the
management of lameness and foot care of cattle. His Master Hoof Care
Program has received numerous awards and honors. Dr. Shearer has conducted
hoof trimming schools in Tulare for nearly a decade. Dr. Shearer is deeply
involved in animal welfare and serves on the welfare committee of the
American Association of Bovine Practitioners. The event begins at 6 p.m.
with dinner at the Ag Heritage Complex, 4500 South Laspina Street, Tulare.
RSVP by September 8 to Valley Veterinarians, Inc. (559) 686-1447.
Sept. 8, 2008
CWT’s responses to recent frequently asked producer questions - -By Jim Tillison, Chief Operating Officer, Cooperatives Working Together - - As a result of our just-completed herd retirement program and recently increased activity under our export assistance program, we have received inquiries from a few producer-members asking about the overall operation of the CWT program. Rather than respond to these inquiries individually, I felt all CWT members would be interested in the nature of the questions and our responses. Question: In the most recent herd retirement, CWT selected more than 200 bids covering 26,000 cows that produced a half billion pounds of milk. Why weren’t more bids selected? CWT: With each round of a CWT herd retirement program, our staff economists conduct a nationwide survey of the cost of replacement cows in the marketplace. From the data collected, a maximum replacement cow value is established. Based on this dollar amount, CWT management then determines the maximum bid per 100 pounds of milk that should be accepted in the program. <more> Sept. 9, 2008 Progressive Dairyman
Monday, Sept. 8, 2008
Western alfalfa hay prices could soften in 2009
amid lower grain prices - - Western alfalfa growers could face slightly
lower alfalfa hay prices in 2009, if prices for corn and other commodities
remain lower and cause dairymen to reformulate dairy rations with less
alfalfa hay. “I think we’ll see some weakening in alfalfa hay prices in
2009,” said Wayne Gordon, hay broker and owner of Chino Hay Market in
Parker, Ariz. (La Paz County). “Perhaps (alfalfa hay) prices will remain
steady for the first six to eight weeks of the new crop, but after that
everyone will figure out how much hay is out there,” Gordon said. “The
market will adjust to that, plus to the cost of different grains. If grain
prices continue to drop, hay prices will follow. They work hand- in-hand.”
No one knows for sure how the alfalfa hay market will play out, he
emphasized.
<more> Sept. 8, 2008 Western Farm Press
River bill may roll to passage. Money for
restoration added to huge spending measure on Capitol Hill. -- The
ambitious plan to restore the San Joaquin River has been folded into a huge
public-lands bill with national scope, but even that might not be enough to
help it win passage. Senators returning to work this week will confront a
760-page package that wraps together more than 90 separate bills. One would
restore water flows and salmon runs in the San Joaquin River below Friant
Dam. The river bill is big just by itself, with an estimated price tag of
several hundred million dollars. The rest of the legislation is even bigger,
covering everything from a new West Virginia wilderness to a proposed
William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site in Hope,
Ark.
<more> Sept. 7, 2008 Fresno Bee
Study: Calif. farmers can profit by saving water
-- California farmers can grow more food more profitably if they switch
to water-saving crops and change their irrigation practices in response to
the state's ongoing drought, according to a study released Monday. A report
issued by the Oakland-based Pacific Institute says farmers in the Central
Valley could save enough water to fill up to 20 new reservoirs by making
several changes to curb wasted water. About a quarter of the state's
water-intensive crops like rice, cotton, corn, wheat and alfalfa should give
way to fruit and nut trees and row crops like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers
and melons that can be more selectively irrigated, according to the report.
Farmers should use drip or sprinkler irrigation systems instead of flooding
grain fields, and crops should only be watered when they need it, a practice
requiring more intensive soil and plant monitoring. Farmers are trending
toward many of the practices already, said Pacific Institute president Peter
Gleick. But Gleick said the nonpartisan research organization's report is
the first comprehensive look at how much water farmers could save.
<more> Sept. 8, 2008 AP
Dan Walters: Study says conservation can replace
reservoirs - - Oakland-based Pacific Institute has weighed into
California's perennial water debate with a new study contending that
diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta could be reduced by as much
as 3.4 million acre-feet of water per year in farmers adopted more
aggressive conservation techniques. The study report is being issued as Gov.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, legislators and myriad water stakeholders debate
whether to build new storage reservoirs and/or a "peripheral canal" to carry
Sacramento River water around the Delta, the state's chief source of
agricultural and municipal water supplies. And it counteracts, at least
conceptually, a recent pro-peripheral canal report issued by the Public
Policy Institute of California. The PPIC report pleased pro-water
development factions while the Pacific Institute study bolsters
environmentalists' contentions that California can resolve its water
problems without major new storage and conveyance facilities.
<more> Sept. 8, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Animal ag challenges topic for Sept. 10 Tulare
meeting - - Animal welfare, public perception and the threat to animal
agriculture posed by animal rights groups will be the subjects of a meeting
to be held Wednesday Sept. 10 in Tulare. “Animal Agriculture Under Attack”
organizers say the meeting will provide information about animal welfare
groups, their goals and their strategies. The No on Prop. 2 campaign will
provide an update from Ryan Armstrong, egg producer from Valley Center, who
recently testified before the California Legislature Joint Informational
Hearing in San Luis Obispo that the provisions of Prop 2 will put his
1,000,000 hen facility out of business. Animal welfare and the dairy
industry will be the topic of remarks by Dr. Jan Shearer, Dairy Extension
Veterinarian, University of Florida. Dr. Shearer specializes in the
management of lameness and foot care of cattle. His Master Hoof Care
Program has received numerous awards and honors. Dr. Shearer has conducted
hoof trimming schools in Tulare for nearly a decade. Dr. Shearer is deeply
involved in animal welfare and serves on the welfare committee of the
American Association of Bovine Practitioners. The event begins at 6 p.m.
with dinner at the Ag Heritage Complex, 4500 South Laspina Street, Tulare.
RSVP by September 8 to Valley Veterinarians, Inc. (559) 686-1447.
Sept. 8, 2008
Farmers get waiver for 2008 crop disaster program
- - California farmers and ranchers are getting an almost free ride from
the government at a most opportune time — in the midst of a drought that has
resulted in thousands of acres of crops abandoned and significant yield
reductions. However, the ride only lasts until Sept. 16. A quartet of key
state and federal agricultural officials made a special trip to Fresno to
tell growers of their serendipitous good fortune that came because the new
2008 farm bill was embroiled by political tugs-of-war for six months between
Congress and the Bush administration. California Congressman Jim Costa of
Fresno, D-Calif., a member of the House Agriculture Committee, quoted
Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, D-Minn., as calling it a farm bill that
died a million deaths in the six months it took to pass it. In the
protracted debate, the deadline for signing up for federal crop insurance, a
key provision of any federal farm bill, came and went. Since then,
California and others states have experienced crop losses. Normally, if a
farmer or rancher did not have crop insurance, he or she would be out of
luck. However, because of the tardy farm bill, the USDA Farm Service Agency
has waived that deadline. Growers who do not already have full coverage for
all crops can still be eligible by signing up by Sept. 16, 2008.
<more> Sept. 8, 2008 Western Farm Press
Correctional officers to launch Schwarzenegger recall - - Four years and eleven months after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was swept into office in a dramatic recall, the powerful and well-heeled correctional officers' union today will target Schwarzenegger for a recall. The California Correctional Peace Officers Association will begin the process to recall the Republican governor, a spokesman said today, calling the 2003 recall "a mistake." "In the history of bad governors, this is the worst governor we've ever had," said Lance Corcoran, a spokesman for the union. The union is collecting the 65 necessary valid signatures to serve Schwarzenegger a notice-of-intent-to-recall. "This is a man who is a poser. That's what he did, that's how he made his living, posing." Asked if the union was prepared to dedicate the more than $1 million likely necessary to gather the 1,041,530 signatures to qualify a recall for the ballot, Corcoran said, "We are 100 percent committed and we've never been shy about investing in our commitments." <more> Sept. 8, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Friday, Sept. 5, 2008
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. To view a sample letter, please click here. Letters
should be sent by fax (916) 558 3160
to:
The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California,
Attention: Michael Prosio
Aug. 29,
2008
Is
this a rally in the dairy markets? - - Cash cheese prices have gone up
the last couple of days on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. On Wednesday the
Class III futures ignored the cheese increase but reacted positively on
Thursday. Matt Mattke with Stewart-Peterson says this has the makings of a
short turn-around. “I think sellers just kind of ran out of gas.” He says
once cash cheese got down to $1.65 things got aggressive with nearly 300
carloads of cheese sold. “I think sellers are just going to step back and
see if they can get a better price for their product.”
<more> Sept. 5, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Assembly Ag Committee Chair
Galgiani opposes Prop. 2 - - Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani,
(D-Stockton), newly named chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, is
urging her colleagues to oppose Prop. 2, ‘Standards for Confining Farm
Animals’ because of the harm it will cause to one of the hardest
economically hit areas in California. “Assemblywoman Galgiani is opposed to
Prop. 2 because like many other Californians, she knows it’s bad for
California workers, consumers and families,” said Julie Buckner, campaign
spokeswoman. “As she points out, Prop. 2 weakens California’s economy with
more than $600 million in lost economic activity, harming state and local
communities many of which are already among the hardest hit areas in the
state economically. Additionally, Prop. 2 raises very real food safety and
public health risks, both of which would further damage the state’s
economy.”
<more> Sept. 5, 2008 No on Prop. 2 Press Release
California 'drought water bank' in the works - - Hedging against the
risk of a third dry year in 2009, state officials on Thursday unveiled a
"drought water bank" to help thirsty cities and farms cope. The water bank,
managed by the Department of Water Resources, will be prepared to move as
much as 600,000 acre-feet of water from willing sellers in the north to
buyers in the south. That's enough to serve more than 1.2 million homes for
a year – if used carefully. DWR officials cautioned the outlook for this
winter isn't uplifting. Though still early for such predictions, long-range
forecasts based on computer modeling hold no hint of a break from the
drought. Even an average winter will not refill the state's depleted
reservoirs to normal levels.
<more> Sept. 5, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Cheese
production a little higher in July - - Total cheese production in the
U.S. in July was 812 million pounds, 1.5% above July of last year and .1%
below June of this year. Italian cheese production totaled 332 million
pounds, 1.2% less than a year ago while American cheese production increased
4.9% to 341 million pounds. California total cheese production slid 11.8% in
July to 172.8 million pounds. American cheese production dropped 19.3% to
56.5 million pounds, Italian output in the Golden State was 97.7 million
pounds, 9.3% lower than a year ago while Cheddar dropped 16.7% to 33.7
million pounds.
<more> Sept. 5, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Vets
split on cage initiative. Groups take opposing sides on Prop. 2 - - Will
the ballot initiative banning battery cages for laying hens help or hurt the
chickens? Most farmers - and voters - would ask a veterinarian for the
unbiased answer. The problem is that different vets' groups are taking
different positions on the controversial measure. Earlier this summer, after
much internal debate, the California Veterinary Medical Association voted to
support Proposition 2, as it will be known on November's ballot. "This has
been discussed for more than a year," said Dr. William Grant, an Anaheim vet
who leads the association. "This is something we've done a lot of research
on." The intramural ruckus was so fierce that a group of mostly large-animal
veterinarians broke off from the California Veterinary Medical Association
and formed their own group called the Association of California
Veterinarians. The group called the main vets' organization's decision
"politically motivated and irresponsible." "The decision (to support
Proposition 2) was not based on science or on the recommendations from the
people within CVMA who specialize in food animal and poultry medicine," said
Mike Karle, who is leading the breakaway group.
<more> Sept. 5, 2008 Capital Press
Mexico
suspends beef, poultry shipments to US - - The government of Mexico has
voluntarily suspended shipments to the United States of meat and processed
poultry after U.S. officials reported misgivings about the quality of
Mexican food processing and inspections, an Agriculture Department official
said Thursday, Sept. 4. The department's Food Safety and Inspection Service
identified systemic problems with sanitation controls and record keeping
during an annual audit that took place in Mexico between June 24 and July
31. The voluntary suspension began Aug. 29, said Amanda Eamich, a
spokeswoman for the service. About 2 percent of beef and poultry in the
United States comes from Mexican producers. "Safety concerns in multiple
establishments were not identified by Mexican in-plant inspection personnel,
demonstrating that Mexico's system to verify its plants were producing safe
food in a clean facility was insufficient," Eamich said.
<more> Sept. 5, 2008 AP
Ethanol: Energy's golden child dodges more darts - - Ethanol's wild ride
has brought it quickly from political golden child to scapegoat for
everything from soaring food prices and world hunger to pork-barrel
spending. This week, the Republican Party in its national platform called
for an end to ethanol mandates in just the latest shot at a fuel alternative
that, in some circles, has grown more targeted than treasured. High ranking
politicians, including presidential candidate John McCain - have publicly
opposed ethanol subsidies before, but the platform approved during the
Republican convention in St. Paul, Minn., marks the first time a major U.S.
party has taken an official stance against publicly funded ethanol
incentives. It was just four years earlier that the Republican platform
called for "efforts to expand the use of biodiesel and ethanol, which can
reduce America's dependence on foreign oil while increasing revenues to
farmers."
<more> Sept. 5, 2008 AP
Commentary: Udder nonsense about milk - -By Henry Miller- - Milk
occupies a special place in our lives and language. It has been dubbed
"Nature's most perfect food," and we speak sentimentally of the "land of
milk and honey" and the "milk of human kindness." Dairy products represent
important nutrient sources in much of the world, containing calcium and
high-quality protein. Fourteen years ago, after a lengthy review, the Food
and Drug Administration approved a protein called recombinant bovine
somatotropin (rbST), or bovine growth hormone, that stimulates milk
production in dairy cows. "Recombinant" indicates that the protein is made
with gene-splicing techniques.) A cow's pituitary gland normally produces
bST, one of a group of natural protein hormones that control milk
production. (The gene-spliced and natural versions are functionally
indistinguishable.) Thus, low levels of bST are found in milk from all cows,
both supplemented and unsupplemented. Comprehensive and sophisticated
studies by academics and government regulatory agencies around the world
have found no differences in the composition of the milk or meat from bST-supplemented
cows.
<more> Sept. 5, 2008 Washington Times
Dairy energy management workshop in Tulare Sept. 17 - -
PG&E and SCE will host a Dairy Energy Management workshop on Sept. 17 from
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Edison Ag TAC, 4175 S. Laspina St. Tulare. The workshop
will provide an overview of dairy energy management options, including
energy efficiency technologies and incentives, emerging technologies, demand
response opportunities, water and air-quality and self generation, including
various dairy biogas options for the dairy farmer. This workshop is designed
for dairy owners and operators and dairy designers and vendors, who are
interested in developing and promoting integrated energy management
strategies for dairies. To RSVP, please register at
http://www.sce/agtac
or
www.pge.com/energyclasses
or by calling 800-772-4822 or 559-263-5575. Sept. 4, 2008 PG&E Notice
Oct. 2 wine and cheese tasting benefits CSU ag program - - An Oct. 2 wine and cheese tasting will benefit the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies program. “Tastes of the Valley” will be held Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Assyrian American Civic Club in Turlock from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35. Silent auction items are also being sought. Additional information is available from Mark Bender or Wendy Olmstead at (209) 664-6648. Sept, 5, 2008 CSU Notice
Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008
Potential for dairy digesters in jeopardy. Talks begin to resolve air board
concerns over manure energy - - California's State Fair is in full
swing, and among the more unusual attractions is a carnival ride powered by
cow methane. It is an example of the potential that dairy-generated energy
presents in the Golden State, the largest producer of milk in the nation.
That potential is in jeopardy because the emerging dairy-power industry has
been caught between two government agencies. If the conflict isn't resolved
soon, millions in private investment - and taxpayer dollars - will head to
the scrap heap. A high-level meeting earlier this week of the dairy
industry, the California Farm Bureau Federation, air board officials and the
administration of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger began what could be a series of
talks to fix the mess. "The prospects for on-farm power generation look
bleak, quite frankly," said Mike Marsh, CEO of Western United Dairymen.
"It's terrible for the farmers, who have invested so much capital in this -
the problem is conflicting regulations all over the place. It's a mess."
<more> Sept. 4, 2008 Capital Press
Food
Companies Pledge Not to Use Clones - - Twenty food companies have told a
consumer group that they won't use milk or meat from cloned livestock. The
companies, including Smithfield Foods Inc. and Kraft Foods Inc., were
responding to a survey conducted by the Center for Food Safety, a consumer
group that opposes animal cloning. Polls have shown most consumers are
uncomfortable with the idea of eating products from cloned livestock,
whether for health, ethical or environmental reasons. At the same time,
products from the offspring of cloned animals are trickling into the food
supply. Currently, the best way for consumers to avoid such foods is to eat
organic food. Basil Maglaris, a spokesman for Kraft, the U.S.'s largest food
company by revenue and a major cheese producer, said the company has told
suppliers it will accept only ingredients from conventional animals. "The
surveys we've seen indicate that consumers aren't receptive to ingredients
from cloned animals," he said. The pledge now only applies to cloned
animals; the company says it will continue to monitor consumer acceptance of
products from clones' offspring. Other companies, including Wal-Mart Stores
Inc. and Tyson Foods Inc., have also banned the use of cloned animals in
food products. Many haven't made a similar pledge to avoid using food from
the conventionally bred offspring of clones, however, partly because no one
is tracking the offspring. Sept. 4, 2008 Wall Street Journal
State
regulators inspect Kern County work sites for heat rule violations - -
The state of California is stepping up surprise inspections of outdoor work
sites in light of four heat-related fatalities so far this season, and seven
other suspected cases under investigation. Of the four confirmed heat
stroke deaths statewide, three were in Kern County: two agricultural workers
and an oil field worker. The fourth was a pregnant, 17-year-old farmworker
who died two days after collapsing in San Joaquin County. The state’s
Department of Industrial Relations conducts year-round surprise inspections
of work sites on an almost weekly basis, but ramps up enforcement efforts
during peak temperatures, said spokeswoman Erika Monterroza. She didn’t
immediately know how many work sites are cited annually for violations.
<more> Sept. 4, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Dairy energy management workshop in Tulare Sept. 17 - -
PG&E and SCE will host a Dairy Energy Management workshop on Sept. 17 from
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Edison Ag TAC, 4175 S. Laspina St. Tulare. The workshop
will provide an overview of dairy energy management options, including
energy efficiency technologies and incentives, emerging technologies, demand
response opportunities, water and air-quality and self generation, including
various dairy biogas options for the dairy farmer. This workshop is designed
for dairy owners and operators and dairy designers and vendors, who are
interested in developing and promoting integrated energy management
strategies for dairies. To RSVP, please register at
http://www.sce/agtac
or
www.pge.com/energyclasses
or by calling 800-772-4822 or 559-263-5575. Sept. 4, 2008 PG&E Notice
Panel argues humaneness of egg production - - About 250 people gathered in a church hall Wednesday evening to ponder what Jesus would do if he were in the egg business. First United Methodist Church in Modesto held a forum on a Nov. 4 ballot measure that would ban the small cages used for most egg production in California. Proponents said the cages, with as little as 67 square inches of floor space per hen, do not allow the birds to stand, turn around or flap their wings. "Are we that miserly, are we that uncharitable, that we do not allow these living, feeling, suffering creatures to move in the most basic ways?" said Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of The Humane Society of the United States. Opponents, including leaders in the egg industry, said the cages provide comfort for the hens and the alternatives would increase egg prices. "The birds stand up, sit down, lay down, flap their wings and clearly show they are content," said Jill Benson, vice president of J.S. West & Co., a Modesto-based producer. "Stressed-out birds do not lay eggs." <more> Sept. 4, 2008 Modesto Bee
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008
WUD comments on state’s global warming plan,
notes dairy digester program challenges- - Western United Dairymen has
filed formal comments with the state’s Air Resources Board about the state’s
initial plan to implement California’s historic global warming legislation
AB 32. “Any dairy methane capture program must be implemented in an
appropriate and cost-effective manner,” said WUD in its comments to Mary
Nichols, chair of the ARB. “Implementing a significant dairy digester
program in California, like everywhere else in the world, will require
substantial public investment. Digesters cannot be built solely with private
capital,” pointed out WUD’s Director of Environmental Services Paul Martin.
CEO Michael Marsh wrote to Nichols, “Western United Dairymen is
unequivocally opposed to any consideration, at any time and in any manner,
to a mandate to install methane digesters on dairy farms. In order to be
complete, any report or scoping document must emphasize the kinds of
difficulties encountered regarding potential adoption and utilization of any
technology, including digester gas technologies. To fail to prominently
display the roadblocks simultaneously with the presentation of potential
opportunities will give a faulty assessment of the relevance of the
technology and an inaccurate picture of the reductions available, and it may
lead to misdirection of future courses of action.” Acknowledging the
challenges the digester program faces will not stop WUD and its members from
pursuing solutions, noted Martin. “WUD staff are meeting and consulting with
high level staff at Cal EPA and the air resources board,” he noted. “We are
hopeful for positive results and will continue technical discussions to
resolve technical issues.” Sept. 3, 2008
Farmer campaigns against Schwarzenegger water
plan - - A wealthy farmer who once gave lavishly to promote Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger's political fortunes and spent time with him smoking cigars
has become one of his most outspoken critics. Dino Cortopassi has spent at
least $100,000 bankrolling an ad blitz targeting one of the governor's main
policy initiatives — upgrading the state's water delivery system. In an
interview, Cortopassi said he's convinced that Schwarzenegger, Southern
California water districts and agricultural interests that farm land south
of his in the Central Valley are conspiring to build a canal that would pipe
fresh water around California's fertile delta region, the heart of
California's water system. He said doing so would irreparably harm the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta's ecosystem, which he says is just as important
to the state as the water it provides for cities and farmers. Sensing a
political threat to the region he calls home, Cortopassi moved to attack
Schwarzenegger's proposal even before it has been placed before voters.
<more> Sept. 3, 2008 SF Chronicle
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. To view a sample letter, please click here. Letters
should be sent by fax (916) 558 3160
to:
The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California,
Attention: Michael Prosio
Aug. 29,
2008
Union organizing activity reported in Kern County - - Representatives of the United Food and Commercial Workers union have been attempting to organize union activity with employees at Kern County dairies, reports WUD field representative Jim Griffin. WUD members are reminded to make sure the dairy name and address are correct on the notice of intent to gain access and to confirm that the notice has been filed with Agricultural Labor Relations Board. WUD members are encouraged to contact Griffin at (661) 487-9195 or to contact Anthony P. Raimondo of the law firm of Saqui & Raimondo at (831) 443-7100 in Salinas, or (916) 782-8555 in Sacramento. Further information is also available from these two documents located on the WUD website
New environmental stewardship report tells the
stories of California dairy families - - California dairy families are
leading the nation in environmental stewardship. That simple message is at
the core of “Leading the Way to Sustainability,” a new report prepared by
CARES in cooperation with the California Milk Advisory Board and California
Dairy Research Foundation. Hot off the presses, the report began
distribution this week and will be delivered to community leaders across the
state, from local elected officials and news reporters to educators and
government agencies. In stories, pictures and colorful graphics, readers
receive an “up-close-and-personal” view of California dairy families. That
view includes a family history going back generations, a look at the
dedication and hard work that has made dairy farmers successful, and their
hopes for an economically and environmentally sustainable future. “We’re a
lot more environmentally aware these days,” says George Borba Jr. of
Bakersfield, one of the dairy farmers interviewed for the report. “We have a
lot more knowledge, more tools and we’re using them. And we’re learning all
the time.” All California dairy producers will receive a copy of the report
by mail. CARES coalition members will be working hard to continue telling
the story of California dairy families’ efforts to promote environmental
stewardship and any efforts to assist us in telling this story are welcome.
Additional copies of the free report for community outreach efforts can be
requested by calling (916) 441-3318 or writing to
dairycares@aol.com. Sept. 3,
2008 CARES Press Release
Thune blasts GOP's call to end ethanol standard -
- The 2008 Republican platform, approved at the party's convention in St.
Paul, Minn., calls for ending the renewable fuel standard for ethanol, and
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., says that's a big mistake. It's "proof that
Republicans are not always right," Thune said Tuesday in an interview. "On
this one, they just got it wrong." "I'm disappointed in that," Thune said.
"It came as a bit of a surprise." Another ethanol backer who was surprised
was Brian Jennings of Sioux Falls, executive vice president of the American
Coalition for Ethanol.
<more> Sept. 3, 2008 AP
SoCal farmers angry about proposed power line path - - Growers and ranchers in the southern reaches of California are posing the latest obstacle to the state's push for green power. Facing the possibility of losing land to power transmission lines, they have urged state commissioners to avoid their property when selecting a route for a project linking consumers on the coast to renewable energy operations in the Southern California desert. San Diego Gas & Electric Co. contends that stringing high-voltage lines over agricultural land in San Diego and Imperial counties as part of its $1.5-billion Sunrise Powerlink project is the most secure and economic way to deliver wind, solar and geothermal energy. Farmers counter that utility profits from the project would come at their expense. <more> Sept. 3, 2008 AP
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. To view a sample letter, please click here. Letters
should be sent by fax (916) 558 3160
to:
The Honorable Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California,
Attention: Michael Prosio
Aug. 29,
2008
Lawmakers OK exception for raw milk. Kerman dairy
has backed bill on bacteria standard -- State lawmakers have given final
approval to a bill that would allow raw milk dairies to bypass a new
bacteria standard that treats raw milk like pasteurized milk. Senate Bill
201 -- passed by the Senate during the weekend -- has drawn support from a
Kerman dairy and some raw milk drinkers who say the state's limit of 10
coliform bacteria per milliliter devalues raw milk. Many consumers like the
"helpful" bacteria in raw milk, saying it aids digestion and keeps sickness
away. High coliform counts do not indicate that milk is tainted with harmful
pathogens. But regulators say coliform testing measures cleanliness -- and
dirty dairies are more likely to harbor harmful bacteria. SB 201, by Sen.
Dean Florez, D-Shafter, allows dairies to bypass the limit only if they opt
into an alternative program requiring state-approved safety guidelines
covering everything from milking to grazing. Also, dairies would have to
submit milk samples to labs twice a week for testing. The results could only
be used for informational purposes, except tests for E. coli.
<more> Sept. 2, 2008 Fresno Bee
Real California Milk: A real loss to Nevada
dairies - - Churchill County (Nevada) dairymen are starting to feel the
effects of the Real California Milk campaign that was launched in September
2007. The California Milk Advisory Board introduced the Real California Milk
(RCM) seal last year which certifies the dairy products bearing the seal are
made with California milk exclusively, according to the board's Web site.
Locally, that means milk processors located in California who have signed
onto the RCM program won't accept milk from Lahontan Valley dairies. To
compound the problem, there is a shortage of milk processing capacity in
California which results in processing plants limiting the amount of Nevada
milk they receive, according to local dairyman Bill Christoph.
<more> Sept. 1, 2008 Lahontan Valley News
History preserved at Laton dairy - - The area
around Laton probably looks a lot like it did a century ago. In the interim,
nations have collapsed and empires have fallen, but the cycle of planting,
harvesting and watering this fertile agricultural mecca goes on and on, like
the narrow country roads that crisscross the landscape and disappear into
the flat horizon. But on the Bennie Gonsalves Dairy north of town, there is
memory of family and memory of history. It's preserved in an informal family
museum that captures the ebb and flow of five generations of Portuguese
immigrants in America even as it includes historical objects that bring into
focus a much larger picture.
<more> Sept. 2, 2008 Hanford Sentinel
Clones' offspring may be in food supply: FDA
- - Food and milk from the offspring of cloned animals may already have
entered the U.S. food supply, the Food and Drug Administration said on
Tuesday, but it would be impossible to know because there is no difference
between cloned and conventional products. The FDA said in January meat and
milk from cloned cattle, swine and goats and their offspring were as safe to
eat as products obtained from traditional animals. Before then, farmers and
ranchers had followed a voluntary moratorium that prevented the sale of
clones and their offspring. "It is theoretically possible" offspring from
clones are in the food supply, said Siobhan DeLancey, an FDA spokeswoman.
Proponents, including the Biotechnology Industry Organization, say cloned
animals are safe and a way to create animals that produce more milk and
better meat and are more disease-resistant. There are currently an estimated
600 cloned animals in the United States.
<more> Sept. 2, 2008 Reuters
Farmer: Germ-free food not always good for you
- - A farmer from Virginia dropped by Turlock on Monday to sing the praises
of chickens that eat bugs. Joel Salatin, who produces eggs and meat with few
synthetic inputs, said his birds get protein and improve the soil as they
peck their way through his pastures. His talk was part of Slow Food Nation,
a four-day event held mainly in San Francisco and devoted to the idea that
food should be raised with care and consumed with pleasure. Salatin spoke to
nearly 300 people at California State University, Stanislaus, including a
busload from the Bay Area who toured the Burroughs family's organic dairy
farm east of Denair. He said much of mainstream agriculture excludes
wildlife and the general public in the belief that they could compromise
food safety. But microbes are essential to soil fertility, and they are
everywhere, including the human gut, he said. "We are sterile nuts in our
culture today," he said. "We don't understand that we live in a bacterial
bath."
<more> Sept. 2, 2008 Modesto Bee
Cultivating appreciation of farming - - Last
summer, Ron Wilkinson found himself at an afternoon gathering in Modesto,
eating cherries with family and friends. The group included Wilkinson's
niece and her friend, women in their 30s who lived in Oakland. At some
point, the friend asked where the cherries had come from. Delighted to learn
the fruit had come from the back yard, the woman asked to see the tree. The
fascination in her voice conveyed an odd truth: She had never seen a fruit
tree before. These days, Wilkinson and Nishihara often find themselves
educating people about the importance of farming in the Central Valley,
though their audiences usually have a better grasp of what farming entails.
Fueled by their love of the family farm, Nishihara and Wilkinson, who own a
Turlock graphic design firm, Nishihara-Wilkinson Design Inc., that
specializes in promoting farm-fresh food, have embarked upon a mission to
help ensure that smaller farms remain a vital part of California's future.
The project they started two years ago is called FarmOn California,
ultimately envisioned as a nonprofit group with enough political muscle to
help protect the interests of small farms.
<more> Sept. 2, 2008 Modesto Bee
AP Analysis: Slow Food needs to ease off gourmet - - Here's a message that might make the nation's foodies splurt their biodynamic cabernet sauvignon all over their microgreen salads with goat cheese croutons. If Slow Food is to accomplish its ambitious goal - to persuade Americans to foresake the drive-thru in favor of local, organic food - it needs to focus less on people who nosh fine prosciutto and more on folks for whom a trip to McDonald's is a splurge. For some, it will be a harsh realization. After all, the movement owes much of its growing clout to an upper middle class willing to fork over considerable sums for local, organic and other feel-good foods. But as thousands of people gathered in San Francisco this past Labor Day weekend for Slow Food Nation, the group's first major U.S. event, it was clear that it's time for that old blueprint to land in the compost bin. <more> Sept. 2, 2008 AP
Friday, Aug. 29, 2008
California dairy revenues bounce back big in 2007 - -
California’s farm revenues reached a new high in 2007 and a revitalized
dairy industry led the way in recovering from the depressed milk prices that
plagued it a year earlier, according to a report released by USDA’s National
Agricultural Statistics Service. California dairy producers received $7.33
billion for their milk production during 2007, compared with $4.49 billion
in 2006, a 63% jump. The state’s dairy farms increased milk output 4.8% in
2007, while the price producers received rose from $11.58 to $18.03 per
hundredweight. California produced 22 % of the milk in the U.S. last year,
with most of it used to make cheese and butter. California agriculture saw a
15% gain in the sales value of its products in 2007. The state’s 75,000
farms and ranches received a record $36.6 billion for their output in 2007,
up from $31.8 billion in receipts for 2006. The previous high was reached in
2005 when sales totaled $32.4 billion. Aug. 29, 2008 USDA NASS Press
Release
ACTION
ALERT: Urge Gov. Schwarzenegger to veto card check bill AB 2386 - -
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote and is now headed to the
Governor's desk. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Western United Dairymen urges its members to contact Gov. Schwarzenegger and
ask him to veto this legislation. For sample talking points to write a
letter, please click here. Aug. 29,
2008
USDA Seeks to Segregate Modified Livestock - - The USDA wants to keep
genetically modified animals from mixing with traditional livestock, saying
the potential risks are unclear. The USDA said it is considering the need to
regulate the movement -- including the importation, containment and field
release -- of genetically engineered animals to ensure that the genetically
engineered traits don't present a health risk to traditional cattle, pigs
and other livestock. Biotechnology research and development have resulted in
genetically engineered animals and animal products that are ready for
commercialization, the department says. So far, no products derived from
genetically engineered animals have been approved for human use, although
the Food and Drug Administration has approved the safety of meat from cloned
cattle. The USDA, in a posting on the U.S. General Services Administration
Web site, said that although genetic modification of livestock "may provide
significant agricultural, human [and] animal health, and societal benefits,
there are also potential risks, concerns, and environmental impacts
associated with the technology that may require Federal oversight." Barbara
Glenn, managing director of animal biotechnology at the Biotechnology
Industry Organization, a trade group, welcomed plans for governmental
oversight. "We need that guidance to be published so that we can move
forward with the industry [and] have investor confidence," Ms. Glenn said.
Aug., 29, 2008 Wall Street Journal
Inspectors to monitor workers in Calif. heat wave - - Workplace
inspectors will begin checking on farm laborers as temperatures reach triple
digits in parts of the San Joaquin Valley. Investigators with the state
Division of Occupational Safety and Health announced they will check on work
sites in Fresno, Napa, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Stanislaus and Yolo
counties on Friday. Investigators will continue the sweep in Kings, Tulare,
Kern and other counties next week. Occupational safety chief Len Welsh said
the state has no tolerance for employers who violate heat-stress
regulations. California created the first heat-stress rules in the nation
three years ago. So far this year, three farm laborers and an oil worker
have been confirmed dead as a direct result of heat exposure. Aug. 29,
2008 AP
Legislature OKs bill to curb metal theft - - Ending two years of debate,
the Legislature on Thursday gave final approval to a bill aimed at stopping
metal theft, a growing problem in the Valley and elsewhere. Metal theft is
an especially troublesome crime in rural areas. Thieves cannibalize farm
equipment and sell the scrap metal for quick cash, often to fuel drug
habits, authorities say. Assembly Bill 844 requires junk dealers and
recyclers to collect more information from customers that could help with
investigations, including thumbprints and photos of the metals being
recycled. Also, customers would not get cash payments until three days after
they sell the metals. Irregular customers could only be paid by check. The
Assembly approved AB 844 with a unanimous vote. Gov. Schwarzenegger is
expected to sign the bill, though he has vowed to ignore most bills until
lawmakers reach a deal on the state budget, now 60 days late.
<more> Aug. 29, 2008 Modesto Bee
Assembly Democrats prevail on water bill - - In a heated debate
Thursday, Assembly Republicans and Democrats agreed that California needs
more reliable water supplies. But Republicans voted against spending $820
million from voter-approved water bonds because, they said, Democrats had
not consulted them and too much of the money was dedicated to studies
instead of construction. "I'm studied out," said Assemblyman Joel Anderson
(R-San Diego). "What my constituents want is brick and mortar." But the
dominant Democrats overrode Republicans' objections and passed a bill to
spend $820 million from four water bonds.
<more> Aug. 29, 2008 LA Times
Court:
U.S. can block mad cow testing - - The Bush administration can prohibit
meat packers from testing their animals for mad cow disease, a federal
appeals court said Friday. The dispute pits the Agriculture Department,
which tests about 1 percent of cows for the potentially deadly disease,
against a Kansas meat packer that wants to test all its animals. Larger meat
packers opposed such testing. If Creekstone Farms Premium Beef began
advertising that its cows have all been tested, other companies fear they
too will have to conduct the expensive tests.
<more> Aug. 29, 2008 AP
Modesto Bee Op-Ed: Bill would give UFW power to bully workers - - As a
Mexican-American woman who has been both a farmworker and farmer, Labor Day
holds special meaning for me. It is a time to appreciate the fruits of my
labor and, as an American citizen, to count my blessings, especially my
freedom. Yet this year in California, one of our country's most cherished
freedoms is under assault: the right to cast votes in secret. Assemblyman
Fabian Núñez and the United Farm Workers are aggressively pushing Assembly
Bill 2386, legislation that would strip farm employees of the right to vote
in private when deciding whether or not to unionize. The late UFW founder,
César Chávez, must be spinning in his grave, because the secret ballot is a
fundamental right he championed for farmworkers and maintained must be
protected.
<more> Aug. 29, 2008 Modesto Bee
No on Prop. 2 merchandise available - - The No on Prop. 2 campaign has set up an online store for those who would like to purchase No on Prop. 2 merchandise. You can view the products including yard signs, bumper stickers, t-shirts, buttons, stickers, totes and hats by following the link www.cafepress.com/noonprop2 . Aug. 29, 2008 No on Prop. 2 Notice
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008
Modesto-based Foster Farms clarifies its name. Dairy company will now go by
'Crystal'; poultry not affected - - Foster Farms Dairy products, made in
Modesto for 67 years, are getting a new name. The company announced Tuesday
that the brand will change to Crystal as of Monday. The new name comes from
Crystal Cream and Butter Co., a Sacramento producer that Foster Farms bought
last year.The Foster Farms name is well-known in and near Stanislaus County
but not in other parts of Northern California, said Dennis Roberts, vice
president of sales and marketing for the company. Crystal, on the other
hand, has "tremendous name recognition" in Sacramento and the Bay Area, he
said. The new name will go on fluid milk, butter, ice cream and other
products that Foster Farms processes and makes at its plants on Kansas
Avenue in Modesto and in Fresno.
<more> Aug. 28, 2008 Modesto Bee
Card check bill passes Legislature again, heads to Governor’s desk
By
Michael C. Saqui and Anthony P. Raimondo --
The
California State Senate has passed
Assembly Bill 2386 (AB 2386) on a 23-15 vote, right along
party lines. AB 2386 is the latest
attempt by the United
Farm Workers (UFW) to sidestep secret ballot elections, which
have been a nemesis for the union in recent years. AB 2386 comes in the wake
of a series of alleged heat-related deaths, which the UFW has used as
propaganda in an ongoing membership campaign. If AB 2386 becomes a law, it
would revolutionize the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). Under
current law, the ALRA provides employees the opportunity to engage in a
secret ballot election,
free from coercion, in a monitored
voting booth.
AB 2386 would change all that. AB 2386 allows unions to force elections on
employers. Once a union forces an election, AB 2386 allows the unions to
force representation on employees. AB 2386 provides “mediated elections.”
Proponents say the mediated election is just like
absentee balloting. Both absentee
ballots and the mediated election ballots allow voters to vote
at home. But the similarities end there. Most absentee ballots do not allow
one
political party access to the voter’s
home, allowing the political party to “help” fill out the ballot, while
completely denying the other political party access to the voter. Opponents
of AB 2386, from farm workers to Republican Senators, cite the opportunity
for union organizers
to pressure employees into choosing union representation as their reason for
opposition. Sen. Tom
McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks, stated, "An election in which
someone is looking over your shoulder as you cast your vote is no election
at all. It's a sham." The fate of AB 2386 now lies in
Governor Schwarzenegger’s
hands. The measure head’s back to the Assembly for a vote on Senate
amendments before heading to the governor's desk. The Governor vetoed two
previous “card-check” Bills that would have allowed farm workers to
authorize a union by signing membership cards, but did not afford employees
the right to a secret ballot. However, the Governor has not taken a position
on the latest bill, which proponents claim overcomes the Governor’s prior
objections. <more> Aug. 28, 2008
Leading animal welfare
advocate to participate in Sept. 3 Prop. 2 forum - - Wayne Pacelle,
president and CEO of the Humane Society of the U.S., has been confirmed as a
participant in the Sept. 3 forum on the Standards for Confining Farm Animals
Initiative Prop. 2 forum set for Modesto Wednesday, Sept. 3.
HSUS is a main
sponsor of the ballot initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Announcement of Pacelle’s participation came from First United Methodist Church, which is
sponsoring the forum as part of its “Faith and Politics” sermon series. Also
representing HSUS will be Rev. Michael Bruner, a Presbyterian minister who
is an adjunct professor of Religion at Azusa Pacific University and a
consultant to HSUS. Representing the No on Prop. 2 campaign are Bill Mattos,
president of the California Poultry Federation; Jill Benson with
Modesto-based egg producer J.S. West & Co., and Dr. Nancy Reimers, DVM. The
panel will be moderated by Mark Looker, agricultural communications
consultant. The proposition would add a chapter to Division 20 of
California's Health and Safety Code to prohibit the confinement of certain
farm animals in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie
down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs. The measure includes veal
crates, battery cages, and sow gestation crates. If approved by the voters,
the statute would become operative on Jan. 1, 2015. The Prop. 2 discussion
is open to the public and will be held at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of
First United Methodist Church, 850 16th Street, Modesto. Panelists will
offer opening statements and rebuttal statements. Written questions will be
accepted from the audience. Aug. 28, 2008 FUMC Press Release
Video
monitoring new requirement for one humane labeling program - - Video
monitoring will become a standard component of the American Humane Certified
program, a voluntary, fee-based service that certifies farms and processing
plants treat animals humanely, the American Humane Association announced.
Beta testing for the video surveillance systems will begin this fall in five
production and transportation facilities for swine, chicken (broiler and
layer farms) and cattle (veal and dairy). The surveillance systems, which
monitor conditions and events such as temperature, air flow, feeding
schedules, personnel entrances and exits and animal mobility, trigger alarms
when abnormalities occur and can be viewed — with a password — in real time
from any computer with an Internet connection.
<more> Aug. 28, 2008 Meeting Place.com
Bill
would require new rural home buyers to be told about right-to-farm law -
- Anyone who moves within a mile of a farm or ranch ought to know that
agriculture can sometimes be a noisy, smelly, dusty business. Legislation to
require that homebuyers who move next to farms be told that this is normal -
and that California growers and ranchers have a right to farm - is headed to
the desk of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk,
D-Davis, the proposal received little opposition and cleared its final
legislative hurdle late last week. The bill requires that developers or the
expert who develops a natural hazard report for a rural property inform a
potential buyer about California's right-to-farm law whenever the property
changes hands. Wolk said the goal is to prevent complaints and nuisance
lawsuits by "come-heres" who want the rural life - without being exposed to
the messy side of agriculture.
<more> Aug. 28, 2008 Capital Press
Editorial: Terrorists targeting animal researchers - - Many people are
opposed to the practice of using animals in scientific study, including
medical research. Activists can and often do voice their concerns to the
institutions that participate. But conscientious objection and the First
Amendment right to protest do not include the right to kill, injure and
intimidate. And that is what's at the heart of an Assembly bill soon to come
before the state Senate that would give academic researchers, including
those who carry out tests on animals, the same legal protection as elected
and appointed government officials and reproductive health care workers. AB
2296 would give law enforcement new tools to investigate animal-rights
activists suspected in an unsolved succession of firebombings, trespassing
and vandalism incidents aimed at University of California scientists.
<more> Aug. 28, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008
USDA announces proposes complete ban on downer
cattle - - The USDA today announced a proposed rule to amend the Federal
meat inspection regulations to initiate a complete ban on the slaughter of
cattle that become non-ambulatory after initial inspection by Food Safety
and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection program personnel. This proposed
rule follows the May 20 announcement by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer
to remove the provision that states that FSIS inspection program will
determine the disposition of cattle that become non-ambulatory disabled
after they have passed ante-mortem, before slaughter, inspection on a
case-by-case basis. Under the proposed rule, all cattle that are
non-ambulatory disabled at any time prior to slaughter, including those that
become non-ambulatory disabled after passing ante-mortem inspection, will be
condemned and properly disposed of. “To maintain consumer confidence in the
food supply, eliminate further misunderstanding of the rule and, ultimately,
to make a positive impact on the humane handling of cattle, I believe it is
sound policy to simplify this matter by initiating a complete ban on the
slaughter of downer cattle,” said Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer.
<more> Aug. 27, 2008 USDA Press Release
Stanislaus County dairy owner to pay $27,500 fine
for violating waste regulations - - Inspectors first found waste water
tinged with manure flowing into the public waterways from one of Willem
Postma's dairies in 1999. They cited Postma again in 2002, twice in 2004 and
four more times in 2006. In recent years, five cases involving Postma's
dairies in Modesto and Oakdale have been filed in Stanislaus County Superior
Court, with judges imposing fines and twice signing injunctions aimed at
stopping the flow of toxic waste water into irrigation canals and drains
that lead to local rivers. Given the history, it's hard to tell who won the
latest case, which ended this month when Postma agreed to pay a $27,500 fine
but admitted no wrongdoing stemming from three discharges that allegedly
lasted for several days in winter 2006.
<more> Aug. 27, 2008 Modesto Bee
Merced Farm Labor Contractor closes after death
- - The farm labor contractor that hired the 17-year-old pregnant girl
who died in a Lodi vineyard earlier this year has shut down. Merced Farm
Labor Contractor surrendered its business license for three years
voluntarily Wednesday, according to the state Department of Industrial
Relations. The company looked likely to lose its license, and had a hearing
scheduled on the matter later this week. Labor Commissioner Angela
Bradstreet wanted the company shut down because it had lied on its 2007
renewal application when company officials stated they had no outstanding
safety citations when, in fact, the company had been cited for heat illness
violations in 2006. The company also failed to comply with the requirement
to maintain a safe working environment for farm employees. "We're sending a
message that employers or labor contractors who fail to comply with
California's heat regulations will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of
the law, fined in accordance with the law - and face the reality of being
shut down," said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in a statement.
<more> Aug. 27, 2008 Capital Press
Court ruling favors employers in lawsuit over
meal breaks - - California employers are breathing a little easier at
lunch time after a California Court of Appeals recently ruled in their favor
over employee meal breaks. The state's rules over meal and rest breaks had
become one of the most contested and costly issues in the workplace.
Numerous lawsuits were filed by employees alleging that their bosses broke
the law by not giving them a meal break for every five hours worked. At the
center of the litigation storm is San Diego-based Brinker International,
owners of Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill and Maggiano's Little
Italy. The chain was sued by five workers for meal break violations,
including improperly requiring employees to take early meal breaks, failing
to make sure they took timely meal breaks and altering employee time cards.
Although a lower court certified the case as a class-action lawsuit with the
potential for thousands of plaintiffs and millions of dollars in damages,
the appeals court said the case did not meet that threshold. The appeals
court also ruled that employers are obligated to provide a meal break, not
make sure it is taken. And the court ruled that employers are not required
to provide a meal period for every five hours of consecutive work.
<more> Aug. 27, 2008 Fresno Bee
Supreme Court denies review of wage and hour case
- - By Michael C. Saqui and Anthony P. Raimondo - - The
California Supreme Court
recently denied review of Bufil v.
Dollar
Financial Group, Inc., 162 Cal.App.4th 11, (2008). While it is less
celebrated than Brinker, Bufil is an important wage and hour case,
which contains several passages that are difficult to reconcile with the
Brinker decision. Both Brinker and Bufil are
class actions
for meal and rest break laws. While Brinker was a victory for employers,
Bufil was a victory for employees. Meal and Rest Periods
The employer in Brinker argued that employers need only make meal and
rest periods available to employees and need not ensure that they are actually
taken. However, the
Appellate Court’s opinion was a
radical departure from
traditional treatment. Historically, the Labor Commissioner found that employers
have an affirmative duty to ensure that employees actually take their meal and
rest breaks. In contrast to Brinker, the Bufil court reprimanded
the employer because they did not notify employees that they were authorized to
take meal and rest periods and because they did not instruct supervisory
personnel to take steps to provide employees with the opportunity to take the
required rest breaks finding that the “onus is on the employer.” This language
clearly reflects that employers have an affirmative duty to ensure that
employees actually take their meal and rest breaks. This is difficult to
reconcile with the Brinker holding.
<more> Aug. 27, 2008
Updated labor law information posted to WUD website
- - Updated information about labor law pertinent to California dairy
operations has been posted to the Western United Dairymen website. The updated
documents include the
protocol for Social Security No-Match, the
I-9 Immigration Compliance Protocol and rest and meal break informational
posters in
English and
Spanish. The information is provided by the law firm of
Saqui & Raimondo, which provides labor law
services to WUD members and recently hosted labor law seminars in the
Central Valley. The WUD labor web page can be
accessed at
http://www.westernuniteddairymen.com/html/about-labor.html Aug.
27, 2008
Utility fees sought for
global warming
research center
- - With this year's
legislative session in its final days, lawmakers Monday unveiled a bill
mandating new fees from electricity ratepayers to fund a University of
California-run global warming research center.
The surcharge, amounting
to $37 million a year for up to a decade, would be paid by customers of
regulated utilities such as Southern California Edison Co. and publicly
owned ones, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The
fees would partially fund an $87-million-a-year Climate Change Research and
Workforce Development Institute, whose location has yet to be decided.
If it becomes law, the
bill would add an average of 10 cents a month to electricity bills
statewide, backers said.
<more> Aug. 27, 2008 LA Times
Legislators debate water bond that could include
dam - - Legislators debated, but didn't agree on, a water bond Tuesday
that could build a new dam at Temperance Flat on the San Joaquin River and
help clean up contaminated groundwater in Tulare County and elsewhere. The
Special Committee on Water focused primarily on a $9.8 billion bond
co-authored by Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, D-Salinas, a proposal that
represented a new formal effort by Assembly Democrats. "It's a work in
progress," Caballero said, "but we've moved closer to a consensus product
than has ever been achieved."
<more> Aug. 27, 2008 Visalia Times Delta
AVMA says Prop 2 is not 'in animals' best
interests' - - The American Veterinary Medical Assn. (AVMA) issued a
statement this morning cautioning that the California ballot initiative on
farm animal housing, Proposition 2, or Prop 2, has an "admirable goal" but
also establishes requirements that could, in fact, harm the animals covered
in the initiative. AVMA said these requirements "ignore critical aspects of
animal welfare" and fall short in improving animal welfare because they do
not "adequately consider other factors." AVMA executive board chair Dr.
David McCrystle noted that animal welfare "is a complex issue" in which
animal welfare decisions need "to be based on science, tempered with
compassion and take into account all aspects of welfare." Prop 2 would
change housing standards without considering how this could affect other
aspects of animal welfare, such as protecting animals from disease and
injury, which "would not be in the animals' or society's best interests," he
said.
<more> Aug. 26, 2008 Feedstuffs
Prop 2 supporters petition to correct errors in guide. HSUS head and other supporters forced to take Catholic church and CVMA off voter guide. - - A number of persons supporting the California ballot initiative on farm animal housing had to petition the Superior Court of California for an order to change and correct language they had put in a voter guide on the initiative. The petition was the only way to make the change at this late date, according to sources who described the petition as "suing themselves" to correct their wrongs. The initiative, which will be Proposition 2, or "Prop 2," was brought to the ballot by a coalition of activist groups and individuals led by Farm Sanctuary and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and both opponents and supporters of such initiatives are required to provide arguments to the secretary of state explaining their positions for a pamphlet to guide voters in deciding how to vote. The petitioners, who included HSUS chief executive officer and president Wayne Pacelle, Center for Science in the Public Interest executive director Dr. Michael Jacobson and California organic egg producer Nigel Walker, asked the court to require two corrections, both "in an effort to avoid any possibility of confusion on the part of the voters." <more> Aug. 26, 2008 Feedstuffs
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2008
California closer to raw milk reform - - The
California Assembly has unanimously approved changes in state regulations of
raw milk – the kind that is not pasteurized. If it makes it into law, Senate
Bill 201 would rollback a requirement that raw milk should be held to the
same bacteria standards as pasteurized milk – 10 coliform bacteria per
milliter – without taking into account the healthy bacteria that remain in
milk that is not pasteurized. Senate Bill 201 passed the California State
Assembly by a vote of 63-0. It is now in the state Senate. Last year
regulations were put in place to hold raw milk to the same bacteria
standards as pasteurized milk – 10 coliform bacteria per milliter. But that
raised opposition from consumers and the two dairies that produce raw milk,
according to an impartial legislative staff analysis.
<more> Aug. 26, 2008 Central Valley Business Times
Class III dairy futures slide for a third day
- - Class III dairy futures took a dive for the third session in a row on
the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. In that period, 2008 contracts have lost 56
to 72 cents and the September contract dropped under $16.00 on Tuesday. Matt
Mattke with Stewart Peterson says as long as cheese isn’t moving higher,
Class III futures will move lower. “They’re doing more to remove the premium
between where Class III futures are at and where the products say milk
should be priced at.” Mattke says that would be around $15.50 right now. He
also thinks we could see the 2009 and 2010 futures continue to slip as well.
<more> Aug. 26, 2008 Brownfiled Ag News
Cal Poly hosts dairy symposium Oct. 17-18 – -
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Dairy Science Department and Dairy Farm Advisory
Team is hosting its first annual dairy producer symposium Oct. 17-18.
“Creating the Future” will offer speakers on topics such as communicating
with the media, consumers and government officials, the rapid growth of
export markets and the potential benefits of micro filtration technology.
The symposium opens Oct. 17 with a tour of the Cal Poly dairy and dairy
processing center and concludes on Saturday with speakers at the Embassy
Suites Hotel. The symposium’s purpose is to connect producers with Cal
Poly’s dairy science program, launch a long-term funding campaign for Cal
Poly’s dairy and provide parents and prospective students an opportunity to
learn more about the college. Registration is $700 per dairy family or $100
per family with a sponsorship ticket provided by industry sponsors.
Registration fee covers a Friday night hotel room at the Embassy Suites,
Friday BBQ at Cal Poly, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday at the Embassy
Suites. More information is available from Dr. Bruce Golden, chair of the
Cal Poly Dairy Science Department at (805) 756-2560 or on the Cal Poly
website
http://www.calpoly.edu/~dsci/ . Aug. 26, 2009 Cal
Poly Notice
Cows have magnetic sense, Google Earth images
indicate - - Birds do it, bees do it, and so, apparently, do - cows? No,
it's not that. We're talking about sensing the Earth's magnetic field.
German scientists using satellite images posted online by the Google Earth
software program have observed something that has escaped the notice of
farmers, herders and hunters for thousands of years: Cattle grazing or at
rest tend to orient their bodies in a north-south direction just like a
compass needle. Studying photographs of 8,510 cattle in 308 herds from
around the world, zoologists Sabine Begall and Hynek Burda of the University
of Duisburg-Essen and their colleagues found that two out of every three
animals in the pictures were oriented in a direction roughly pointing to
magnetic north. The resolution of the images was not sufficient to tell
which ends of the cows were pointing north, however. Asked whether he had
ever observed such behavior in cows, dairy farmer Rob Fletcher of Tulare,
Calif., said, "Absolutely not." But, he added, "I don't spend a lot of time
worrying about stuff like that."
<more> Aug. 26, 2008 LA Times
Study says biogas has benefits over biofuels - - The journal paper, “Cow Power: The Energy & Emissions Benefits of Converting Manure to Biogas,” has implications for all countries with livestock, as it is the first attempt to outline a procedure for quantifying the national amount of renewable energy that herds of cattle and livestock can generate and the concomitant greenhouse gas emission reduction. The authors Dr. Michael E. Webber and Amanda D. Cuellar from the University of Texas believe, “In light of the criticism that has been leveled against biofuels, biogas production from manure has the lessening controversial benefit of reusing an existing waste source and has the potential to improve the environment. Nonetheless, the logistics of widespread biogas production, including feedstock and digestates transportation, must be determined at the local level to produce the most environmentally advantageous, economical and energy-efficient system.” Aug. 26, 2008 Feedstuffs
Monday, Aug. 25, 2008
Dairy producers find ways to stretch their feed
dollars - - With the dramatic rise in cost of corn, alfalfa and other
commodities traditionally used to feed their hungry cows, California dairy
farmers are getting more creative and turning to other non-traditional
products to help them stretch their feed costs. One of their biggest
conundrums has been trying to find alternatives for corn, which has seen
record-high prices driven by demand from ethanol production. Cows are
flexible with what they will eat, said Peter Robinson, a dairy nutrition and
management specialist for the University of California Cooperative
Extension, but not everything they eat will necessarily give them the
nutritional value needed to maintain the high performance and milk
production that is desired.
<more> Aug. 25, 2008 Ag Alert
Cows power train ride at California fair - -
A ride at the fair is running on a byproduct of dairy - in other words, poop
power. And the kiddie train isn't the only way methane gas is powering fair
activities. Cooling fans are also relying on the natural gas cows produce.
It doesn't smell either, if you're wondering. News10 photojournalist Brandon
Atchison shows how kids are having fun and getting a lesson about
alternative energy at the same time.
Click here to view video Aug. 25, 2008 News 10 Sacramento
Delta deadlock. The quarter-century of debate has
yielded no progress toward ending the impasse - - California voters rose
up by a 3-to-2 margin in 1982 and torpedoed the most contentious water
project in state history -- the Peripheral Canal. The 42-mile ditch would
have linked the Sacramento River to pumps near Stockton that send water from
the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to thirsty Southern California and the San
Joaquin Valley. But rejection of Proposition 9 didn't settle anything.
Instead, it locked state water politics, which revolve around the delta,
into a chronic stalemate. More than a quarter-century later, advocates for
cities, farms and wildlife routinely duke it out in courtrooms and
legislative halls. Crops on the San Joaquin Valley's west side die for lack
of water. Fishing boats wait out a ban on salmon. No one is winning.
<more> Aug. 24, 2008 Fresno Bee
Dozens of calves die in Orland fire - -
Dozens of calves died in a fire that consumed about $400,000 worth of hay on
a farm south of Orland late Friday. Farm owner Martin Poldervaart said his
crew was finishing their work around 9:30, when a large storage shed burst
into flames. He said by 9:45 the building was fully engulfed. Poldervaart
said all 38 calves killed were 2-months-old or younger, with an estimated
value of nearly $4,000. A heifer recovering from a broken leg also died in
the blaze. The fire could spell disaster for the 36-year-old Orland dairy
farmer who is concerned that insurance money won’t be enough to recover the
nearly 1,300 tons of hay. The prospect of footing the lion’s share of the
costs this late in the growing season is a major concern, he said.
<more> Aug. 25, 2008 Orland Press Register
Japan's Kirin agrees to buy Australia's Dairy
Farmers for $763 million -- Kirin Holdings Co., a Japanese food and
beverage company which is already Australia's biggest milk seller, said
Monday it will buy Australia's Dairy Farmers for about $763 million as it
seeks to make a global push amid slowing domestic sales. The purchase by
Kirin unit National Foods fortifies the Japanese beverage maker's dominance
in a key overseas market and is part of a broader strategy to expand
throughout Asia and Oceania. Dairy Farmers, a cooperative of 2,000 farmers,
is Australia's second-biggest maker of dairy products.
<more> Aug. 25, 2008 AP
Farmworkers union chief wants change in voting
- - United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez has worked for more
than three decades in the labor union co-founded by Cesar Chavez in the
1960s. Rodriguez was at the Capitol last week to lobby for Assembly Bill
2386, which would make it easier for the union to organize by allowing
farmworkers to sign cards in lieu of secret-ballot voting. Why alter the
system of ballot-booth voting for union representation? We know that when
farmworkers have representation, they feel security. (Under the current
system) there's just too much intimidation and coercion that takes place –
abuse of the system (by growers seeking to discourage participation).
<more> Aug. 25, 2008 Sacramento Bee
In the Central Valley, the Ruins of the Housing
Bust - - Ellie Wooten, the likable mayor of Merced, is on her way to the
office when her cellphone rings. A constituent wants her mortgage payments
reduced, and is hoping that the mayor has some clout with her lender.
Although Merced has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country,
this borrower isn’t in such dire straits. She’s not even behind on her
mortgage. But her oldest daughter is turning 18, which means an end to $500
a month in child support. She just wants a better deal. The mayor hangs up
and shrugs: “It’s a surprise her daughter is turning 18? You’d think she
could have planned ahead. ”But hardly anyone in Merced planned very far
ahead.
<more> Aug. 24, 2008 NY Times
In the Backyard, Not Just a Garden, but Cows -- What’s a weekend farmer to do once the garden is planted and the chickens are in the coop? Get a family cow, of course. With food and fuel costs rising and the demand for fresh, local produce outpacing availability, some amateur farmers with enough acreage and agricultural acumen have opted to buy the cow instead of the milk. “We moved into an 1870 farmhouse in Lebanon four years ago and the property came with a huge cow barn,” Sue Bergamo said. “We’ve got chickens, put in a large garden, got goats and now we really want to have our own cows.” Charles, her husband, said, “We’re getting one cow — not a herd.” Because neither the husband nor the wife knows a heifer from a Holstein, the Bergamos decided to attend a workshop at Local Farm in Cornwall Bridge where other people like them — those new to farming, that is — learn what it takes to care for a cow. <more> Aug. 25, 2008 NY Times
Friday, Aug. 22, 2008
USDA
Announces Final Rule to Establish Rules of Practice for the Federal Milk
Order Hearing Process - - The USDA today announced a final rule
establishing supplemental rules of practice for the federal milk marketing
order hearing process. The intent of this rule is to establish guidelines
and timeframes to improve the timeliness of the federal milk order hearing
process. This final rule amends the general regulations for federal milk
marketing agreements and marketing orders by establishing supplemental rules
of practice in accordance with section 1504 of the Food, Conservation and
Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill). This rule defines supplemental
guidelines, timeframes and procedures for amending federal milk marketing
agreements and orders; authorizes the use of informal rulemaking (5 U.S.C.
553) to amend such agreements and orders; and establishes provisions that
permit the USDA to impose assessments on pooled milk under the federal milk
marketing order program to fund expedited rulemaking. Such assessments would
supplement appropriated funds for the procurement of services required by
USDA to perform rulemaking functions. The final rule will be published in
the Aug. 20 Federal Register. Aug. 22, 2008 USDA Press Release
Federal make-allowance increase delayed - - The planned increase in the
Federal Make Allowance will be delayed at least a month. Ten dairy producer
groups have filed suit in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia so
USDA has postponed implementation from September 1 to October 1. USDA says
unless the court rules otherwise, the new make allowance will first be used
in calculating the advance Class I and Class II prices to be announced on
September 19th. The base price for Class I milk for September is $17.65,
down 82 cents from August. The Class II skim milk price for September is
$11.59 and the Class II nonfat solids price is $1.2878 per pound.
<more> Aug. 22, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
DFA
eyes global added-value ingredient shift - - US dairy cooperative Dairy
Farmers of America (DFA) has announced the formation of a new combined
ingredients division to target growing international demand for value added
products. While manufacturing of ingredients for the company’s own branded
goods and external processors is not new, the group says that it hopes to
specifically focus the new division on industry innovation through
formulation. Mark Korsmeyer, DFA president for foods, told DairyReporter.com
that he believes the cooperative is well placed to expand its operations to
meet an industry-wide shift in improving value in the supply chain.
<more> Aug. 22, 2008 DairyReporter.com
State
Senate passes bill aimed at thieves of metal fixtures - - Twice in the
past four years, San Joaquin County farmer Richard Rodriguez has been
victimized by metal thieves making off with nearly $25,000 in sprinkler
pipes. "As long as there's a market and the people who buy this stuff don't
ask questions, this is going to be a problem," said Rodriguez, who works 500
acres. Republican Assemblyman Tom Berryhill of Modesto and Democratic Sen.
Ron Calderon of Montebello have crafted legislation designed to put the
screws on metal thieves and shady recyclers. Berryhill's Assembly Bill 844,
which the Senate passed Wednesday, would require people selling metals to
recycling yards to provide their thumbprint and photo identification and
wait three days before they are paid by check. Recyclers who fail to collect
and maintain these records would be fined $1,000 for the first offense,
$2,000 for the second offense and $4,000 for the third and subsequent
offenses.
<more> Aug. 22, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Dean
Foods share rise on analyst note - - Shares of Dean Foods Inc. rose
Friday after an analyst raised his estimate for third-quarter earnings,
citing a government report that milk prices should go down next month.
Shares rose 65 cents, or 2.65 percent, to $25.20 in afternoon trading. The
company’s stock is down about 13.5 percent from its 52-week high of $29.23.
The stock has traded as low as $17.54 in the same span. Morgan Stanley
research analyst William Pecoriello raised his estimate for third-quarter
earnings following the government report that it set the class 1 mover -- an
indicator of what milk processors pay for raw milk -- at $17.65 for next
month.
<more> Aug. 22, 2008 AP
Food
safety advocate calls for veto of Senate raw milk bill - - An ambitious
and well-meaning attempt to make California's dairy products safer arrives
this week in the California Assembly in the form of State Bill 201--but the
country's top food safety advocates are calling on California legislators to
vote against it. The bill places regulations on producers of raw milk dairy
products and lays groundwork intended to stem the tide of deadly food borne
illnesses tied to the raw milk industry. It sounds good, and may have enough
support to reach the Governor's desk, where the same advocates encourage a
veto. What's the problem? "It's difficult to work so hard against a bill
that has such good intentions," said William Marler, food safety advocate
and attorney. "But SB 201 actually creates a detour around the regulation of
raw milk, and must be re-written before the bill is ready. There are
children on life support because of raw milk tainted with E. coli and other
toxic bacteria, and there will be more of them in California--and
nationwide--unless changes are made to this legislation."
<more> Aug. 22, 2008 CentreDaily.com
Raw
milk subculture goes beyond organic - - Ariella Wilber always told her
friends that if Alexandre Family EcoDairy Farms ever ended its raw milk
program that she would buy a goat the next day to replenish her stock. In
one way she made good on her promise — she bought a goat — although it took
a little longer than she expected. About a week and half ago, Wilber
purchased a white Saanen dairy goat named Pearl to replace the raw milk she
once received from Alexandre. She is just one of many people in Del Norte
County who are seeking alternative sources of raw, unpasteurized milk since
the dairy voluntarily shut down its program due to an outbreak of the
bacteria Campylobacter that may have infecting up to 15 people who drank the
milk.
<more> Aug. 22, 2008 The Daily Triplicate
Golden image of
corn-based ethanol shows some erosion - - From his office window at the
Al-Corn Clean Fuel ethanol plant, manager Randy Doyal watches a steady
stream of trucks roll in, weighed down with grain. A decade ago, many of the
delivery trucks were beat-up, all-purpose workhorses. Today, a growing
number are gleaming semis, reflecting the improved fortunes of this
farmer-owned facility as well as the nearby countryside. "All the folks that
invested in the first place took a gamble. It's been big for them," says
Doyal. The firms' huge fermenters, grain elevators and cooling towers loom
over the flat cornfields, physically underscoring the economic reality that
ethanol is the most important thing around. Market changes and a growing
chorus of concerns about ethanol make Doyal and other ethanol supporters
question how long the good times will last. Corn prices, though down lately,
remain high at $5.98 a bushel, making it harder for ethanol producers to
profit. Livestock producers blame the ethanol industry for driving up feed
prices and fueling food inflation for consumers.
<more> Aug. 22, 2008 USA Today
Sept.
16 deadline for USDA drought aid for crops, livestock - - The USDA’s
Farm Service Agency is reminding producers that Sept 16 is the deadline to
apply for 2008 Farm Bill Disaster Assistance Programs. FSA has disaster
programs to offer some relief for crop and livestock producers who have
experienced drought losses, but only if all of their crops and rangeland are
covered by federal crop insurance or FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program (NAP). Growers who do not already have full coverage for
all crops can still be eligible by taking action by September 16, 2008. That
is the deadline to pay an Eligibility Buy-In fee for the 2008 Farm Bill
Disaster Assistance Programs. Programs include the Supplemental Revenue
Assistance Payments program (SURE) for crop losses, the Livestock Forage
Program (LFP) and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) that help farmers and
ranchers recover from crop and livestock grazing losses. More information
about eligible counties and program is available at a local FSA office. A
list of office is available by visiting
www.fsa.usda.gov/ca or calling (530) 792-5537. Aug. 22, 2008
USDA Press Release
Legal
guest workers sue contractor - - Just as the Bush administration is
trying to push agribusiness to hire more legal guest workers, a dozen of the
workers filed suit Thursday in Sacramento, claiming their employers have
cheated them and have broken promises made in Mexico about the work here.
About 180 workers – the dozen among them – arrived in the Sacramento area in
mid-July to work for six months on H-2A temporary visas. Their departure was
hailed in local media in their home state of Colima, Mexico, as a great
opportunity to work legally in the United States. The owners of Salvador
Gonzalez Farm Labor Contractor, based in Galt, had traveled to Colima to
meet with government officials there and recruit people to work for them on
the H-2A visas. In their suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento,
workers say they were promised wages of $100 a day – a figure touted in the
media in Colima – to work for eight to 10 hours a day, six days a week.
Instead, the workers say, many have been left mostly idle in remote labor
camps.<more>
Aug. 22, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Regulators expected to allow radiation for spinach, lettuce - - Federal regulators are expected today to let processors for the first time use radiation to kill bacteria in spinach and iceberg lettuce. The step will protect consumers and growers, who have been battered by E. coli outbreaks in recent years. But are shoppers ready for irradiated vegetables? Experts point out that meat and some other foods have been treated with radiation for years, with little or no resistance from shoppers. But that may be simply because few are aware of the practice. <more> Aug. 22, 2008 Fresno Bee
Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008
State
Fair Ride To Be First Powered By Cow Manure - - A children's train ride
at the California State Fair will be the first known amusement ride powered
entirely by cow manure, fair officials said Thursday. Pacific Gas and
Electric Company and developer BioEnergy Solutions will power the "Barnyard
Animal Train" ride with renewable biogas, made from state dairy cows.
Children will have the chance to take a ride and learn to be environmentally
conscious, fair officials said. The ride will be located at the Kaiser
Permanente Kids Park starting Friday and will last until Labor Day.
Fairgoers can learn more about the source of green energy created by
biodegradable wastes at an exhibit at the State Fair.
<more> Aug. 21, 23008 KCRA-TV
Lilly
paying Monsanto $300M for controversial dairy hormone - - Eli Lilly's
Elanco division will pay more than $300 million for Monsanto's artificial
dairy cow hormone that increases milk production but faces mounting public
concerns over its safety. The Indianapolis drug maker, which has been
investing more heavily in its animal health business in the past two years,
said it is ready to take on the task of promoting the BST hormone, called
Posilac, as a farming tool that can boost milk supplies for a world hungry
for more dairy products. Posilac opponents point to studies that show cows
given Posilac have higher rates of udder infections. They also say the
hormone increases a substance, called bovine insulin-like growth factor 1,
that has been linked to cancer and is passed on to humans through the milk.
"We are very familiar with it (Posilac), and we are familiar with the
controversy," said Elanco spokeswoman Joan Todd after the deal was announced
Wednesday. "We've got to feed a growing global population. This is a
recognized, safe and effective way to do it."
<more> Aug. 21, 2008 Indianapolis Star
Dan
Walters: Workers' comp battle heats up again -- The Capitol's perennial
conflict over workers' compensation benefits and burdens may be heating up
again with the independent Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB)
recommending a sharp hike in insurance premiums paid by employers and the
Schwarzenegger administration proposing new rules for disability benefits.
The WCIRB is proposing an overall 16 percent increase in work comp premiums
beginning in January, citing "a significant increase in medical payments per
claim" for job-related illnesses and injuries. While the report notes that
work comp insurance costs would still be 60 percent lower than they were
before a series of reforms enacted by the Legislature in 2003 and 2004, if
the proposal is approved by the state insurance commissioner, it would mark
the first work comp insurance boost since 2004. Last year, Insurance
Commissioner Steve Poizner rejected a WCIRB's recommendation for a 5.2
percent premium increase and left rates unchanged.
<more> Aug. 21, 2008 Sacramento Bee
In
California's fields, risks rise with the temperature -- Francisco
Muñoz's hands grabbed at unripe salad tomatoes as fast as they could,
filling two buckets that together earned him $1.05. Heat waves visibly
undulated overhead as he bent over to pick, raced to a truck to dump the
buckets – each 25 pounds – then raced back to start again. "I'm the
champion. I can earn up to $20 an hour," Muñoz, 42, said in Spanish, his
chest heaving, his face glistening with sweat. The option of piece-rate pay
allows a farmworker like Muñoz to vault far above the $8-an-hour state
minimum that he and 200 other workers were guaranteed, no matter how fast
they picked this field east of Stockton. But during heat waves, job safety
specialists say, the ubiquitous piece-rate system may be contributing to
laborers working – or being worked – to death. Since May, half of 12
heat-related job deaths under investigation in California have been of
Latino farmworkers, four of them in jobs paying piece rate. The deaths are
consistent with a new study by the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention that documents a disproportionate number of crop worker
fatalities.
<more> Aug. 21, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Assemblyman Nuñez makes a movie about field hands to persuade governor to
sign a bill to ease unionizing - - To get the movie-star governor's
attention on a pet issue -- the plight of California farmworkers -- Fabian
Nuñez made a movie. Toting a video camera, the assemblyman (D-Los Angeles)
and his staff trekked through fields near Stockton and Bakersfield to
interview field hands and labor contractors for a 21-minute documentary. The
Los Angeles Democrat and his crew were not always well received. In one
scene, Nuñez confronts a field boss about a lack of shade for workers, which
is a violation of state law. In another, an angry grower stalks toward the
camera, ordering Nuñez and the crew off his tomato field. An eerie night
scene shows workers toiling in the dark, picking onions by the light of
headlamps, "faceless bodies working the soil," according Nuñez's narration.
His purpose? To persuade Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign one of his
measures, now pending in the Legislature, intended to make it easier for
farmworkers to unionize. Making the video -- with taxpayer-funded staff and
equipment, though Assembly officials say they do not have a cost estimate --
was an unusual exercise for a state lawmaker. Their persuasive efforts
normally stop at letter-writing.
<more> Aug. 21, 2008 LA Times
Modesto Bee
Editorial: Feinstein on right track. We need more dams
- - Sen. Dianne Feinstein got a little grumpy the other day with the slow
pace of work on a state water bond she and Gov. Schwarzenegger have
proposed. She singled out members of her own Democratic party for their
intransigence when it comes to new surface water storage projects. Good for
her. Ideological conflicts threaten to throttle any action on California's
water crisis. We run the risk in California of remaining philosophically
pure and politically correct while we dry up and blow away. We must increase
our water supply. Demand grows with our growing population, and
simultaneously our existing supplies are threatened by the pace of global
climate change. When winter snowfall diminishes in the Sierra Nevada, as it
has for two years now, the slowly melting supplies we once counted on are no
longer available. More precipitation falls as rain, and we haven't
sufficient capacity to collect it for use in cities, industries and
agriculture.
<more> Aug. 21, 2008 Modesto Bee
Vegetable-based fuel may soon come to Firebaugh - - Firebaugh may soon
be able to offer trucks, tractors and city vehicles a vegetable-based source
of fuel, if plans for a new biodiesel plant and fueling stations in the city
limits come to fruition. The plans come from Watsonville-based Energy
Alternative Solutions Inc., which this week briefed the Firebaugh City
Council on its plan to build a 2.5 million gallon-per-year biodiesel
production plant within the city limits, one similar to a plant it operates
in the Salinas Valley city of Gonzalez. Waste vegetable oil from restaurants
and other sources -- and possibly locally grown oil-rich crops in the future
-- would provide the raw material, or feedstock, for the plant, which would
cost about $4.5 million to build and employ about 25 people, said Rich
Gillis, president and chief executive.
<more> Aug. 21, 2008 Fresno Bee
Appeals court tosses pesticide lawsuit - - A federal appeals court on Wednesday overturned an order that farmers in the San Joaquin Valley and Ventura County reduce air pollution from pesticides by 20 percent. A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously reversed a lower court ruling that found the state had failed to adopt enforceable measures to control the pollution. The panel said the lower court lacked the authority to make that finding, and it said any legal challenge had to take the form of a petition to review the Environmental Protection Agency's rule-making process. <more> Aug. 21, 2009 AP
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008
Lilly to buy Posilac dairy brand from Monsanto
- - Monsanto Co. said Wednesday it agreed to sell its Posilac brand of cow
hormones to drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. for at least $300 million.
Indianapolis-based Lilly may also make additional payments to Monsanto, an
agricultural chemical company, contingent on the results of the deal. The
sale will be completed "as soon as practical," Monsanto said in a statement.
The Posilac brand will become part of Lilly's Elanco animal health unit.
"With the purchase of Posilac, Elanco can enhance its overall product
portfolio and work together with the industry to provide dairy farmers more
options and give consumers affordable choices," company president Jeff
Simmons said in a news release.
<more> Aug. 20, 2008 AP
Some weary of Fresno rendering plant - - A
group of southwest Fresno residents urged the Fresno City Council on Tuesday
to relocate the Darling International rendering plant from their
neighborhood, saying they are tired of the odor and presence of the
company. "Ask yourself," said Mary Curry, a neighborhood advocate, "would
you like this in your community?" Curry said that while she understands that
the plant plays an important role in the farming industry by rendering
poultry and cattle, it has no place in southwest Fresno anymore. "We can't
develop and make this a safe place to live with it here," Curry said. "It
needs to relocate." The neighborhood challenge comes when the Texas-based
company is caught in a difficult situation.
<more> Aug. 20 ,2008 Fresno Bee
Parra wins praise for political gumption. Ag
interests give lawmaker kudos on her water stand. - - A day after she
was booted from her Capitol office, Assembly Member Nicole Parra on Tuesday
showed no signs of backing off her demand that lawmakers approve a water
bond before she votes on the state budget, now 51 days late. The showdown
with Assembly Speaker Karen Bass has made Parra, D-Hanford, a bit of a hero
with the water-thirsty farmers in the Valley. But some rank-and-file
Democrats say she has gone too far. "I think the budget at this point is
more important than the water," said Candi Easter, a state Democratic Party
official in Bakersfield. "I think that Nicole should stay with her party.
I'm just really saddened by her behavior." On Fresno's conservative talk
station KMJ, AM 580, however, there was nothing but joy. Parra took calls on
Ray Appleton's afternoon show, including this from Fresno County Supervisor
Bob Waterston: "Nicole, you're a rock star. I love you. And just keep it
up."
<more> Aug. 20, 2008 Fresno Bee
Westlands discusses nuclear plants - - Fresno
Nuclear Energy Group LLC on Tuesday signed a letter of intent with the
Westlands Water District to discuss the possibility of building two
1,600-megawatt nuclear power plants on 500 acres in the district. John
Hutson, the company's president, said the district would choose the site.
Hutson said that, under the proposal, a desalinization facility, powered by
the plants, would be built "to supply clean, reliable water to the farmers
on the west side."
<more> Aug. 20, 2008 Fresno Bee
In Farm Country's Boom, Hints of a Bubble --
The trucks rumble down the main drag of this farm town all day long, the
ones heading east brimming with grains of No. 2 Yellow Corn, the ones going
west filled with Sweet Bran, a cattle feed that looks like breakfast cereal
and smells like warm beer. That eighteen-wheeled evidence of prosperity
shows why the Plains states are a bright spot in the otherwise gloomy
national economic picture. Here, the housing market is holding up just fine,
the banks are making plenty of loans, and employers keep adding jobs. The
good times in farm country show the difficulty facing policymakers grappling
with the nation's economic distress, underscored yesterday by data
indicating the steepest rise in monthly wholesale prices in 27 years and a
17 year low for new housing construction.
<more> Aug. 20, 2008 Washington Post
Water shortages threaten California farms' future - -For
Lex Iyer, the shock came in early June, when he learned that water
deliveries to his orchard would be cut from 45 percent of contract amount
down to 40 percent. For Shawn Coburn, the challenge is to prepare to keep
his trees alive--and his employees in their jobs--if allocations drop as low
as 10 percent next year. Iyer and Coburn are among the farmers who
described their efforts to cope with water shortages in a survey conducted
by the California Farm Bureau. Both grow almonds, a crop that has been among
the state's agricultural success stories in recent years. And both say they
worry that water shortages will make that success difficult to sustain. For
the past 12 years, Iyer has farmed almonds near Gustine in western Merced
County. He realized that 2008 would not exactly be his year, however, after
the federal government announced water cutbacks were necessary due to the
drought.
<more> Aug. 20, 2008 Ag Alert
Sweet Potato
Out-Yields Corn in Ethanol Production Study - - In experiments,
sweet potatoes grown in Maryland and
Alabama yielded two to three times as much carbohydrate for fuel ethanol
production as field corn grown in those states, Agricultural Research
Service (ARS) scientists report. The same was true of tropical cassava in
Alabama. The sweet potato carbohydrate yields approached the lower limits of
those produced by sugarcane, the highest-yielding ethanol crop. Another
advantage for sweet potatoes and cassava is that they require much less
fertilizer and pesticide than corn. The research is unique in comparing the
root crops to corn, and in growing all three crops simultaneously in two
different regions of the country.
<more> Aug. 20, 2008 ARS Press Release
USDA Rural Development
to Hold Public Meeting on Farm Bill Renewable Energy Provisions - -
Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today
announced that a public meeting will be held
on Sept. 4, 2008-in
conjunction with USDA's
Farm Service Agency and Forest Service-on how to implement
renewable energy programs authorized
under the recently enacted farm bill. "Continuing to develop renewable
energy is a key component of President Bush's strategy to reduce America's
dependence on foreign oil," Dorr said. "This meeting is an opportunity for
business owners, citizens and agricultural producers to discuss the best
ways to harness the untapped
renewable energy resources in rural
areas."
<more> Aug. 20, 2008 USDA Press Release
Net the potential of
carbon credits -- As Patterson dairy of Auburn N.Y., grew from
100 cows to 850 cows, its odor challenges expanded, too. So, owner Connie
Patterson put her nose to work to solve the problem. “I discovered that
separated solids from our lagoons smelled like peat moss,” she explains,
adding, “I wanted to be able to say the same for our liquids.” The solution
was a complete-mix methane digester installed in 2005. Then, aggregator
Environmental Credit Corporation knocked on her door, and Patterson entered
the realm of carbon credits. Carbon credits have provided Patterson with a
previously unavailable revenue stream. So far, Patterson has banked about
$15,000. But that stream will pick up as the market develops. For example,
last year the U.S. carbon credit market doubled to between $150 and $200
million. Government estimates put the potential value of agricultural carbon
offsets (credits) as high as $24 billion annually. Use the following
information to create opportunities for your dairy with carbon credits.
<more> Aug. 20, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
Grass Farmer to make "Slow Food" presentation Sept. 1 at CSU Stanislaus - - Joel Salatin, an acclaimed author and alternative farmer, will speak at California State University Stanislaus on Monday, September 1 as part of the Slow Food Nation celebration of America’s food traditions being held in San Francisco and Northern California over the Labor Day weekend. Tickets for Salatin’s 2 p.m. talk in the Bernell and Flora Snider Music Recital Hall at CSU Stanislaus must be purchased in advance. Priced at $20 general admission and $10 for students, tickets are available by calling (209) 874-1309 or (559) 706-9552, or on the Web at brownpapertickets.com or slowfoodnation.org. His talk is titled “All Flesh is Grass” and is sponsored by the University’s Department of Biological Sciences. <more> Aug. 20, 2008 CSU Stanislaus Press Release
Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008
CDFA grants hearing
on emergency
petition for milk price increase - - The CDFA today granted a hearing on
a emergency petition submitted by Western United Dairymen, Alliance of
Western Milk Producers and the California Dairy Women Association for a
hearing to consider the implementation of a “surcharge” on the regulated
minimum prices for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 milk. The suggested level of
the surcharge is $1.00 per hundredweight for a period of six months. The
concerns leading to this call for an emergency hearing include the
extraordinary high feed prices and fuel costs producers are facing, as well
as the extreme volatility in the cheese market. The public hearing is set
for Oct. 30-31 in Sacramento. The CDFA notice can be downloaded
by clicking here. Aug. 19, 2008 CDFA Notice
Dairy markets take a dive - - Dairy prices
took a hit on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on Tuesday. Cash barrels down
4.5 cents to $1.655 while blocks dropped 6 cents to $1.70 per pound. The
Class III futures went along down with cheese, the September 2008 through
January 2009 contracts lost 22 to 27 cents and are all below the $17.00
mark. Dave Kurzawski with Downes & O’Neill says there is a lot of milk out
there and a lot of that is going into cheese, “And it’s certainly being
pushed to the market here in August.”
<more> Aug. 19, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
California could change farm worker union votes
- - Democratic senators cited a series of heat-related deaths in the
fields as they approved a bill Monday, Aug. 18, that could make it easier
for unions to organize California farm workers. The bill would let farm
workers choose union representation without the traditional ballot-booth
elections. The measure by former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los
Angeles, passed on a party-line, 23-15 vote. It faces a possible veto by
Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sen. Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento,
said helping farm workers organize is the best way to improve working
conditions and avoid more field deaths. California could hire dozens more
inspectors to enforce regulations designed to prevent heat deaths and not
have as much effect, Steinberg said.
<more> Aug. 19, 2008 AP
Dairy Situation & Outlook: Strong Cheese Prices,
Higher Milk Production - - The dairy situation has changed a lot over
the past month. Strong cheese prices resulted in Class III prices averaging
well over $18.00 from January through July. But, cheese prices declined in
August. On July 28th, CME cheddar barrels were $2.0225 per pound, but
declined to $1.70 as of August 18th. CME cheddar blocks were $2.0825 per
pound on July 29th, but declined to $1.76 as of August 18th. With dry whey
prices only in the $0.26 to $0.29 per pound range the Class III price for
August will be about $17.15 compared to $18.24 for July and could fall below
$17 for September. Cheese prices are likely to recover some during the
October - November period pushing the Class III price back to the mid $17's
October through December. A little more than a month ago Class III futures
were averaging nearly $19 through July 2010. Today, Class III futures are
below $18.00 though May 2009 and in the low to mid $18s through July 2010.
<more> Aug. 19, 2008 CattleNetwork.com
Chino cattleman gets probation for animal cruelty
- - A Chino cattleman found with sick cows and rotting carcasses in his
dairy barn has been sentenced to three years probation for animal cruelty.
Twenty-eight-year-old Albert Buitenhuis had 13 felony charges reduced to one
as part of a plea deal. On Monday he was sentenced to the probation and 200
hours of community service in a San Bernardino County Superior Court. He is
also not permitted to own livestock except for three goats. The Inland
Valley Humane Society says it discovered more than a dozen calves standing
atop decaying carcasses and maggots in a barn belonging to Buitenhuis and
partner Albert Rodriguez last year.
<more> Aug. 19, 2008 AP
Del Norte raw milk dairy halts production after
illness-- A Del Norte County dairy has ended its raw milk program after
more than a dozen people fell ill, including a woman who became partially
paralyzed. The milk came from Alexandre Family EcoDairy Farms, which
supplied it to 115 customers. The county's Department of Public Health
suspects at least 15 people were sickened by Campylobacter, a bacteria found
in domesticated animals. The department has confirmed three cases, and are
awaiting test results for the other 12. Alexandre voluntary stopped its raw
milk program June 15 after learning one of its customers was hospitalized.
That woman later became partially paralyzed by a disorder tied to
Campylobacter.
<more> Aug. 19, 2008 AP
Assembly Member Parra a pariah in struggle over
state budget -- Hanford Democrat Nicole Parra was booted from her Assembly
office Monday, a punishment for bucking her party on Sunday night's budget
vote. Assembly Speaker Karen Bass sent Parra packing not to smaller Capitol
digs -- the usual reprimand for rebellious members -- but out of the building
entirely. Parra landed across the street in a legislative office building
where no other lawmakers are quartered.
Parra has vowed to not vote for the state budget unless lawmakers also agree
to put a water bond on the November ballot -- a priority of the farmers in her
district who have long pushed for new dams. On Sunday she kept her pledge and
was the only Democrat present who abstained on a Democratic budget proposal
that was never expected to pass. The budget bill requires a super majority and
failed because no Republicans voted yes.
<more> Aug. 19, 2008 Fresno Bee
California Senate considers bill to protect
animal researchers - - The recent attacks on animal researchers in Santa
Cruz have refocused attention on a bill aimed at protecting academic
freedom. Assembly Bill 2296 would make it easier for police to cite
individuals for trespassing and makes it a crime to post personal
information of a researcher with the intent to incite violence. The Aug. 2
attacks included firebombings of a car and a researcher's home in Santa
Cruz. In the latter case, the family was forced to flee the house through a
second-story window. "The most recent attacks brought to everybody's
attention that there are real concerns about the safety of academic
researchers," said Assemblyman Gene Mullin, D-South San Francisco. Mullin
wrote the bill with input from the University of California and other
universities in the state.
<more> Aug. 19 ,2008 Sacramento Bee
LA Times Op: Ed: Animal rights terrorism.
Activists have used increasingly dangerous tactics on researchers whose goal
is to save lives - - By Frankie Trull - - The firebombings of the
car and home of two UC Santa Cruz researchers earlier this month reveal an
unwelcome reality: Animal rights extremism is getting worse. Over the last
several years, militants have shifted their focus from breaking into
research labs and institutions to targeting researchers and their families
at home. In the past, they protested against scientists who work with higher
species, such as nonhuman primates and dogs; now, they are even targeting
researchers who use fruit flies. These attacks, considered domestic
terrorism and attempted homicide, should be a wake-up call to law
enforcement. Congress recognized the danger that animal rights militants
pose when it passed the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act in 2006. This law
gave the FBI additional tools to pursue animal rights extremism and
increased penalties for crimes related to it. The FBI has not apprehended
anyone since the law was passed. It needs to make these crimes a higher
priority.
<more> Aug. 19, 2008 LA Times
Farmers link up with Facebook- - Farmers and Facebook? The information sharing site offers a platform for farmers to trade information, advice and whatever crosses their minds. The concept comes from Jim Eadie, co-founder of www.Farmershowcase.com, who saw it as a strategic marketing initiative. "We can target and get direct feedback from farmers in specific sectors," he said in a statement. "I strongly feel like we are just scratching the surface with the ability to reach farmers direct via the internet." Farmershowcase.com is an agricultural product showcasing Web site and created the Facebook group to connect "young and progressive farming leaders throughout the world," officials said. Follow this link to join the group. Aug. 19, 2008 Fresno Bee
Monday, Aug., 18, 2008
The Bottom Line: California benefits from rise in
dairy-product exports - - We may be addicted to oil from Saudia Arabia and
Russia, but they can't get enough of our milk-fat products. U.S. dairy
processors shipped butter and cheese abroad at a record pace in the first six
months of the year, according to trade data released last week. They
capitalized on a weak dollar, high prices for cooking oils and droughts in
Australia and New Zealand, which usually dominate the international dairy
trade. Exports of butter shot up 570 percent to more than 56,000 tons, led by
sales to Russia and Saudi Arabia. Cheese exports jumped 48 percent to roughly
78,000 tons. One curious consequence of the export boom, experts say, may be a
shift in the type of cheese made in California, the nation's top producer of
milk.
<more> Aug.18, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Union organizing educational workshops in
Bakersfield and Modesto - - An educational workshop covering union
organizing activity, employers’ rights, and immigration issues will be hosted
by Western United Dairymen on Tuesday, Aug. 19 in Bakersfield, and Tuesday,
Aug. 26 in Modesto. The workshop will be led by Tony Raimondo, from the law
firm of Saqui & Raimondo, and members will learn what to expect when a union
organizer arrives at their dairy. The Bakersfield workshop will be from 1 p.m.
to 3 p.m. on Aug. 19 in the Kern County Ag Commissioner Conference Room at
1031 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, phone (661) 868-6225. The Modesto
workshop will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 26 in the Stanislaus County Farm
Bureau office located at 1201 L Street, Modesto, phone (209) 522-7305. Please
contact your local Western United Dairymen field representative for more
information and to RSVP.
July milk production up 1.7 percent - -
According to USDA’s monthly “Milk Production” report released Aug. 18, July
milk output in the 23 major dairy states rose 1.7 percent over July 2007
levels to 14.8 billion pounds. California milk production slipped 1% in July
to 3.415 billion pounds compared to 3.45 billion in July of last y ear. The
Golden State’s dairy herd grew by 30,000 head to 1.846 million but production
per cow dropped 50 pounds to 1,850. Meanwhile, production per cow in these states
averaged 1,742 pounds for July, unchanged from a year earlier. The additional
milk production came from an increase in cow numbers. The number of milk cows
in the 23 major dairy states during July was 8.47 million head. That’s 143,000
head more than in July 2007 and 5,000 head more than in June 2008. Texas
recorded the largest increase (10.1 percent) in cow population, while Florida
saw the biggest drop (3.9 percent) in cow numbers. The report also revised
June milk production to 14.7 billion pounds, or up 3.2 percent from June 2007.
This revision represents a decrease of 19 million pounds or minus 0.1 percent
from last month’s preliminary production estimate.
<more> Aug. 18, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
Dem leaders boot Parra from her Capitol office
- - Hanford Democrat Nicole Parra was booted from her Assembly office today
as punishment for bucking her party on Sunday night’s budget vote. Assembly
Speaker Karen Bass gave Parra until the end of the day to move into a one-room
office across the street from the Capitol in a building normally reserved for
legislative staff members. It’s not unprecedented for leaders to move
rebellious members to smaller offices, but it’s believed this is the first
time a lawmaker has been sent out of the Capitol building.
<more> Aug. 18, 2008 Fresno Bee
Export Boom Helps Farms, but Not American Factories
- - Exports are the bright spot this year in an otherwise bleak economy. But
the world is not suddenly snapping up made-in-America goods like aircraft,
machinery and staplers. The great attraction is decidedly low-luster
commodities like corn, wheat, ore and scrap metal. This helps explain why
manufacturing jobs are continuing to disappear by the tens of thousands and
factories are closing even during a miniboom in exports. While the surge in
commodities is a welcome relief, it is an unreliable prop for an industrial
power. “The historical data tell us clearly: don’t get too used to commodity
export booms; as any third world country will tell you, they tend to go away
pretty quickly,” said L. Josh Bivens, a trade expert at the labor-oriented
Economic Policy Institute. His point was that while Boeing’s aircraft or
Caterpillar’s tractors are distinctive and sought after, corn grown in Iowa is
virtually interchangeable with corn grown in Argentina or any other
bread-basket country. “Over a long period,” Mr. Bivens said, “commodities
contribute right around zero to export growth.”
<more> Aug. 18, 2008 NY Times
Significant changes may be in store for Ag Labor
Relations Act - - By Michael C. Saqui and Anthony P. Raimondo - -
California Assembly Bill No. 2386 may spell big changes
for
the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). AB 2386 would mean the end for
secret ballot elections under the ALRA. Under AB 2386, unions can petition the
Agricultural Labor Relations Board (“ALRB”) to conduct either a “Ballot Booth
Election” or a “Mediated Election”. Employers will recognize the ballot booth
election as it is virtually identical to the current secret ballot election.
The new addition is the “Mediated Election”. The mediated election functions
similarly to an absentee ballot. Under current law, the union must demonstrate
a showing of interest to the ALRB along with their petition. However, the
mediated election allows unions to force a mediated election with no showing
of interest by employees. The union petition for mediated election need only
allege: 1) the number of agricultural employees currently employed by the
employer is not less than 50% of the employer’s peak agricultural employment
for the calendar year; 2) no valid election has been conducted among the
agricultural employees in the last 12 months; 3) the union is not currently
certified as the exclusive collective bargaining representative; and 4) the
petition is not barred by an existing CBA.
<more> Aug. 18, 2008
Six months later, did the Chino beef recall produce
benefits? - - The cows were caked in manure and mud. Sick or hurt, they
couldn't stand long enough to be slaughtered. So they were beaten, kicked,
jabbed in their eyes and shocked. They were dragged with chains, rammed with a
forklift and blasted with a powerful hose in a manner later described in
congressional hearings as akin to water-boarding. The mistreatment and illegal
slaughter of "downer" cows at the Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. in Chino,
captured on video by an undercover investigator posing as a plant employee,
sparked the largest U.S. beef recall in history. Six months later, the recall
is over, but its impact is clear and far-reaching.
<more> Aug. 18, 2008 Riverside Press Enterprise
Bullfights preserve culture, animals - - The
lead man for the “Turlock Suicide Squad,” wearing a green knit cap and a tight
toreador-style suit, put his hands on his hips and strutted toward the bull,
daring him to charge. The animal rushed toward Tiago Pereira, who threw
himself between the bull's horns but missed his hold – falling to the ground,
pulling his knees up to protect his mid-section and covering part of his head
with his hands. The bull prodded him with blunted horns, sheathed in leather
after their sharp tips have been cut off. It was a rough night for Pereira,
25, an electrician. But he grabbed the bull on the second try, and the rest of
the eight-man squad muscled the powerful animal to a standstill. Then Joe
Martin, 53, grabbed the bull's tail as the animal was released. The bull spun
in circles, trying to hook Martin, whose feet skidded in the dirt as he was
towed like a water-skier. The bull finally tired, and Martin let go, calmly
walking away. The suicide squad, or forcados, are a fan favorite in “bloodless
bullfights,” the signature event of Portuguese-American religious festas held
in many parts of the Central Valley during the summer.
<more> Aug. 18, 2008 San Diego Union
UCSC firebombings are reminder of how hard it is to catch extremists - - It's been more than two weeks since a pair of firebombs rattled the university community in Santa Cruz. The attacks against two University of California researchers are believed to be the work of radical animal-rights activists opposed to vivisection. But despite an Aug. 7 raid on a Santa Cruz home on Riverside Avenue, nobody has been arrested. The case is a stark reminder of how hard it is to catch animal-rights and environmental extremists, who are suspected of committing more than 1,200 criminal acts nationwide since 1990. Because of the activists' strict code of discipline that prohibits "snitching" or cooperating with investigators, many cases remain unsolved. <more> Aug. 18, 2008 San Jose Mercury News
Friday, Aug. 15, 2008
Is
this the bottom for cash cheese? - - Things have been very busy on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange cash cheese market lately. 41 loads have been
sold in the last four sessions. On top of that, there were 20 offers
uncovered on Thursday. Jacquie Voeks with Stewart-Peterson says this could
indicate we are as low as we are going to go. “We’re seeing these guys just
load-up on cheese; that tells us there is tremendous demand.” She does
caution though that some of those sales could be the same load being resold
over and over, “Perhaps these loads are not moving anyplace.” Of particular
concern, there is no way to identify who is doing the trading on the
electronic platform.
<more> Aug. 15, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
The
end of an active week in dairy markets - - After a pretty wild week on
the cash cheese markets, in the end, not that much changed. Barrels on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange finish the week 2 cents lower, blocks .75 cents
lower and butter a half-cent higher. Class III futures for 2008 are lower,
August down 53 cents, September lost 71 cents from last Friday, October is
40 cents lower and November dropped 23 cents. The February 2009 contract is
a nickel higher.
<more> Aug. 15, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
State
bill to help protect researchers from extremists' attacks gains ground -
- A state bill that would help state law enforcement agencies and prosecutor
protect academic researchers and their families from becoming victims of
violence and intimidation by extremist activists moved one step forward Aug.
14 when a state Senate committee passed it 3-0. The vote on Assembly Bill
2296 by the Senate Committee on Public Safety sends the bill to the Senate
Appropriations Committee, which could take action as early as next week. The
bill, introduced earlier this year by Assemblymember Gene Mullin, D-San
Mateo, at the request of the University of California, had undergone several
revisions because of concern for the First Amendment rights of protesters
and the public's right of access to information. In the version passed by
the Assembly earlier, criminal provisions had been dropped from the bill.
<more> Aug. 15, 2008 UCLA Today Online
Food
prices unlikely to see relief: USDA's Schafer - - The recent plunge in
corn and soybean prices and the cost of fuel to transport products to stores
will not bring relief to soaring U.S. food prices this year, Agriculture
Secretary Ed Schafer told Reuters on Tuesday. Food prices are forecast to
rise by 5 percent this year, the largest annual increase since 1990. In its
first estimate for 2009, the U.S. Agriculture Department said prices would
rise by 4.5 percent, led by higher costs of red meat and poultry. A broad
range of commodities posted record high prices this year. Among them were
corn and soybeans, but they have since declined more than 25 percent each as
concerns over smaller crops due to a wet spring have dissipated. Oil also
has slumped from a record high above $147 a barrel on July 11 to $113.
<more> Aug. 15, 2008 Reuters
Westlands water rationing finished - - Rationing within the Westlands
Water District has ended early because of declining demand that resulted
when crops were abandoned and fall planting declined. The water rationing
program, which has been under way since late May, ended Aug. 1 and
deliveries have returned to normal, based on a 40% allocation, for water
users in the district. Sarah Woolf, a spokeswoman for the district, said the
reduced demand convinced U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials that it was
acceptable to stop the rationing and allow growers to use their remaining
water supply for the year.
<more> Aug. 15, 2008 Fresno Bee
Editorial: Prop 2 needs legislative treatment - - Proposition 2 backers
such as the Humane Society of the United States and Farm Sanctuary have
poured $4.2 million into the measure. Proposition 2 opponents, including
several out-of-state egg producers, have raised $1.7 million. Instead of
deciding issues based on the facts, voters will weigh sound bites, fuzzy
videos and other factors aimed at evoking emotional responses. The
legislature is the appropriate place to debate the merits of Proposition 2 -
and every initiative. There the legislation will go through public hearings,
all sides will be invited to voice their opinions and provide facts, and
legislators will be able to ask questions. Then the proposition will be
modified to address the issues that arise in those committees. In this
country, that is how laws should be written, not as part of a media circus.
<more> Aug. 15, 2008 Capital Press
Milk
board debates fee to help dairies - - Arkansas dairy farmers are in
trouble and need money to survive, said a state panel, which debated
Thursday asking the Legislature to assess a fee on wholesalers to subsidize
farmers in the shrinking field. The five-member Arkansas Milk Stabilization
Board considered a proposal offered by state Agricultural Secretary Richard
Bell to assess an as-yet undetermined fee on wholesalers that would collect
up to $ 5 million a year. That money would then be divvied up among the
state’s approximately 145 dairy farmers, most of whom operate in central and
northwestern Arkansas.
<more>
Aug. 15, 2008 Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Farmers get money for capturing carbon - - Everett Dobrinski recently got a $4,000 check for storing carbon dioxide in his soil. Dobrinski, who farms near Makoti in northwestern North Dakota, said protecting the planet from global warming is not the primary reason he enrolled in National Farmers Union Carbon Credit Program. It's about money. "I am considerate of the environment, but I'm doing it more for my own pocketbook," Dobrinski said. "It just makes economic sense." North Dakota Farmers Union President Robert Carlson said 990 farmers and ranchers in the state got about $2.6 million last month for using no-till and other practices to capture carbon dioxide, which is widely blamed for global warming. <more> Aug. 15, 2008 AP
Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008
Petaluma area dairy families are feeling the squeeze - - High gas
prices, high feed costs, stricter environmental regulations and state-set
prices are making for hard times in the dairy industry and local farmers are
really feeling the squeeze. How hard is it? It’s so tough that Don Silacci
and his son, Rich, got out of the business this year, after 100 years of the
family’s involvement in the dairy businesses. “I had to sell the dairy to
save the land,” Silacci said. He’s now working for a local electrical
contractor. Rich is still in the dairy business, tending the University of
California, San Luis Obispo dairy herd, but Don misses the farm. “I loved
working the land, being outdoors. It was a heartbreaking deal for me.” He
still owns the 165-acre farm on Lakeville Highway, but only a few heifers
are in the pastures. Silacci estimates complying with various state
requirements would cost nearly $1 million if he tried to get back into the
business. He’s not willing to take on that heavy a financial load.
<more> Aug. 14, 2008 Petaluma Argus Courier
Port
funds could be diverted to help with Valley air pollution -- Money
collected in Los Angeles County to clean up its polluted ports would be
shared with the Central Valley under a proposal by the Schwarzenegger
administration that is drawing opposition from Southern California leaders.
Sponsors of legislation that would charge shippers about $60 a container in
the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland had intended to use the
money in areas close to those cities' ports to reduce traffic congestion and
air pollution. But after the bill passed both legislative houses, aides to
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed last-minute changes that would funnel
some of the money to a statewide transportation fund and the California Air
Resources Board, which could use it in areas such as the Central Valley,
which suffers poor air quality from traffic, agriculture and other sources.
<more> Aug. 14, 2008 LA Times
Who
supports, opposes livestock welfare measure - - Supporters of
Proposition 2, a livestock welfare initiative on the November ballot, are
out-fundraising opponents 2-1 and have the edge in celebrity support,
according to financial reports and endorsements. Proposition 2 would require
farmers of egg-laying hens, as well as those raising veal calves and
pregnant pigs, to give the animals more room to extend their wings or limbs
and to lie down. The standards would take effect in six years. Supporters of
Prop. 2 have raised more money, $4.3 million, versus $2.16 million for
opponents, according to the California Secretary of State. Opponents of
Prop. 2 have stronger backing from agricultural groups and in-state donors.
<more> Aug. 14, 2008 North County Times
Dairy
energy management workshop in Tulare Sept. 17 - - PG&E and SCE will host
a Dairy Energy Management workshop on Sept. 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at
Edison Ag TAC, 4175 S. Laspina St. Tulare. The workshop will provide an
overview of dairy energy management options, including energy efficiency
technologies and incentives, emerging technologies, demand response
opportunities, water and air-quality and self generation, including various
dairy biogas options for the dairy farmer. This workshop is designed for
dairy owners and operators and dairy designers and vendors, who are
interested in developing and promoting integrated energy management
strategies for dairies. To RSVP, please register at
http://www.sce/agtac or
www.pge.com/energyclasses
or by calling 800-772-4822 or 559-263-5575. Aug. 14, 2008 PG&E
Notice
Mad
Cow Rules Hit Sperm Banks' Patrons - - When Julie Peterson decided to
have a baby on her own two years ago, she picked a tall, blond, blue-eyed
Danish engineer as a sperm donor to match her own Scandinavian heritage. But
when she went back to the sperm bank to use the same donor to have another
child, she was stunned to discover that the federal government had made it
impossible. "I just cried," said Peterson, 43, who lives in North Carolina.
"I was in complete shock. I hadn't thought about anything but having another
baby with this donor. It was just so surprising and bewildering." The sperm
bank had run out of vials from Peterson's donor and could not replace them,
because of restrictions health officials have instituted to protect
Americans against the human form of mad cow disease. Since May 2005, the
United States has effectively barred sperm banks from importing from Europe
for fear it might spread the brain-ravaging pathogen that causes the
affliction.
<more> Aug. 14, 2008 Washington Post
CDFA
joins California Fuel Cell Partnership - – The California Department of
Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has joined the California Fuel Cell Partnership
(CaFCP) as an associate member. The partnership is a collaboration of 31
member organizations including auto manufacturers, energy providers,
government agencies and fuel cell technology companies. Together they work
to promote the commercialization of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a means
of moving towards a sustainable energy future, increasing energy efficiency
and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. “California is
looking forward to a future powered by alternative fuels, including hydrogen
fuel cells that clean the air and create new jobs,” said CDFA Secretary A.G.
Kawamura. “The California Department of Food and Agriculture has a long
history of expertise in assuring the quality and fair measurement of fuels
for our state’s consumers, and we look forward to contributing to this
partnership.”
<more> Aug. 14, 2008 CDFA Press Release
Music mooves cows to make milk - - An Israeli dairy farmer is crediting classical music with increasing the milk production of his cows. Avraham Sindlis of Givat Haim Ihud in the past two years has seen his kibbutz's cowshed move up to 11th place in Israeli milk production from 102nd. His secret? Playing the works of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss to the cows. "It's pleasant for them, and for me, too, and it passes the day," Sindlis told Yediot Achronot on Thursday. "It may be hard to prove scientifically, but the quantities of milk speak for themselves." Aug. 14, 2008 Jewish Ledger
Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008
Despite strong demand, dairy prices falling this
summer - - California dairy farmers, already reeling from rising feed and
fuel prices, will take another hit Sept. 1 when the price they're paid for
whole milk will be cut. Farmers will be getting $19.23 per hundredweight, down
56 cents from the price they're being paid in August. That's $3.60 less than
they made in September 2007. "Dairy producers' margins are really getting
squeezed," said Michael Marsh, chief executive of Western United Dairymen. The
Modesto-based group represents about 60 percent of the dairy producers in
California. "While milk prices are coming down -- fuel, labor and feed prices
just keep going up," Marsh said.
<more> Aug. 13, 2008 Merced Sun-Star
Tulare-area farmers running low on irrigation water
- - Tulare area farmer and dairyman Mario Simoes Sr. says he recently made
one of the toughest choices he has ever had to make in his nearly 40 years in
agriculture: Stop watering a 60-acre alfalfa field. "I have no water to
irrigate," he said. "You feel guilty losing a crop. It's like starving a human
being." But with four water wells dry, including one that was built just three
months ago and cost $110,000, Simoes said there is no other choice. "It's a
big problem," Simoes said. "We're just drying out."
<more> Aug. 13, 2008 Visalia Times-Delta
Dairy farmer wants to convert manure to
electricity, but regional air quality district is hesitant over smog concerns
- - Smog versus greenhouse gas: Which is worse? Cow manure has provoked a
debate over the benefits of reducing fossil fuel consumption and cutting
greenhouse gas emissions versus controlling smog in the Sacramento region. Jon
Tollenaar wants to install a “methane digester” that would use manure from the
1,900 cows on his farm near Elk Grove to produce electricity for the
Sacramento Municipal Utility District. SMUD has agreed to buy the electricity,
the California Energy Commission has funded the project with a $500,000 loan,
and the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided a $198,000 grant. But
Tollenaar might need an additional $60,000 or more of smog-control equipment
before the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District will give
him a permit to run the generator. “This is going to set the precedent,” said
Marco Lemes, manager of SMUD’s Dairy Digester Incentive Program. “If Tollenaar
doesn’t get built, forget other dairies in Sacramento.”
<more> Aug. 13, 2008 Sacramento Business Journal
Air Board blocks digester development - - The
San Joaquin Valley Air Board
in California is blocking
development of
methane digesters by demanding near-perfect air quality from engines.
The mandated emission standard of 9 parts per million
nitrogen oxide (NOx) has never been demonstrated scientifically, says
Allen Dusault, director of
sustainable agriculture at Sustainable Conservation. Engines available
can only achieve 30 to 40 parts per million NOx. "Installing additional
control equipment, to meet the Air Board's standard would cost dairies another
$300,000 to $400,000, which is more than the engine itself costs, and it
threatens to kill new projects," says Dusault. Already half a dozen projects
in the pipeline are stalled because of the Air Board’s stance.
Aug. 13, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
Profiling Protective Proteins in Dairy Cows- -
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) molecular biologist John Lippolis is
delving into the dynamics of the dairy cow immune system. His work is
resulting in the first close-up look at how immune system proteins help
protect the cows, and how bacterial proteins fight back. Lippolis works at the
ARS Periparturient Diseases of Cattle Research Unit, part of the National
Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. He is using proteomics--the
identification of the proteins that make up a cell--to identify and study
neutrophils, the white blood cells that are a key part of the immune system.
When dairy cows develop mastitis, a bacterial infection that costs dairy
producers some $2 billion every year, neutrophils are an essential part of the
immune response. Lippolis identified proteins in bovine neutrophils and
tracked how they change during infection.
<more> Aug. 13, 2008 ARS Press Release
EcoChef: Small, traditional farms make big
environmental impact - - Cheese maker Mandy Johnston of the Pedrozo Dairy
and Cheese Company family loves her farm in the Central California town of
Orland. Johnston makes about 600 pounds of cheese a week, starting with the
raw milk from her cows. In a several-step process of heating, cutting and
pressing, she makes large wheels of cheese by hand, which then age for at
least two months before they are ready to eat. Johnston is part of a growing
number of small meat and dairy producers who are returning to time-honored
traditions of working with the land, not taking from it. For example, Johnston
and her family run far fewer cows on their 20 acres than most dairy
operations, because, she says, "It's important to us that we only keep the
amount of cows that our pasture can healthfully maintain. We want the grass to
be the main source of their diet, not a supplement to grain or hay."
<more> Aug. 13, 2008 InsideBayArea.com
Feinstein criticizes legislators for inaction on
state water plan - - Warning that California faces catastrophic water
shortages from a worsening drought, Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Tuesday upbraided
state lawmakers for failing to rally behind a proposed $9.3 billion water bond
for the November ballot. Feinstein has joined Republican Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger in calling for major improvements to state water storage and
delivery systems. But their water bond plan has run aground in the
Legislature. Lawmakers, particularly Democrats, have been loath to support the
program, which would include $3 billion for water storage and $1.9 billion to
repair levees and restore the ecosystem of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Legislative efforts to place the measure on the November ballot have also
stumbled amid the state's bitter budget standoff.
<more>
Aug. 13, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Farm
expenses hit record high: USDA
- - The rising cost of
fuel and other products drove U.S. farm production expenditures to a record
$260 billion in 2007, according to USDA’s Farm Production Expenditures 2007
summary released by the department’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Total U.S. farm production
expenditures rose 9.3 percent from 2006 and nearly 30 percent from five years
ago.
Increasing petroleum costs
meant farmers not only paid more for fuel, but also for fertilizer products,
chemicals and transportation services. Indirectly, fuel prices and the growth
in ethanol production also led to higher crop prices, resulting in increased
cost for livestock feed.
<more> Aug. 13, 2008 Western Farm Press
Major Latino organizations oppose Prop. 2 - -
The general assembly of the National Latino Congreso last week unanimously
approved an amended resolution opposing Prop. 2, the UN-SAFE Food Initiative,
because of the many negative consequences Prop. 2 poses for Latinos in
California. Their opposition comes on the heels of the Mexican American
Political Association’s recent opposition to Prop. 2 and both groups have now
joined Californians for SAFE Food, a growing coalition of public health and
food safety experts, labor unions, consumers, family farmers and
veterinarians. The National Latino Congreso was convened by the nation’s major
Latino political and advocacy organizations to address the primary concerns of
the Latino community and encourage a large voter registration mobilization
effort focused on issues most affecting poor and working families. The Mexican
American Political Association is dedicated to the constitutional and
democratic principle of political freedom and representation for the Mexican
and Hispanic people of the United States of America.
<more>
Aug. 12, 2008 Non on Prop. 2 Press Release
Veterinarian shortage may impact safety of U.S.
food supply - - Suzanne Gregory, a fourth year veterinary medicine student
at Virginia Tech, helps veterinarian John Currin do ultrasounds on dairy cows.
Practicing as a food animal veterinarian is a dirty, physical job. "It takes
dedication, because you have clients who are relying on you to be available 24
hours a day, seven days a week," she said. It was a natural choice for
Gregory; she comes from a family of farmers in southern Virginia. However, her
fellow students are increasingly choosing to care for household pets instead,
deterred by long hours, the rural location of jobs and modest pay. By 2025,
the American Veterinary Medical Association expects the vet shortage to grow
to 15,000 -- most of them large animal doctors. That could leave farmers, like
Marion Phillips, without essential care for their livestock.
<more> Aug. 13, 2008 CNN
Test To Protect Food Chain From Human Form Of Mad Cow Disease - - Scientists are reporting development of the first test for instantly detecting beef that has been contaminated with tissue from a cow's brain or spinal cord during slaughter — an advance in protecting against possible spread of the human form of Mad Cow Disease. Jürgen A. Richt and colleagues point out that removal of brain, spinal and other central nervous tissue after slaughter is "one of the highest priority tasks to avoid contamination of the human food chain with bovine spongiform encephalopathy," better known as Mad Cow Disease. "No currently available method enables the real-time detection of possible central nervous system (CNS) tissue contamination on carcasses during slaughter," the report states. <more> Aug. 13, 2008 Science Daily
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2008
USDA raises corn estimates on 'ideal' weather -
- Farmers are on pace to produce the second largest corn crop and fourth
largest soybean crop in history, which may lead to lower prices for the key
grains, the government said Tuesday. In its first estimates this year based on
actual field visits and farmer surveys, the U.S. Department of Agriculture
raised its estimate of corn production and said "nearly ideal" weather has
helped Midwestern farmers recover from June's devastating floods. That
recovery is expected to lead to lower prices for corn, soybeans and wheat.
That may provide some relief to meat producers who use corn and soybeans for
feed, for makers of corn-based ethanol and maybe even for shoppers at
supermarkets.
<more> Aug. 12, 2008 AP
High price of corn thwarts Pacific Ethanol - -
Pacific Ethanol Inc. reported Monday that it lost $8.3 million in the second
quarter of 2008, as rising corn and energy prices undercut margins on record
sales of the ethanol the Sacramento-based company makes and markets. The
second-quarter loss of 23 cents per diluted share was a sharp swing from
profits of $2.2 million, or 3 cents per diluted share, in the same quarter of
2007, and nearly double analysts' forecasts. Analysts had expected the company
to lose 13 cents a share, according to Reuters Estimates. The loss was driven
primarily by rising natural gas and corn prices during the quarter, as well as
additional costs associated with the opening of the company's third wholly
owned plant in Burley, Idaho, Neil Koehler, chief executive, said in a Monday
conference call with industry analysts.
<more> Aug. 12, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Texas Is Fed Up With Corn Ethanol By Rick
Perry, Governor, Texas - - At what price will corn be so expensive that
the federal government will decide that it is time to stop driving up the
price of food? Three years ago, Congress imposed a Renewable Fuel Standard
(RFS) mandate that has forced the gasoline industry to mix massive amounts of
corn-based ethanol into the nation's fuel supply. In 2007, Congress nearly
doubled that mandate to require nine billion gallons of ethanol be blended
into gas in 2008 and even more in 2009. But, as a safety valve, Congress gave
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power to waive the new mandates
if they turn out to have unforeseen, negative consequences.
<more> Aug. 12, 2008 Wall Street Journal Op-Ed
Fire breaks out in tower at Foster Farms Dairy in
Modesto - - A fire broke out at Foster Farms Dairy in Modesto today, and
firefighters put the blaze out. No one was hurt. Chief Jim Miguel said the
fire department brought seven vehicles to the scene when the blaze was
reported in one of the dairy's towers about 12:15 p.m. The cause of the fire
was under investigation. The company said all employees were accounted for,
Miguel said.
<more> Aug. 12, 2008 Modesto Bee
Milk Production Unchanged, Tight World Supplies -
- Milk production forecasts for 2008 and 2009 are unchanged, as lower feed
prices are partly offset by lower milk prices. Dairy trade forecasts are
adjusted with lower forecast imports and higher forecast commercial exports.
Imports to date have been weaker than expected as world supplies are tight and
the U.S. dollar is relatively weak. Conversely, these conditions are expected
to support higher forecast commercial exports. In the face of tighter
supplies, forecast domestic disappearance is lowered. However, ending stocks
are unchanged from last month.
<more> Aug. 12, 2008 Cattle Network.com
USDA lowers cheese and milk price projections -
- World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates from USDA on Tuesday. Milk
production for 2008 and 2009 were left unchanged from last month’s estimates.
The Outlook Board says lower feed prices are being offset by lower milk
prices. Dairy exports should remain strong thanks to the weak dollar however
domestic use should decline to balance that out. The lower cash cheese prices
of late prompted the Outlook Board to lower the average cash cheese price for
this year however they left the 2009 price projection unchanged citing reduced
cheese production. The 2008 cash cheese price is 1.5 to 2.5 cents lower than
last month’s estimate, $1.92 to $1.94 per pound. The 2009 cash cheese price is
unchanged from last month, $1.855 to $ 1.955. Cash butter price for this year
3 to 5 cents higher, $1.415 to $1.455 while the 2009 butter price is a
half-cent higher than last month’s estimate, $1.355 to $1.485. The nonfat dry
milk price was raised from last month while the dry whey price lost a penny.
<more> Aug. 12, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Modesto forum on animal welfare initiative Prop. 2
set for Sept. 3 - - First United Methodist Church, Modesto will host a
forum Wednesday, Sept. 3 on Prop. 2, the Standards for Confining Farm Animals
Initiative on the Nov. 4 ballot. Panel members include Bill Mattos, president
of the California Poultry Federation; Jim West, owner of J.S. West Company,
Modesto; Modesto dairyman George A. te Velde, and a representative from the
California Humane Society, the sponsor of the initiative. The panel will be
moderated by Mark Looker, agricultural communications consultant. The
proposition would add a chapter to Division 20 of California's Health and
Safety Code to prohibit the confinement of certain farm animals in a manner
that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully
extend their limbs. The measure includes veal crates, battery cages, and sow
gestation crates. If approved by the voters, the statute would become
operative on Jan. 1, 2015. The Prop. 2 discussion is open to the public and
will be held at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist
Church, 850 16th Street, Modesto. The forum is part of a faith and
politics sermon series sponsored by the church in the run-up to the November
election. Aug. 12, 2008 FUMC Press Release
New Mexico to lose bovine tuberculosis free status
- - New Mexico is within days of losing its' bovine tuberculosis Free
status, according to New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association President Alisa
Ogden of Loving. The loss will be triggered by publication of an emergency
rule in the Federal Register by the U.S. Department of Agriculture which is
expected by mid August at the latest and will become effective immediately,
she reported.
<more>
Aug. 12, 2008 Curret Argus.com
Higher milk prices don't mean more profits for
farmers - - Marguerite Jones picked through boxes of name-brand butter and
yogurt, all displaying the orange stickers that mean a radical discount. She
didn't even glance at the full-priced dairy products. A few moments later, she
scanned the milk cooler, but — no orange stickers — she marched past. Jones
only buys expiring milk that is on sale, pouring it into plastic bottles to
freeze until she needs it. "It saves me money," Jones said, as she made her
way through the Kroger store on Atlanta's Ponce de Leon Avenue. In a time of
increased inflation, milk has become one of the toughest challenges to
overstretched consumers. Like gasoline, its partner in inflation, milk has
outpaced other price hikes. During the last five years, the cost of milk has
gone up 43 percent, while overall inflation rose 19 percent.
<more> Aug. 12, 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
New study cites continued regulatory cost explosion - - The California Institute for the Study of Specialty Crops has published a new study which details the continuing explosion of regulatory costs on California agriculture and specifically citrus. Since a 2006 study by the Institute an additional $12.4 million in regulatory impacts have been shouldered by citrus producers throughout California. “Even after giving credit for the reduction in workman’s comp expenses, growers have had a net increase of $46 per acre in the past two years,” notes CCM President Joel Nelsen. The vast majority of increases have occurred because of new mandates within education/training, capital investment imposed as result of environmental edicts, and regulations that have changed operational procedures according to the study. Study authors Jay Noel, director of the Institute and agribusiness professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; and Mechel Paggi, Fresno State University; were assisted by Fumiko Yamazaki, senior research economist at the Center for Agricultural business at Cal State University Fresno. <more> Aug. 12, 2008 Western Farm Press
Monday, Aug.11, 2008
Shrinking Cotton Crop Causes Problems for Dairy
Cows as Well - - By Don Curlee - - When cotton was king in
California, one of its most favored subjects was the dairy industry.
Cottonseed and meal made from it became choice dietary supplements for cattle,
particularly dairy cows. With cotton production down by about 66 percent from
its high volume of five years ago, many dairy cows are wondering, "Where's the
seed?" Attention was called to the dilemma in the July issue of California
Farmer, one of the state's premier farm publications. It took the view that
the nation's cotton crop is down 25 percent below last year. A spokesperson
for Cotton Incorporated said this year's supply of cottonseed will be only
about half of what it was two years ago.
<more> Aug. 11, 2008 Visalia Times-Delta
Ag industry must unify to protect technologies -
- The American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology (AFACT)
said they remain committed to unifying the industry for the protection and
preservation of modern agricultural technologies in the production of safe,
nutritious and affordable food. AFACT co-leaders and dairy farmers Liz
Doornink, Baldwin, Wis. and Carrol Campbell, Winfield, Kan., issued the
statement following the announcement that Monsanto is seeking to sell the
business functions associated with its recombinant bovine somatotropin product
(rbST), POSILAC. The 1,400-member AFACT organized a year ago out of concerns
related to rbST use restrictions placed on dairy producers by milk processors
and retailers, even though the technology is approved by the federal Food and
Drug Administration. The organization also raised concerns over "absence
labels" on milk and other dairy products that create confusion among consumers
and raise questions over the safety of milk that is not labeled "rbST-free",
"hormone-free", "pesticide-free" and "antibiotic-free".
<more> Aug. 11, 2008 AFACT Press Release
U.S. disregarded experts when choosing site for
biolab -- The Homeland Security Department swept aside evaluations of
government experts and named Mississippi — home to powerful U.S. lawmakers
with sway over the agency — as a top location for a new $451 million, national
laboratory to study some of the world's most virulent biological threats,
according to internal documents. Mississippi's lawmakers include the
Democratic chairman of the department's oversight committee in the House and
the senior Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is
expected to approve money to build the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility
at one of five sites being considered. The two lawmakers said they were
unaware of the Homeland Security evaluation system that scored the Mississippi
site so low.
<more> Aug. 11, 2008 AP
Bush to relax U.S. protected species laws - -
Parts of the Endangered Species Act, which has protected nature in the United
States for 3 1/2 decades, soon may be extinct. The Bush administration wants
federal agencies to decide for themselves whether construction projects such
as highways, dams or mines might harm endangered animals and plants. The new
regulations, which do not require Congress' approval, would reduce the numbers
of mandatory, independent reviews government scientists have been performing
for 35 years, according to a draft obtained by The Associated Press. The draft
rules also would bar federal agencies from assessing emissions from projects
that contribute to global warming and its effect on species and habitats. If
approved, the changes would represent the biggest overhaul of the Endangered
Species Act since 1988.
<more> Aug. 11, 2008 AP
Firebomb attacks anger, worry UC scientists who use animals in research- - Two firebomb attacks last week on UC Santa Cruz scientists who conduct animal research have angered and worried academics throughout the UC system, who said their work has broad public support and that they will not be intimidated by bombers who crossed the line by targeting families. "It is outrageous when people's families are targeted," said UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. "This is incredibly serious because it could have led to loss of life. It's chilling." But Block, a biologist who uses mice in his research on circadian rhythms, said he expects the violent attacks to deter few scientists from working with animals. <more> Aug. 11, 2008 LA Times
Friday, Aug. 8, 2008
USDA
could split TB herd. Deal still pending with largest dairy over purebred
cattle - - Animal health officials have reached deals to depopulate two
dairy herds in Fresno County where bovine tuberculosis has been detected,
but negotiations are still continuing with the largest dairy touched by the
disease. The two owners of the remaining dairy are in the process of
negotiating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said Larry Hawkins,
USDA spokesman in California. The dairy, which contains 13,000 cows, had one
cow test positive for the disease. The federal agency is working with the
dairy owners on indemnity, Hawkins said, but due to the large number of cows
and their higher value due to a purebred breeding program, they are looking
carefully into the possibility of splitting the herd into low-risk and
high-risk groups.
<more> Aug. 8, 2008 Capital Press
Air
district reminds farmers about engine rules compliance - - Stationary
and transportable spark-ignited internal combustion engines used in
agricultural operations are subject to regulation, the San Joaquin Valley
Air Pollution Control District is reminding Valley farmers. The engines fall
under District Rule 4702. Affected engines include irrigation pumps, dairy
digester gas-fired engines and other engines used in ag operations that are
fired on natural gas, propane/LPG, biogas and/or gasoline. Full compliance
with Rule 4702 is required by Jan. 1, 2009. Owner/operators of these engines
are required to submit either an Authority to Construct (ACT) permit
application or a Permit-Exempt Equipment Registration (PEER.) The
application should identify the chosen compliance method. ACT applications
were due July 1, 2008, while PEER applications are due Oct. 1, 2008. Further
information about complying with Rule 4702 is available by contacting one of
the Valley Air District offices at: Modesto (209) 557-6446; Fresno (559)
230-5888 or Bakersfield (661) 326-6969. To download the Compliance
Assistance Bulletin,
click here. Aug. 8, 2008 Valley Air District Notice
Union
organizing educational workshops in Bakersfield and Modesto - - An
educational workshop covering union organizing activity, employers’ rights,
and immigration issues will be hosted by Western United Dairymen on Tuesday,
Aug. 19 in Bakersfield, and Tuesday, Aug. 26 in Modesto. The workshop will
be led by Tony Raimondo, from the law firm of Saqui & Raimondo, and members
will learn what to expect when a union organizer arrives at their dairy. The
Bakersfield workshop will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 19 in the Kern
County Ag Commissioner Conference Room at 1031 Mt. Vernon Avenue,
Bakersfield, phone (661) 868-6225. The Modesto workshop will be from 10 a.m.
to noon on Aug. 26 in the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau office located at
1201 L Street, Modesto, phone (209) 522-7305. Please contact your local
Western United Dairymen field representative for more information and to
RSVP.
Cows
in UC Davis study opt to cool off - - If you think your kids are hogging
the bathroom, try dealing with a 2,000-pound bovine that spends seven hours
a day in the shower and doesn't want to get out. At the University of
California, Davis, researchers are conducting an experiment to see how long
cows will stand under a cooling shower if they can do it as long as they
want. "We're interested in when the cows will turn the water on and off for
themselves," said Cassandra Tucker, an assistant professor of animal
science. "We wanted to give the cows control." The goal is to help dairy
farmers, who use misters to keep their cows cool in the summer, to be more
efficient with water and to produce more milk.
<more> Aug. 8, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Pacific Ethanol stock jumps as bid to ease ethanol mandate is rejected -
- Shares of Sacramento's Pacific Ethanol Inc. jumped 12 percent Thursday
after the Bush administration denied a request from the governor of Texas to
suspend a federal mandate on the use of ethanol because of its impact on
corn prices. Stephen Johnson, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, said the ethanol requirement has nudged up the cost of corn, but not
enough to justify a policy change. Neil Koehler, Pacific Ethanol's president
and chief executive, said the alternative-fuel industry would have suffered
a major setback if the EPA had ruled the other way. "It would have sent a
very bad signal," said Koehler, who has emerged as one of the nation's most
visible defenders of ethanol.
<more> Aug. 8, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Bye-Bye BST? - - It’s been well-documented that an increasing number of
dairy processors and retailers have asked their farmers not to supply them
with milk from cows treated with Monsanto’s recombinant bovine somatotropin,
or rBST, marketed as Posilac™. The trend has picked up steam in the past
two years, and in most major markets across the country, at least one fluid
milk supplier (if not all of them) displays a “no artificial growth hormones
used” pledge on its products. The question in my mind, lately, is whether
this trend would inexorably make its way from the fluid milk business, to
where the real volume is in the dairy industry: cheese. Cheese represents
more than 40% of where the nation’s milk supply goes, while bottled milk is
only about 25%. Cheese also differs in that it’s more often a commodity
product, frequently served as an ingredient in a foodservice item (pizza,
cheeseburgers, Tex-Mex). So I’ve been wondering if the “BST-free” label
will have much traction in the cheese category.
<more> Aug. 8, 2008 On the Udder Hand Blog
Agriculture production costs on the rise, says new Rabobank report - - Much attention has focused lately on the run-up in the production of agricultural commodities and its effect on food prices. Additionally, key crop input prices are also rising and show no sign of slowing, according to a new Rabobank report, "U.S. Crop Inputs." "Farmers' use of key crop inputs is reaching record highs, while prices are also at record highs, which is putting the pinch on pocketbooks," said Associate Erin FitzPatrick with Rabobank's Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) department. One reason for the increase in crop input usage is the economic growth in emerging markets where demand for food is driving the need for production. Additionally, the cost of inputs has increased because of higher price tags on transportation, labor, energy and raw materials as well as the weakened U.S. dollar and regulatory constraints. <more> Aug. 8, 2008 Western Farm Press
Thursday, Aug. 7, 2008
WUD supports emergency petition for milk price increase - -
This week Western United Dairymen joined with the Alliance of Western Milk
Producers and the California Dairy Women to request that Secretary Kawamura call
an emergency hearing to consider the implementation of a “surcharge” on the
regulated minimum prices for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 milk. The
suggested level of the surcharge is $1.00 per hundredweight for a period of
six months. The concerns leading to this call for an emergency hearing
include the extraordinary high feed prices and fuel costs producers are
facing, as well as the extreme
volatility in the cheese market. “As bad
as it is now, the situation that will face producers over the next several
months promises to be much worse,” said the groups in filing the petition.
“The prices of feed are at levels that have never been seen before but these
costs will not be fully experienced by California producers until this fall
when new concentrate contracts are executed for the coming year. During last
year’s fall contracting period corn prices were climbing from the $2.50 per
bushel range to $3.50 in December. This year prices, while down a bit from
the weather induced $8.00 range, appear to be settling near $6.00 per
bushel. The implications of that kind of price increase on the single most
important concentrate in dairy rations are frightening.” In the past week
the CME cheese market has shown extreme volatility with barrel cheese; after
declining 9.25 cents on July 29 posting a record drop of 28
cents on July 30th down to $1.65. Block cheese also had big
declines – losing a total of 24.5 cents over the two-day period of July 30th
and 31st. “When these kinds of price swings are viewed in
conjunction with the feed price increases summarized above, the result is an
untenable position for California dairy producers,” said the petition
signers. The petition can be viewed on the CDFA website
by clicking here. CDFA has 15 days from the date of the filing to
respond. Aug. 8, 2008
Southern California Dairy Co-op Weighs Tulare County Plant - - Security
Milk Producers Association, based in Ontario, is scouting a location for a
milk plant in Tulare County, says general manager Hank Perkins. “Talks are
very preliminary,” says Perkins, “but we need to site a plant up there”
because of the volume of milk that comes from the Valley. Perkins says the
34-member co-op has approved the search and expects to be in production here
by 2010, a very aggressive time schedule. The cooperative produces about 4
million pounds of milk daily, about 1.4 billion pounds annually. The co-op
has been in place since 1964 and does some $200 million in annual sales.
Security is basically a fluid milk supplier to the L.A. area with some large
customers that include the Ralphs (Kroger) chain and Trader Joe’s. In Tulare
County, Security has a milk contract to supply product to Mozzarella Fresca
cheese company in Tipton.
<more> Aug. 7, 2008 Valley Voice Newspaper
Monsanto Plans to Sell Posilac Dairy-Hormone Business - - Monsanto Co.
plans to divest its Posilac dairy hormone business to focus on genetically
modified crops. The synthetic hormone, which is given to dairy cows to boost
milk production, will be sold in the coming months, Creve Coeur-based
Monsanto said Wednesday in a statement. Monsanto, the world's biggest seed
producer, has sold Posilac, also known as recombinant bovine somatotropin,
or rBST, since 1994. The company doesn't detail Posilac sales or profit,
spokeswoman Danielle Jany said. Chief Executive Hugh Grant is selling
smaller, animal-agriculture units amid surging sales of crop products such
as Roundup herbicide and engineered corn and soybean seeds. Monsanto in
September sold its Choice Genetics unit, which mapped swine genes. "There
are certainly advantages to not being distracted from the core business,"
Laurence Alexander, a New York-based analyst at Jefferies & Co., said in a
telephone interview. He rates the shares "buy."
<more> Aug. 7, 2008 Bloomberg News
UC
Davis researchers seek cow shower data - - Do cows moo in the shower? We
may soon find out. Researchers at UC Davis are beginning a new project today
that examines how dairy cows use cooling showers, how the water affects
their body temperature and whether showers reduce the cows' stress and
increase milk production, according to a university news release. Heat
stress costs dairy producers nationwide about $900 million each year in
lowered milk production. Many commercial dairies provide misters for their
cows that typically run the length of feeding troughs, the release states.
<more> Aug. 7, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Monsanto Looks to Sell Dairy Hormone Business - - After struggling to
gain consumer acceptance, Monsanto on Wednesday announced that it would try
to sell its business of producing an artificial growth hormone for dairy
cows. The company will focus instead on its thriving business of selling
seeds and developing ways to improve crops. The decision comes as more
retailers, saying they are responding to consumer demand, are selling dairy
products from cows not treated with the artificial hormone. Wal-Mart, Kroger
and Publix are among the retailers that now sell house-brand milk from
untreated cows. Almost all of the fresh milk sold by Dean Foods, the
nation’s largest milk bottler, also comes from cows that were not treated
with the artificial hormone, a spokeswoman said. Monsanto officials said the
decision was not related to the retail trend and that business for the
artificial hormone, sold under the brand name Posilac, remained brisk.
Monsanto, which is based in St. Louis and is the only commercial
manufacturer of the hormone, declined to provide sales numbers.
<more> Aug. 7, 2008 NY Times
EQIP applications being accepted for funding - -
Conservation cost share applications for the popular Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP) are being accepted for funding consideration in
fiscal year 2009 now through Nov. 2 at USDA Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) offices throughout California. Applications for EQIP are
accepted year round. The Nov. 2 date reflects the cut off for funding
consideration during the 2009 fiscal year. Assistance can be in the form of
structures and conservation "hardware" such as irrigation or manure
management facilities, as well as incentive payments for proper management
to achieve environmental benefits. "We begin this fiscal year with the
promise of a newly minted Farm Bill that carries a strong conservation
title,” says NRCS State Conservationist Ed Burton. “All of our programs
provide helpful tools for balancing agricultural productivity with natural
resource protection but EQIP is our flagship conservation program. Combined
with technical assistance and conservation planning, EQIP has had a huge
impact on the California landscape and I expect these benefits to continue
and expand in the next year and forward into this Farm Bill.” In fiscal year
2008 California NRCS partnered with farmers and ranchers on nearly $54
million in conservation cost share contracts, setting a new record for the
program in the state. The contracts covered a broad spectrum of natural
resource enhancements including increasing irrigation efficiency; nutrient
and manure management on dairies; grazing land management; riparian buffers
and wildlife habitat; wetland protection; forest management and more. EQIP
information is available by contacting a local NRCS office. Aug. 7, 2008
NRCS Press Release
Idaho
OKs bovine TB test. 961 dairy bulls received from infected Calif. Herd -
- The Idaho State Department of Agriculture may spend up to $5 million to
test for bovine tuberculosis after learning that 961 registered Holstein
bulls were shipped to the state from an infected herd in California since
2003. State officials are still trying to get their hands around the extent
of the problem, said Bill Barton, state veterinarian. "The fact is that they
came from a herd known to be infected with bovine TB, and we don't know when
that herd became infected," Barton said. "Our understanding is that 2003 was
the last time any of the three infected herds identified so far in
California had a whole-herd TB test. We can't take the risk that one or more
of the bulls may also have been infected and could have spread the disease
here."
<more> Aug. 7, 2008 Capital Press
Covance to buy Lilly research center, strikes $1.6 billion services deal - - Covance today said it will buy Eli Lilly's 450-acre research campus in Greenfield, Ind., for $50 million, and assume a key role in drug development for the struggling pharmaceutical company. The deal -- and a related services pact Lilly struck simultaneously with Quintiles -- represents a watershed for the drug industry. Covance, a fast-growing provider of clinical research services, is stepping up into the big leagues with the 10-year, $1.6 billion outsourcing contract. And Lilly, one of the world's ten largest drugmakers, is acknowledging it must radically change the way it develops drugs if it is going to defuse the dangers of generic competition, flagging research productivity and a slowing pace of regulatory review. <more> Aug. 7, 2008 New Jersey Business News
Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008
Monsanto to Pursue Divestiture of POSILAC--
Monsanto Company announced today that it is pursuing a divestiture of its
dairy product, POSILAC® bovine somatotropin, in the upcoming months.
Additional details have not been disclosed at this time"While POSILAC is a
strong product for the business, we believe repositioning the business with a
strategic owner will allow Monsanto to focus on the growth of its core seeds
and traits business while ensuring that loyal dairy farmers continue to
receive the value of POSILAC in their operations," said Carl Casale,
Monsanto's Executive Vice-President of Strategy and Operations.
<more> Aug. 6, 2008 Monsanto Pres Release
Dean Foods shares tumble on lower outlook on
continued cost inflation, higher competition -- Shares of Dean Foods Co.
tumbled Wednesday as the milk producer lowered its third-quarter outlook on
continued cost inflation for commodities and higher competition. Dean's shares
fell more than 13 percent Wednesday before rebounding slightly in the
afternoon. Shares were down $1.59, or 6.8 percent to $21.75 in midday trading.
The company's stock has traded in a 52-week range of $17.54 to $30.00. The
milk producer said third-quarter profit would fall below Wall Street
expectations. It expects earnings between 26 cents and 31 cents per share.
Analysts had been expecting earnings per share of 32 cents, according to a
poll by Thomson Financial.
<more> Aug. 6, 2008 AP
EPA announcement on ethanol mandate to come
Thursday - - The Environmental Protection Agency says it will make an
announcement about Texas' request for a waiver on the congressionally mandated
ethanol requirement Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern, 10 a.m. Pacific time. The EPA
will either put the decision on hold or roll back the requirement, with Dow
Jones Newswires saying their analysts expect the EPA deny the request. Earlier
this year, Texas Governor Rick Perry petitioned the EPA to cut the 9 billion
gallon a year mandate in half, as the decline in corn supply would hurt
livestock producers in his state. Aug. 6, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Stone Age Milk Use Began 2,000 Years Earlier -
- Prehistoric humans consumed milk at least 8,500 years ago—up to 2,000 years
earlier than previously thought—new discoveries of the earliest known milk
containers suggest. The find shows that the culinary breakthrough of using
animal milk was first developed by cow herders in northwest Turkey. The first
milk users, though, are not thought to have been milk drinkers—but butter,
yogurt, or cheese eaters. “It's the earliest direct evidence for milk use
anywhere," said lead study author Richard Evershed, professor of
biogeochemistry at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom.<more>
Aug. 6, 2008 National Geographic News
Farmland still in demand, holding its own during
real estate slump - - They aren't making land anymore. That fact has
helped keep land prices in Merced County stable, even while suburban and urban
housing prices are going down the tubes. Land used for agricultural purposes
is not only holding its own in a bust economy -- its prices are actually going
up. "There is definitely a demand for ag property," said Terry Priest, a real
estate agent for Flanagan Realty in Merced. The reason for that demand is
linked to the prices growers are getting for commodities, Priest said.
<more> Aug. 6, 2008 Merced Sun-Star
Archer Daniels Midland profit drops 61 percent -
- Archer Daniels Midland Co. said Tuesday its fourth-quarter profit plunged 61
percent, coming in below expectations, even though revenues soared. The
results disappointed analysts who worry ADM's future might only get tougher as
grain prices fall from historically high levels. The Decatur-Ill.-based food
processor and ethanol producer said profit for the quarter ended June 30 fell
to $372 million, or 58 cents per share. That's down from $955 million, or
$1.47 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter, which included after-tax gains
on asset sales of $616 million, or 95 cents per share.
<more> Aug. 6, 2008 AP
Legislature to scrutinize ARB greenhouse gas plan - - The run-up to
implementing California's landmark 2006 law to curb climate-changing gases is
at the 11th hour, as regulators ponder pollution-fighting tools that include a
surcharge on gas-guzzling vehicles and a market system that allows polluters
to buy and sell credits. Much depends on whether the next president will give
- as expected -- California permission to enforce an earlier law to cut
greenhouse gases from vehicles. The Air Resources Board's draft study on how
California's greenhouse gas law should be put into practice will be reviewed
before a joint legislative committee Wednesday in what is likely to be a
rigorous hearing.
<more> Aug. 6, 2008 Capitol Weekly
Valley No on Prop. 2 bus trip planned for Aug. 8 hearing - - Opponent of Prop. 2, the animal welfare initiative, are organizing a bus trip to a Friday, Aug. 8 hearing in San Luis Obispo. Western United Dairymen associate member Pete Kisler is helping organize the outing to the 9:30 a.m. hearing in San Luis Obispo by the Senate Agriculture Committee. Prop. 2 opponents plan to offer their comments to the lawmakers. The 47-passenger bus leaves Visalia at 6:30 a.m. and will return at 5 p.m. Following the hearing, the group will have a free lunch at a local restaurant and tour the Cal Poly campus before returning to Visalia. The trip is sponsored by Veterinarians for SAFE California Food. Further information is available from WUD field representative Tessa Curti at (559)679-2976.
Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008
Nicole Parra links budget vote to water bond --
Assembly Member Nicole Parra could once again be in some trouble with fellow
Democrats -- this time over a suggestion that she won't vote for the state
budget unless lawmakers approve a water bond. In a recent letter to Assembly
Speaker Karen Bass, Parra issues what appears to be a stark ultimatum: "I
simply cannot support a budget without a solution to the Central Valley's
water supply," the Hanford lawmaker said in a July 29 letter obtained by The
Bee. "A vote on a budget that adequately reflects our state's priorities is
only half honest, unless we are simultaneously addressing the issue of water
supply." She "respectfully" asks in the letter that the Assembly "place a
water bond on the November ballot."
<more> Aug. 5, 2008 Fresno Bee
Animal-rights activists suspected in attacks on UC
Santa Cruz researchers - - Firebombs that struck the home and car of two
UC Santa Cruz scientists this weekend were part of an increasingly aggressive
campaign by animal rights activists against animal researchers at University
of California campuses, officials said Monday. Santa Cruz police officials
said the blasts, which occurred three minutes apart, caused one of the
scientists, his wife and two young children to flee their home through a
second-story window. "Acts of violence and intimidation such as these are
unacceptable, and they continue a troubling pattern seen at UCLA and other UC
campuses that should be repugnant to us all," UC President Mark G. Yudof said
Monday. "These acts threaten not only our academic researchers and their
families, but the safety and security of neighbors in our communities as
well." City officials joined in harshly condemning the bombings and urged
members of the public who might have evidence in the case to contact
authorities. They announced a $30,000 reward, including $2,500 donated by the
Humane Society of the United States.
<more> Aug. 5, 2008 LA Times
Valley No on
Prop. 2 bus trip planned for Aug. 8 hearing - -
Opponent of Prop. 2, the animal
welfare initiative, are organizing a bus trip to a Friday, Aug. 8 hearing in
San Luis Obispo. Western United Dairymen associate member Pete Kisler is
helping organize the outing to the 9:30 a.m. hearing in San Luis Obispo by
the Senate Agriculture Committee. Prop. 2 opponents plan to offer their
comments to the lawmakers. The 47-passenger bus leaves Visalia at 6:30 a.m.
and will return at 5 p.m. Following the hearing, the group will have a free
lunch at a local restaurant and tour the Cal Poly campus before returning to
Visalia. The trip is sponsored by Veterinarians for SAFE California Food.
Further information is available from WUD field representative Tessa Curti
at (559)679-2976.
New Zealand agriculture ministry sees decline in
demand, prices for dairy products -- International dairy prices are likely
to decline next year from record peaks as demand falls and production
increases, New Zealand's Ministry of Agriculture said Tuesday. "During 2008
and 2009, weaker world economic growth is likely to mean lower demand for
dairy products," the ministry said in its annual situation and outlook report.
"International dairy prices are expected to continue falling back from the
peaks achieved in early 2008, as supply expands," it said. Still, demand is
expected to remain strong enough to keep international dairy prices from
slipping to pre-2006 levels, it said. New Zealand is home to the Fonterra
Cooperative Group, the world's largest dairy exporter.<more>
Aug. 5, 2008 AP
Governor proposes one-cent sales tax increase -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a temporary, one-cent increase in the state sales tax along with long-term budget reforms in an effort to break the stalemate in budget negotiations that have been stalled for more than a month, legislative sources close to the talks said Monday. Schwarzenegger's plan to help erase the state's $17.2 billion budget deficit would raise the sales tax for three years, after which the rate would dip below the current level, the sources said. In San Francisco, for example, sales taxes would increase from 8.5 percent to 9.5 percent. The tax increase would require a two-thirds vote in both houses of the Legislature, along with the governor's signature, before it could take effect. <more> Aug. 5, 2008 SF Chronicle
Monday, Aug. 4, 2008
More cheese in June - - Total cheese
production in the U.S. in June was 803 million pounds, 1.3% more than June
of 2007 but 3.4% below May of this year. Italian cheese production was 333
million pounds in June, 1.8% below a year ago while American cheese
production was also 333 million pounds for the month, 5.4% more than a year
ago. California total cheese production in June was 172.4 million pounds,
8.8% below June of last year. American cheese production in the Golden State
dropped 21.5% compared to a year ago to 52.8 million pounds. Cheddar
production dropped 21.2% to 31.1 million pounds and Italian cheese output
slipped 4.4% to 100.5 million pounds in June.
<more> Aug. 4, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Price tag for food labels. Consumers will feel costs of new rules, but they will know origin of their food.-- American companies will spend $2.5 billion next year complying with new country-of-origin food label rules, the U.S. Department of Agriculture now estimates. Consumers will pay, too. But in return, they'll know more about what they're eating. In the wake of a salmonella outbreak that has been traced to Mexican-grown hot peppers, some think that the tradeoff is worth the price. <more> Aug. 2, 2008 Fresno Bee
State probing 12 possible worker heat deaths
-- Labor officials said Friday they were investigating whether a rash of
early-season heat waves had caused the deaths of a record number of
California workers by summer's peak. Despite an enforcement push to protect
employees toiling in the searing conditions outdoors, 12 people have died of
possible heat-related causes in the first seven months of this year alone,
according to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Half
of those victims were agricultural workers, several of whom died after
harvesting grapes in the heat. Among them was 17-year-old Maria Isabel
Vasquez Jimenez, who was overcome in May in a vineyard near Farmington.
<more> Aug. 2, 2008 AP
Bombed UCSC animal researcher fears for family's
safety - - A University of California-Santa Cruz biologist whose home
was firebombed this weekend feared for his family's future on Sunday while a
spokesman for a radical animal rights group said the attacks were the
consequences for performing research on animals. The volatile rhetoric left
UC-Santa Cruz on edge Sunday, a day after a pair of firebombings on two
university biomedical researchers had authorities looking for clues and
tightening security around scientists named in a pamphlet left at a
coffeehouse last week. Just before 6 a.m. Saturday, molecular biologist
David Feldheim's home was firebombed, forcing him, his wife and their two
young children to flee down a fire escape. About the same time, a car
belonging to a different, unidentified researcher was destroyed by another
firebomb. Santa Cruz police described the explosives as a "Molotov cocktail
on steroids," and said the attack on the Feldheims' house was being
investigated as an attempted homicide because the family was at home.
<more> Aug. 4, 2008 San Jose Mercury News
California Veterinarians Association condemns
fire bombings - - Dr. Mike Karle, President of the Association of
California Veterinarians, issued the following statement regarding the fire
bombings at UC Santa Cruz this weekend: The Association of California
Veterinarians strongly condemns the fire bombings of homes and property
belonging to two UC Santa Cruz biomedical researchers who conduct
experiments on animals. As widely reported in local and national news,
these actions, carried out over the weekend in Northern California, are
among the most serious, dangerous, and violent of alleged actions by animal
extremists, and are being investigated by the FBI as acts of domestic terror
and attempted homicide. Sadly, these acts are only the latest in a string
of incidents targeting UCSC researchers who work with animals. We join UC
Chancellor George Blumenthal in denouncing these acts as "unconscionable,"
and we share the University of California's commitment to the highest
standards of animal care, safety and health. We believe their research is
conducted in the interest of medical treatments and cures that benefit
animals and humans alike. These scientists must be allowed to conduct their
research and experiments freely, safely and openly, without themselves,
their families, or their property becoming the targets of domestic terror.
We call upon the Humane Society of the United States, the California
Veterinary Medical Association, and other leading animal rights
organizations to join us in condemning the fire bombings and other acts of
domestic terror in the name of animal welfare. And we urge the Humane
Society and CVMA to support AB2296 and Assembly member Gene Mullin, who has
introduced legislation to increase civil and criminal penalties in cases
where academic researchers are attacked because of their work. We support
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives, as well as local law enforcement and public safety
officials, in their investigation of these attempted homicide and domestic
terror crimes in Santa Cruz. Domestic terror – even those acts committed in
the name of animal protection – is a crime. These criminals should be
prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Aug. 4, 2008 California
Veterinarians Assn. Statement
New Agribusiness Alliance Makes Case for Food AND
Energy - - 25x'25 endorsing partners Deere & Company, Monsanto and the
Renewable Fuels Association, along with DuPont and Archer Daniels Midland
Co., have joined together to launch a new "Alliance for Abundant Food and
Energy" to promote the creation and retention of polices that encourage and
enhance sustainable and responsible agricultural production that will both
improve diets and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Mark Kornblau,
executive director, says the new alliance aims to use credible,
science-based education, information and advocacy to advance support for
solutions that will fulfill agriculture’s promise to improve diets and
provide better fuels. The alliance will urge Congress to fund more research
and technological investment in agriculture. <more>
Aug. 4, 2008 25x25 Press Release
Analysis and advice on using companies that claim to legally bring foreign
employees to work on dairies - -
By Anthony P. Raimondo - -
American Personnel Services is a company that claims it
can legally bring foreign employees to work for dairy employers on a
permanent or temporary basis. The two ways that American Personnel Services
claims it can bring workers to work for U.S. employers are through the H-2A
and Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programs. Here is some information
about those two programs and the potential implications of hiring a company
to perform these services
<more> Aug.
4, 2008
Union organizing educational workshops in Bakersfield and Modesto - - An educational workshop covering union organizing activity, employers’ rights, and immigration issues will be hosted by Western United Dairymen on Tuesday, Aug. 19 in Bakersfield, and Tuesday, Aug. 26 in Modesto. The workshop will be led by Tony Raimondo, from the law firm of Saqui & Raimondo, and members will learn what to expect when a union organizer arrives at their dairy. The Bakersfield workshop will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 19 in the Kern County Ag Commissioner Conference Room at 1031 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Bakersfield, phone (661) 868-6225. The Modesto workshop will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 26 in the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau office located at 1201 L Street, Modesto, phone (209) 522-7305. Please contact your local Western United Dairymen field representative for more information and to RSVP. Aug. 1, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Friday, Aug. 1, 2008
NMPF
asks USDA to close Canadian border to cattle imports - - A new internal
report by the USDA which faults the agency’s ability to track imported
Canadian cattle is ample evidence that the agency should reconsider its
decision last year to open the border to those livestock, according to the
National Milk Producers Federation. In a letter sent today to Agriculture
Secretary Ed Schafer, NMPF President and CEO Jerry Kozak noted that the
USDA’s Office of Inspector General, in a report finished last March but now
publicly available, “suggests USDA has problems tracking and ensuring the
health of cattle imported from Canada.” The letter states, “NMPF believes
that the BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease)
situation in Canada is such that an animal could be imported into the U.S.
and, if allowed to reside amongst the U.S. dairy herd, introduce or
disseminate BSE in the U.S. This is evident by the number of cases of BSE
from animals born after the USDA determined date of effective enforcement of
their feed ban.”
<more> Aug. 1, 2008 NMPF Press Release
Valley No on
Prop. 2 bus trip planned for Aug. 8 hearing - -
Opponent of Prop. 2, the animal
welfare initiative, are organizing a bus trip to a Friday, Aug. 8 hearing in
San Luis Obispo. Western United Dairymen associate member Pete Kisler is
helping organize the outing to the 9:30 a.m. hearing in San Luis Obispo by
the Senate Agriculture Committee. Prop. 2 opponents plan to offer their
comments to the lawmakers. The 47-passenger bus leaves Visalia at 6:30 a.m.
and will return at 5 p.m. Following the hearing, the group will have a free
lunch at a local restaurant and tour the Cal Poly campus before returning to
Visalia. The trip is sponsored by Veterinarians for SAFE California Food.
Further information is available from WUD field representative Tessa Curti
at (559)679-2976.
Food
prices rise 16 percent during 2008 - - Rising costs for fuel, feed and
fertilizer propelled grain prices to all-time highs in June, raising the
overall price of crops and livestock by 16 percent this year compared to
last year. Corn and soybeans hit record prices. Wheat slipped from historic
highs in March but is still up steeply from last year, according to a U.S.
Department of Agriculture report released Thursday. Grain prices gained 42
percent for the year overall. Prices for farm products rose 1.9 percent in
June alone, according to the report. Grain staples including wheat and
soybeans rose 1.6 percent during June. The price of livestock rose less than
1 percent.
<more> Aug. 1, 2008 AP
Animal
health drug bills go to President Bush - - The House and Senate this
week both passed two identical measures aimed at making it easier to get
animal health drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The
Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) allows the FDA to collect user fees from
companies that develop animal health drugs to help fund the often lengthy
approval process. The Animal Generic Drug User Fee Act (AGDUFA) will put the
same process in place for approving generic versions of animal health drugs.
Both bills now go to President Bush, who is expected to sign them into law.
<more> Aug. 1, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Harvesting Money in a Hungry World - - The latest round of global
agricultural trade negotiations that began seven years ago in Doha, Qatar,
collapsed in acrimony this week in Geneva. While India and China are getting
the blame for refusing to reduce import tariffs and farm subsidies, you can
assume that trade officials in Europe and the United States are breathing a
sigh of relief that they aren’t going to have to limit their own
protectionism. Nothing new here. Nor is it a staggering blow to world trade:
the aggregate loss caused by the trade barriers in question is probably no
more than $70 billion in a global imported food market of more than a
trillion dollars. But what is different this time is a backdrop of soaring
food prices that makes all past assumptions seem ossified. It also makes the
world’s poorest people even more vulnerable when trade bureaucrats in both
the wealthy West and rising East make vapid arguments.
<more> Aug. 1, 2008 NY Times Op-Ed
Garamendi first Democrat to formally announce run for governor in 2010 - - Lt. Gov. John Garamendi became the first candidate to announce he is running for California governor in 2010 by blasting the incumbent Thursday over the state's budget stalemate and declaring that he would raise taxes if elected. The veteran Democratic politician announced his gubernatorial bid on the west steps of the Capitol, moments before Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an order to cut thousands of temporary state jobs and freeze pay of 200,000 workers at $6.55 an hour to help the state pay its bills. The timing of Garamendi's announcement was no coincidence as he used the state's budget standoff to tout his own credentials as a leader who can direct the California out of a fiscal morass. <more> Aug. 1, 208 Sacramento Bee
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Agencies stay on TB trail. Depopulation begins at one of three affected
California dairies - - Hundreds of thousands of California dairy cattle
will undergo bovine tuberculosis testing between August and December as
federal and state animal health officials try to determine the scope of the
current outbreak. Officials are also stressing that the outbreak does not
pose a threat to human health as pasteurization of milk kills the
tuberculosis bacteria. Meanwhile, the state is bracing for downgrade of its
tuberculosis-free status, which will affect movement of cattle. Testing of
the three Fresno County dairy herds where less than a dozen cows were
confirmed infected with the disease will be completed in two weeks, USDA
veterinarian Scott Beutelschies said. "Now we will identify the herds that
were exposed and begin intensive testing in mid August. A significant number
of herds will be tested, and we'll have a complete picture in about six
months," he said.
<more> July 31, 2008 Capital Press
TB
compensation rule proposed by USDA - - Owners of cattle herds infected
with bovine tuberculosis may be required to develop disease-prevention plans
to be compensated for destroyed cattle. The USDA Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service planned to propose a rule Thursday, July 24, that would
withhold federal indemnity payments to affected producers until they develop
herd management plans approved by state and federal veterinarians. Producers
would receive 90 percent of the payment once their plans were approved, and
the remaining 10 percent, once they showed the plans had been implemented.
Failure to abide by the plans would disqualify producers from claiming
compensation in the event of a re-infection.
<more> July 31, 2008 Capital Press
Raising a global
stink. Activists target methane gas from, um, cows - - Burgeoning
efforts to curb global-warming pollution are taking aim at an unlikely new
target: the placid, cud-chewing cow. Scientists have long known that cattle
and other livestock are a major contributor to climate change worldwide, and
although researchers, regulators and activists have devoted most of their
attention to other culprits—such as cars and coal-fired power plants—that is
starting to change. As dairy and beef cows chew and rechew their feed, their
belches and other, er, gastric eruptions produce enormous quantities of
methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. More
carbon-efficient management of livestock, manure and food production almost
assuredly will be required if Congress moves next year to reduce the
nation's contributions to climate change. Methane is a big concern because
it is so much more potent than carbon dioxide, the chief source of man-made
pollution behind rising global temperatures. So is nitrous oxide, another
byproduct of manure and fertilizer production. It has a whopping 296 times
the heat-trapping potential of carbon dioxide.
<more> July 31, 2008 Chicago Tribune
Officials having a cow over wastewater. Orland dairy farms face strict
regulations to keep streams clean - - They can produce as much waste as
a small- to medium-sized town, and you can smell them coming a mile away.
Dairy farms and the average person have something of a love-hate
relationship. We like drinking milk and putting it on our cereal. We like
butter on our toast, ice cream on a cone, cheese with a meal and frozen
yogurt for dessert. Nitrate with our water, however, is a different story.
In a disturbing trend across the Central Valley, dairies have come under
scrutiny for their wastewater runoff and effects on water quality. The dairy
dilemma has hit close to home, too: In Orland, three dairy farms have been
fined for wastewater runoff into the Sacramento River. The fines, for
violations this February, ranged from $5,000 to $10,000 and were issued by
Ken Landau, the assistant executive officer of the Central Valley Regional
Water Quality Control Board. “There had been problems with these dairies
for some time,” Landau said. “They’re dairies that have had basically not
enough land-disposal capacity to contain their wastewater.”
<more> July 31, 2008 Chico News and Review
Raw
Milk Debate More Emotion Than Facts - - Lawyers are involving themselves
in cases that threaten the raw, unpasteurized milk business, according to
National Milk’s Chris Galen. He began Thursday’s DairyLine broadcast,
stating that the raw milk debate is “more about emotion than facts,” but the
courts will be called upon to look at the facts, he said, to determine
whether the milk is linked to some serious illnesses by those who consume
it. Legal firms, such as the one in the Northwest that was involved in the
Jack in the Box hamburger e-coli litigation in the early 1990s, are turning
their attention to milk, according to Galen, and “This issue will be played
out, not in the regulatory environment but in the courtroom.” When asked how
big of an industry this is, Galen answered, “A lot of it is underground
because, while there are some states that allow raw milk purchases or cow
share programs, other states prohibit it so it’s more of a grass roots
movement and the patrons of raw milk claim that if you only work with a
farmer that you know and trust, then the raw milk will be fine.”
<more> July 31, 2008 DairyLine.com
Yes on
Prop. 2 campaign uses Internet as prime campaign tool - - The Internet,
as a political tool, has been used with mixed results. But as a political
organizing tool, some say the Internet may soon change the face of
initiative politics in California. For the prototype of some of those
changes, they point to the campaign for Proposition 2, which would require
most farm animals to be able to fully extend their limbs or wings, and
fundamentally alter many commercial farming processes. The Yes on 2 campaign
has been aggressive in its online strategy, both in fundraising and as a way
to rally activists. They have hired Dean's online guru Joe Trippi
specifically to focus on Web strategy, and are using sites like Facebook and
Twitter to help with everything from gathering the signatures that got the
measure on the November ballot, to fundraising, to helping volunteers create
their own Yes on Proposition 2 campaign commercials.
<more> July 31, 2008 Capitol Weekly
Ag
groups support Feinstein’s Imported Ethanol Parity Act - - Several
poultry, livestock and dairy groups sent a letter this week in support of
the Imported Ethanol Parity Act (S 3080), introduced by Senator Dianne
Feinstein (D-CA). The legislation, if passed, would reduce a trade barrier
on clean and climate-friendly ethanol imports that could save American
consumers money on a product that is mandated and at a time of record high
gas prices. "By reducing or eliminating the tax on imported ethanol, this
legislation could ease the economic strain that is heavily impacting the
agriculture, food and beverage industries," the letter notes. "At a time
when animal agriculture is facing pressures on many fronts, this slight
modification could produce positive relief on record high corn prices."
<more> July 31, 2008 WattPoultry.com
Study
finds 11% drop in illegal immigrants - - A report Wednesday indicating
a marked decline in the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. fueled a
widening national debate over the Bush administration's policy of
immigration enforcement through aggressive workplace raids. The largest such
enforcement action was in May in Postville, Iowa, where federal immigration
agents descended on a meatpacking plant and arrested nearly 400 workers
later detained in a building used to house cattle. The administration began
aggressively enforcing workplace laws after Congress last year failed to
pass an immigration overhaul. In the months since, thousands of workers have
been arrested in scores of raids.
<more> July 31, 2008 LA Times
U.S.
Won’t Release Land in Conservation Program - - Amid improving harvest
expectations for this year, the United States agriculture secretary, Ed
Schafer, said Tuesday that he would not lift penalties for farmers who plant
crops on land set aside for conservation. Bakers and livestock owners had
mounted an intense lobbying effort to erase the penalties in order to
increase the harvest and lower high crop prices. The pressure intensified in
June after floods washed away farm fields in the Midwest, leading to fears
of a poor harvest. But Mr. Schafer said recent forecasts indicated a larger
crop than had seemed likely in the days and weeks after the flooding. In
addition, he said that corn prices had plummeted 25 percent from record
highs earlier this year, while soybean prices were down 14 percent. “We
don’t feel that the corn and soybean crops will be as bad as we originally
feared,” he said.
<more> July 31, 2008 NY Times
Fresno Bee Editorial: Making small farms grow. They may need help in efforts to reduce fuel costs, air pollution. - - A small gathering in a field near Del Rey this week raised some interesting questions about the future of small farms in the Valley. Can smaller, labor-intensive farm operations take advantage of modern -- and constantly evolving -- technology to survive in a difficult environment? For the sake of agriculture in the Valley, we hope the answer is yes. <more> July 31, 2008 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Trade talks failure deals blow to global economy -
- After coming tantalizingly close to a historic trade deal, World Trade
Organization talks collapsed Tuesday in a dismaying blow to seven years of
efforts to open up the global economy. Once promised as a recipe for lifting
millions of people out of poverty, the end to nine days of high-level talks
left no new trade openings for farmers and manufacturers, no global economic
boost and no grand deal for Third World development. It was by all accounts a
disaster. It was all the more disappointing because the talks made greater
progress than they had in years on issues such as farm subsidies and
manufacturing tariffs - which were responsible for scuttling previous
high-level trade efforts. The talks hit a snag over an obscure "safeguard" for
protecting agricultural producers in the developing world from a sudden surge
in imports or drop in commodity prices.
<more> July 30, 2008 AP
Dairy groups express disappointment in trade talk
failure but praise U.S. negotiators - - The following statement was issued
by Jaime Castaneda, Senior Vice President and Senior Trade Policy Advisor of
the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council,
regarding the cessation of the latest World Trade Organization negotiations in
Geneva: “America’s dairy farmers and processors had a great deal riding on
whether a new WTO agreement would result from the latest ministerial
negotiations held this past week in Switzerland. We hoped that an agreement
could be reached that would win the support of the dairy producer sector, as
well as the many processors with a strong interest in expanding U.S. exports
of dairy products. On the other hand, we also were apprehensive that a bad
deal for our industry could be a possible result. In the end, we believe it’s
better to have no deal than a bad deal.”
<more> July 30, 2008 NMPF Press Release
No differences in conventional, rbST free and
organic milk - - A new study published in the Journal of the American
Dietetic Association finds very little difference in conventional, rbST-free
and organic milk. The study involved researchers from the University of
Missouri-Columbia, Penn State University and Monsanto. Milk samples of all
three types of milk were collected from all 48 contiguous states and tested
for bacterial counts, antibiotics, fat, protein, solids-non-fat and hormone
composition. The study found minimal differences among the three types of
milk. Conventional milk had a slightly lower bacteria count than organic or
rBST free and lower levels of estradiol and progesterone than organic milk.
There were no differences in the level of somatotropin (bST) in the three
milks. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were similar in
conventional milk and rbST free and a little lower in organic milk. Organic
milk had .1% higher protein content than the other two.
<more> July 30, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Humane Society chief has transformed organization
- - Animal welfare activists don't usually invoke the National Rifle
Association as a role model. After all, hunting animals for sport and
protecting animals from sport hunters are mutually exclusive endeavors. But
Wayne Pacelle, chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States,
finds something to admire about the gun rights group: its brute strength. "Our
movement needs an NRA-type organization to get the job done," Pacelle said.
"There are lots of gun rights groups, but the one that you hear about and the
one that is feared is the NRA." No, he doesn't want to run an organization
that is only feared. "I'd rather be loved -- and feared."
<more> July 29, 2008 LA Times
Federal make allowance changes published - -
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published the interim final rule
amending the Class III and Class IV product price formulas in all Federal milk
marketing orders. The decision amends the manufacturing allowances for
cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk (NFDM) and dry whey. The new make allowances
will be: cheese - $0.2003 per pound; butter - $0.1715 per pound; NFDM -
$0.1678 per pound; and dry whey - $0.1991 per pound. This decision also
increases the butterfat yield factor of the butterfat price from 1.20 to
1.211. The interim order was approved by dairy farmers in all 10 Federal milk
marketing orders and will take effect on September 1st. Public comments and
exceptions to the tentative final decision are due on or before August 19,
2008. July 30, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
USDA Issues Mandatory COOL Interim Final Rule -
- USDA has issued an interim final rule for the mandatory country of origin
labeling (COOL) program that will become effective on Sept. 30. It will be
formally published in the Federal Register on August 1. The plan published by
USDA includes changes that were contained in the 2008 Farm Bill, such as the
addition of chicken, goat, macadamia nuts, pecans, and ginseng as covered
commodities, the addition of provisions for labeling products of multiple
origin, as well as a number of other changes. The interim final rule also
contains definitions, the requirements for consumer notification and product
marking, and the recordkeeping responsibilities of both retailers and
suppliers for covered commodities.
<more> July 30, 2008 AgWeb.com
Tulare ag expo has competition. Group schedules
January event in Orlando after failed bid to buy World Ag Expo. - - In
2010, the Tulare-based World Ag Expo could face competition from the
Association of Equipment Manufacturers, which had offered to buy out the
annual show that draws about 100,000 people and pumps more than $1 billion
into the region's economy. "We told them we were not interested," said Jerry
Sinift, general manager of the International Agri-Center, where the expo is
held each year. "We were honored, but we said, 'No thank you.' Ours is a
nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that relies on volunteers, and we are not going
to have volunteers line somebody's pockets." On Monday, the Association of
Equipment Manufacturers announced plans to hold the first AG CONNECT Expo Jan.
12-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The event also
is to be held in 2011 and then will switch to an every-other-year format. It
is to move to various cities.
<more> July 30, 2008 Fresno Bee
Immigration
issues continue to present challenges for employers in 2008 and beyond - -
By Michael C. Saqui &
Anthony Raimondo
- - On February 29, 2008, a
federal grand
jury returned a six-count felony indictment against five more
current IFCO managers. The indictment charges the defendants with engaging in
a Conspiracy to Harbor Illegal Aliens, to Encourage and Induce Illegal Aliens,
and to Transport of Illegal Aliens. These indictments are the latest in a
series of charges brought against IFCO managers, which began after Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel raided over 40 IFCO plants nationally,
arrested seven current and former IFCO managers, and executed search warrants
at 9 IFCO facilities, including the Houston headquarters. This occurred on
April 19, 2006. The government alleged that nearly all the pallet workers and
foreman ICE encountered were illegal aliens.
In 2007, seven current and
former IFCO managers pleaded guilty to felony and misdemeanor charges related
to unlawful employment of illegal aliens, and await sentencing on those
charges.
The latest indictments
appear to be based largely on e-mail correspondence between the previously
convicted managers and their superiors. Two senior IFCO managers, and 2 other
managers and a foreman were indicted on charges that, if convictions result,
carry prison terms of up to 10 years, and fines of $25,000.
<more> July 30, 2008
American Farm Bureau launches Conversations on
Animal Care initiative - - To address consumer concerns about the care
provided to farm animals in the production of meat, milk and eggs, the
American Farm Bureau Federation has launched the Conversations on Animal Care
initiative. Conversations on Animal Care is a comprehensive effort that
supports farmers and ranchers who are eager to engage consumers in a positive
dialogue about animal care. To view the Truth About Modern Pork Production
video,
please click here. The initiative also helps livestock producers share
positive and personal insights on the care they provide farm animals. The
initiative puts the faces of farmers and ranchers on our nation’s livestock
care issues as they demonstrate that the animals they care for produce safe,
healthy food for Americans, according to Don Lipton, AFBF public relations
director.
<more>
July 30, 2008 Dairy Herd Management
UC Davis animal biotech video debuts - - To counter negative reactions to biotechnology, UC Davis animal scientists have released a new educational video. The 30-minute video, titled "Animal Biotechnology," is designed for college students, high-school students and the general public. Click here to view the video. July 30, 2008 UC Davis Press Release
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
No evidence of cow-human TB connection, says CDFA
- - The CDFA says there is there is no evidence that bovine TB in cattle
has infected humans and no evidence that infected humans have spread TB to
cattle involved in the recent discovery of bovine TB in three herds in the
Central Valley, according to the CDFA. Dr. Annette Whiteford, D.V.M., CDFA’s
Director of Animal Health and Food Safety Services told Western United
Dairymen’s Communications Director Mark Looker, “It is also important to
recognize that all cattle that test positive for TB are removed from the
milking string and then removed from the herd, minimizing the threat of
disease transmission. All milk from the affected herds is being pasteurized as
further assurance that no infection is spread to people. CDFA is working
closely with the California Department of Public Health to monitor for
potential animal to human or human to animal disease transmission.” Whiteford
said that the source of the TB infection is being closely studied. “It has not
been determined exactly how the herds currently affected by bovine TB acquired
the disease, but one of the strains is consistent with a strain currently
found in parts of Mexico, and found in feedlot steers originating from Mexico
that are slaughtered in the United States.” The investigation is ongoing.
Updated information on bovine TB is available from the CDFA website
by clicking here. July 29, 2008
Death by a thousand cuts — when is enough enough? -
- California agriculture is the most regulated agriculture in the nation, if
not the world, yet it continues to produce food and fiber without equal. This
raises the question: Does this regulatory morass inhibit California
agriculture? No question it raises the cost of farming. Do some of the
regulations like pesticide use reporting really make farming safer for people
and the environment? I think most farmers would say yes. For certain,
California producers can verify every ounce of crop protection chemistry
applied to every acre. No other state can do that. However, the ever-present
question is: When is enough regulation enough? When do regulations become so
onerous, numerous and burdensome that they threaten the most productive
agriculture in the world? Richard Quandt, president of the Grower-Shipper
Association in Guadalupe, Calif., raises some interesting points about
regulations in California agriculture in this editorial piece entitled “Death
by a Thousand Cuts.”
<more> July 29, 2008 Western Farm Press
Schafer: No penalty-free CRP release for now -
- U.S. Ag Secretary Ed Schafer announced Tuesday he had decided not to allow
the penalty-free early release of land from the Conservation Reserve Program
(CRP) this year. In a teleconference, Schafer told reporters several factors
influenced his decision, including the fact that the U.S. corn and soybean
crops had bounced back from floods in June better than most had thought they
would And Schafer noted the market had responded to the steady improvement in
crop conditions. "Cash prices for corn are down 25% and for soybeans 14% from
their record highs just last month," Schafer said. Schafer also pointed out
Congress had reduced the amount of land allowed in CRP at any one time from
more than 39.2 million acres to 32 million acres as part of the 2008 farm
bill. Since there are currently 34.7 million acres in CRP, the amount of land
in the program "will have to shrink."
<more> July 29, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Several USDA Farm Bill sign-up deadlines
approaching - - The USDA Farm Service Agency is reminding producers about
several approaching deadlines to enroll in new Farm Bill crop, disaster and
insurance programs. The programs and their deadlines are:
2008 Crop and CRP Acreage Reporting, Sign-up Deadline: Aug. 15, 2008
2008 Disaster Assistance “Buy-In” Fee. For 2008 Crops, producers must
submit a “buy-in” fee to assure disaster program eligibility. Buy-In Deadline:
Sept. 16, 2008
2008 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payment Program (DCP). Sign-up
Deadline: Sept. 30, 2008
Contact your local FSA office for more information. July 29, 2008 FSA
Notice
No on Prop. 2 group announces list of supporters
- - The No on Prop. 2 campaign has announced a list of organizations which
are opposed to Prop. 2, the animal welfare initiative on the Nov., ballot.
Californians for SAFE Food said some of the organizations that are opposing
Proposition 2 include Association of California Veterinarians; Mexican
American Political Association; California Grocers Association; General
Teamsters Local Union 386; Merced County Board of Supervisors; American
College of Poultry Veterinarians; Kern County Taxpayers Association;
California Agricultural Teachers’ Association. For a complete list of
opponents, please visit
www.safecaliforniafood.org. July 29, 2008 Californians for SAFE
Food Press Release
Stanislaus Sup. DeMartini call for No vote on Prop.
2- - In keeping with the agriculture theme at today’s Stanislaus County
Board of Supervisors’ meeting, Supervisor Jim DeMartini urged the board to
oppose Proposition 2, an initiative on the November ballot calling for more
humane treatment of farm animals. Proposition 2 would require poultry and
livestock growers to provide enough room for animals to spread their wings in
a cage or turn around in a pen. "This has a potential to be very detrimental
to the ag industry," DeMartini said. "It has a potential to drive the egg
industry out of California. It's not founded on any good sense," DeMartini
said. "It accomplishes nothing." County CEO Rick Robinson said Proposition 2
will be brought up at a future board meeting.
<more> July 29, 2008 Modesto Bee
Upstate NY dairy farmers admit milking government - - Two upstate New York dairy farmers have to pay back more than $113,000 for trying to milk the government by selling off 300 federally mortgaged cows and then telling regulators the animals had died. Federal prosecutors say brothers Francis Moot Jr. and Michael Moot Sr. will also spend five years on probation for the attempt to defraud the government. The men were leasing the cows on their farm west of Utica in Munnsville when they filed for bankruptcy. Francis Moot admitted that he told federal investigators in a February 2005 interview that most of the cows had died when he'd actually sold them to local cattle dealers for cash. Michael Moot admitted lying about the scam under oath during a meeting of creditors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in March 2003. July 29, 2008 AP
Monday, July 28, 2008
Stanislaus County farms top '06 income by 12%
- - The farmers of Stanislaus County set yet another record for gross income
last year -- $2.41 billion -- according to a report released Friday. The
estimate, by county Agriculture Commissioner Gary Caseri and his staff, was
up 12 percent from 2006 and the sixth gain in the past seven years. Milk,
long the county's top farm product, led the way again with a huge increase
over its dismal 2006. Ray Souza, a Turlock area dairy farmer and president
of Western United Dairymen, said people in his business are especially
burdened by the cost of feed and complying with environmental rules. Dairy
farmers dealt with very low prices and a costly heat wave in 2006. Those
forces combined to put some of them out of business, though the total number
of cows did not decline.
<more> July 26, 2008 Modesto Bee
California food industry fears impact of Bush's
worker ID order - - A new White House order that federal contractors
verify employees' identity documents has some businesses sweating over the
potential impact – especially California's huge food industry. President
Bush has ordered businesses and institutions with federal contracts – from
janitorial companies to the state of California – to use E-Verify, a
database that checks if workers' names, Social Security numbers or other ID
match. Under the Bush order, employers would have to fire workers whose
identity doesn't square with Social Security Administration records. The
computer system can't flag ID information that's been stolen, but it can
detect false Social Security numbers used by illegal immigrants. "We're
concerned. It's still very much open how far back in the supply chain
E-Verify would have to be used," said Rich Hudgins, president of the
California Canning Peach Association.
<more> July 26, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Iowans to congressmen: Stop immigration raids -
- An immigration raid that arrested nearly 400 people in northeastern Iowa
scarred a small town and tore families apart, residents said Saturday.
Dozens begged a visiting congressional delegation to do everything in its
power to stop federal immigration raids. The May raid in Postville at
Agriprocessors, the nation's largest kosher meatpacking plant, by
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials was the largest of its kind in
U.S. history. Reps. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., Albio Sires, D-N.J., and Joe
Baca, D-Calif., members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, heard three
hours of often emotional testimony. Women whose husbands are being detained
talked about their longing to be reunited, underage workers detailed
deplorable working conditions and city and religious officials lamented the
impact on the community.
<more> July 27, 2008 AP
Kraft warns of ‘perfect storm’ - - Kraft chief executive Irene Rosenfeld on Wednesday warned of a slowdown in milk consumption as soaring milk prices lead people to eat and drink fewer dairy products. “2007 is shaping up to have the highest average dairy prices on record,” Ms Rosenfeld said. “The high cost of milk is beginning to slow consumption.” Around half the milk consumed in the US is done so in the form of cheese, according to the country’s National Milk Producers Federation. Around 30 per cent is consumed in the form of liquid milk. Ms Rosenfeld said that “a perfect storm” had developed in the dairy market as high animal feed costs, a drought in Australia and rising demand in Asia and Africa combined to push up the price of raw milk and milk powder. <more> July 28, 2008 Financial Times
Friday, July 25, 2008
Digester development faces uncertain future in California - -
As elected officials, government agency representatives, engineers and dairy
producers
gathered Thursday to celebrate the latest opening of a dairy methane
digester facility in Sacramento County, a cautionary note about construction
of additional digesters in the state was sounded by Michael Marsh, CEO,
Western United Resource Development. “This may be one of the last digesters
built in California because of conflicting regulations between AB32 (global
warming legislation) and new regulations coming out of air districts with
regard to emissions from the engine generator sets,” Marsh told the crowd
gathered at the Cal-Denier Dairy in southern Sacramento County. The
digester was funded in
Michael Marsh, CEO, Western United Resource Development, addresses the
audience at the Thursday ceremony marking the opening of the manure digester
at Cal-Denier Dairy in Sacramento County
part by state Energy Commission grant funds administered by Western United
Resource Development (WURD). The air districts have set a standard for
emissions from “these types of engines that have not been achieved by any
engine manufacturer anywhere in the world,” pointed out Marsh.
“Unfortunately air district regulations do not take that fact into
consideration nor are they allowed to take into consideration the benefit
derived from combustion of the methane from the digester projects. Policy
makers have to step in and clear a pathway for renewable energy
opportunities to be realized.” The conflicting regulations are causing
frustrations for dairy producers who are committed to being responsible
environmental stewards. “Farmers want to do their share to enhance
sustainability and it’s frustrating when two different regulations run at
cross purposes with one another,” said Marsh. The project utilizes manure
from 500 milk cows to provide renewable power for the Sacramento Municipal
Utility District (SMUD.) In addition to providing renewable energy, the new
digester captures methane emissions – a greenhouse gas 22 times more potent
than CO2 in causing global climate change. Cal-Denier uses a flush manure
management method to keep the stalls clean. The flushed manure is held in a
lagoon. Cal-Denier’s new digester is an ambient temperature covered lagoon
digester designed by RCM Digesters. Digester funding was provided by WURD,
SMUD, USDA Rural Development Program and USDA’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service. Approximate capital cost of the digester system is
$700,000 with an anticipated pay off of seven years. July 25, 2008 WUD
Weekly News Update
Cow
power could generate electricity for millions - - Converting livestock
manure into a domestic renewable fuel source could generate enough
electricity to meet up to three per cent of North America's entire
consumption needs and lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions (GHGs), according to US research published in the Institute of
Physics' Environmental Research Letters. The journal paper, 'Cow Power: The
Energy and Emissions Benefits of Converting Manure to Biogas', has
implications for all countries with livestock as it is the first attempt to
outline a procedure for quantifying the national amount of renewable energy
that herds of cattle and other livestock can generate and the concomitant
GHG emission reductions.
<more> July 25, 2008 Institute of Physics Press Release
European panel fails to endorse milk and meat from clones -- The
European Food Safety Authority pulled back Thursday from giving milk and
meat from cloned animals a clean bill of health, making it less likely that
such products could reach store shelves in Europe anytime soon. The final
report from the authority, an independent advisory body, was less reassuring
about safety than a draft in January. It comes after an earlier, negative
assessment from a European ethics committee. The European Commission, which
must decide whether to approve such products, will take both reports into
account. The findings also contrast with those of the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, which concluded this year that such products were safe -
although a voluntary moratorium on marketing them remains in place.
Europeans seem likely to take an even more cautious approach similar to that
followed with genetically modified crops - which has led to years of trade
friction with the United States. Surveys show resistance in Europe to
biotechnology remains high, especially when it comes to food.
<more> July 25, 2008 International Herald Tribune
Restrictive language threatens cellulosic ethanol growth - - The House
Ag Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research heard
testimony Thursday morning from a Robert Meyers, Principal Deputy Assistant
Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of
Air and Radiation, on implementing the expanded Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)
that Congress approved in December 2007. But Meyers couldn't tell Committee
members everything they might have liked to have heard. The expanded RFS
mandates oil companies use 36 billion gallons of ethanol every year by 2022.
15 billion gallons of that is to come from corn-based ethanol by 2015. But
the other 21 billion gallons is to come from cellulosic ethanol, which isn't
yet commercially viable. What's more, language inserted in the 2007 energy
bill would limit the kinds of biomass that could go toward fulfilling the
RFS for cellulosic ethanol. And House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson
told Meyers the EPA should be careful in implementing that language or risk
killing off the cellulosic ethanol industry before it ever really gets off
the ground.
<more> July 25, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
San
Diego Union Editorial: Fix ethanol mess - - All it takes is a trip to
the supermarket or a drive by any gas station to see that something has gone
terribly wrong with America's fuel policy. The decision by President Bush
and Congress to force oil companies to mix steadily increasing amounts of
corn-derived ethanol into their gasoline has created a multifront nightmare.
The policy has resulted in the diversion of a staggering one-third of this
year's corn crop into fuel, with the heavy demand triggering a doubling of
corn's price. Since corn is practically the only food fed to livestock and
is central to so many processed foods, the giant increase in its cost has
led to the worst food inflation in decades. This wretched unexpected
consequence of our corn ethanol policy has unfolded even as the main
rationales for that policy have fallen apart. The evidence that its use can
reduce global warming looks shakier by the day. And increasing our reliance
on ethanol has obviously not helped curb demand for oil and kept its price
stable.
<more> July 25, 2008 San Diego Union
USA
Today editorial: Ethanol production soars, but its allure plummets - -
For the past quarter-century, U.S. energy policy has been generally
non-existent. To the extent there has been one, it has been to keep gasoline
cheap. But one element stands out as a dramatic exception to this minimalist
approach. Through a series of generous tax subsidies and production
mandates, the use of corn-based ethanol has soared. Already, some 23% of the
American corn crop goes into ethanol. In acreage, that's equivalent to the
combined farm land of Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and
Delaware. In 14 years, under current federal mandates, about 40% of
America's corn crop would be heading for its gas tanks. The more and more
ethanol that's produced, however, the less and less it looks like a
solution.
<more> July 25, 2008 USA Today
Food
industry bitten by its lobbying success - - One of the worst outbreaks
of foodborne illness in the U.S. is teaching the food industry the truth of
the adage, "Be careful what you wish for because you might get it." The
industry pressured the Bush administration years ago to limit the paperwork
companies would have to keep to help U.S. health investigators quickly trace
produce that sickens consumers, according to interviews and government
reports reviewed by The Associated Press. The White House also killed a plan
to require the industry to maintain electronic tracking records that could
be reviewed easily during a crisis to search for an outbreak's source.
Companies complained the proposals were too burdensome and costly, and
warned they could disrupt the availability of consumers' favorite foods. The
apparent but unintended consequences of the lobbying success: a paper
record-keeping system that has slowed investigators, with estimated business
losses of $250 million. So far, nearly 1,300 people in 43 states, the
District of Columbia and Canada have been sickened by salmonella since
April.
<more> July 25, 2008 AP
UC Davis offers course on anaerobic digesters - - UC Davis Extension is offering a new renewable energy course aimed at producers, consultants, decision makers or system reviewers. The course, Energy Generation Using Anaerobic Treatment of Livestock Waste, will offer case history presentations demonstrating full-scale anaerobic treatment technologies on dairy farms, and allow for questions regarding specific problems encountered and solutions developed. The case studies focus on dairy farms and include the direct use of biogas on the farm for heat and/or electricity, centralized digestion systems, co-digestion facilities and upgrading of biogas for injection into natural gas pipelines. The course is scheduled for Friday, November 14, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. in Davis. For more information or to enroll, call (800) 752-0881, email extension@ucdavis.edu or click here July 25, 2008 UC Davis Notice
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Audit says USDA lost track of imported cattle.
Canada has reported 13 cases of mad cow - - Despite persistent fears of
mad cow disease in Canadian beef, the Department of Agriculture has failed
to properly track hundreds of Canadian cattle coming into the United States,
the department's inspector general has concluded. An audit, completed in
March but only recently made public, said that some of the imported cattle
did not have proper identification or health records despite federal
regulations requiring them. The audit did not say how many cattle were
improperly brought into the U.S. and inspector general spokesman Paul Feeney
said auditors are not sure of that number. The report said that a lack of
records meant that "it cannot be determined" whether shipments other than
those discovered "have bypassed inspection or whether this is a systemic
problem."
<more> July 23,2008 Chicago Tribune
Conservation tillage booster meets the challenge. Giacomazzi willing to
share five years of lessons learned - - Five years ago dairy producer
Dino Giacomazzi chose a different path for his farming operation. His father
and grandfather had been milking cows and raising crops for feed on their
dairy for the past 70 years and Giacomazzi planned on continuing the
tradition. Today, he's still milking cows twice a day in a barn built in
1957, but his farming methods are different from those of his neighbors.
Giacomazzi has become one of the leading proponents of conservation tillage
in dairy forage in California's San Joaquin Valley. He's the first to tell
you his efforts haven't always been successful, but he values his mistakes
because others can learn from them.
<more> July 24, 2008 Capital Press
Capitol rally seeks
water help. Governor addresses farmworkers about state crisis --
Chanting "agua, agua, agua," busloads of farmworkers joined Valley
politicians Wednesday at the Capitol to demand that lawmakers spend state
money on dams and canals to ease a growing water crisis. Gov. Schwarzenegger
wants $9.3 billion for water supply and conservation projects. But the
proposed bond has gotten a lukewarm response from Democratic leaders who say
lawmakers should focus on negotiating a state budget, now 24 days late.
Wednesday's rally was designed to give a human face to the state's water
woes. Schwarzenegger addressed the workers from the Capitol's steps just
below the Assembly chambers. He blamed legislators for the impasse. "When
will they finally get it upstairs?" he said. "Everyone needs water," he
added. "This is not a political issue."
<more> July 24, 2008 Fresno Bee
Judge
OKs emergency grazing program, with limits - - Farmers and ranchers
struggling against high grain prices got some help Thursday, July 24, from a
federal judge who cleared the way for an emergency federal program opening
private conservation land to hay production and cattle grazing. U.S.
District Judge John C. Coughenour decided that while the U.S. Department of
Agriculture did not conduct an appropriate environmental review before
opening 24 million acres of private conservation land around the country to
haying and grazing, it would be unfair to farmers and ranchers to stop the
program because many were counting on using that land. The land at issue is
enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program, a $2 billion-a-year federal
program which pays farmers not to plant crops in order to return fields to
native vegetation.
<more> July 24, 2008 AP
Panel
OKs metal theft compromise bill. AB844 seeks to disrupt cash flow to thieves
- - A metal theft bill is finally gaining momentum in the state
legislature. On Monday, July 14, Assembly Bill 844 passed its second Senate
policy committee hearing with a 5-0 vote. Next up is the Senate Public
Safety Committee with a hearing anticipated for early August. The bill, by
Assemblyman Tom Berryhill of Modesto, seeks to disrupt the cash flow from
recyclers to metal thieves. The bill would require recyclers to obtain photo
identification and a thumbprint of the seller as well as photographs of the
materials being sold. Restitution for stolen materials and damage caused
during the theft would be required of anyone convicted of metal theft.
<more> July 24, 2008 Capital Press
Delta
reports detail fish safety. Environmentalists will review information about
government projects - - Attorneys representing state and federal water
projects said Wednesday that they could prove the massive system of pumps,
dams and canals isn't harming three threatened fish species. U.S. District
Judge Oliver W. Wanger gave them until Aug. 29 to submit reports showing
that's true. Wednesday's action was the latest in a long-running fight
between environmental groups and the state and federal governments over the
projects' effect on winter-run Chinook salmon, spring-run Chinook salmon and
Central Valley steelhead, all of which are listed as threatened under the
Endangered Species Act.
<more> July 24, 2008 Fresno Bee
Dead farmworker's employer fined - - A California agency issued six citations Wednesday and assessed fines of $262,700 against Merced Farm Labor Contractor, based in Atwater, the employer of a 17-year-old farmworker who died of heat stroke in May. The fines are the largest assessed to an agricultural firm since the permanent heat illness prevention regulations were implemented in 2006. They were levied by the Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safety and Health. <more> July 24, 2008 Fresno Bee
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Fresno Co. agriculture tops $450 million. Milk
leads the way in Tulare - For the first time, Fresno County
agriculture in 2007 topped the $5 billion mark, tightening its grip as the
No. 1 farming county in the nation and outdistancing No. 2 Tulare County by
about $450 million. Record prices for milk helped Tulare County jump to a
production value of $4.9 billion for 2007. The county had briefly surpassed
Fresno as the top producer in 2001, only to lose the title the next year.
Milk also figured into a record production year for Madera County, which had
$1.22 billion for 2007. That county's crop report also was presented to its
Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. It showed milk -- for the first time -- as
the leading commodity for Madera County at $302 million, a 78% increase over
2006.
<more> July 23, 2008 Fresno Bee
Milk is leading commodity for first time in
Madera County -- For the first time since 1940, Madera County has named
milk as its leading commodity with a value of $301,833,000 - a 78 percent
increase over the 2006 report when milk ranked as the third most valued
commodity. The newly released crop report reveals the total value of
agriculture commodities again exceeds the billion dollar mark for Madera
County. Total production value in 2007 was $1,220,230,000, an 18 percent
increase over the total reported in 2006. "Milk value has been going up
steadily with solid growth over the years," said Robert Rolan, Madera County
Agriculture Commissioner. "Milk is not a fad commodity; its food."
<more> July 23, 2008 Madera Tribune
Sacramento County digester goes on-line Thursday
- - Sacramento County’s first manure digester will be put into service
Thursday in ceremonies at Cal-Denier Dairy in southern Sacramento County.
The project, partially funded by a state Energy Commission grant
administered by Western United Resource Development (WURD), utilizes manure
from 500 milk cows to provide renewable power for the Sacramento Municipal
Utility District (SMUD.)In addition to providing renewable energy, the new
digester captures methane emissions – a greenhouse gas 22 times more potent
than CO2 in causing global climate change. Cal-Denier uses a flush manure
management method to keep the stalls clean. The flushed manure is held in a
lagoon. Cal-Denier’s new digester is an ambient temperature covered lagoon
digester designed by RCM Digesters. SMUD’s Dairy Digester Incentive program
provided 13 percent capital cost incentive to match the 25 percent USDA
Rural Development grant, set up net metering crediting of the farm’s meters
at retail rates (about 10 cents/kilowatt hour), provided a power purchase
agreement for surplus electricity, provided 50 percent of the USDA grant
application cost and helped with permitting, interconnection and additional
grants. Approximate capital cost of the digester system is $700,000 with an
anticipated pay off of seven years. Additional funding for the digester
project was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural
Development Program, and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
July 23, 2008 SMUD Press Release
Let's talk cows and global warming - - The
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says agriculture is responsible for
30% of the methane released in to the atmosphere and most of that comes from
cows. A couple of researchers say those charges are a lot of hot air. South
Dakota State University Extension Dairy Specialist Alvaro Garcia, along with
James Linn, head of the University of Minnesota Department of Animal
Science, looked at the role cattle and dairy cows play in methane emission.
They compared today’s dairy cow with her counterpart in 1924, the first year
USDA kept milk production records. They found the average 1924 cow consumed
21.3 pounds of feed per day, producing 11.4 pounds of milk and one-half
pound of methane. Today’s dairy cow consumes 41.6 pounds of feed per day
while producing 55.4 pounds of milk and three-quarters of a pound of
methane. But here’s the big point, there were 12.3 million more cows in 1924
than there are today so while the average modern cow produces more methane
there was actually 40% more methane released in 1924. The two researchers
argue if cows are such a major contributor to global warming, why wasn’t it
a problem in 1924?
<more> July 23, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Downer cattle law signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger
- - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation Tuesday to crack down
on the sale of downed cattle for human consumption in response to the
largest beef recall in U.S. history. "I am committed to ensuring
California's food supply is safe and secure," Schwarzenegger said in a
prepared statement after signing Assembly Bill 2098. "With today's action,
we are strengthening California's food safety laws and sending a message
that violating these laws will not be tolerated." Assembly Bill 2098, by
Democratic Assemblyman Paul Krekorian of Burbank, makes it a misdemeanor to
buy, sell, process or butcher a non-ambulatory animal for human consumption.
<more> July 23, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Uprising Against the Ethanol Mandate - - The
ethanol industry, until recently a golden child that got favorable treatment
from Washington, is facing a critical decision on its future. Gov. Rick
Perry of Texas is asking the Environmental Protection Agency to temporarily
waive regulations requiring the oil industry to blend ever-increasing
amounts of ethanol into gasoline. A decision is expected in the next few
weeks. Mr. Perry says the billions of bushels of corn being used to produce
all that mandated ethanol would be better suited as livestock feed than as
fuel. Feed prices have soared in the last two years as fuel has begun
competing with food for cropland. “When you find yourself in a hole, you
have to quit digging,” Mr. Perry said in an interview. “And we are in a
hole.” His request for an emergency waiver cutting the ethanol mandate to
4.5 billion gallons, from the 9 billion gallons required this year and the
10.5 billion required in 2009, is backed by a coalition of food, livestock
and environmental groups.
<more> July 23, 2008 NY Times
EPA: RFS Waiver Decision Delayed Until 'Early
August' - - A decision on whether or not to grant the Texas request for
a 50% waiver of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) will now not take place
until early August, according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
administrator Stephen Johnson. EPA has released the following statement:
<more> July 23, 2008 AgWeb.com
California green energy proposal has thin support
- - Awareness is low, but 63 percent of those who had a view on it favor
a California ballot measure that would require half the state's electricity
to come from renewable sources by 2025, a Field poll issued on Tuesday
shows. Voter awareness of Proposition 7 on the November ballot is extremely
low -- 82 percent of those interviewed said they did not know of the
measure. Phone interviews of 672 likely voters were conducted last week,
Field Research said. Voters were asked opinions on several issues on the
statewide ballot this November. On the renewable energy measure, 24 percent
said they were likely to vote against it and 13 percent said they were
undecided.
<more> July 23, 2008 Reuters
Utilities push back big against Prop. 7 - - A November ballot measure to expand renewable energy produced in California faces a long, expensive fight, as two of the state's biggest utility companies have poured $22.5 million this week into beating the initiative. "This is a declaration of war," said Jim Gonzalez, a former San Francisco supervisor and sponsor of the measure. The recent donations -- $12.25 million from PG&E and $10.25 million from Southern California Edison -- come on top of the $1.2 million energy-providers have already contributed. <more> July 23, 2007 Sacramento Bee
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Strong export demand should keep dairy prices
strong - - Monthly Livestock, Dairy & Poultry Outlook from USDA singing
the same song for dairy. Milk production increases should slow down in the
third and fourth quarters due to higher feed costs. The USDA Outlook Board
says herd expansion should slow but production per cow will continue to
increase. They also continue to predict the dairy herd will shrink a bit in
2009. Thanks to strong demand especially in the export market, dairy prices
should hold. Right now they predict cheese will average $1.935 to $1.965 this
year and $1.855 to $1.955 next year. Butter is pegged at $1.36 to $1.42 for
2008 and $1.35 to $1.48 in 2009. NFDM prices are expected to increase next
year as world demand grows. USDA puts the price per pound at $1.37 to $1.40
this year and $1.475 to $1.545 next year. Whey should also move a little
higher, 28 to 30 cents this year, 32 to 35 cents next year.
<more> July 21, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Corn sinks to 7-month low on robust Midwest crops
- - Corn prices sank to a seven-week low Monday as crops continued their
rebound from last month's flooding, promising some relief at the grocery store
for consumers who had faced higher prices for meat, dairy and other foods.
Corn has plunged about 20 percent in the last month, driven lower by ideal
growing weather in the U.S. Corn Belt and a big drop in oil prices last week.
The grain soared to record-highs near $8 a bushel in June as the worst
flooding in 15 years ravaged the Midwest. The return to warm, dry weather in
recent weeks has reinvigorated crops, wiping out all the previous rally's
gains. "It's as if the June flooding didn't even happen," said Vic Lespinasse
of Grainanalyst.com. "The entire rally in corn has been taken off."
<more> July 22, 2008 AP
No big surprise from cheese stocks - - The
monthly Cold Storage Report from USDA says total commercial cheese
inventories at the end of June were 905 million pounds, up 23.8 million from
the end of May and the highest stocks since 1986. Privately held American
cheese stocks at the end of June were 580.6 million pounds. Daily Dairy
Report says in the last five months, American cheese stocks have increased
17% compared to the normal 12% for the period. Commercial butter stocks
dropped to 256 million pounds, down more than 13 million pounds from the
previous month and the first time butter stocks have declined in June since
1999. Jacquie Voeks with Stewart-Peterson says the report was about as
expected. “We are diverting milk out of butter over into cheese and building
cheese stocks,” but she adds, “I don’t think that this is an indication that
we are seeing any slow-down in exports.”
<more> July 22, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Prop. 2 favored by large margin in Field Poll -
- California Field Poll results released today show that voters favor Prop. 2,
the animal welfare initiative, by a resounding margin of 63 percent to 24
percent, with 13 percent undecided. California voters appear receptive to
mandate the use of more renewable energy, to fund a high-speed train in the
state, and to improve treatment of farm animals. As the Nov. 4 election draws
closer, voters' opinions may change greatly - especially on those measures
that will be the subject of opposition advertising campaigns. At this point,
most voters are not even aware of the five ballot propositions, the poll
found; fewer than one in four voters had heard of four of the five measures
included in the poll. Nearly two of three voters said they would back
propositions to curb inhumane treatment of farm animals (Proposition 2) and to
require utilities to generate more electricity from renewable sources,
starting in 2010 (Proposition 7).
<more> July 22, 2008 San Jose Mercury News
Packed house for water meeting. Lawmakers hear
pleas as drought threatens future supplies. - - A congressional
subcommittee in Fresno on Monday heard dire predictions of what another year
of drought could bring, along with a continuing litany of what the crisis has
already spawned -- rising crime, joblessness that may be as high as 50% in
Mendota and record-high school expulsions. The meeting drew about 250 people
to the Fresno City Council chambers. Tom Birmingham, Westlands Irrigation
District general manager, said if the drought continues into 2009, the crisis
is certain to spill into urban communities south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin
River Delta. And he said farmers who receive federal water are likely to get
"zero to 10%" of their full allocation.
<more> July 22, 2008 Fresno Bee
Growth hormones don't taint milk, studies suggest -
- A few weeks ago, while visiting in-laws in rural Iowa, I took my children on
a tour of a commercial dairy farm. As a pediatrician, a parent and a research
scientist, I thought the tour would stimulate my curiosity about the health
controversy surrounding genetically engineered growth-hormone treatment of
cows to increase milk production. In the early 1990s, the Food and Drug
Administration reviewed available scientific literature and concluded that the
use of genetically engineered bovine growth-hormone presented no increased
health risks to consumers. Late in 1993, the product received FDA approval.
Does milk really "do a body good," as asserted by the well-known dairy council
marketing campaign? Based on what we know, the answer is yes. The American
Academy of Pediatrics continues to emphasize the importance of dairy in
children's daily diet.
<more> July 22, 2008 Columbus Dispatch
Soil database to help map CO2 storage, food output
- - New database of the world's soils will help better map agricultural
output and storage and sequestration of heat trapping carbon dioxide (CO2),
one of its creators, the United Nations' food agency FAO, said on Monday.
Using the database, UN's Food and Agriculture Organization has also produced a
global Carbon Gap Map to help identify areas with considerable soil carbon
storage and degraded soils where billions of tons of CO2 could be
sequestrated, it said.
<more>
July 22, 2008 Reuters
A Locally Grown Diet With Fuss but No Muss - - Eating locally raised food is a growing trend. But who has time to get to the farmer’s market, let alone plant a garden? That is where Trevor Paque comes in. For a fee, Mr. Paque, who lives in San Francisco, will build an organic garden in your backyard, weed it weekly and even harvest the bounty, gently placing a box of vegetables on the back porch when he leaves. Call them the lazy locavores — city dwellers who insist on eating food grown close to home but have no inclination to get their hands dirty. Mr. Paque is typical of a new breed of business owner serving their needs. <more> July 22, 2008 NY Times
Monday, July 21, 2008
Delta diversion threat to salmon, judge rules -
- A federal judge in Fresno affirmed Friday that water diversions in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta have jeopardized the existence of
California's beleaguered salmon. It was the latest in a string of rulings
ordering state and federal regulators to fix a water system that supplies
millions of Californians with water but is all but dysfunctional when it
comes to protecting fisheries and the environment. U.S. District Judge
Oliver Wanger told the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the California
Department of Water Resources to come up with ways to protect salmon and
steelhead trout, but declined to order any immediate remedies. Wanger's
118-page ruling was issued as a result of a lawsuit filed by the Natural
Resources Defense Council and several other environmental organizations
accusing the government of endangering salmon and steelhead. The plaintiffs
had asked the judge to immediately curtail water diversions.
<more> July 21, 2008 SF Chronicle
Prop. 2 would give police powers to activists,
says analysis - - Animal rights and vegetarian activists could have the
authority to enter and search California farm buildings and arrest producers
for suspected violations of animal welfare laws if California voters approve
a ballot initiative this fall, Feedstuffs has learned. This is the
conclusion of attorneys who are analyzing the legal consequences of the
initiative for agricultural and food interests in California, whose
"Californians for SAFE Food" coalition is organized to educate Californians
on the initiative and urge them to vote no on the measure. The determination
makes it exceedingly important for producers and production companies, trade
associations and allied industry across the U.S. to become involved in the
"SAFE Food" coalition, its supporters said. The initiative -- which has been
designated "Proposition 2," or "Prop 2" -- is directed at the treatment of
farm animals and, if passed, would require that farm animals not be confined
or tethered in a manner that prevents an animal from lying down, standing
up, turning around and fully extending its limbs.
<more> July 21, 2008 Feedstuffs.com
Poop Power: Castelanelli Powers Farm Using Cow
Manure - - It might be easy to look around and think you know exactly
what goes on at the Castelanelli Brothers Dairy in Lodi. Cows eat, drink,
make milk. End of story. Think again. "One cow will produce enough energy to
keep a 100-watt light bulb burning 24 hours a day," said Larry Castelanelli.
He doesn't have one cow. He has 3,000. That's a lot of milk, and a lot of
something else. Larry has harnessed the power of his cows' poop. "What's
bubbled up here is all that methane gas," he said, standing on top of a
large bubble encasing a lagoon of methane. Yes, he can literally stand on
the methane gas produced his cows.
<more> July 18, 2008 KXTV Sacramento
CWT accepts herd retirement bids totaling half
billion pounds of milk - - Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has
announced that it has tentatively accepted 209 bids in its herd retirement
program, representing 25,474 cows and 440 million pounds of milk. This
latest round of CWT’s milk reduction program should help strengthen
farm-level prices for milk at a time when dairy producers are suffering from
rising feed and fuel costs, according to CWT officials. Starting next week,
CWT field auditors will begin visiting the 209 farms whose bids were
accepted, checking their milk production records, inspecting their herds,
and tagging each cow for processing. All farmers will be notified no later
than August 12th as to whether their bid was among those accepted in this
fifth herd retirement round.
<more> July 21, 2008 CWT Press Release
Just try to figure the dairy markets out - -
There just doesn’t seem to be any rhyme-nor-reason to what is going on in
the dairy markets these days. Cash cheese jumped last Friday on the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange, then backed down a little only to jump higher again on
Thursday. Barrels were a nickel higher and blocks gained 3.5 cents. However,
there were no sales; the movement came on three unfilled bids. Jacquie Voeks
with Stewart-Peterson thinks the cash cheese market is not really a true
indication of what is going on. “We have so many things going on in the
marketplace,” she points to the fact that CWT auditors go out on Monday
which is one day after the monthly milk production report comes out which is
one day before the cold storage report comes out, “We have a lot of
indecision.” She believes the cheese market was pushed lower than it should
have been. She says she question’s the last Cold Storage Report and wonders
whether the next one will be accurate as well. She speculates the cheese
inventory number may have been pushed higher than it should to give the
illusion that cheese exports were slowing down, “When that’s really the
furthest thing from the truth.”
<more> July 21, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
70% of dairy producers have registered their
premises. - - 70% of the dairy producers in the United States have
registered their premises as part of the National Animal Identification
System (NAIS). IDairy says 42,000 of the nation’s 59,000 dairy herds have
signed up their premises, Jerry Kozak with the National Milk Producers
Federation says there are still 17,000 operations that need to be
registered. After that, the focus will be to get producers to use
radio-frequency animal identification numbered eartags. Kozak says many
dairy producers are already using the tags because they can be used as proof
of U.S. origin when the Country of Origin Labeling law takes effect this
fall. IDairy is a collaborative effort of the National Milk Producers
Federation, American Jersey Cattle Association; Holstein Association USA;
Dairy Calf & Heifer Association; National Dairy Herd Information
Association; and National Association of Animal Breeders. July 21, 2008
Brownfield Ag News
Dry times revive an old debate. In the delta that
is the state's water well, ecology vs. usage rises to the fore. - - Here
is where the straws tap into the common pool of California water, where
consequence begins. Here, on the backside of the Diablo Mountains, amid a
landscape of bleached-out pastures, wind farms and transmission lines, the
two-lane Byron Highway crosses the concrete headwaters of two canals. The
first is the California Aqueduct, main artery of the State Water Project,
which propels delta water on a 444-mile beeline to Southern California. Two
miles down the road the Delta-Mendota Canal also has its fountainhead,
feeding the federal Central Valley Project -- an audacious rewrite of nature
designed, as the boosters sang, to "make a desert bloom." They're easy to
miss from the road, announced only by minimal signage, tangles of barbed
wire and posted warnings, in English and Spanish, "Stay Out: You May Drown"
and "Danger: Swift Current." Yet these are critical pieces of connective
tissue, binding together the watery north with an arid south. Not that
everyone's sanguine about the arrangement. Grumblings about plugging Sierra
rivers to fill Los Angeles swimming pools and supplying farmers subsidized
water to grow subsidized cotton have been staples of the state's political
rhetoric for decades.
<more> July 21, 2008 LA Times
California bill would extend jobless benefits in
drought areas - - California lawmakers are considering legislation to
expand unemployment benefits for workers who have lost their jobs due to the
state's drought. Assembly Bill 1107 would let those workers earn up to $200
per week before their benefits are cut. Unemployment recipients in the
drought areas now face a far lower earnings cap – $25 per week – before
their benefits drop. "If you're a farmworker out on the west side (of the
Central Valley), there may be some work, but it's not like you're working
the full week," said Assemblyman Juan Arambula, D-Fresno, author of the
bill. Funded by a tax on employers, unemployment benefits are based on the
displaced worker's previous wages and are paid for up to 26 weeks. The
maximum benefit is $450 a week, and the average payout is $307, according to
Employment Development Department statistics. Undocumented immigrants are
ineligible.
<more> July 21, 2008 Sacramento Bee
EU offers to cut farm tariffs 60 percent --
The European Union said Monday it would be willing to slash farm tariffs by
60 percent as part of a new global trade pact, the deepest cut it has ever
offered. EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson told reporters at the World
Trade Organization that the offer was meant to kick-start a week of
crunch-time talks on a new global commerce pact. The 27-nation bloc has
previously proposed to cut the tariffs by 54 percent, but it was unclear
what Mandelson's new figure fully entailed. Some trade officials suggested
the cut was only an EU recalculation of its old offer. Negotiators are
aiming for agreement on liberalizing agriculture and manufacturing this
week, so that the 153-member WTO can clinch a final deal to reduce tariffs
and subsidies by the end of the year. The talks have dragged out for seven
years and many observers are skeptical an accord can be reached.
<more> July 21, 2008 AP
Modesto Bee Opinion: Prop. 2. City slickers try to tell farmers how to run their farms - - The November ballot is filled with hot-button proposals -- a proposed ban on gay marriage, a parental notification requirement for a girl to have an abortion, and an effort by city-dwelling animal lovers to tell farmers how to run their businesses. OK, I put a negative spin on that last one, but it's the way that many people in agriculture see Proposition 2, the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. The initiative affects three kinds of animals: egg-laying chickens, calves raised for veal and pregnant pigs. The act is vague, simply requiring "that an enclosure or tether confining specified farm animals allow the animals for the majority of every day to fully extend their limbs or wings, lie down, stand up and turn around." It would impose a fine of as much as $1,000 or six months in jail for violations. The biggest impact would be on chickens. Proponents, led by the Humane Society of the United States, want to eliminate the small cages in which laying hens are kept. They argue that in the space allowed -- 67 to 86 square inches per hen -- chickens are prevented from spreading their wings, nesting, perching and doing other things that birds naturally want to do. <more> July 20, 2008 Modesto Bee Opinion
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Sen.
Feinstein seeks crucial support for temporary ag worker bill - - As
American agriculture continues to face a serious and worsening labor crisis,
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) urged the presidents of the nation’s state
Farm Bureaus on July 15 to support her efforts to pass the Emergency
Agriculture Relief Act. The Emergency Agriculture Relief Act, sponsored by
Feinstein and Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), would provide temporary limited
immigration status to experienced farm workers who continue to work in
American agriculture for the next five years. Feinstein told the American
Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) Council of Presidents that she will continue
to work to pass the measure, which was stripped from the emergency
supplemental spending bill in May. “I implore you to help us pass this bill
to address the immediate, critical need for farm labor. You are the biggest
farm organization. You represent every state. There is no way I can push
this bill through the Senate without you in full force alongside me,”
Feinstein said. She urged the state Farm Bureau presidents to help ensure
the bill gains the needed 60 votes on the Senate floor. “We know that people
know what the problem is. The question is whether they are willing to stand
tall and help us solve the problem,” Feinstein said.
<more> July 17, 2008 Western Farm Press
Report
says canal would fix California water woes - - California must
drastically change the way it funnels drinking water to two-thirds of state
residents by building a canal around the delta, according to a report
released Tuesday. The study by the Public Policy Institute of California
recommends that cities in Southern California and the San Francisco Bay area
stop drawing water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The institute says
the delta is an increasingly unstable source. "Building a peripheral canal
is not without controversy, but it appears to be the best way to maintain a
reliable water supply," said Ellen Hanak, the institute's associate
director.
<more> July 17, 2008 AP
Court
allows haying, grazing of CRP acres - - Judge John Coughenour of the
Western District of Washington Federal Court in Seattle on Thursday declined
to make permanent a temporary injunction he issued on July 8th that had
blocked the penalty-free release of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres
for haying and grazing. Instead, Coughenour ordered the plaintiffs in the
case, the National Wildlife Federation and six of its state affiliate
groups, to compromise with USDA in reaching a solution that allowed limited
haying and grazing of CRP acres but doesn't harm wildlife. Senate Ag
Committee Chairman Tom Harkin has long championed conservation programs
generally and the CRP specifically. But Harkin has also acknowledged the
negative impact high feed prices have had on livestock producers, especially
in his home state of Iowa, which also suffered devastating floods that will
hamper this year's grain production. And Harkin praised the Coughenour
ruling within that context.
<more> July 17, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Worse
than Appalachia. Valley congressional district ranks last nationwide on
study's scorecard of well-being - - Poverty, poor health and low
graduation rates have put the San Joaquin Valley's 20th Congressional
District dead last in a new national scorecard that ranks the well-being of
residents. Even notoriously grim Appalachia fares better than the
congressional district that sweeps in Fresno, Kings and Kern counties, the
study made public Wednesday shows. The assessment of health, education and
income ranks the district 436th out of 436 districts nationwide. "We have
significant issues in the Valley that reflect rural inequality," said Adela
de la Torre, a University of California at Davis professor and adviser for
the study. "The Valley has always been an area that's underserved." The
study, "The Measure of America," applies to the United States -- for the
first time -- a so-called "human development" standard previously used to
evaluate developing countries from Afghanistan to Zambia. The domestic
results are sobering.
<more> July 17, 2008 Fresno Bee
Californians For Safe Food launches campaign opposing proposition 2: “The
un-Safe Food Initiative” -- Californians for SAFE Food, a coalition of
public health and food safety experts, labor unions, consumers, family
farmers and veterinarians, today officially launched its campaign to oppose
Proposition 2, the November ballot initiative that bans almost all modern
egg production in California. Dubbing Prop. 2 the “un-SAFE food initiative,”
Californians for SAFE Food also introduced its Web site,
www.safecaliforniafood.org
and released an updated list of organizations and individuals who have
joined the opposition campaign. “Proposition 2, quite simply, is an un-SAFE
food initiative. It undermines California’s current high food safety
standards, putting us at greater risk with exposure to illness and disease
like Salmonella and Bird Flu,” said Julie Buckner, spokeswoman for the “NO
on Prop. 2” campaign. “While the proponents claim the measure is ‘moderate,’
it is really a wide-sweeping, risky, and dangerous measure that will have
costly, negative consequences for California.”
<more>
Californians for Safe Food Press Release
Ag and
food vulnerability assessment program offered in Modesto - - A training
program designed to assist communities and industry in preventing and
deterring terrorist acts that target the agriculture and food sectors will
be held Aug. 5-7 in Modesto. The session is sponsored by Stanislaus County
in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and the Center for
Agriculture and Food Security. The Dairy Milk Module will be used for the
practical exercises. The training is free but pre-registration is required.
The training program is structured with realistic hands-on training that
incorporates video of actual facilities and interactive case studies with
practical exercises. For more information contact Don Rowley, Manager Milk &
Dairy Inspection in Stanislaus County at (209) 581-1023 or Kim McDoal at
(209) 525-6770. July 17, 2008 Homeland Security Notice
Tracking Produce Proves Complex - - The salmonella outbreak of 2008 may
go down in history as the case of the missing tomatoes. More than six weeks
ago, the Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about a salmonella
outbreak in New Mexico and Texas connected to raw tomatoes. Since then, the
agency has expanded the warning nationwide and added jalapeño and serrano
peppers. More than 1,100 people have fallen ill since April, but not a
single contaminated tomato or pepper has been found. Investigators said the
complexity of the produce distribution system has been their biggest
impediment, and some produce industry leaders agree that tracing fruits and
vegetables could be easier. Though the technology to do so already exists in
the form of bar codes that appear on nearly everything we buy, it could take
as long as five years before the entire food industry applies it to food
safety.
<more> July 17, 2008 Washington Post
Congressman Dennis Cardoza: understanding agriculture - - Dennis Cardoza recalls being a 9-year-old farm boy from Atwater sitting in front of his family's television set watching the 1968 Democratic and Republican national conventions. He was fascinated by what he saw and credits those tumultuous moments in history with inspiring him to pursue a career in politics. Now, 40 years later and serving his third term in Congress, the 49-year-old who spent much of his early youth on his grandparents' farm in Atwater, has established a reputation as an effective, fiscally responsible legislator who is proud to advocate for California farmers and ranchers. Representing the 18th District that includes parts of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced and Madera counties, he has a number of accomplishments under his belt, most recently key inclusions in the 2008 Farm Bill known as the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. <more> July 17, 2008 Ag Alert
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
TB testing requirement thins Merced fair's dairy
barn - - The dairy barns at the Merced County Fairgrounds, normally
filled with black and white Holsteins and fawn-colored Jerseys, are
strangely empty this year. Many of the 4-H and FFA students who would have
shown dairy replacement heifers at this year's fair are instead selling
their heifers privately and bypassing the fair. But selling the heifers and
bypassing the fair wasn't what students had planned. They held their entries
back because of a new rule about tuberculosis testing. The Merced County
Fair is requiring that all dairy replacement heifers be tested for TB before
they are allowed on the grounds. There were 306 heifers originally entered
in this year's fair, but only 50 showed up.
<more> July 16, 2008 Merced Sun-Star
Costly biofuel support offers few benefits: OECD
- - Public support for biofuels is costly and has little impact in
cutting greenhouse gas emissions so governments would do better promoting
lower energy consumption to fight climate change, the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said on Wednesday. Governments
should also boost the so-called second generation biofuels that do not use
food crops, the OECD said in a report. The study comes as the latest blow to
biofuels, made from grains, oilseeds and sugar, which were once hailed for
providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels but are now blamed for a surge
in food prices.
<more>
July 16, 2008 Reuters
Consumer prices jump 1.1 percent in June - -
Consumer prices shot up in June at the second fastest pace in 26 years with
two-thirds of the surge blamed on soaring energy prices. The Labor
Department reported that consumer prices jumped 1.1 percent last month, much
worse than had been expected. Energy prices rocketed upward by 6.6 percent,
reflecting big gains for gasoline, home heating oil and natural gas. The big
rise in prices cut deeply into consumers' earning power with average weekly
wages, after adjusting for inflation, falling by 0.9 percent. It was the
biggest monthly decline since a 1.1 percent drop in weekly wages in
September 2005.
<more> July 16, 2008 AP
Meat Institute, Grocery Manufacturers say latest
CPI hike shows impact of ethanol policies - - The American Meat
Institute and Grocery Manufacturers Association today issued statements
saying that the latest Consumer Price Index shows that food inflation is
rising at more than twice the rate of core inflation and called on Congress
to “control the ethanol policies responsible for driving up the cost of
food.” J. Patrick Boyle, President & CEO, American Meat Institute, said,
“The price for beef, pork and dairy products has risen dramatically over the
past few months. According to today’s CPI, beef has risen 1.7 percent, pork
by 0.6 percent and dairy by 1.6 percent. These new data don’t even fully
account for the damage to animal feed corn caused by the recent Midwest
flooding, so we can expect prices to get even worse in the coming months.
Thanks in part to U.S. food-to-fuel mandates diverting over one-third of
American corn to ethanol production, the stores of grain in this country are
at historic lows. Congress has held many hearings on this topic, and now
action is required to fix America’s food-to-fuel policies.” Scott Faber,
Vice President for Federal Affairs, Grocery Manufacturers Association, said,
“Today’s CPI numbers are unsurprising given the fact that we are diverting
over one-third of America’s corn to produce ethanol. Corn prices are
holding at record levels over $7 a bushel and recent flooding in the Midwest
has not yet been fully accounted for in the inflation data we’re seeing
now. Unless we quickly change course on food-to-fuel policies, we can
expect to continue seeing ever-higher food prices and a worsening situation
for our families and small businesses. Congress has taken some steps toward
rethinking the current policy, and the time has come to make a change in the
right direction.” July 16, 2008 AMI, GMA Press Releases
Joseph Farms Cheese to be Served to Olympians in
China - - Joseph Gallo Farms cheese will be served at the Beijing
Olympics, according to a company press release. A large Chinese dairy
purchased cheese from Joseph Gallo Farms, Atwater. The cheese will be used
for meals provided to the athletes in the Olympic Village, as well as in the
restaurants where visitors, spectators, and others purchase food during
their visits. China was introduced to Joseph Farms Cheese at a recent food
show in Shanghai. The cheese was featured in the California Milk Advisory
Board booth at the show. Joseph Gallo Farms is the first (and longest
standing) cheese producer nationwide to be granted government approval to
label its products with "No Artificial Hormones". Cows producing milk for
Joseph Farms cheeses are never treated with the controversial rBST/rBGH
hormone or any other artificial hormones. Joseph Gallo Farms is a
family-owned, fully-integrated farming, dairy and cheese producing
enterprise long recognized for its quality products and its environmental
leadership. July 16, 2008 Gallo Farms Press Release
Oakdale dairyman added to state ag board - -
Arlan Van Leeuwen, 63, of Oakdale has been appointed to the state Board of
Food and Agriculture by Gov. Schwarzenegger. Since 2006, he has owned and
been partner of New Hope Dairy. Van Leeuwen owned Fairview Farms from 1974
to 2006. He is a board member of the Dairy Council of California and
Agriculture Milk Producers' Security Trust and is a member of Rotary
International. The state position does not require Senate confirmation and
there is no salary. July 16, 2008 Modesto Bee
New I-9 form released - - By Michael
C. Saqui and Anthony P. Raimondo - - On June 16, 2008, the U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) issued an updated
Employment
Eligibility Verification Form (“I-9“). The new I-9 form is the same in
substance as the previous I-9 form and does not place any new requirements
on employers. However, the previous form expired on June 30, 2008 and the
new form is valid until June 30, 2009. COUNSEL TO MANAGEMENT
Employers should make sure that they are now using the most up to date I-9
forms for all newly hired employees. There is also a Spanish version of the
I-9 form that is available. However, employers must be aware that the
Spanish form can only be used for employers in Puerto Rico and cannot
otherwise be used. To obtain the newest version of the I-9 form, see:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-9.pdf July 16, 2008 The goal
of this article is to provide employers with current labor and employment
law information. The contents should not be interpreted or construed as
legal advice or opinion. For individual responses to questions or concerns
regarding any given situation, the reader should consult with Saqui &
Raimondo at (831) 443-7100 in Salinas, or (916) 782-8555 in Sacramento.
Assembly goes on vacation amid California budget deadlock - - With the state budget far from resolved, the Assembly resumed its summer vacation Tuesday. Members of the lower house contemplated two dozen bills before joining their Senate counterparts on holiday. Barring a budget breakthrough, both houses are scheduled to be dark until Aug. 4. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, meanwhile, ramped up his rhetoric over the lack of progress on the state's $101 billion general fund spending plan, which contains a $15.2 billion deficit. The governor admonished the Legislature for not meeting its June 15 constitutional deadline and noted that he has always turned in his spending proposal on time. <more> July 16, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Soybean and corn futures close sharply lower on Fed
Chairman comments - -Soybean and corn futures closed sharply lower
Tuesday, as comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke sent crude oil
more than $9 lower at points, in turn pressuring beans and corn. Bernanke
spoke in front of the Senate Banking Committee, giving a pretty dire economic
outlook and citing a number of factors for the woes including slumping housing
prices, low consumer confidence, rising commodity and consumer good prices,
and the steep decline in the dollar. The dollar moved to a new all time low
against the Euro Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average settled under
11,000 points for the first time in two years and crude oil saw its biggest
loss in dollars since January 1991.
<more> July 15, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
USDA announces additional $202.5 million for
conservation programs - - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced
an additional $200 million will be made available through the 2008 Farm Bill
to help farmers and ranchers nationwide to solve natural resource problems
through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). An additional
$2.5 million will be available for Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) in
16 states. "These additional funds will assist farmers and ranchers in
solving critical natural resource problems," Schafer said. "Voluntary
incentive-based programs like EQIP and AMA are the key to helping producers
meet their conservation goals and provide the public with important benefits
such as cleaner water, improved air quality, healthy soils, and abundant
wildlife."
<more> July 15, 2008 USDA Press Release
The Man Who Dared to Question Ethanol - - It
wasn’t too long ago that a loose coalition of anti-ethanol forces was
bemoaning the futility of its fight. After failing to block huge new ethanol
mandates in the Senate last December, Jay Truitt, until recently the chief
lobbyist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, complained about the
“fervor” and “spirituality” that surrounded ethanol on Capitol Hill. “You
can’t get anyone to consider that there is a consequence to these actions,” he
said, adding, “We think there will be a day when people ask, ‘Why in the world
did we do this?’ ” That day has arrived sooner than Mr. Truitt, or most anyone
else, anticipated. Of course, much of the turnabout is attributable to
relentless price increases at the grocery store that have caused many people
to argue that the land used to grow corn for ethanol should be used for food
instead. But the changing perceptions about ethanol have been helped along by
the most unlikely of characters, a bearded and mild-mannered economist with a
dry sense of humor and an encyclopedic knowledge of the arcana of American
farm policy. Until January, Keith Collins was the longtime and widely
respected chief economist for the Department of Agriculture. In that position,
he was a frequent booster of government policies that encouraged biofuel
production. In the months after his departure, he was hired by Kraft Foods
Global to analyze the impact of biofuels on food prices. He delivered a
stunning, and unexpected, roundhouse to his former employers.
<more> July 14, 2008 NY Times
Reduced-fat milk OK for all toddlers, doctors say -
- When Tiffany Branton runs out of whole milk for her 20-month-old son, Alex,
she offers him the 1 per cent milk she and her husband drink. But since whole
milk is the gold standard for babies under 2, she stocks up again immediately.
"If I gave him something with less fat I don't think he'd notice," she says.
"But until he's 2, I'll give him whole milk and then talk to his doctor." The
Toronto mother is following the current guidelines most doctors and dietitians
prescribe. The Canadian Paediatric Society, for instance, recommends offering
whole milk to babies from the age of nine months, at the earliest, until they
reach 2. But parents may start seeing the dairy aisle in a different light if
a major new medical statement about reduced-fat dairy products gains momentum.
<more> July 15, 2008 Globe and Mail
Legislature approves bill banning trans fats
- - California is poised
to become the first state in the nation to ban restaurants and other food
facilities from using trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of
heart disease, under a bill approved by the state Legislature Monday and sent
to the governor.
The measure, passed with a
bare majority, comes two weeks after a similar ban in New York City became
fully effective. California doctor and consumer groups support the law, while
restaurant groups have offered a lukewarm response. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
has not taken a position, a spokesman said.
Assemblyman Tony Mendoza,
D-Artesia (Los Angeles County), who wrote AB97, said the measure is intended
to promote the health of Californians.
<more> July 15, 2008 SF Chronicle
"Keep America FMD-Free" Bill Introduced in Congress
- - The U.S. Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) today hailed the introduction
of legislation in the U.S. Senate that would block meat shipments from
Argentina until that country is free of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), an
airborne livestock disease that is devastating to livestock production.
Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) and Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) introduced the Foot
and Mouth Disease Prevention Act of 2008, which would add common sense to a
proposal by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that would allow
importation of Argentine fresh and pre-packaged beef, lamb and other meat from
select regions of Argentina, as well as live animals."Cattlemen from across
the country appreciate Senator Johnson and Senator Enzi along with the other
co-sponsors of this important legislation," said Jon Wooster, a California
rancher and USCA president. "We’re calling it the ‘Keep America FMD-Free
bill’." Wooster explained that an outbreak of FMD within the U.S. cattle
industry would bring livestock commerce to a standstill overnight and would
likely result in the depopulation of millions of cattle, hogs, lambs, goats
and wildlife. The American Veterinary Medical Association has deemed FMD the
most economically devastating of all livestock disease. A recent study by
Kansas State University found that an outbreak of FMD would cost the State of
Kansas alone nearly $1 billion. July 15, 2008 US Cattlemen’s Association
Press Release
The UFW’s continuing efforts to recruit H-2A
workers - - By Michael C. Saqui and Anthony P. Raimondo - - The UFW is
continuing its efforts to force H-2A workers to join a
union.
In April 2008 the UFW signed an agreement with the state of Michoacán, Mexico
to bring H-2A workers into the US who would automatically join the UFW.
According to the UFW, their involvement with the H-2A program will reduce
corruption in the recruitment workers and protect their rights in the US. It
will also conveniently provide the UFW with more members who will have no
choice in union membership.
The UFW’s US partner in the
recruitment of Mexican workers has not been identified publicly. Back
in April 2006 the UFW signed a 3 year contract with the Global Horizons Inc.
(Global), a labor contractor operating nationally and internationally. Under
the contract the UFW represents all non-supervisory, non-clerical Global’s
agricultural employees across the US. As part of the agreement, UFW would
partner with Global to recruit workers from Mexico.
However, the federal government
debarred Global in 2006 from bringing H-2A workers into the US for at least
three years.
<more>
July 15, 2008
Funds available to retrofit diesel transportation
truck - - Applications are now available for funds to replace or
retrofit Class 8 diesel trucks and engines used for goods movement. The
deadline for applications is 1 p.m. on Sept. 5. There are several categories
of funding available provided via Proposition 1B:
• $50,000 to replace a 2003 or older truck with a new truck that meets 2007
emissions standards (tiered truck replacements and retrofits are also
available);
• $20,000 to repower a 2003 or older engine with a new engine that meets
2007 standards; or
• $5,000 to retrofit a 2006 or older truck with an ARB-verified level 3
diesel particulate filter.
To be eligible, applicants must operate a Class 8 on-road diesel truck
greater than 33,0000 GVWR, used to transport goods, have a valid California
registration for the last two years (base plate or IRP), and, travel at
least 50 percent in the state’s major trade corridors over the last two
years (Central Valley, Bay Area, Los Angeles/Inland Empire or San
Diego/border). For more information on the incentive program, program
applications and program guidelines, visit the “Grants and Incentives”
section at www.valleyair.org or
e-mail weberip@valleyair.org
or contact the Emission Reduction Incentive Program at (800) 766-4463.
July 11, 2008 Valley Air District Notice
Monday, July 14, 2008
One Tiny Problem. Fiscalini manure-to-energy
emissions of NO2 might exceed 9 parts per million - - John Fiscalini has
spent about $3 million on a system that can turn cow manure into electricity
for his cheese plant west of Modesto. Now he wonders if he will get to use
it. Air quality officials say these systems, although worthwhile for the
environmental benefits they bring, can be polluters themselves if not
designed right. At issue is nitrogen oxide, a smog component emitted when
methane gas is extracted from the manure and burned in an engine to generate
electricity. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has set a
strict limit of 9 parts per million for new engines. Fiscalini, whose system
is close to completion, said none of the available engines can meet the
standard. He said the one he ordered has advanced emission controls, but it
still could violate the rule during the 60-day testing period. "There's
certainly a likelihood that two months after I start up, I have to shut down
because I don't meet the number they have given me," he said.
<more>
July 12, 2008 Modesto Bee
Click here to view a video report
Corn prices fall to 1-month low on Midwest
weather - - Corn prices fell to a one-month low Monday as more favorable
weather in the Midwest boosted confidence that crops will bounce back from
devastating flooding last month. Corn for December delivery fell 17.25 cents
to $6.92 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade after earlier falling to
$6.805, the lowest since June 9. Soybeans also dropped. Weather forecasts
show rainfall this week for western Corn Belt states of Minnesota, the
Dakotas, central Nebraska and northern Iowa, offering relief to dry crops as
the enter the critical pollination period. In eastern Corn Belt states,
warm, dry weather is expected to continue this week, boosting crops that
were battered by massive June flooding. "Since the floods, the weather's
been nearly ideal for crop development," said Jason Ward, analyst with
Northstar Commodity in Minneapolis. "We've had a good mix of moisture and
heat." Corn prices have fallen since the grain closed at an all-time high
of $7.805 a bushel on July 2. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is expected
to report later Monday a 1 percent to 2 percent increase in the amount of
corn and soybean crops in good to excellent condition - an improvement that
would boost optimism for good yields later this year and possibly drive
record food prices lower.
<more> July 14, 2008 AP
Ag Industry Takes Valley Heat Seriously - -
The effort in the Ag Industry to reduce heat exposure to workers and animals
has been ramped up this week. State and local Ag agencies are focusing on
heat stress prevention in the labor force. And out on the dairy
farms...keeping cows cool will keep the price we pay for dairy products
affordable. Jon Brent reports on the heat sensitive Ag Industry.
Click here to watch video report featuring WUD member Charlie De Groot.
July 12, 2008 KSEE-TV Fresno
Dean Food’s shares forecasted to rise 20 percent
by year’s end - - Dairy and milk processor and distributor Dean Foods
Co. received a dose of good news Monday when analysts with JP Morgan
Securities upgraded Dean’s shares from “neutral” to “overweight” and
predicted company shares will rise 20 percent by year’s end. In a statement
sent to Dallas-based Dean Foods about the upgrade, JP Morgan analysts said
they made the upgrade after forecasting a decline in dairy prices within the
next 18 months. JP Morgan also concluded that the company’s shares were
oversold on fears of coming dairy inflation.
<more> July 14, 2008 Dallas Business Journal
Lawyer claims a health risk in food waste at Modesto transfer station - - A Ripon lawyer is contending that Gilton Solid Waste Management's handling of food processing byproducts at a transfer station near Modesto poses health risks and should be regulated under a recent county ordinance governing food processing waste. County officials and Richard Gilton disagree. Caught in the middle is an annual accumulation of about 140,000 tons of food processing leftovers: tomato peels, peach pits and leaves culled from the canning process. Gilton Solid Waste Management takes food processing waste material, generated inside Stanislaus County and outside, and makes it into commercial animal feed at its McClure Road transfer station near Modesto. The county's ordinance on food processing waste was approved in February as an effort to protect its own program to use processing waste as fertilizer on farmland. That pro- gram, under way for 25 years, diverts about 52,000 tons of waste a year for use on farmland and as animal feed. <more> July 12, 2008 Modesto Bee
Friday, July 11, 2008
Soybeans rally on concerns of falling stockpiles - - Soybeans surged for a
second day Thursday on expectations that already tight U.S. stockpiles will
sink further after devastating Midwest flooding that wiped out farmland last
month. Corn fell to a one-month low. Soybeans for September delivery rose 22
cents, or 1.41 percent, to $15.79 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade,
after earlier rising as high as $15.83. Wheat for September delivery fell
2.75 cents to $8.23 a bushel. Meanwhile, corn prices headed lower for a
fifth straight session as warm, dry weather in the Midwest raised
expectations that crops will recover from last month's floods. Worries that
high corn prices are cutting into demand for animal feed and ethanol also
pressured prices. Corn for December delivery fell 4.5 cents to $7.0825 a
bushel on the CBOT, after earlier dropping to $7.01, the lowest since June
10.
<more>
July 11, 2008 AP
Huge
bond plan to revamp state water system - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
and Sen. Dianne Feinstein unveiled a sweeping $9.3 billion bond proposal on
Thursday to overhaul California's ailing water infrastructure by expanding
water storage, protecting the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and
promoting conservation projects across the state. The proposal, which is
planned to be on the November ballot, was put together after Democrats in
the state Legislature balked last year at the governor's proposal for a $9
billon overhaul of the state water system that focused primarily on building
three dams. But administration officials say Schwarzenegger believes the new
proposal contains enough significant changes to garner the two-thirds
majority in both houses of the Democrat-controlled Legislature necessary to
send it to voters. The new plan includes money for water storage, but the
amount is $3 billion rather than the $5.1 billion the governor had in his
earlier plan. And the money wouldn't necessarily be used for dam projects -
it could be spent for other projects, including groundwater storage.
<more> July 11, 2008 SF Chronicle
Funds available to retrofit diesel transportation
truck - - Applications are now available for funds to replace or
retrofit Class 8 diesel trucks and engines used for goods movement. The
deadline for applications is 1 p.m. on Sept. 5. There are several categories
of funding available provided via Proposition 1B:
• $50,000 to replace a 2003 or older truck with a new truck that meets 2007
emissions standards (tiered truck replacements and retrofits are also
available);
• $20,000 to repower a 2003 or older engine with a new engine that meets
2007 standards; or
• $5,000 to retrofit a 2006 or older truck with an ARB-verified level 3
diesel particulate filter.
To be eligible, applicants must operate a Class 8 on-road diesel truck
greater than 33,0000 GVWR, used to transport goods, have a valid California
registration for the last two years (base plate or IRP), and, travel at
least 50 percent in the state’s major trade corridors over the last two
years (Central Valley, Bay Area, Los Angeles/Inland Empire or San
Diego/border). For more information on the incentive program, program
applications and program guidelines, visit the “Grants and Incentives”
section at www.valleyair.org or
e-mail weberip@valleyair.org
or contact the Emission Reduction Incentive Program at (800) 766-4463.
July 11, 2008 Valley Air District Notice
USDA
will list retail stores receiving recalled meat and poultry products - -
Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer today announced that beginning next
month, USDA will begin listing retail stores receiving meat and poultry
products involved in Class I recalls - those of the most serious concern to
public health. For some recalls, specific product information useful to
consumers is not available to help identify recalled products that may still
be in their home. Today's announcement provides a 30-day notice after the
rule is published in the Federal Register before the process of listing
retail stores takes effect. "The identity of retail stores with recalled
meat and poultry from their suppliers has always been a missing piece of
information for the public during a recall," said Schafer. "People want to
know if they need to be on the lookout for recalled meat and poultry from
their local store and by providing lists of retail outlets during recalls,
USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service will improve public health protection
by better informing consumers."
<more> July 11, 2008 USDA Press Release
Buy-in
waiver underway for USDA disaster assistance programs - - Producers who
would otherwise be ineligible for new USDA disaster assistance programs can
become eligible by paying a fee as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. The
buy-in fee for 2008 eligibility is $100 per crop, but not more than $300 per
producer per administrative county, or $900 total per producer for all
counties less any previously paid fees for CAT and/or non-insured crop
disaster assistance (NAP). John Smythe, Executive Director for USDA’s Farm
Service Agency (FSA) in California outlined the program. "I urge every
producer whose crops, including grazing lands, are not fully covered by crop
insurance or NAP to take advantage of this one-time opportunity," Smythe
said. "The buy-in fee is due no later than September 16, 2008, 90 days
after the date of enactment, as required by the Farm Bill. If you miss this
opportunity you will not be eligible for disaster assistance. I also want
to remind producers that the payment of the applicable buy-in fee does not
afford the producer crop insurance or NAP coverage; it only affords
eligibility for the 2008 disaster programs.” The applicable buy-in form must
be completed and applicable fees paid by September 16, 2008. Payment of the
applicable fees will allow the producer to be eligible for benefits for
losses under Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program,
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), Tree Assistance Program (TAP), and
Emergency Assistance Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).
Sign up for these programs is not expected to be held until this winter.
Further information is available from your local FSA office. July 11,
2008 FSA Press Release
Thirsty orchards' plight in Central Valley - - Standing on a ridge between a sluggish water canal and a swath of spindly, gray almond trees, farmer Jim Jasper has a good view of California's water crisis. Drought forced one of Jasper's friends to abandon these trees. The adjacent canal's flow has been reduced by more than one-third to protect an endangered fish. To offset the loss, Jasper has leased the land beneath the dying trees to use its water on his own 2,500 acres of almond trees, some of them "babies." Being a farmer in drought-prone California always has been a struggle. But 2008 is turning into one for the history books. This year, natural and man-made water shortages will cost the agriculture industry more than $160 million, not to mention the reduced plantings for next year and the ripple effect through banks, farming equipment businesses and consumers who could pay even higher prices for food. <more> July 11, 2008 SF Chronicle
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Energy
official frowns on cutting back ethanol - - The Energy Department
frowned on relaxing federal requirements to boost the use of ethanol in
gasoline. Any reduction in the renewable fuel standard would sap investment
in biofuel technology and undermine efforts to wean the nation off oil and
reduce greenhouse gases, Deputy Assistant Energy Secretary Steven Chalk said
Thursday. "Keeping that in place is very important to us," Chalk told the
Senate Environment clean air subcommittee. Chalk made the comments as the
Bush administration is considering a request by Texas Gov. Rick Perry to
halve the ethanol requirement this year, from nine billion gallons to 4.5
billion gallons, because of high corn prices. The renewable fuel standard
was expanded in last year's energy bill to require 36 billion gallons of
biofuels to be blended into gasoline by 2022.
<more> July 10, 2008 AP
Air
research data helps vindicate dairy cows - - Research being conducted
on the air emissions that come from dairies is helping to vindicate dairy
cows as a major source of smog-forming gasses. Air quality research at the
University of California-Davis and at California State University-Fresno is
producing valuable data to help government regulators and dairy farmers
better understand how to mitigate for emissions. Leading the effort at UC-Davis
is Dr. Frank Mitloehner, director of the Agricultural Air Quality Center.
Since 2002, Mitloehner has investigated claims that cows are the major
source of reactive organic gases that cause smog. "Four years ago, people
thought dairy cows were the number-one emitter of smog-forming gasses, but I
think most would now conclude that is not true," he said.
<more> Capital Press Dairy Edition
Some
milk prices will drop in August - - The price California dairy farmers
get for their milk will drop 12 percent on Aug. 1, to $1.70 a gallon,
according to figures released Thursday by the state Department of Food and
Agriculture. Consumers are most likely to notice the change in the
rock-bottom price many supermarkets offer for purchases of two gallons and
more. That price, recently about $1.15 a gallon above the farm price, is
likely to drop by about 23 cents per gallon.
<more> July 10, 2008 Sacramento Bee
More rules, more
costs for dead cow disposal - - Legal options for disposal of large
animal mortalities are becoming scarce - and more expensive. Depending on
the state where they live, dairy producers may not even be able to choose a
less expensive disposal method and may face increased costs due to new
government regulations on air and water quality. New USDA feed ban rules
also are putting pressure on rendering facilities. Presently, in California,
landfill, incineration and composting are out, except in emergencies. In
July 2006 during an extended heat wave, thousands of dead dairy cows
overwhelmed the rending capacity in the state and landfill disposal was
allowed. Since that time Baker Commodities, which operates rendering
facilities in California and Washington, has increased their capacity by
adding a third cooker. Dennis Lueke with Baker said adding the third allows
them to operate two cookers while a third is being maintained. In the case
of an emergency, the third could be added, boosting capacity.
<more> Capital Press Dairy Edition
For
Sacramento-area farmers, heat is a mixed blessing - - In a heat wave,
fruit gets sweeter, cows make less milk and many restaurants order less
food. Here are several ways the week's extremely hot weather is rippling
through our food chain, from Yolo County tomato fields to downtown
restaurants. Near Marysville, Mike Luis has his dairy barn set up like an
outdoor bar: misters, fans, shade-cloth awnings and all-you-can-drink water.
"Our number one thing is cow comfort," he said. If Luis can keep his 250
cows from overheating, they'll produce more milk, he said. Cows lose their
appetite when the temperature rises above 100 degrees, he said, and
production can drop by as much as a third.
<more> July 10, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Fresno
ag training teaches heat safety - - With temperatures edging to record
levels, state officials and agricultural leaders in Fresno on Wednesday
unveiled plans for stepped-up heat-stress training for farm labor
contractors statewide. The announcement was in tandem with a heat advisory
for Fresno County and disclosure of an investigation into a second
potentially heat-related death of a farmworker this summer. The new
heat-stress training program, which will offer 13 seminars in Spanish and
English starting today and continuing through Aug. 7, was developed in the
past two weeks. It involves a partnership between 15 farm organizations,
Cal-OSHA and the California Department of Industrial Relations. The effort
is called "Heat Stress Prevention in Agriculture." Anticipating the heat
wave, 10 Cal-OSHA teams began making enforcement sweeps statewide Monday,
said Len Welsh, Cal-OSHA chief.
<more> July 10, 2008 Fresno Bee
Seattle judge blocks federal farmland plan - - A judge in Seattle has blocked a federal program that would have allowed ranchers to graze cattle and raise hay on farmland set aside for conservation. The order Tuesday from federal Judge John Coughenour could affect 24 million acres nationally. The suit was filed by the National Wildlife Federation over a U.S. Department of Agriculture decision in May to allow grazing and hay production on land in the Conservation Reserve Program. It was meant to help cattlemen facing high feed prices. The restraining order blocks the program until a hearing July 17 before Coughenour. A spokesman for the Farm Service Agency in Washington, D.C., Kent Politsch, says it's trying to find the right balance between taking care of the food supply and conservation. July 10, 2008 AP
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Slaughter begins in Fresno County dairy herd
exposed to TB -- More than 4,800 dairy cows at risk of carrying
tuberculosis are being slaughtered this week in central California, where
nearly 16,000 cattle in the country's largest milk-producing region have
been quarantined, federal officials said. Undersecretary of Agriculture
Bruce Knight met privately with local dairy operators Tuesday along with the
state veterinarian and other industry officials monitoring three new cases
of TB recently discovered in Fresno County dairies. Federal and state
agriculture officials were still tightlipped about the identities and
locations of the three dairies where cows tested positive for the disease,
which can be transmitted to humans and other mammals through the air or
through drinking unpasteurized milk from an infected cow. "One of the
concerns is with trade agreements," says Ray Souza, president of Western
United Dairymen, a trade group that represents 1,100 dairies across the
state. "Things like this can be used to re-negotiate." The owner of one
dairy has accepted a USDA buyout of up to $3,000 a head, and his cows are
headed for the slaughterhouses. The two other dairies are weighing whether
to operate under strict quarantines, which can last for years. One of the
affected dairies milks more than 10,000 cows and sells semen and embryos
from high-production cows and bulls internationally. The operation faces
losing 50 years of genetic development if the dairy operator chooses to
slaughter his cattle, said Michael March, chief executive of Western United
Dairymen. "It's tragic when you have that kind of investment and build up
that legacy and genetic bloodline," said Marsh. "He's facing a very
difficult choice."
<more> July 9, 2008 AP
Cool cows the goal for dairy farmers - - As
temperatures rise in the Central Valley, dairy producers look to avoid a
repeat of the summer of 2006 when a massive heat wave caused
the
death of cows throughout the Valley. Western United Dairymen President Ray
Souza, Turlock, was interviewed by Sacramento TV station KCRA Channel 3 about
the methods dairymen are using to battle the heat.
Click
here to view interview. July 9, 2008 KCRA-TV
Food Network show highlights Foster Farms Dairy -
- Foster Farms Dairy will be featured on Food Network's new primetime series
"How'd That Get On My Plate?" The series airs at 6:30 p.m. Monday. "The host
of the series, Sunny Anderson, had a great experience on location while
traveling behind the scenes of milk production," according to a news
release. "Anderson learns the importance of happy cows as she visits a dairy
farm in California." Anderson visited Foster Farms Dairy farm in Denair and
the Foster Farms processing plant in Modesto, where she shows how milk is
bottled for consumption and transformed into mint chocolate chip ice cream.
<more> July 9, 2008 Modesto Bee
Animal heat stress tips offered as Valley heats up
- - With weather forecasters predicting temperatures will climb above 100
degrees this
week in the Central Valley, here
are some recommendations for dairy producers dealing with heat stress. To
read these tips provided by Michael Payne DVM, PhD, Program Director,
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, please click here.
To view a
website which has compiled over 70 heat stress-related websites,
please click here. July 3, 2008
Lawmakers hear Valley's plea on water - - Four
hundred farmers and farmworkers from the Valley's west side will travel in a
bus caravan to Sacramento from Five Points on Friday to drive home the message
that a crisis has been spawned by lack of irrigation water. That promise --
along with talk of a need for a comprehensive solution to water needs -- was
among testimony given Tuesday at Mendota High School before four members of
the California Assembly. The central San Joaquin Valley's water shortage has
caused many growers to abandon their crops and hundreds of farmworkers to lose
their jobs. The hearing, which drew about 100 people including officials from
several cities outside the Westlands Water District, was led by Assembly
Member Juan Arambula, D-Fresno.
<more> July 9, 2008 Fresno Bee
Cow burps help Argentines study climate change
- - Argentine scientists are taking a novel approach to studying global
warming -- strapping plastic tanks to the backs of cows to collect their
burps. Researchers say the slow digestive system of cows makes them a producer
of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that gets far less public attention than
carbon dioxide in efforts to fight global warming. Scientists around the world
are studying the amount of methane in cow burps and Argentine researchers say
they have come up with a unique way. Attaching a red plastic tank to a cow's
back and connecting it through a tube to the animal's stomach, scientists say
they can trap bovine burps and analyze them.
<more> July 9, 2008 Reuters
July is National Ice Cream Month - - In 1984,
President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the
third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He recognized ice cream
as a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation's
population. In the proclamation, President Reagan called for all people of the
United States to observe these events with "appropriate ceremonies and
activities." The International Ice Cream Association (IICA) encourages
retailers and consumers to celebrate July as National Ice Cream Month. In
2008, National Ice Cream Day will be Sunday, July 20. The U.S. ice cream
industry generates more than $21 billion in annual sales and provides jobs for
thousands of citizens. About 9% of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers
is used to produce ice cream, contributing significantly to the economic
well-being of the nation's dairy industry.
<more>
July 8, 2008 IDFA Press Release
EPA and various state air boards sign joint
agreement to reduce pollution, greenhouse gas emissions - - At the
California Emerging Clean Air Technology Forum today in Merced, federal, state
and local agencies formally joined forces to develop and implement
technologies needed for California to meet federal health-based air quality
standards, to reduce public exposure to air toxics and to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with the
California Air Resources Board, the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley Air
Districts and the California Environmental Protection Agency, signed a
memorandum of agreement to commit to developing and testing new sustainable
technologies to accelerate progress in meeting current and future national air
quality standards. "Each agency's contribution to this effort is essential as
we struggle to address still tighter particulate matter and ozone standards,"
said Wayne Nastri, the U.S. EPA’s administrator for the Pacific Southwest
region. "Through collaboration and a shared vision, we can reach our goal of
cleaner air for all Californians, and clean air technologies that can be
deployed anywhere."
<more> July 9, 2008 EPA Press Release
EU farm chief begs German farmers to stop mailing
milk to protest quotas - - The EU's top farm official is begging German
farmers to stop mailing her milk. Farmers have bombarded Agriculture
Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel with some 10,000 liters of milk to show
their anger over an EU proposal to increase milk quotas that may cause prices
to fall, her spokesman Michael Mann said Tuesday. Most of the milk - sent by
regular mail and addressed to Fischer Boel - had spoiled in transit, and some
of the cartons had burst open, he said. "We have to, unfortunately, throw it
away," Mann said. "We are conscious of their concerns, but we don't think it's
a good idea and they should send it to a good cause." Fischer Boel pleaded
with farmers in a message on her blog Monday to stop sending milk, saying she
was happy to talk to them directly to find a solution to their grievances.
<more> July 8, 2008 AP
Dooley to head American Chemistry Council - - Cal Dooley, a former Democratic congressman from California, has been tapped to take over the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the group announced on Wednesday. The ACC, which represents companies like DuPont, Dow Chemical and Exxon Mobil, is currently run by Jack Gerard, who has accepted an offer to head the American Petroleum Institute, beginning on Sept. 1. Dooley will start at ACC on Sept. 8, according to the announcement. Since retiring from Congress in 2005, Dooley has led the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), where he helped manage the group’s merger with the Food Products Association. <more> July 9, 2008 The Hill.com
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Bovine TB involves costly choices. Taxpayers pay
if decision is made to destroy Valley herds -- Taxpayers could foot a
hefty bill following the recent discovery of bovine tuberculosis in three
California herds. Today, top Agriculture Department officials will be
touring affected dairy farms in Fresno and Tulare counties. The high-ranking
San Joaquin Valley visits are a potential prelude to tough decisions and
multimillion dollar payouts whose magnitude still sometimes frustrates
farmers. "You're talking a lot of money," Andrew House, press secretary for
Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Visalia, said Monday. Dairy farmers with herds infected
by bovine tuberculosis face several uncomfortable options. They can endure a
quarantine until testing proves the herd is clean again, which can take
several years. Or, they can destroy the entire herd -- "depopulate" is the
preferred term -- in exchange for Agriculture Department payments.
<more> July 8, 2008 Modesto Bee
Modesto JC tops in dairy judging - - Students from
Modesto Junior College went to Scotland to show what they know about
evaluating dairy cattle. They ended up with the top awards in dairy judging
at the 229th Royal Highlands Competition for Livestock and Dairy Cattle,
held June 22 in Edinburgh. MJC produced three of the top four two-person
teams. Kari Kronberg and Matt Nascimento of Hilmar placed first. Caitlyn
Morehart and Heather Borba of Turlock were third. The team of Justin Borges
of Escalon and Jonathan Weststeyn of Farmington finished in a fourth-place
tie. Kronberg was the top-placing individual. Nascimento was third, Morehart
fifth and Borges eighth.
Most of the winning team members
are related to WUD members, including Kari Kronberg (Hilmar): daughter of
former WUD member
Virgil
Kronberg, Hilmar; Matt
Nascimento (Hilmar) son of WUD member Joe Nascimento, J & M Nascimento
Dairy, Hilmar;
Caitlyn Morehart (Turlock)
niece of WUD member Scott
Sanders, SAS Dairy, Hilmar;
Justin Borges (Escalon)
son of WUD member Manuel & Jeanette Borges, Stockton,
and Jonathan
Weststeyn (Farmington) son of WUD member Bert Weststeyn, Linden.<more> July 8, 2008 Modesto Bee
Animal heat stress tips offered as Valley starts to heat up
- - With weather forecasters predicting temperatures will climb above 100
degrees this
week in the Central Valley, here
are some recommendations for dairy producers dealing with heat stress. To
read these tips provided by Michael Payne DVM, PhD, Program Director,
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, please click here.
To view a
website which has compiled over 70 heat stress-related websites,
please click here. July 3, 2008
Farmworker heat stress advice available on-line
- - As the Central Valley moves into the hot weather season, Howard
Rosenberg, an agricultural personnel management specialist with the
University of California Berkeley Cooperative Extension has advice for
farmworkers. “The sudden change in weather this early in the year may catch
many workers before they are ready to cope with the same level of heat that
they would be able to handle later in the season,” he said. A state
regulation adopted two years ago requires all
employers to protect their
outdoor workers from heat stress by providing a quart of water per hour, a
shaded area, and time to rest there when necessary, as well as training in
heat-illness prevention. Rosenberg has worked extensively with growers to
prevent heat-related discomfort, impaired performance, accidents, and heat
illnesses that threaten workers’ safety and even lives. In partnership with
the California Farm Bureau Federation and with support from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Western Center for Risk Management Education, he
compiled concise key points on heat stress prevention, in Spanish and
English, on pocket-size fold-out cards. They may be downloaded for free from
http://ucanr.org/heat. The website also
has links to UC articles titled, including Ten key points about heat stress,
UC gives tips for coping with heat stress, Heat illness symptoms and first
aid, and How heat affects the body. In addition, the website has information
on audio recordings covering heat stress in Spanish and English, which are
available by calling the AsisTel toll-free phone number (800) 514-4494.
July 8, 2008 UC Press Release
Energy alert today - - Don't touch that
(thermostat) dial -- there's an energy conservation effort in effect.
Residents throughout California are asked to conserve energy, especially
during peak hours of 3 to 6 p.m. State energy officials issued a Flex Alert
today because of anticipated high electricity demand. The California
Independent System Operator issued the alert in light of the heat wave and
fires burning across the state, which pose a potential threat to the state's
power grid, according to the Flex Your Power energy campaign's Web site. ISO
officials expect to see the highest electricity demand of the summer this
week. While they don't anticipate shortages, peak demand could reach the
record set July 24, 2006.
<more> July 8, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Riverside task force targets 'fiestas' selling
illegal raw dairy, other illicit goods - - For sellers, these open-air
markets are a quick way to rake in $1,500 to $2,000, tax-free. For buyers,
these gatherings satisfy cravings for cultural traditions -- cheap, homemade
cheese and an alcoholic beverage made with fresh raw milk. But for health
and law enforcement officials, these so-called Sunday "fiestas" are illegal
public nuisances that can make people sick from consuming unpasteurized
dairy products produced under unsanitary conditions. In poorer areas of
cities and in rural, unincorporated parts of San Bernardino and Riverside
counties, a team of authorities confiscates queso fresco, fresh cheese made
in bathtubs, baskets, wooden molds, pipe sections, even coffins, said
Kenneth P. Chandler, with Riverside County's Department of Environmental
Health, where he created and heads the Illegal Food Program.
<more> July 7, 2008 Riverside Press Enterprise
FDA prohibits antimicrobial drug in
food-producing animals - - The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
published a final rule that prohibits the extra label use of cephalosporin
antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals, including cattle. According
to the FDA, this rule will help protect consumers against
antimicrobial-resistant strains of zoonotic food borne bacterial pathogens.
By law, the FDA may issue a prohibition order if evidence shows that extra
label use of a drug in food-producing animals has caused, or is likely to
cause, a public health risk. In this case, the FDA has gathered evidence
showing that the extra label use of cephalosporins in food-producing animals
is likely to contribute to the emergence of resistance and compromise human
therapies.
<more> July 8, 2008 WolrdPoultry.net
Animal rights protesters torment scientists -
- In the hills above the University of California's Berkeley campus, nine
protesters gathered in front of the home of a toxicology professor, their
faces covered with scarves and hoods despite the warm spring weather. One
scrawled "killer" in chalk on the scientist's doorstep, while another hurled
insults through a bullhorn and announced, "Your neighbor kills animals!"
Someone shattered a window. Borrowing the kind of tactics used by
anti-abortion demonstrators, animal rights activists are increasingly taking
their rage straight to scientists' front doors. Over the past couple of
years, more and more researchers who experiment on animals have been
harassed and terrorized in their own homes, with weapons that include
firebombs, flooding and acid.
<more> July 8, 2008 AP
Netherlands manure mountain to start growing again - - The Netherlands is faced with a growing excess of manure from intensive farming, with the surplus due to reach 8% by 2015, newspaper Trouw reports on Monday. Quoting figures from the agricultural economic institute LEI, the paper says tougher environmental rules mean farmers can spray even less manure on their fields than they used to, while the quantity of manure being produced is going up. At the moment, farmers are allowed to spread 85 kg of manure per hectare of land. But because farmland can only absorb 60 kg of waste, that figure is being reduced. <more> July 8, 2008 Dutch News
Monday, July 7, 2008
Corn, soybeans plunge on warm Midwest weather
- - Corn and soybean prices tumbled Monday, falling the maximum allowed
limit on expectations that warm, dry weather in the Midwest will help crops
recover from last month's floods and ease supply concerns. Corn for December
delivery fell the 30-cent daily limit to trade at $7.46 a bushel on the
Chicago Board of Trade. The contract is more than 50 cents off its all-time
trading high of $7.9925, reached June 26. Soybeans for November delivery
fell the 70-cent limit to $15.61 a bushel on the CBOT. On Thursday, the last
trading day before the July 4 holiday, soybeans surged to an all-time high
of $16.3675 a bushel.
<more> July 7, 2008 AP
USDA Releases CRP Land in Flood Regions for
Grazing Only - - USDA Secretary Ed Schafer announced today that he is
releasing Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres for livestock grazing in
counties recently designated as Presidential Disaster Areas because of
flooding. The release permits grazing only in counties designated as primary
and contiguous disaster areas and only because of flooding. "We have a
crisis situation in the Midwest and other parts of the country that calls
for drastic action," said Schafer. "Major flooding along the Mississippi
River and its tributaries came at one of the worst times for agriculture.
Flood waters inundated thousands of acres that cannot be salvaged for
production this growing season, and it happened at a time of record crop,
food and fuel prices. Our CRP land is vital to the balance we promote at
USDA between production and preservation. I commit this resource knowing
that we must redouble our conservation effort at every future opportunity,"
said Schafer.
<more> July 7, 2008 USDA Press Release
Animal handling guidelines available for dairy
producers - - - In an effort to reinforce the importance of caring for
dairy cattle at all stages of their lives, the National Milk Producers
Federation (NMPF), along with Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) and the American
Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), today unveiled a basic
educational poster that will be distributed to all dairy producers across
the U.S. The poster is printed on a barn-safe plastic sheet in both English
and Spanish. The legal-sized poster, entitled “Top 10 Considerations for
Culling and Transporting Dairy Animals to a Packing or Processing Facility,”
will serve as common industry guidelines for dairy producers to follow when
they need to handle, transport, or cull their dairy animals. The document
was developed by NMPF’s Animal Health and Welfare Committee, and will be
distributed during the month of July through dairy cooperatives to their
members. Producers who are not part of a cooperative can order a copy by
calling (703) 224-1381 or sending an e-mail request to:
poster@nmpf.org. A copy of the poster
can also be viewed at www.nmpf.org
<more>
July 7, 2008 NMPF Press Release
Galgiani named Assembly Ag Committee Chair -
- Assembly Speaker Karen Bass has named Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani,
(D-Stockton), as the next chair of the Agriculture Committee. She will
replace termed-out Assemblywoman Nicole Parra, D-Hanford, assuring that the
ag committee remains in moderate hands. Galgiani and Parra are among the
most business-friendly Democrats in the Assembly. Both hail from the Central
Valley. Galgiani is a current member of the agriculture committee. July
7, 2008 Sacramento Bee
National Dairy Council Guides Parents on Revised
Milk Recommendations -- New guidelines have been released in the July
issue of Pediatrics, recommending cholesterol screening of children and
adolescents with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
These guidelines, part of a new clinical report from the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP) "Lipid Screening and Cardiovascular Health in Childhood,"
also recommend dietary changes for certain children and reemphasize the
importance of following the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and
increasing physical activity. One change the report recommends is to
consider the use of reduced-fat dairy foods, such as reduced-fat (2%) milk,
for children between 12 months and 2 years of age for whom overweight or
obesity is a concern or who have a family history of obesity, dyslipidemia
or cardiovascular disease.
<more> July 7, 2008 Dairy Council Pres Release
Governor activates emergency plan as air quality
falls - - Air quality in the Sacramento region has plummeted again
because of smoke from wildfires burning in Northern California. The poor air
quality prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to activate the state's plan for
excessive heat emergencies this morning. Schwarzenegger directed the Office
of Emergency Services, the Department of Public Health and other state
agencies to implement activities such as opening cooling centers at state
facilities and contacting licensed care facilities, hospitals and others
that serve seniors and special needs populations, states a news release from
the governor's office. The State Operations Center, which has been managing
the state's wildfire response 24 hours a day, will add staff from other
state agencies to monitor the heat wave and respond to heat-related issues.
For a list of open cooling centers and heat illness prevention tips, go to
www.oes.ca.gov.
<more> July 7, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Heat stress tips offered as Valley starts to heat up - -
With weather forecasters predicting temperatures will climb above 100
degrees starting this weekend and into next week in
the Central Valley, here
are some recommendations for dairy producers dealing with heat stress. To
read these tips provided by Michael Payne DVM, PhD, Program Director,
California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, please click here.
To view a
website which has compiled over 70 heat stress-related websites,
please click here. July 3, 2008
Dan Walters: Dems want to roll back
Schwarzenegger's changes in workers' comp - - A new report on
California's highly contentious system of compensating workers for
job-related illnesses and injuries proves that the systemic overhaul pushed
through the Legislature by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 continues to
save employers many billions of dollars each year. The latest annual report
by the Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau says that in 2007,
California employers paid $13.2 billion in premiums for workers' comp
insurance, $10 billion less than they were paying three years earlier. And
that doesn't count the lower costs of large employers who self-insure for
workers' comp, about another $5 billion less. The $15 billion a year in
savings pleases employers immensely and explains in large measure why
business continues to support Schwarzenegger politically, even if cultural
conservatives are turned off by his relatively liberal attitudes on
lifestyle issues.
<more> July 7, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Water Woes Are Drying Up Farm Economy In Southern
San Joaquin Valley's West Side - - Life on the west side of the Southern
San Joaquin Valley may be withering along with crops that farmers have left
to die. Hundreds of farmworkers have lost their jobs as growers idled or
abandoned crops because of severe water shortages. Hundreds more will lose
work because of crops that won't be planted this autumn. Signs of trouble
are everywhere. The Spreckels Sugar plant in Mendota, a fixture since 1963,
will close in September unless a grower cooperative can salvage it. Closure
would mean 200 jobs lost. Fordel, a major grower-packer-shipper of melons
and other produce, is selling its Mendota facility after more than two
decades. It is not harvesting or packing a crop this year. City officials
say the company accounted for as many as 500 growing and packing jobs.
<more> July 7, 2008 Fresno Bee
Stanislaus Fair Requires TB Testing For Heifers--The Stanislaus County Fair is requiring bovine tuberculosis tests for dairy replacement heifers being shown and sold at this year's event. The fair board took the action Tuesday in response to the detection of TB in three dairy herds in Fresno County by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The disease does not affect human health, but it could do major damage to the dairy industry if not controlled. Although the tests are mandatory only for replacement heifers -- cows just starting their milk production -- officials urge them for all dairy cattle more than 6 months old. Entrants can have their own veterinarians do the tests, or they can get them at free clinics next week: * 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the dairy unit at the Modesto Junior College West Campus, 2201 W. Blue Gum Ave. * The same times at the fairground's livestock parking lot, along Soderquist Road in Turlock. The animals must return to the same locations July 14 or 15 between 2 and 8 p.m. to have the tests read. The fair will run July 25 to Aug. 3. Modesto Bee July 5, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
DWR announces water transfer agreements - - More water
is flowing to drought-stricken Central Valley farms as a result of new
Department of Water Resources (DWR) water transfer agreements. The
agreements come after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s State of Emergency
proclamation on June 12 for nine counties affected by severe water shortages
and his statewide drought proclamation on June 4. Responding to the
governor’s emergency declaration, up to 50,000 acre feet of groundwater will
be pumped into the State Water Project this summer. This water comes from
groundwater wells in the Westlands Water District (WWD) and will be
transferred to other parts of the WWD service area that do not have
groundwater access. DWR is lending 37,500 acre feet of water to Central
Valley Project (CVP) contractors out of the San Luis Reservoir. An
additional 25,000 acre feet is being made available by Metropolitan Water
District of Southern California for the benefit of both CVP and SWP
contractors.
<more>
LA Times editorial: Stop requiring ethanol production -
- You may be justifiably fuming about gasoline prices, but have you checked
your grocery bills lately? Last week, corn briefly hit a record high -- and
given its importance as a livestock feed, sweetener and packaged-food
ingredient, that's putting upward pressure on prices for a wide range of
comestibles. As a result, Congress is rethinking one of its more
shortsighted energy policies. Successive energy bills have imposed
ever-increasing mandates for blending ethanol (which in the United States is
made mostly from corn) with motor fuels. Apparently, no one explained to
Congress the basic economic reality that when you dramatically increase the
demand for an agricultural product whose supply is limited by the amount of
acreage available for farming, prices will rise. Ethanol mandates are far
from the only cause of the run-up in corn prices, but there's little
question that they play a role.
<more>
Soybeans hit record for 2nd day on yield worries - -
Soybeans surged to a record for a second straight day Wednesday on concerns
that flood-battered Midwest crops may produce lower yields and strain
supplies at a time of booming world demand. U.S. farmers plan to harvest
96.8 percent of this year's 74.5 million acre soybean crop, down from an
estimate of 98.7 percent that was calculated before severe floods struck the
Midwest last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in its annual
acreage survey released Monday. Nationwide, farmers said only 70 percent of
the intended soybean crop had been planted at the time of the U.S.D.A.
survey interview, the lowest level in 12 years. "Soybean yield prospects are
just as uncertain as corn's. The crops are seeing really late development"
after the flooding, said Elaine Kub, analyst with DTN in Omaha.
<more>
Heat stress tips offered as Valley starts to heat up - - With weather forecasters predicting temperatures will climb above 100 degrees starting this weekend and into next week in the Central Valley, here are some recommendations for dairy producers dealing with heat stress. To read these tips provided by Michael Payne DVM, PhD, Program Director, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, please click here. T view a website which has compiled over 70 heat stress-related websites, please click here. July 3, 2008
Holstein Association Names Herzog Elite Breeder Award Winner - -
Max (Kip) Herzog, Petaluma, has been selected as the recipient of
Holstein Association USA’s 2008 Elite Breeder Award. Herzog was honored at
the recent National Holstein Convention in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. The award
recognizes those who have bred outstanding animals, thereby making a notable
contribution to the advancement of the Holstein breed in the United States.
Sleepy Hollow Dairy started in the Holstein business in 1903, and for nearly
100 years, was one of the most respected providers of outstanding Registered
Holstein genetics in the dairy industry. The first registered animal entered
the herd in 1925 and three years later, the herd was moved by Kip’s dad,
Max, to Petaluma. Kip became a partner in 1961 and managed the herd until it
was sold to Ron Pietersma in 2000. From the time Kip took over the herd
until it was sold, the name Sleepy Hollow was synonymous with superior
genetics. Numerous internationally recognized cow families were developed at
Sleepy Hollow, among which 151 cows were designated Gold Medal Dams and 77
Dams of Merit. A total of 173 cows were classified Excellent. July 3,
2008 Holstein Assn. Press Release
Fonterra Makes First Milk Sale on GlobalDairyTrade --
Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd., the world's biggest dairy exporter, sold
5,000 metric tons of whole milk powder for September delivery in the first
trading on its Internet-based auction site. The winning buyers will pay
$4,330 a metric ton for the milk powder after almost four hours of bidding,
according to data on Fonterra's GlobalDairyTrade Web site. The company
wouldn't disclose prices set for 6,000 tons offered for delivery October
through March. Whole milk powder sold for $4,200 and $4,700 a ton, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture said June 19. ``We expect some bumps along the
way, but this is a very positive start,'' Fonterra GlobalTrade Managing
Director Kelvin Wickham said in a statement. Fonterra sells about NZ$14
billion of products annually.<more>
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
WUES turns in 300 WDR reports by July 1 deadline- - Western United Environmental Services staff were celebrating this week as they helped California dairy producers clear a major hurdle with 300 WUES clients turning in their Waste Discharge Requirement (WDR) annual reports by the July 1 deadline set by the Central Valley Regional Water Board. CEO Michael Marsh was ecstatic about the accomplishment. “We got 100 percent of all our clients who were with us prior to May 1 turned in and we’re partially done on getting the balance of 50 clients done. It’s a phenomenal accomplishment on behalf of the WUES staff. They did a great job,” he said. The WUES staff showed the cost efficiency of the fee-for-service organization, noted Marsh. “One of the other really great things for producers who signed up early, if they are Western United members they also got a significant discount on the total cost for putting all these reports together. The WUES costs are going to average around somewhere between $4,000 per farm for all of the reporting we did but the monthly fee is only about $200 per month. That compares in the marketplace to companies charging from $12,000 to $24,000 for the same thing we are able to do for only $3,000 to $4,000. That shows how well prepared and well trained our team was.” July 2, 2008
CEO
Michael Marsh discusses WUES' success in meeting July 1 deadline (1:27
MP3 file)
Two Californians elected to national Jersey
leadership - - Two Californians, both members of Western United
Dairymen, have been elected to leadership positions during the recent
meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National
All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ). Jim Quist, Fresno, was elected director for the AJCA
board, replacing Scott Wickstrom from the Twelfth District. Quist operates
Quist Dairy in partnership with his father, Alvin, and breeds Registered
Jerseys using the Jars of Clay prefix. The 260 lactations completed in 2007
averaged 18,612 lbs. milk, 822 lbs. fat and 666 lbs. protein. Jim is an
alumnus of the California Ag Leadership Program, and has served on the
governing boards of Fresno DHIA and Farm Bureau, as well as the board of the
California Jersey Cattle Association. James Ahlem, Hilmar, was re-elected as
the President of National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ). He is the owner and
operator of James Ahlem Dairy, a 2,000 milking cow herd. Ahlem is also an
owner of Hilmar Cheese Company, the twenty-eighth largest dairy processor in
the U.S. according to Dairy Field. (2007). The American Jersey Cattle
Association was organized in 1868 to improve and promote the Jersey breed.
Since 1957, National All-Jersey Inc. has served Jersey owners by promoting
the increased production and sale of Jersey milk and milk products. July
2, 2008 U.S. Jersey Press Release
Coalition Letter Urges President To Suspend
Immediately the Import Tariff on Ethanol - - Agricultural and food
industry companies and organizations concerned about the skyrocketing price
of corn sent a letter to President Bush today urging him to exercise
emergency authority and immediately suspend the duties and quotas on
imported ethanol used as a motor fuel additive. The signatories,
representing 35 groups, pointed out that the combination of the federal
mandate requiring the use of ethanol in motor gasoline and a steep tariff
designed to keep out foreign ethanol has sharply increased the pressure on
domestic corn stocks and has greatly contributed to the tripling of corn
prices and food price increases in the U.S. “The suspension of the 54-cent
per gallon duty on ethanol will benefit Americans by introducing market
competition for a product that is mandated and foster downward pressure for
domestic ethanol and its feedstock,” primarily corn, the letter said.
“Domestic dairy, livestock and poultry farmers, food and beverage
manufacturers, employees in these industries and American food consumers
will benefit from this action,” the letter notes. Suspension of the tariff
will help producers, processors and consumers who are being directly and
immediately impacted by rising feed and food prices due to the government
mandate to convert nearly 30 percent of the domestic corn crop into fuel,
the letter said. The President can immediately suspend the tariff using the
authorities provided by the Constitution, the National Emergencies Act,
Tariff Act of 1930, Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and the International
Emergency Economic Powers Act, the letter added. Signing the letter were
American Meat Institute, American Bakers Association, American Beverage
Association, Butterball, LLC, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., Capitol Land &
Livestock, Citizens Against Government Waste, The Coca-Cola Company, Darden
Restaurants, Inc., Dean Foods Company, Georgia Poultry Federation, Grocery
Manufacturers Association, Indiana State Poultry Association, International
Food Distributors Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Minnesota Turkey
Growers Association, Mountaire Corporation, National Cattlemen’s Beef
Association, National Chicken Council, National Council of Chain
Restaurants, National Milk Producers Federation, National Pork Producers
Council, National Restaurant Association, National Taxpayers Union, National
Turkey Federation, North Carolina Poultry Federation, PepsiCo, Inc.,
Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, Smithfield Foods, Inc., The Snack Food
Association, Taxpayers for Common Sense, Tyson Foods, United Egg Producers,
United Egg Association and Virginia Poultry Federation. July 2, 2008
Animal welfare initiative will be Prop. 2 on
November ballot - -The Secretary of State’s office assigned proposition
numbers for the November election and the Farm Animal Initiative of 2008 was
formally designated as Proposition 2. Californians for SAFE Food said
passing Prop.2 would place “new extreme mandates on how egg-laying hens are
housed, banning almost all modern egg production in California.”
Californians for Safe Food has launched a website
www.safecaliforniafood.org to provide resource materials for those
opposed to the measure. “Proposition 2 is an unnecessary measure that has
dangerous and costly consequences for California. This initiative would
jeopardize food safety and public health, effectively eliminate local,
California-grown eggs, lead to consumer reliance on eggs shipped from other
states and Mexico, and drive up grocery and restaurant prices,” says the
group. July 2, 2008 Californians For SAFE Food Newsletter
Got milk? To fill demand, Wisconsin-based Organic
Valley dips into factory farming - - Over the past 20 years,
Wisconsin-based Organic Valley has grown into the nation's largest organic
cooperative, carving out a niche selling milk from small dairy farmers who
treat their cows like members of the family. So imagine the shock within the
organic food world when an industry watchdog group recently discovered
Organic Valley quietly has been getting some of its milk from a giant Texas
dairying operation with more than 5,000 cows. "Buying milk from this factory
farm could potentially be catastrophic to our marketplace reputation," said
Darlene Coehoorn, a longtime Organic Valley member from Rosendale, Wis.,
where she milks 50 cows with her husband, Dan.
<more>
July 2, 2008 Capital Times
Idaho investigates potential bovine TB exposure -
- The Idaho State Department of Agriculture is investigating a possible case
of dairy bulls exposed to bovine tuberculosis. The animals were imported to
Idaho from California. ISDA immediately began the process of locating and
testing each one. Bovine tuberculosis is spread through the respiratory
system by inhaling invisible droplets containing bacteria coughed or exhaled
by an infected animal. Most infected animals do not display clinical signs
of the disease, and may be infected for years before any signs appear, said
a news release from Pamm Juker, ISDA communications director. <more>
July 2, 2008 Capital Press
SoCal to lend water to Westlands. Additional
resources to ease pressure on some crops. - - More water will flow to
drought-stricken Central Valley farms because of transfer agreements
announced Tuesday by the state. The additional water will help alleviate
pressure on permanent crops like nuts and grapes, said Sarah Woolf, a
spokeswoman for the Westlands Water District. But Woolf said it will not be
enough to save crops that have already been abandoned and are now wilting in
the sun. Mark Borba, a Riverdale grower, said the additional water --
including some ground-water transfers that started last month -- will still
fall short of the amount needed during the three months of rationing by at
least 150,000 acre-feet. "But when you're dying of thirst, even a thimble
full of water is helpful," he said.
<more> July 2, 2008 Fresno Bee
CHP warns, cites several phone-using drivers
- - A five-hour cell phone inspection sting Tuesday by eight California
Highway Patrol officers along a Placer County roadway netted dozens of
verbal reprimands and several citations. The surprise inspection was held
between 6 and 11 a.m. at the intersection of Auburn-Folsom Road and Douglas
Boulevard in Granite Bay. The inspection was one of nine held in the
Sacramento region Tuesday. The inspection resulted in 47 drivers being
pulled over for cell phone violations. Of those, eight were cited for cell
phone misuse in motor vehicles and 39 were warned about cell phone misuse,
CHP Officer Kelly Baraga wrote in an e-mail.
<more> July 2, 2008 Sacramento Bee
July 11 public workshop on digester greenhouse
gas protocol - - Air Resources Board (ARB) staff will be hosting a
public meeting on Friday, July 11, to discuss the California Climate Action
Registry’s (CCAR) Livestock Project Reporting Protocol. The protocol
provides a methodology for determining the greenhouse gas benefits of using
an anaerobic manure digester to capture and combust methane from manure.
This meeting will cover proposed updates to the CCAR protocol and the
process for taking the CCAR livestock project protocol to the Air Resources
Board for approval later this year. The session is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at the Cal/EPA headquarters building, Coastal Hearing Room, at 1001 I Street
in Sacramento. The meeting can be viewed on the web at
http://www.calepa.ca.gov/broadcast/?BDO=1. For more information on
the review of the anaerobic manure digester protocol, visit ARB’s website
at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/ag/manuremgmt/protocols/protocols.htm or
contact Kevin Eslinger at (916) 445-2151 or via email to
keslinge@arb.ca.gov.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Corn extends decline; soybeans hit another record
- - Corn prices fell for the second straight session Tuesday on relief over
news that farmers planted more corn this year than traders expected.
Soybeans, however, reached another record high. Monday's crop report from
the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that while corn acreage was higher
than anticipated, the number of acres planted with soybeans was smaller.
Corn for December delivery fell 7.75 cents to $7.4925 a bushel on the
Chicago Board of Trade. On Monday, the contract fell sharply after reaching
a record in Friday's trading of $7.96 a bushel.
Soybeans for November
delivery rose 20 cents to $15.94 a bushel, after hitting a new record of $16
a bushel in earlier trading. Wheat prices also climbed on the CBOT. The
September wheat contract rose 9.25 cents to $8.68 a bushel.
<more> July 1, 2008 AP
CDFA issues letter on lawful payments and
contracts to bulk milk producers - - The CDFA has issued a letter
reminding all parties of proper payments and contracts on bulk milk to
producers by handlers, (including brokers and intermediaries). The letter
states that all purchases of bulk milk in excess of 1,000 gallons is an
Unlawful Trade Practice unless there is a signed contract between the
producer and handler on file with the Department. To read the letter in its
entirety,
please click here. July 1, 2008 CDFA Letter
Study says growth hormone in dairy cows a
greenhouse-gas plus - - Giving one million dairy cows a growth hormone
makes them produce more milk would cut greenhouse gas emissions equal to
taking 400,000 cars off the road, a US study found. Large scale cow milk
production requires the use of huge amounts of land, water and feed
resources, noted Judith Capper, a researcher at Cornell University in New
York. But using rbST -- the first biotech product used on US farms which has
been in farm use for about 15 years -- can help reduce the "carbon hoofprint"
while still meeting dairy demand, she explained.
<more> July 1, 2008 AFP
Weather Risks Cloud Promise of Biofuel - -
The record storms and floods that swept through the Midwest last month
struck at the heart of America’s corn region, drowning fields and dashing
hopes of a bumper crop. They also brought into sharp relief a new economic
hazard. As America grows more reliant on corn for its fuel supply, it is
becoming vulnerable to the many hazards that can damage crops, ranging from
droughts to plagues to storms. The floods have helped send the price of
ethanol up 19 percent in a month. They appear to have had little effect on
the price of gasoline at the pump, as ethanol represents only about 6
percent of the nation’s transport fuel today. But that share is expected to
rise to at least 20 percent in coming decades. Experts fear that a future
crop failure could take so much fuel out of the market that it would send
prices soaring at the pump. Eventually, the cost of filling Americans’ gas
tanks could be influenced as much by hail in Iowa as by the bombing of an
oil pipeline in Nigeria.
<more> July 1, 2008 NY Times
Who can afford corn? Almost no one, economist
says - - Inexpensive and abundant corn helped move the ethanol industry
onto the alternative fuels fast lane. With corn prices now at record highs,
demand outpacing supply and crop losses inevitable with the Midwest floods,
ethanol production could soon be stalled, a Purdue University Extension
agricultural economist said. As corn prices continue climbing, fewer ethanol
producers can afford the feedstock, said Chris Hurt. In turn, domestic
livestock producers and foreign buyers are finding it more difficult either
to pay the high prices or obtain the grain they need, he said. "The ethanol
industry is struggling to pay for corn that has reached the $7/bu. level,"
Hurt said.
<more> July 1, 2008 cornandsoybeandigest.com
Biodiesel company pulls out of Sanger - - A
startup company has pulled out of plans to build a $1.5 million biodiesel
plant in Sanger. Valley Biodiesel Inc. won't build its biofuel test plant in
Sanger because of delays in getting permits and increasing construction
costs, Walt Bacharowski, company president, said Monday. Bacharowski
intended to open a 1.2 million gallon-per-year test plant that would convert
used restaurant grease and other vegetable and animal fats into biodiesel.
July 1, 2008 Fresno Bee
Hang up and drive. No more holding a cell phone to your ear while on the road -- You've probably seen the warning on electronic freeway signs: IT'S THE LAW. Starting today, drivers in California no longer may use one hand to converse on a cell phone while steering with the other. But it's a lot more complicated than that. Here's what you need to know: <more> July 1, 2008 Fresno Bee
Monday, June 30, 2008
Groups file suit over Ohio milk labeling rule,
saying it violates free speech -- Two dairy industry trade groups filed
lawsuits Monday over a new state rule that critics say restricts how consumers
are informed about whether milk is made from cows that were given a synthetic
hormone. The labeling rule violates rights to free speech and impedes
interstate commerce, according to the Organic Trade Association and the
International Dairy Foods Association, which filed separate lawsuits in U.S.
District Court in Columbus against the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The
issue involves cows treated with the growth hormone recombinant bovine
somatotropin, or rbST. The hormone is approved for use in the U.S. but is
banned in Canada and in European Union countries, primarily because of
concerns that it leaves cows more prone to illness.
<more> June 30, 2008 AP
USDA reports flooding cuts corn acres - -
Farmers will harvest nearly 9 percent fewer acres of corn this year than last
year, in part because of Midwest flooding which has damaged a portion of the
crop, the government reported Monday. The result likely will be continued high
corn prices, which likely will drive up some food prices. The USDA said
farmers expect to harvest 78.9 million acres of corn, down 8.7 percent from
the 86.5 million harvested last year. The report indicates farmers planted
nearly 7 percent fewer acres of corn than last year. Farmers planted 87.3
million acres of corn this year, down from last year's 93.6 million acres.
<more> June 30, 2008 AP
Solution, or Mess? A Milk Jug for a Green Earth
- - A simple change to the design of the gallon milk jug, adopted by Wal-Mart
and Costco, seems made for the times. The jugs are cheaper to ship and better
for the environment, the milk is fresher when it arrives in stores, and it
costs less. What’s not to like? Plenty, as it turns out. The jugs have no real
spout, and their unorthodox shape makes consumers feel like novices at the
simple task of pouring a glass of milk. “I hate it,” said Lisa DeHoff, a cafe
owner shopping in a Sam’s Club here. “It spills everywhere,” said Amy Wise, a
homemaker. “It’s very hard for kids to pour,” said Lee Morris, who was
shopping for her grandchildren. But retailers are undeterred by the prospect
of upended bowls of Cheerios. The new jugs have many advantages from their
point of view, and Sam’s Club intends to roll them out broadly, making them
more prevalent. The redesign of the gallon milk jug, experts say, is an
example of the changes likely to play out in the American economy over the
next two decades. In an era of soaring global demand and higher costs for
energy and materials, virtually every aspect of the economy needs to be
re-examined, they say, and many products must be redesigned for greater
efficiency.
<more> June 30, 2008 NY Times
California notches first time win in National Holstein Dairy Bowl - -
After nine months of preparation for the National Holstein Convention in
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, history
was
made as a California team won for the first time in the 28 year history of the
National Holstein Foundation Dairy Bowl competition. Advisor Kirsten Areias
reports June 26 started out with California seeded first after the written
test as California knocked off New York 275-115. Next up was the team from
Pennsylvania, and the California kids beat them 229 to 90. Round three pitted
California against Illinois and they too were sent to the consolation bracket
with a loss to California 285 to 115. Round four brought in the team from
Washington, and they too fell to the California team 200 to 120. This put
California in the final round undefeated, which was played on Thursday, June
26th against the host state Wisconsin. California again came out the victor,
claiming the National Title in the Junior Division for 2008. Not only did
they win the dairy bowl competition, but three of their members won awards for
being 1st, 2nd and 3rd on the written exam. June 30, 2008
Here is the winning tea of Amanda Moretti, Justin Bopp, Tony Lopes
and Rocco Cunningham, captain. (Photo courtesy of Kirsten Areias)
California wins two divisions of National Dairy
Jeopardy Contest - - The National Dairy Jeopardy Contest was held
in Wisconsin during the National Holstein Convention. There
are
three divisions - - Junior, Intermediate and Advanced - -and each has 30
contestants from all over the United States. California won two of these
divisions - - Junior and Intermediate. In the Junior Division, Caitlin Lopes,
Los Banos, took the championship with a score of 260. The Dairy Jeopardy
Contest is structured much like that of the TV show, with questions from dairy
related information and periodicals. At the conclusion of the round the
remaining participants must wager all or part of their points on their ability
to answer the FINAL JEOPARDY QUESTION. Caitlin's question was, "Give the
number of years that a member may serve as President of Holstein Association
USA". In the Intermediate Division, Taylor Pires of Los Banos gave California
its second victory of the day. She accumulated 150 points during the final
round and 'bet the farm' on her FINAL JEOPARDY QUESTION: The average dairy in
the U.S. in 2007 had this many cows. Taylor answered 155 cows to win the
title. Taylor was also named one of eight national finalists in the Young
Distinguished Junior Member Contest.
She wrote in
in her Junior Project Story, “I have learned leadership skills, new knowledge
I would have never known, met fascinating people, and took part in many
memorable experiences. “I feel the [Junior Holstein] association has agitated
my dreams and ideas, making them a reality.”
California’s participants were coached by Larry Bopp of Modesto. Other
participants in the Junior Division included Michael Bopp of Modesto, Colleen
Allen of Los Banos and Katie Migliazzo of Atwater. In the Intermediate
Division the other participants were Cierra Warner of Petaluma, Caitlin Allen
of Los Banos and Eric Migliazzo of Atwater. June 30, 2008
Taylor Pires, left, of Los Banos won the Intermediate Division of the National Dairy Jeopardy Contest, while Caitlin Lopes, Los Banos, won the Junior Division at the National Holstein Convention. (Photo courtesy of Kirsten Areias.)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Corn and soybeans set new highs before easing - - Corn
and soybean prices pushed deeper into record territory before easing Friday
as rain again soaked the Midwest and traders locked in profits ahead of a
planting report next week. The early gains followed a sharp run-up in
commodity prices over the previous two days, and came as oil futures touched
a new high just shy of $143 a barrel. Corn for December delivery nudged the
all-time high up a penny to $7.96 bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade
before pulling back to settle at $7.87, down one cent from the previous
close. Soybeans for November delivery hit a new record of $15.77 a bushel on
the CBOT before falling back to settle at $15.595, down 2 cents. Wheat
prices also ended lower, with the September contract tumbling 30.75 cents to
$9.12 a bushel on the CBOT.
<more>
Boxer calls for drought aid for state farmers - - U.S.
Sen. Barbara Boxer is urging U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer to
quickly provide drought assistance to California farmers using an
agricultural disaster program authorized by the recently enacted Farm Bill.
In a letter sent Thursday, Boxer, D-Calif., said the drought has caused
farmers "to walk away from thousands of acres of crops, an event with the
potential to cost California's economy hundreds of millions of dollars in
lost agricultural production." Gov. Schwarzenegger recently declared a
state of emergency for nine California counties with severe water shortages,
which followed his previous declaration of a statewide drought.
Jake De Raadt brings his cows back home, to the San Diego County
fair - - Jake De-Raadt and some of his cows came down from Lemoore
to ensure a tradition on the verge of extinction could continue at San Diego
County Fair. "This is going back home for me," said DeRaadt, 46. "June is
fair month. I've been involved with this for 30 years." DeRaadt says dairy
cows are something of a novelty at the San Diego County Fair compared to
fairs in the San Joaquin Valley. "They got plenty of people milking in
the valley at valley fairs," DeRaadt said. "You're preaching to the choir
'cause many up there know the ag industry. Hardly anybody is left down here
in San Diego." The DeRaadt family were dairy mainstays for decades in
Harmony Grove, between Escondido and San Marcos. Dairy production once was
big business in North County with more than 100 dairies as late as the 1970s
producing the equivalent of $80.6 million in 2000 dollars. County milk
production fell to an all-time low of $9.9 million in 2006, down from $12.3
million in 2005.
<more>
Gas thieves targeting farms for diesel - - Gas thieves
have jacked more than $280,000 worth of diesel fuel from farmers in the last
six months, according to the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. From Jan. 1
to June 1, the department has noticed a “tremendous” increase in theft,
according to Senior Deputy Eric Fennel with the Rural Crimes Investigations
Unit. “Gas prices are to blame,” he said. Thieves are getting away with
anywhere from 15 to 500 gallons at a time, prompting farmers to set up
surveillance systems and the rural crimes deputies to crack down on gas
bandits.
<more>
Dan Walters: State risks its economy on global warming fight
- - On Thursday, the administration unveiled a "scoping plan" that
outlines how the state would cut greenhouse gases 10 percent from current
levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. It will be followed by more detailed
and more contentious rules. Are Californians ready to become the point
of the global-warming spear, shouldering the financial costs and potential
inconveniences that will be involved and, in effect, exchanging the
expansive California lifestyle for something different?
House Passes Legislation Requiring CFTC to Curb Oil Market
Speculation - - The House of Representatives has passed a bill
requiring the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to utilize all its
authority, including emergency powers, to take steps to curb excessive
speculation in the energy futures markets. H.R. 6377, the Energy
Markets Emergency Act passed the House overwhelmingly by a bipartisan vote
of 402-19. "A growing number of people believe a flood of speculative money
into energy futures is driving the record prices in crude oil," said House
Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota during floor
debate on the bill. "CFTC must take immediate steps to ensure that index and
hedge fund money is not the cause for price manipulation and should take any
necessary action to curb excessive speculation in the markets. These
steps will help restore consumer confidence and reassure the American
taxpayer that the futures markets are functioning properly."
South Dakota dairy reflects state’s dairy growth - -
Visitors had a chance to see for themselves the state of the art Veblen
East Dairy when the facility held a grand opening on Friday. Located one and
a half miles east and a quarter mile south of Veblen, the dairy will milk
4,900 cows when in full operation this fall. The dairy is one of five
dairies under the umbrella of Prairie Ridge Management Company headquartered
in Veblen. Other dairies include Veblen West (formerly MCC Dairy), located
just west of Veblen, and operations in Milnor, ND, Hoffman, MN, and Thief
River Falls, MN. A total of 8,700 cows will be milked between the two
Veblen dairies with a total of about 14,000 animals housed in the Veblen
area. The two dairies will make up 15 percent of the dairy industry in the
entire state of South Dakota and together gross over $100 million per year.
<more>
California's water quality: Farmers take active role in
protecting environment - - Stanislaus County farmer Tom Maring
checked the irrigation water trickling down the rows of his tomato field and
looked satisfied with its clarity. He noted that much of the sediment had
settled out, which means the water won't be carrying with it the impurities
that might have become attached to the soil particles. His goal is to have
that water leaving his fields as clean as it was coming onto his farm, a
task that many California farmers now are doing to effectively deal with the
stringent water quality regulations aimed at reducing pollution in the
state's waterways.
<more>
Commentary: Sustainable farming is our legacy for the next
generation - - The farm bill that recently passed the U.S. Congress
includes increased funding to support conservation, which is a positive
development. However, the legislative debate risks masking the truth that
stewardship and conservation of the land is an inherent part of smart
farming practices. While we farmers and ranchers greatly appreciate the
government's encouragement and support, that's not why we do it. As
farmers and ranchers we have an intimate daily relationship with the land,
water and air. The land is both our love and our livelihood. Our job is to
care for the land, and when we do that well, the land takes care of us.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New state rules to curb emissions call for a 30 percent cut by
2020 - - California's next great experiment starts today. The state
Air Resources Board will outline this morning a plan to slash greenhouse gas
emissions 30 percent by 2020 and prepare the state for much deeper cuts in
the years beyond. The bottom line for consumers, according to the agency's
analysis: Electricity and fuel prices will rise. But improvements in
efficiency should, on average, result in a net savings on household fuel and
energy bills will drop. "It's a plan that we believe will make our state
more efficient in ways that will also help us grow," said Mary Nichols,
chairman of the Air Resources Board.
July 11 public workshop on digester greenhouse gas protocol
- - The Air Resources Board (ARB) staff will be hosting a public
meeting on Friday, July 11 to discuss the California Climate Action
Registry’s (CCAR) Livestock Project Reporting Protocol. This protocol
provides a methodology for determining the greenhouse gas benefits of using
an anaerobic manure digester to capture and combust methane from manure.
This meeting will cover proposed updates to the CCAR protocol and the
process for taking the CCAR livestock project protocol to the Air Resources
Board for approval later this year. The session is set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at the Cal/EPA Headquarters Building, Coastal Hearing Room, 1001 I Street,
Sacramento. The meeting can be viewed on the web at
http://www.calepa.ca.gov/broadcast/?BDO=1. For more information on the
review of the anaerobic manure digester protocol, visit ARB’s website at:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/ag/manuremgmt/protocols/protocols.htm or contact
Kevin Eslinger (916) 445-2151 or via email at
keslinge@arb.ca.gov. June 26,
2008 ARB Notice
Corn, soybeans hit records on more Midwest rain - - Corn
and soybean prices soared Thursday, climbing to new all-time highs after
more thunderstorms drenched Midwestern states and left recently replanted
crops underwater again. A big rally in crude oil also pushed corn and
soybeans higher. OPEC's president said oil could surpass $150 a barrel later
this year, sending prices up nearly $4. Crude's rise boosted other
commodities, with gold, silver and copper trading sharply higher. Corn for
December delivery shot up to an all-time high of $7.95 a bushel on the
Chicago Board of Trade before pulling back slightly to $7.90, up 25 cents.
It was corn's ninth trading record in the last three weeks. Soybeans for
November delivery surged to a new record of $15.69 a bushel on the CBOT
before easing back to $15.625, up 37.5 cents. Wheat prices also jumped, with
the September contract gaining 36.75 cents to $9.57 a bushel on the CBOT.
<more>
Cattle video surveillance bill rejected -- An Assembly
panel on Wednesday rejected a bill that would have required video
surveillance cameras at California slaughterhouses. Senate Bill 200 by Sen.
Dean Florez, D-Shafter, was aimed at keeping meat from downer cows out of
the food supply. The bill was supported by the Humane Society, which earlier
this year used undercover video to expose illegal treatment of cattle at a
Southern California slaughterhouse. Farm lobbyists feared the bill would set
a bad precedent, potentially leading to taping at dairies, egg farms and
other operations.
New video of mistreated cows released - - An animal
advocacy group released undercover video footage Wednesday of sick or
injured dairy cows that it contends were mistreated at an auction facility
where cattle are sold for slaughter. Three cows too sick or weak to stand
were sold at the Portales Livestock Auction in Portales, N.M., the Humane
Society of the United States said. Such cows pose increased risk for mad cow
disease, E. coli and other infections, partly because they typically wallow
in feces and their immune systems often are weak. But the facility's owner
said he was certain that there was "no way" a so-called downer cow could
have gotten into the food supply, and a top federal official agreed.
Schaefer comments on latest downer cow video - - USDA
Secretary Schaefer issued the following statement: "We thank the Humane
Society of the United States for bringing a video to our attention that
showed another occurrence of inhumane handling at a stockyard. Although this
is an unfortunate situation and we deplore this type of behavior, it is
evident that these cattle were too weak to rise and walk on their own, and
would not have been accepted upon delivery to a slaughterhouse. Furthermore,
they would not have passed ante-mortem inspection by the highly trained FSIS
inspection program personnel. Simply put, the condition of these cattle
would prohibit them from even entering the first phase of a multi-phased
process of approving cattle for slaughter.
<more>
U.S. Dairy Industry Discusses Carbon-Cutting Options - -
The U.S. dairy industry has committed to cutting its greenhouse gases and
has decided on a number of ideas to test. This month, more than 250 leaders
attended the first-ever Sustainability Summit for U.S. Dairy, a gathering of
producers, processors, non-governmental organizations, university
researchers and government agencies. Attendees decided on a number of
recommended actions to both reduce the impact of milk and to increase value
for the dairy industry.
<more>
International dairy meeting calls for more information to address
climate change - - Dairy processors and farmers in the UK are
leading the world's dairy sectors in tackling climate change and the
challenges presented by it, Dairy UK said yesterday. Dairy UK is a trade
association that represents the interests of dairy farmers, producers,
co-ops, milk processors and doorstep deliverymen. The organization recently
launched its "Milk Roadmap" that sets out a vision of the dairy industry's
environmental performance in 2020. It includes a series of detailed targets
for every sector of the supply chain to achieve in order to realize that
vision. Key issues covered include greenhouse gas emissions, energy use,
water use, waste and recycling. Speaking at the International Dairy
Federation's First Dairy Farming Summit in Edinburgh, IDF president and
Dairy UK director-general Jim Begg told delegates from around the world that
they must address the challenge of climate change now.
Direct and counter-cyclical payment signup underway - -
Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said USDA's announcement for signup
beginning today in the 2008 Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program
(DCP) helps deliver certainty for the crop year and the option of a timely
advance payment. Contracts are available today at USDA Service Centers and
signup will continue until September 30, 2008. USDA's DCP readiness follows
the June 12 availability of marketing assistance loan and loan deficiency
payment (LDP) provisions, within three weeks of commodity title enactment.
"Within weeks of its becoming law, we began to put a farm bill into the
field and into the country," said Schafer. "USDA does what its employees do
best: putting policy into action and delivering results." Producers can fill
out their 2008 DCP contract at any USDA Service Center. Producers can also
sign-up online. They can choose payment options, assign crop shares and sign
and submit their contracts from any computer with Internet access. They can
also view and print submitted contract options.”
Pacific Ethanol stock hits all-time low with flooding -
- Sacramento-based Pacific Ethanol Inc. has seen its stock driven to record
lows this week, as flooding in the Midwest has pushed up already-high prices
for the corn the company turns into fuel. Shares of Pacific Ethanol closed
at $1.95 Wednesday on the Nasdaq exchange, down 95% from their mid-2006 high
of $42. Shares had dropped to $1.85 on Tuesday, the first time the stock has
dropped below $2 since the company went public in 2005. With floods in Iowa
likely to cut the state's corn crop this fall by up to 10%, according to
government estimates, prices for corn for delivery next spring reached
record highs of more than $8 per bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade last
week.
<more>
Thirsting for the Truth About Milk? -- To help
Californians lead healthier lifestyles by making healthy choices from all of
the food groups, the Dairy Council of California addresses common
misconceptions about milk and dairy foods. Conflicting information can cause
many consumers to wonder if milk and dairy foods are healthy options, said
Andrea Garen, registered dietitian and project manager with Dairy Council of
California. By addressing some of these concerns, we hope to renew consumers
confidence in milk and dairy foods, which are naturally nutritious and
contribute to overall good health in a number of ways.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Bovine TB found in 2 more herds. Tests --
possibly costly to ranchers -- will be needed for cattle shipped out of
state - - Bovine tuberculosis has been detected in two more dairy herds
in Fresno County, officials said Tuesday. The findings could prove costly to
cattle ranchers and dairy operators because of added testing required by
regulators when shipping animals out of the state, those in the industry
said. A single cow in each of the two additional herds was confirmed
positive, bringing the current total number of herds affected to three. All
three herds -- which were not identified -- were quarantined and each of the
cows with the disease was destroyed. The cases were confirmed by the
California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
<more> June 25, 2008 Fresno Bee
Canada confirms new BSE case - - A new case
of bovine spongiform encephalopathy was confirmed Monday in Canada, its 13th
case since 2003. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Monday that the
latest case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as BSE or mad
cow disease, does not suggest the problem is more widespread. "We've very
confident that BSE is not common in Canada because of our surveillance,"
said George Luterbach, a veterinarian with the agency. It is the third case
in British Columbia in the last three years.
<more> June 25, 2008 AP
Corn, soybean prices decline on improved crops
- - Corn and soybean prices fell sharply Tuesday as investors cashed in
profits from recent rallies and the government said crops were beginning to
bounce back after devastating Midwest flooding. Excess moisture has slowed
corn development in the Midwest, but a return to warm, dry weather in the
region has helped crops in some states, the Department of Agriculture said
Tuesday. About 59 percent of the corn crop is in good to excellent
condition, up from 57 percent last week, the USDA said. About 57 percent of
soybean crops are in good to excellent condition, up slightly from last
week. "The corn crop is taller, it has better color and the weather has
been ideal, so you're not seeing new buyers in the market," said Jason Ward,
analyst with Northstar Commodity in Minneapolis. Corn for December delivery
fell 11.25 cents to $7.48 a bushel on the Chicago Board of Trade, after
earlier dipping as low as $7.44. The contract hit an all-time trading high
of $7.915 a bushel on June 16.
<more> June 25, 2008 AP
Dairy Industry Commits to Reducing Greenhouse Gases, Increasing Business Opportunities Across Value Chain - - Dairy leaders today announced an industry-wide commitment and action plan to reduce fluid milk’s carbon footprint while increasing business value, from farm to consumer. The action plan is an outcome of the industry’s first Sustainability Summit for U.S. Dairy, an unprecedented gathering of 250 leaders representing producers, processors, non-governmental organizations, university researchers and government agencies held in Rogers, Ark., June 16 to June 19. The plan focuses on operational efficiencies and innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring financial viability and industry growth. “Sustainability is a challenge that requires industry-wide solutions, and our efforts establish a new standard for industry collaboration,” said Thomas Gallagher, chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), the nonprofit organization that manages the national dairy checkoff program on behalf of America’s dairy producers. “Decision makers from across the dairy value chain are working together to commit to concrete, innovative solutions. This will ensure an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable industry.” <more> June 25, 2008 DMI Press Release
Click here
to
listen to Simon Vander Woude discuss the sustainability summit. (2:04
MP3
file)
Click here to
listen to John Fiscalini discuss the sustainability summit. (2:32 MP3
file)
Click here
to
listen to Dr. Frank Mitloehner discuss the sustainability summit. (2:04
MP3 file)
Storm water reports due July 1 in Central Valley
- - The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has sent out
letters to dairies that have Storm Water permits reminding them of the need
to file an annual report by July 1. These permits are not to be confused
with WDR permits, which also have a July 1 report deadline. About 200
dairies in the Central Valley have Storm Water permits which have been in
place for several years. These dairies need to fill out the annual report
form and send it in to the storm water section of the regional water
board. WUD members who have questions about the filing deadline are urged to
contact their local WUD field representative. June 25, 2008
Dean Foods shares jump after company boost
2nd-quarter profit outlook -- Shares of milk processor Dean Foods Co.
jumped Wednesday after the company boosted its second-quarter profit
guidance, saying its direct store delivery dairy segment performed
particularly well during the period. Shares rose $1.71, or 9.3 percent, to
$20.10 in midday trading. Before the market opened, Dean Foods said it now
expects to earn at least 32 cents per share. Previously, the company
expected profit between 26 and 31 cents per share. Analysts polled by
Thomson Financial expect profit of 29 cents per share.
<more> June 25, 2008 AP
Signups underway for quality loss crop disaster
program - - Eligible farmers who suffered quality losses to their crops
in recent years can enroll in the Crop Disaster Program 2005-2007 (CDP) at
local FSA service centers. The CDP provides benefits to farmers who suffered
losses to their 2005-2007 crops from natural disasters and related
conditions. Producers who incurred qualifying quantity or quality losses in
2005, 2006 or 2007 may receive benefits for only one of these years.
However, producers may apply for benefits for losses to multiple crops as
long as the losses occurred in the same crop year. Only producers who
obtained crop insurance coverage or coverage under the Noninsured Crop
Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for the year of loss will be eligible for
CDP benefits. Producers must have suffered quality losses of at least 25
percent to be eligible for CDP Quality Loss. The payment rate is set at 65
percent of the amount of the affected crop multiplied by 42 percent of the
per-unit average market value in the year in which the loss occurred.
Producers may receive assistance for both quantity and quality losses.
However, the total quantity and quality assistance, together with any crop
insurance or NAP payment received for the same crop and the value of the
crop production not lost, must not exceed 95 percent of the total value of
the crop absent the disaster. For further details about CDP Quality loss,
see the fact sheet at
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/cdpqlty08.pdf . June 24,
2008 FSA Press Release
Fresno dairy processor recalls Tampico Citrus
Punch - - A Central Valley dairy processor has recalled nearly 2,500
gallons of Tampico Citrus Punch because the product could contain a small
amount of milk. Producer Dairy Foods says people who are allergic or
sensitive to milk risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if
they consume the product. However, there have been no reports of illnesses.
The affected batch of one-gallon containers have a September 17th expiration
date and the Fresno plant number 06-4199 on the lower left corner of the
label. The bottles were distributed to retailers in parts of Central and
Northern California. June 25, 2008 AP
Major technological progress needed to make
renewable energy affordable - - Dramatic progress in renewable energy
technology is needed if the United States desires to produce 25 percent of
its electricity and motor vehicle fuel from renewable sources by 2025
without significantly increasing consumer costs, according to a RAND
Corporation study issued today. Produced by the RAND Environment, Energy and
Economic Development program, the study provides a "snapshot" of the
nation's potential energy expenditures if a requirement was imposed that 25
percent of electricity and motor vehicle fuels used in the United States by
2025 would come from renewable resources (a goal activists have described as
"25 x '25"). The study finds that biomass resources and wind power have the
greatest potential to contribute toward reaching the 25 x '25 goal.
<more> June 25, 2008 Environmental News Network
AVMA testifies on antimicrobial resistance before
Senate Committee -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
testified today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor
and Pensions, addressing the preventative use of antimicrobials in food
animals and reiterating the necessity of antibiotic use in livestock for
ensuring food safety. Dr. Lyle P. Vogel, AVMA's assistant executive vice
president, testified at the hearing, which focused on the emergence of
antimicrobial-resistant "superbugs" in humans. Mollifying concerns that use
of antimicrobials – such as penicillin and tetracycline -- in food animals
leads to human resistance of the drugs, Vogel made clear that protecting
human health is paramount to America's veterinarians.
<more> June 24, 2008 AVMA Press Release
Fresno firm is E-Verify pioneer. Electronic
system favored by feds is used to check employees' legal status. - - As
the federal government moves toward an electronic system to verify an
employee's legal right to work in the United States, at least one Fresno
company is ahead of the game. JEM Restaurant Management Corp., operators of
a string of Wendy's and Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises in Fresno and San
Jose, has been using the federal E-Verify system for three years. Recently,
President Bush made the voluntary system mandatory for contractors and
others who do business with the federal government. Several states,
including Arizona, Mississippi and South Carolina, have made it mandatory
for all employers. And California has a bill pending for public employers.
It is not required for other private employers in the state.
<more> June 25, 2008 Fresno Bee
Nonprofit group wants farms near urban housing - - Just yards from the cyclists whizzing by on the American River Parkway, Shawn Harrison is planting the seeds of a food revolution. Harrison and his partners in the nonprofit Soil Born Farms are growing tomatoes, kale, chard and other vegetables on 25 acres they've leased from Sacramento County. Their vision, however, is much bigger than this patch of fertile loam – a remnant of the historic Leidesdorff Ranch, now wedged next to the athletic fields of Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova. They hope to sprinkle urban farms throughout Sacramento neighborhoods, providing affordable, healthy food for people right where they live. "We would like to really redefine how we feed ourselves," Harrison said.Soil Born has attracted substantial attention despite its small holdings, which include the American River Parkway site and a 1.5-acre farm on Hurley Way in the Arden Arcade neighborhood. <more> June 25, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Bovine TB
discovered in two more Fresno County dairy herds - - The CDFA and USDA
have confirmed the detection of bovine tuberculosis in two more dairy herds
in Fresno
County. A
single cow in each of these two additional herds was confirmed positive,
bringing the current total number of herds affected to three. USDA is
beginning the process to officially downgrade
California’s
bovine tuberculosis status from “Accredited Free” to “Modified Accredited
Advanced.”
CDFA
and USDA personnel continue to spearhead the effort to eradicate bovine
tuberculosis from
California’s
cattle. CDFA and USDA veterinarians and animal health professionals from
across the State and nation are helping with the effort. Since bovine
tuberculosis was first detected in January 2008, more than 105 herds and
over 150,000 cattle have been tested as part of the investigation.
<more> June 24, 2008 CDFA Press Release
How far will dairy prices dive? - - Dairy
markets continue to dive, cash cheese keeps slipping and Class III futures
keep sliding. Matt Mattke with Stewart-Peterson says we could see $1.80
cheese although buying interest is picking up. The bigger losses have been
in the Class III prices, September through December 2008 have hung on just
over the $20.00 mark while January through June 2009 fell well below $20.00.
Mattke says the lower corn prices are putting some pressure on the futures
but another factor is those dairy cow numbers just aren’t declining. “All
we’ve seen is just continual expansion of the herd across the country.” He
notes in particular the western states which are supposed to be suffering
the most yet they are adding the most cows.
<more> June 24, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Air board's ambitious plan to battle warming -
- California's air board, for years an obscure state agency, will take
center stage this week when it unveils a blueprint for the nation's most
aggressive fight against global warming that is expected to affect every
resident, industry and government agency in the state in the coming decade.
The far-reaching plan, which comes 18 months after Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger signed landmark legislation to curb greenhouse emissions by
one-third by 2020, is likely to encourage consumers to use energy-efficient
lightbulbs and replace gas-guzzling cars with fuel-sipping hybrids. It could
require industry to reduce pollution or pay fees based on the amount of
carbon they release. Mary Nichols, chairwoman of the California Air
Resources Board, said the draft of the "scoping plan," which the agency's
staff will present Thursday to the 11-member board, will be a work in
progress until the final version is adopted by the end of the year.
<more> June 23, 2008 SF Chronicle
Obama Camp Closely Linked With Ethanol - -
When VeraSun Energy inaugurated a new ethanol processing plant last summer
in Charles City, Iowa, some of that industry’s most prominent boosters
showed up. Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association and the
Renewable Fuels Association, for instance, came to help cut the ribbon — and
so did Senator Barack Obama. Then running far behind Senator Hillary Rodham
Clinton in name recognition and in the polls, Mr. Obama was in the midst of
a campaign swing through the state where he would eventually register his
first caucus victory. And as befits a senator from Illinois, the country’s
second largest corn-producing state, he delivered a ringing endorsement of
ethanol as an alternative fuel. Mr. Obama is running as a reformer who is
seeking to reduce the influence of special interests. But like any other
politician, he has powerful constituencies that help shape his views. And
when it comes to domestic ethanol, almost all of which is made from corn, he
also has advisers and prominent supporters with close ties to the industry
at a time when energy policy is a point of sharp contrast between the
parties and their presidential candidates.
<more> June 24, 2008 NY Times
Abandoned farmlands are key to sustainable
bioenergy - - Biofuels can be a sustainable part of the world's energy
future, especially if bioenergy agriculture is developed on currently
abandoned or degraded agricultural lands, report scientists from the
Carnegie Institution and Stanford University. Using these lands for energy
crops, instead of converting existing croplands or clearing new land, avoids
competition with food production and preserves carbon-storing forests needed
to mitigate climate change. Sustainable bioenergy is likely to satisfy no
more than 10% of the demand in the energy-intensive economies of North
America, Europe, and Asia. But for some developing countries, notably in
Sub-Saharan Africa, the potential exists to supply many times their current
energy needs without compromising food supply or destroying forests.
<more> June 24, 2008 Environmental News Network
Report: State's pastures dried up - - After
one of the driest springs in history, conditions on California rangelands
are by far the worst in the nation, according to a report issued Monday by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Fully 97 percent of the state's
pastures, which support the cattle and sheep industries, are in poor or very
poor condition, meaning ranchers must provide significant amounts of
supplemental feed for their herds. Along the west side of the Sacramento
Valley, there's only one-third as much grass as usual, said Glenn Nader, a
livestock expert with the University of California Extension.
<more>
June 24, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Animal rights issues are hot topic on campus
- - Animal rights activists continue to advocate alternatives to animal
research, especially in light of the attacks by protesters at UCLA in the
last year. Many UCLA community members have become increasingly aware of the
controversy surrounding animal research in the last year.Earlier this month,
the Animal Liberation Front claimed responsibility for setting a UCLA
vanpool vehicle on fire. That incident was the most recent in a string of
attacks by animal rights activists. In January, UCLA co-sponsored a workshop
exploring alternatives to animal research with the John Hopkins Center for
Alternatives to Animal Testing. Sonia Hingrajia, internal vice president of
Bruins for Animals, said finding alternatives to animal testing is currently
of the utmost importance.
<more> June 24, 2008 UCLA Daily Bruin
California goes 'green' - - Next 10, the nonpartisan research group, commissioned a poll on Californians' views on the environment. The survey is timed for the same week the California Air Resources Board will release policy recommendations to implement AB 32. The poll's highlights (in the words of those that paid for it):
• 79 percent say that global warming is a serious threat to the economy and quality of life for California's future
• 78 percent say global warming is caused by human activities and we can act now to reduce it
• 69 percent support the California state government making its own policies in absence of federal action
• 67 percent believe California should make policies stronger than the federal government
• 73 percent of voters surveyed believe California can grow the economy while reducing global warming pollution
• 83 percent say reducing global warming will require "action from all of us, and I am ready to make some changes"
• 58 percent say they support state policies even if
they increase the cost of gas, electricity and some consumer goods June
24, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Laguna de Santa Rosa producer meeting June 25 - - Dairy producers in the Laguna de Santa Rosa region are encouraged to attend a meeting on Wednesday, June 25. The meeting will be from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. in the Conference Room at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau office at 970 Piner Rd, Santa Rosa (prior to the board meeting). UC Davis specialists, Dr. Thomas Harter (groundwater hydrology) and Dr. Roland Meyer (soils), will be sharing the results of their research. For questions, contact Leslie Corp at (530) 354-4981. June 23, 2005 WUD Weekly News Update
Monday, June 23, 2008
National dairy sustainability summit addresses carbon footprint - - The national dairy industry held a historic summit last week in Arkansas as 270 people from all segments of the industry’s supply chain gathered in Rogers, Arkansas, to identify opportunities in the fluid milk value chain to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase business value. The unprecedented gathering included representatives from companies that process, manufacture, distribute, and sell milk, as well as experts in environmental science, conservation, and agriculture. There were several representatives from California, reports WUD’s communications manager, Mark Looker, reflective of California’s leading-edge reputation on sustainability issues.
Merced
dairyman Simon Vander Woude, a WUD member, said he attended the summit to
learn more about the national initiative and came away impressed by the wide
interest, across all segments of the supply chain, in the continued viability
of the dairy industry. “I was impressed that we were in this room with 270
people, about
Simon Vander Woude, center, participates in an
individual workgroup session during the national dairy sustainability summit
held in Arkansas last week
Click here to
listen to Simon Vander Woude discuss the sustainability summit. (2:04 MP3
file)
30 of them producers, and the other 240 who really cared about the industry. It impressed me that so many people are concerned about our industry.” Vander Woude hopes the summit will lead to a national call for action aimed at policymakers and regulators. “We have a lot of challenges back home on the farm from regulators who don’t care for any type of change. Until we can get them on board, a lot of these things won’t happen,” he said, referring to the summit’s broad range of proposed initiatives to create breakthrough approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase business value within the fluid milk supply chain.
John
Fiscalini, owner of Fiscalini Cheese, Modesto, participated in the summit
and said he came away impressed with " the group of the people here. I
consider myself to be a leader and innovator and at best I feel like I’m
average with this group of people at the summit." The gathering had
historical significance, said Fiscalini. "I expect in five to ten years
we’ll look back and say this was the event that precipitated massive change
in the dairy industry."
Click here
to
listen to John Fiscalini discuss the sustainability summit. (2:32 MP3
file)
UC
Davis researcher Dr. Frank Mitloehner termed the gathering a "wakeup.
People have woken up to the idea that this issue is not going away, that
this is an industry wide issue being addressed by National Milk and DMI.
People are actually talking together now, they are working together to get
ahead of the curve." Mitloehner said California's participation was
important because "California is on the front row on all levels, on the
industry level, on the regulatory level. I feel like we are really breaking
the ground here and they are looking to us for guidance. I feel we need to
do something similar in California because we have a lot to learn from each
other and have a lot to share ."
Click here
to
listen to Dr. Frank Mitloehner discuss the sustainability summit. (2:04 MP3
file)
The participants broke into an estimated 20 working groups to look at various practices that might offer opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building business value. Those opportunities included methane digesters, manure and nutrient management, animal nutrition management, truck and route efficiency, shelf-stable products, and low carbon packaging. The challenge, said event organizers, will be to continue the momentum for those projects following the summit’s conclusion. The summit was sponsored by Dairy Management, Inc.; International Dairy Foods Association; National Milk Producers Federation; and the University of Arkansas Applied Sustainability Center.
Record corn prices mean more expensive meat,
dairy - - Raging Midwest floodwaters that swallowed crops and sent corn
and soybean prices soaring are about to give consumers more grief at the
grocery store. In the latest bout of food inflation, beef, pork, poultry and
even eggs, cheese and milk are expected to get more expensive as livestock
owners go out of business or are forced to slaughter more cattle, hogs,
turkeys and chickens to cope with rocketing costs for corn-based animal
feed. The floods engulfed an estimated 2 million or more acres of corn and
soybean fields in Iowa, Indiana, Illinois and other key growing states,
sending world grain prices skyward on fears of a substantially smaller corn
crop. The government will give a partial idea of how many corn acres were
lost before the end of the month, but experts say the trickle-down effect
could be more dramatic later this year, affecting everything from
Thanksgiving turkeys to Christmas hams.
<more> June 22, 2008 AP
Water woes: Farmers face tough choices this year
- - Faced with too little rain and restricted pumping to protect an
endangered fish, farmers and ranchers in and around Kern County are facing
tough choices. In a typical year, 850,000 acres are irrigated, according to
the Kern County Water Agency. This year, about 45,000 of them will be idle
at a cost of $46 million. In addition, 100,000 acres will be “underirrigated,”
causing a $59 million loss. “It’s a catastrophic crisis of historic
proportions,” the agency’s general manager, Jim Beck, told the Kern County
Board of Supervisors Tuesday before the board passed a resolution declaring
“a potential disaster condition exists throughout Kern County.”
<more> June 22, 2008 Bakersfield Californian
Slaughterhouse worker pleads no contest to cow
abuse - - A former Southern California slaughterhouse worker has
pleaded no contest to animal cruelty charges after being caught on
undercover video abusing sick and injured cows. The footage prompted the
largest beef recall in U.S. history. Daniel Ugarte Navarro entered the plea
Friday in San Bernardino County Superior Court in Chino to two felony counts
of animal cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to downed animals.
He could get up to a year in jail when he is sentenced on Aug. 25. Another
worker, Rafael Sanchez Herrera, pleaded guilty in March to three misdemeanor
counts of illegal movement of a non-ambulatory animal and was sentenced to
six months in jail. June 22, 2008 AP
Study: Changing virus research location could be
costly - - An outbreak of one of the most contagious animal diseases
from any of five locations the White House is considering for a new
high-security research laboratory would be more devastating to the U.S.
economy than from the isolated island laboratory where such research is now
conducted, says a new report published Friday. The 1,005-page Homeland
Security Department report said chances of such an outbreak — with estimated
loses of more than $42.billion — would be "extremely low" if the research
lab were designed, constructed and operated according to government safety
standards. Still, it calculated that economic losses in an outbreak of
foot-and-mouth disease could surpass $4 billion if the lab were built near
livestock herds in Kansas or Texas, two options the Bush administration is
considering. That would be nearly $1 billion higher than the government's
estimate of losses blamed on a hypothetical outbreak from its existing
laboratory on Plum Island, N.Y.
<more> June 22, 2008 AP
Farmworkers have highest U.S. rate of workplace heat deaths
- - Heat kills crop workers at nearly 20 times the rate of other
U.S. workers, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
study released Thursday. California has among the nation's highest fatality
rates, exceeded only by North Carolina and Florida. The CDC report, which
reviewed 423 deaths from 1992 through 2006, is the most comprehensive
nationwide look at heat-related fatalities. They're generally caused by heat
stroke or injuries resulting from heat-induced nausea and confusion. So far
this year, three California crop workers have died of heat illnesses. The
most recent was María Isavel Vásquez Jiménez, a 17-year-old Mexican who was
two months pregnant.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Milk production up 3.4% in May - - Milk production in
the 23 major dairy states in May totaled 15.4 billion pounds, up 3.4% from
May of 2007. April production was revised to 14.8 billion pounds, up 2.6%
from April, 2007. Production per cow in May increased 25 pounds from a year
ago to average 1,816. The dairy herd grew by 162,000 head to 8.46 million
cows. California milk production in May was 3.576 billion pounds, a 2.8%
increase over May of 2007. The Golden State dairy herd continues to grow,
1.848 million cows, 42,000 more than a year ago. Production per cow
increased 10 pounds to average 1,935.
<more>
Dairy Situation & Outlook: Expect Cheddar Cheese Prices To Fall -
- Milk prices have held higher through the first half of the year
than what was earlier predicted. While dry whey prices have weakened to less
than 30 cents per pound cheddar cheese prices near or above $2.00 per pound
has kept Class III prices well above a year ago. The Class III price
averaged $18.22 per hundredweight for the first half of the year compared to
$16.11 for 2007. While butter prices have average near a year ago, lower
nonfat dry milk prices resulted in the Class IV price below a year ago. For
the first half of the year Class IV averaged $15.21 per hundredweight
compared to $15.71 for 2007. The higher advanced Class III price has been
the mover of Class I prices. This has held the U.S. All Milk price well
above a year ago. The U.S. All Milk price averaged near $19.00 per
hundredweight for the first half of the year compared to $16.63 for 2007.
Corn futures fall for 2nd day on improved weather
- - Corn prices fell for a second day Friday as more dry weather in the
Midwest raised hopes that cornfields might recover from massive flooding and
produce a sizable U.S. crop. Warm, dry weather persisted in much of the
Midwest for a second day Friday, giving farmers a much-needed respite from
weeks of excess rainfall that sparked the worst flooding in the region since
1993.
Congress again overrides Bush’s veto of farm bill - - In
an unusual case of farm bill déjà vu, Congress voted yesterday to override
President Bush’s second veto of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act. The
U.S. House of Representatives voted to override the veto by 317-109.
“Today's vote will ensure that all parts of the Food, Conservation and
Energy Act are enacted into law,” Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin
Peterson said. “Particularly considering the serious concerns about rising
food prices and severe flooding affecting crops in the Midwest, this farm
bill provides a critical safety net for families and farmers.” The Senate
voted 80 to 14 to override the president’s veto. Senator Tom Harkin,
chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry,
said the veto override, “completes action on the new farm bill, enacting the
full bill, including provisions on foreign food assistance and agricultural
trade.
<more>
Dairy prices on CME take a dive on USDA report - - That May milk production report hit the dairy markets on Thursday. Cash cheese lost another 2 cents, 2008 Class III futures dropped 8 to 33 cents, 2009 lost anywhere from 3 to 29 cents. Dave Kurzawski with Downes & O’Neill says the report showed milk production up 3.4% in the 23 major dairy states, up 3% in the total U.S. “Those are some big, big numbers relative to expectations which most people pegged closer to 2 to 2.5%.” Adding to the pressure, the dairy herd increased 162,000 head compared to May of 2007, “We added 12,000 head from last month.” For months we have been hearing the high feed costs are going to prompt increased culling but it just isn’t happening.” <more> June 20, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Valley methane digesters show some promise but face challenges
- - Being out in front of the pack on advancements and technology can be
great, but it can also be expensive and challenging. That's what some
dairymen pursuing the installation of methane digesters in the Central
Valley have discovered. Methane digesters aren't exactly new, but they've
become a much-touted approach to dealing with greenhouse gases and air
quality while, at the same time, offering a source of energy. John Fiscalini
of Modesto-based Fiscalini Farms decided to take on his own digester
project. Fiscalini, who also has a successful farmstead cheese company at
his dairy, won a $500,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
grant in 2007 for the project, which is currently under construction. The
digester should be operating by late summer. But, said Fiscalini, "It's been
a bit of a horror story."
<more> June 20, 2008 Capital Press
Farmers vs. Fish Amid the California Drought - - Todd
Diedrich watches a lone tractor churn up dust as it lumbers down rows of
still-green plants. "We're trying to patch up the cracks," the farmer
explains, referring to his desperate effort to retain what little moisture
remains in the ground, now that he has been forced to turn down his
irrigation drip. Diedrich says the California drought could cost him 750
acres, which he estimates to be worth $3 million. He gestures to the land
that his family has been farming for decades. "This will all be gone," he
says. "And there may not be a 'next year.'" Diedrich's farm is located on
the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, traditionally a cornucopia of
tomatoes, almonds, cantaloupe, pistachios and lettuces. The area around
Firebaugh has been hit hard by a severe drought caused by two years of
below-average rainfall, a diminished Sierra Nevada snowpack and new
court-ordered environmental restrictions on pumping. Despite having
officially recognized the drought on June 4, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
has yet to declare a state of emergency that would lift some of the
environmental restrictions on providing relief to the farmers — although he
is pushing the state legislature to approve issuing an $11.9 billion bond
for water management investments such as additional reservoirs, water
recycling programs and better means of transfer.
<more> June 20, 2008 Time Magazine
Bill contains farmworkers drought aid -- Farmworkers
sidelined by the drought could collect more state cash assistance under a
bill to be introduced today by a Valley lawmaker. Assembly Member Juan
Arambula, D-Fresno, said his legislation will help "make sure the resources
are in place for those who work so hard to keep our economy running." In the
hard-hit west Valley, an estimated 200 farmworkers already have lost jobs.
The number of layoffs could grow to nearly 1,000, said Sarah Woolf,
spokeswoman for the Westlands Water District. Growers in the district have
been hampered by the dry spring and court-ordered pumping cutbacks at the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Arambula's bill, AB 1107, applies to workers
in counties designated by Gov. Schwarzenegger as being in a water state of
emergency. So far, nine Central Valley counties have been named, including
Fresno, Tulare, Madera, Kings and Merced.
USDA Issues a Tentative Final Decision on Amendments to all
Federal Milk Marketing Orders - - The USDA today issued a
tentative final decision to amend the Class III and Class IV product price
formulas in all Federal milk marketing orders. The decision was based on the
record of the first session of a public hearing held in Strongsville, Ohio
on February 26- March 2, 2007, a second session of a public hearing held in
Indianapolis, Ind., on April 9-13, 2007, and a third session of a public
hearing held in Pittsburgh, Pa., on July 9-11, 2007. The decision would
amend the manufacturing (make) allowances for cheese, butter, nonfat dry
milk (NFDM) and dry whey. Specifically, this decision would adopt the
following make allowances: cheese - $0.2003 per pound; butter - $0.1715 per
pound; NFDM - $0.1678 per pound; and dry whey - $0.1991 per pound. This
decision also proposes to increase the butterfat yield factor of the
butterfat price formula from 1.20 to 1.211. These amendments are subject to
producer approval before they can be implemented. The tentative final
decision will be published in the June 20 Federal Register. Public comments
are due Aug. 19, 2008. June 20, 2008 USDA Press Release
Owners of Washington dairy plead guilty to selling milk that caused E. coli outbreak - - The owners of a Cowlitz County (Washington) dairy farm pleaded guilty today to distribution of adulterated food in connection with a December 2005 E. coli outbreak. Michael and Anita Puckett face up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine when sentenced for the misdemeanor on Sept. 5. According to the U.S. attorney's office, unpasteurized milk was obtained from Dee Creek Farm cows in 2005 and stored in a manner that did not meet the sanitary requirements for a license from the state Department of Agriculture. Eighteen people were sickened in Washington and Oregon by the milk. <more> June 20, 2008 Seattle Times
Local agencies get look at new greenhouse emissions rules - - California's cities, counties and public agencies got an early preview Thursday of the ways they'll be asked to analyze greenhouse gases in new construction projects under the state's first-in-the-nation emission rules. Although actual regulations won't be adopted until 2010, the governor's Office of Planning and Research put out the technical advisory to warn local officials and the development community that the new rules are coming and that they better be ready. "People have been asking us for some kind of guidance," said Cynthia Bryant, the office's director. "In many ways, we're repeating things we already have said and restating the obvious." The advisory released Thursday urged agencies to determine the amount of greenhouse gases generated by proposed projects, whether from increased traffic, higher energy consumption, more water usage or diesel fumes, dust and other problems that come from construction activity. The agencies then should decide whether the impact is significant and, if so, how to limit any potential damage. <more> June 20, 2008 SF Chronicle
California abandons apple moth spraying in urban areas - - State and federal agriculture officials said Thursday that their light brown apple moth eradication program will no longer include aerial pheromone spraying in urban areas and will instead shift to the use of sterile moths released to disrupt mating cycles. California Department of Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura made the announcement in an afternoon teleconference with reporters. "Sterile release now becomes the primary tool," Kawamura said. Meanwhile, aerial pheromone spraying over urban areas will be discontinued, he said. <more> June 20, 2008 Capital Press
Monday, June 16, 2008
Dairy industry sustainability summit underway
Tuesday - - A comprehensive sustainability initiative launched earlier
this year by three national dairy organizations will be the focus of a
three-day U.S. Dairy Sustainability Summit in Rogers, Arkansas. Dairy
Management Inc., National Milk Producers Federation, and the International
Dairy Foods Association say the new initiative will bring together
producers, processors, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and others in
the dairy supply chain to address sustainability. The summit’s purpose is to
identify opportunities throughout the fluid milk value chain to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions while increasing business value. The
DMI-coordinated sustainability initiative is initially focused on the twin
goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the dairy business
by meeting unmet consumer demand. Summit organizers hope participants will
identify best practices and opportunities for innovation in production,
processing, and marketing of milk and milk products. As part of the
initiative, efforts will be made to analyze the carbon footprint of milk,
from production on the farm, through processing and retail distribution, to
consumption. This analysis will help identify potential innovation
opportunities and possible best practices that can reduce energy use and
increase sales in the dairy supply chain. After calculating milk’s carbon
footprint, this lifecycle analysis will be subject to a peer review process
to develop a manuscript for publication in a scientific journal. This
process will help ensure that the lifecycle analysis accurately and
adequately addresses milk’s true carbon footprint in a manner that is
credible and transparent. June 13, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Spike in alfalfa price has horsemen, dairy
farmers seeking relief - - If gasoline prices get any higher, we just
might have to go back to the horse-and-buggy days. Or not. Fueling a horse
is getting costlier, too, thanks to the tight supply of alfalfa hay. Horse
and cattle owners in the Northern San Joaquin Valley are forking over much
more than in the past for this staple of the animals' diet. But it is
cattle, mainly the dairy kind, that put the most demand on alfalfa. Milk is
the region's top-grossing farm product, bringing an estimated $1.35 billion
to farmers in 2006, and it wouldn't be possible without this nutritious
forage. "The highly productive dairy cows are the ones that really require a
high-quality alfalfa hay," said Dan Putnam, a specialist in the crop at the
University of California at Davis. Modesto-area dairy farms bought alfalfa
for an average of $259 a ton late last month, up from $201 a year earlier
and $148 in 2003, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
<more> June 15, 2008 Modesto Bee
Dairies urged to respond to cropland application
data request - - Earlier this month, more than 160 Central Valley
dairies were asked for information regarding their application of manure
and/or process wastewater to crops grown for human consumption. A number of
dairies have not yet responded, reports Paul Martin, WUD’s director of
environmental services. The due date provided in the letter from the Central
Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has now passed. “The regional
board has informed us that they are serious about wanting a response;
producers who are overdue may face enforcement action,” reports Martin. The
letters were mailed out based on information contained in the PDFAs filed by
diaries under the Waste Discharge Requirements in December 2007. Dairy
owners have been asked to provide information about any application of
manure wastes to crops for human consumption and to provide details about
how the crop is grown, handled, and processed to “remove potential microbial
danger to consumers.” The WDR states: “The term ‘crops grown for human
consumption’ refers only to crops that will not undergo subsequent
processing which adequately removes potential microbial danger to
consumers.” Paul Sousa, WUD’s environmental specialist, advises members to
respond to the letter with all pertinent information in their possession.
Members are encouraged to contact their field representative for further
information. June 13, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
State shuts down a second labor contractor -
- The state Department of Industrial Relations shut down a second farm labor
contractor Friday because of allegations it was failing to protect field
workers from heat exposure. Galt-based Solis Farm Labor Contractor was
closed after officials interviewed people associated with the business
Friday, said Paul Feist, spokesman for the Labor and Workforce Development
Agency in Sacramento. He said those interviewed admitted the business was
not in compliance with all heat-stress prevention regulations. In a
statement issued after the closure was announced, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
said: "This action is another signal to every employer and labor contractor
across the state of California – obey the law or be shut down.
<more>
June 15, 2008 Modesto Bee
West Side farmers await water after
Schwarzenegger's drought declaration - - Out here on the west Side where
the drought is especially bad, farmers wait to see if the governor really
can move water. The Del Puerto Water District, serving 45,000 acres along
Interstate 5, could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Gov.
Schwarzenegger's emergency orders this week. The district relies entirely on
water from the federal Central Valley Project, but only 40 percent of the
contracted amount is available this year. The governor's orders could result
in water from elsewhere boosting the supply for Del Puerto's 170 farms,
stretching from Vernalis to Santa Nella. "We're hopeful it will provide us
with some modicum of relief for our situation here, which has become very
dire," General Manager Bill Harrison said Friday.
<more>
June 14, 2008 Modesto Bee
WUD to participate in international global warming dairy conference - - Western United Dairymen will participate June 25-27 in an international dairy conference on the impact of global warming to be held in Edinburgh, Scotland. WUD’s director of environmental services, Paul Martin, will offer the California dairy industry perspective when he participates in a panel on energy production and usage on dairy farms. He will discuss the California Dairy Power Production Program that has funded ten methane digester projects with an estimated generating capacity of 2.5 megawatts. Nine more methane digester construction projects have been approved through a program extension.Other panel members are Dr. David Ludington, Cornell Professor Emeritus and president of DLtech, Inc.; John Gilliland, chairman of the Rural Climate Change, Rural Generation Ltd. and past president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union; Marcelo Carvalho, a dairy consumer from Brazil; John Noble, president of Noblehurst Farms, Inc., a multi-family farm corporation with 20 shareholders; and Rehab El-Bakry, a dairy consumer from Egypt. The conference theme is “Climate Change: The Heat is On?” It is sponsored by the International Dairy Federation. June 13, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
Friday, June 13, 2008
Governor: Valley in water crisis. Schwarzenegger's
emergency covers 9 Central valley counties. -- In an effort to help
drought-stricken farmers, Gov. Schwarzenegger on Thursday proclaimed a water
emergency in nine Central Valley counties. The proclamation includes Fresno,
Tulare, Madera, Kings and Merced counties, where water shortages have led
some growers to lay off workers and abandon crops. The governor called for
several actions -- including pumping ground water into the California
Aqueduct, which could begin within days. The governor also called for
operational changes at state water facilities to move more water into the
San Joaquin Valley. Public water agencies also will get state help to
improve or drill wells. And financially distressed farmers might get access
to federally backed low-interest loans, although the federal government must
still approve the program.<more>
Governor moves to give farmers more water - - With
California's rich agriculture harvest at risk, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
moved Thursday to amp up water supplies to Central Valley farmers hammered
by a parched spring and recent court rulings that limit pumping from a key
resource. The governor proclaimed a state of emergency for nine counties
with "severe water shortages" and ordered several state agencies to help
drill wells, use the California Aqueduct to transport water to farmers, and
to expedite water transfers between agencies. "We recognize the specific
impacts that will accrue to farmers, farmworkers, industries and local
economies; and that can affect the state and national economy," Lester Snow,
director of the California Department of Water Resources, said in a
conference call with reporters.
<more>
Heat stress regulation violations sought on West Side -
- Representatives from Cal/OSHA, along with the Attorney General’s task
force, are out on the West Side of Fresno County today (Friday) actively
looking for violations of heat stress regulations, reports the labor law
firm of Saqui & Raimondo. Media representatives are accompanying the task
force. The action serves as a reminder to farmers that it is important to
provide all necessary resources to outdoor workers to prevent heat stress.
State regulations adopted two years ago requires employers to provide a
quart of water per hour, a shaded area and time to rest when necessary, as
well as training in heat-illness prevention. Key points on heat stress
prevention, in Spanish and English, on pocket-size fold-out cards can be
downloaded from the UC Extension website at
http://ucanr.org/heat. In addition, audio recordings offering heat
stress tips can be heard by calling the AsisTel toll-free phone number (800)
514-4494. June 13, 2008
State shuts down Merced Farm Labor - - State authorities
have shut down Merced Farm Labor, the contractor that employed a teen field
worker who died May 16 of suspected heat exposure in San Joaquin County.
Department of Industrial Relations officials said they took the rare action
Thursday to protect other workers from imminent danger. Payroll records show
that the Atwater-based company employs 200 to 400 workers, according to the
state's Labor and Workforce Development Agency. "With temperatures rising we
are taking this unusual step as a way to ensure that workers employed by
this company are not put at risk," industrial relations director John Duncan
said in a written statement. "This order will be in force until the company
is in full compliance with California heat illness prevention regulations."
<more>
Dairies urged to respond to cropland application data request - -
Earlier this month, more than 160 Central valley dairies were
asked for information regarding their application of manure and/or process
wastewater to crops grown for human consumption. A number of dairies have
not responded, reports Paul Martin, WUD’s director of environmental
services. The due date provided in the letter from the Central Valley
Regional Water Quality Control Board has now passed. “The regional board has
informed us that they are serious about wanting a response and producers who
are overdue may face enforcement action,” reports Martin. The letters
were mailed out based on information contained in the dairies’ PDFA filed
under the Waste Discharge Requirements in December 2007. Dairy owners
are asked to provide information about any application of manure wastes to
crops for human consumption and to provide details about how the crop is
grown, handled and processed to “remove potential microbial danger to
consumers.” The WDR states: “The term ‘crops grown for human consumption’
refers only to crops that will not undergo subsequent processing which
adequately removes potential microbial danger to consumers.” Paul Sousa,
WUD’s environmental specialist, advises WUD members to respond to the letter
with all pertinent information in their possession. WUD members are
encouraged to contact their field representative for further information. June
13, 2008 WUD Weekly News Update
California Drought Dampens Hay Supply, Raises Prices - -
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed a statewide drought
after receiving lower snow-pack estimates during a dry spring. That will
mean higher alfalfa prices and self-imposed or enforced dry-downs of alfalfa
fields in a state with limited hay supplies and minimal new alfalfa
plantings, says Dan Putnam, University of California-Davis extension forage
specialist. “We really haven’t had much rain at all from February until now.
And then, of course, it won’t rain from now until November. So we’re done
for the year; this is all the water that we have,” he says. Some areas have
had to cut water usage to 30-50% of normal allocations. Hardest hit: San
Joaquin Valley growers, Putnam says. “One of the reasons for the shortages
of water in the San Joaquin Valley is that pumping is reduced significantly
from the Delta into the California Aqueduct.” The aqueduct is a 444-mile
artificial river carrying water from northern to southern Central Valley.
<more>
Tulare County's dairy women give awards - -
Megan Ferreira is no stranger to dairy. The 17-year-old Tularean is prime to
start her year as the 2008 Tulare County Dairy Princess, eagerly
anticipating spreading the word to others about the importance of the dairy
industry. Ferreira was officially crowned Wednesday afternoon at a luncheon
held at La Piazza in Tulare by the Tulare County Dairy Women. "My family has
always been involved in the dairy industry, especially my dad and
grandfather, so I developed an interest at a young age," Ferreira said.
"Without the dairy industry, there wouldn't be milk. It's important to keep
it going or else the consistency will go down and [Tulare County] won't
remain the top dairy industry in California." Also Wednesday, the Dairy
Family of the Year award went to a surprised Ron Koetsier and five women
were awarded scholarships.
<more> June 12, 2008 Visalia Times Delta
Pacific Ethanol's stock sinks amid grim news
on corn harvest - - The news is going from bad to worse for Pacific
Ethanol Inc. and other ethanol makers, whose stock prices took another
tumble Thursday as corn prices set records. Ethanol stocks have been falling
for months as profit margins have been squeezed by the rising price of corn.
Thursday was no different. Shares of Sacramento-based Pacific Ethanol fell
nearly 15 percent to close at $2.37, down 41 cents, on the Nasdaq market.
Other ethanol stocks fell, too. VeraSun Energy Corp. was down 12 percent and
BioFuel Energy Corp. dropped 24 percent. Traders were responding to the
latest news from the Corn Belt: Prices went to all-time highs after the U.S.
Department of Agriculture predicted that lousy Midwest weather would put a
dent in this year's crop. Traders were also influenced by Republican
presidential candidate John McCain's pledge Wednesday to end ethanol's 51
cents-a-gallon federal subsidy.
<more>
Now is the time to check warm weather animal preparations -
- As temperatures prepare to hit the century mark in the Central
Valley, dairy producers are reminded that now is a good time to check their
warm weather preparations. Producers should check their watering systems,
sprinklers and fans to make sure they are in good working order as the
temperature rises. Additional tips:
* Call the rendering company as soon as there is an animal to pick up.
Decomposed material slows processing down,
* A standing arrangement with a rendering plant will help facilitate timely
pickup
* Providing the rendering company accurate numbers of animals to pick-up is
important. It helps provide proper service for all of the farms scheduled on
the same route.
* Producers should check with their herd veterinarian and their nutritionist
for tips on animal care and feeding that would be appropriate for their
facility.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
USDA takes first steps on Farm Bill implementation - -
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer today announced USDA has delivered
its first actions implementing the new farm bill. Within three weeks of
commodity title enactment in the 2008 farm bill, USDA is implementing
marketing assistance loan and loan deficiency payment (LDP) provisions. "We
know we can rely on America's farmers and ranchers to grow our food, and
they can rely on USDA to have the new farm bill ready," said Schafer. "The
Department of Agriculture is putting into action the thousands of pages of
new farm bill law for crop production, research, marketing, nutrition,
conservation, food aid and rural development. Expect more follow-on
farm bill results from USDA."
<more>
Environmentalists fight growers' plan to pump ground water into
aqueduct -- Environmentalists say they will fight a proposal by
Valley farmers to pump salty ground water into the canal that delivers
drinking water to millions of south state residents. Growers in the west
Valley are pitching the plan as a way to boost dwindling water supplies. If
it were pumped into the California Aqueduct, water could be moved to farmers
who don't have access to wells. Something needs to be done quickly, the
drought-stricken farmers say, or they will have to lay off more workers and
abandon more crops. In an emergency declaration last week, the Fresno County
Board of Supervisors urged Gov. Schwarzenegger to temporarily "relax the
water quality standards" to enable piping of ground water into the aqueduct.
<more>
Scientists say plan to shrink salty irrigation unproven on large
scale - - Federal scientists say they can't understand how a
farmer-backed cleanup plan could reduce salty irrigation drainage that is
poisoning land on the San Joaquin Valley's west side. A U.S. Geological
Survey report released Wednesday says the plan relies on technologies that
have not been proved on a large scale, such as in the 600,000-acre Westlands
Water District, which designed the plan for its tainted acreage. The
technologies include intense water purification and evaporation of water on
vast gravel beds.
<more>
Stockton Ag Expo ends 32-year run. Falling attendance, fewer
vendors blamed - - The Stockton Ag Expo is no more. The January
show, which ran for 32 years, is being shut down due to a dwindling vendors
list and dropping attendance. "It's obviously sad but it's a show that's
kind of run its course," said Bruce Blodgett executive director of the San
Joaquin County Farm Bureau, who suggested there wasn't the investment in
time and resources to redefine the event to adjust to a changing market
place. Jerry Sinift, general manager of the mammoth World Ag Expo held each
year in Tulare, said the Stockton Ag Expo had provided a valuable service to
agriculture for many years, and it was unfortunate to see it go away.
<more>
Time draws near for California drivers to drop those cell phones
- - Beginning July 1, adult drivers in California can be pulled
over and ticketed if they are spotted talking on a hand-held phone. And
things will get even tougher for teenagers. Drivers under 18 using any cell
phone – including hands-free devices that will still be allowed for adults –
risk getting a ticket. Violations for both adults and juveniles will carry
fines and penalties totaling $76 for a first offense and $190 for a second
offense. California officials are hoping to save as many as 300 lives a year
by cutting down on distracted driving accidents that are increasingly blamed
on people using cell phones. The law doesn't prevent anyone from making
emergency calls from the car or keying in phone numbers by hand – though
motorists are urged not to dial while driving.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Milk leads the way for record San Joaquin County
farm income - - Farmers in San Joaquin County topped $2 billion in
estimated gross income for the first time in 2007, thanks mainly to huge
increases for milk and cherries. The $2.006 billion total was 19 percent
more than the $1.685 billion in 2006, county Agricultural Commissioner Scott
Hudson said in his annual report. The report does not include production
costs, which also have risen, so it cannot say how much profit farmers made.
Still, it shows that more money than ever was flowing as the county helped
meet the demand for milk, fruit, nuts and other products. Milk: $466.2
million in gross income, up 79 percent from $261 million in 2006. Per-
gallon prices rose 50 percent, thanks to strong demand and tight supplies
around the world, and the county's milk volume rose 10 percent.
<more> June 11, 2008 Modesto Bee
Health officials crack down on unpasteurized milk
- - Dairy owner Mark McAfee started selling raw milk in 2000, marketing it
to customers who believe it contains beneficial microbes that treat
everything from asthma to autism. The unpasteurized milk swiftly caught on
as part of the growing natural food movement. But the Food and Drug
Administration considers McAfee a snake oil salesman and recently launched
an investigation into whether his dairy illegally shipped raw milk across
state lines. The agency even tried to recruit one of his employees to
secretly record conversations with him. The case against McAfee is part of a
crackdown on raw milk by government health officials who are concerned about
the spread of food-borne illnesses. Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies
are stepping up efforts to keep unpasteurized milk out of reach, even as
demand for the niche product grows.
<more> June 11, 2008 AP
Friends remember Ray Veldhuis - - Mike
Bettencourt remembers when dairyman Ray Veldhuis moved to Winton in the
1960s. Although Bettencourt was only 12 years old, he knew right away that
Veldhuis was a special person. "We sold crops, hay and silage, to him and no
matter what deal he made, he stuck by it. It was a deal set in stone,"
Bettencourt said. Veldhuis was a dairy farmer known throughout both the
state and the country for his work for the dairy industry. He had been in
the dairy business since 1951. Veldhuis was killed in a tractor accident in
Ballico May 30. Veldhuis was an instrumental person in getting the Western
United Dairymen association going and also the Dairy Farmers of America. He
served as past president of Western United Dairymen. Michael Marsh, the
chief executive officer of the organization, remembers Veldhuis well. "Ray
gave a great deal to his family as well as the industry. He helped build the
dairy industry in California," Marsh said.
<more> June 11, 2008 Merced Sun-Star
Energy Dept. says oil, gas prices to stay high
- - Motorists can expect gasoline prices around $4 gallon through next
year, the Energy Department said Wednesday, with oil prices staying well
above $100 a barrel. Crude oil prices are likely to average $126 a barrel in
2009, $4 higher than this year, as oil supplies and demand are expected to
remain tight, Guy Caruso, head of the department's Energy Information
Administration, told a House hearing. Gasoline prices are likely to peak at
$4.15 a gallon in August and won't go down much after that, the agency
projected in a report. Gasoline was forecast to average $3.92 a gallon
through 2009.
<more> June 11, 2008 Fresno Bee
Pump Efficiency Program for Farmers, Ranchers
and Municipalities - - California’s dry spring and uncertainty over
surface water deliveries, conditions which prompted Governor Schwarzenegger
to declare the first statewide drought since 1991 on June 4, could mean that
the agricultural sector and municipal water agencies will need to rely more
on pumping groundwater to meet demand this summer. The Center for Irrigation
Technology (CIT), which is based at California State University, Fresno,
cautions that because these pumps might have been idled for several years,
they might not be operating at optimal efficiency. To protect pump users
from spikes on their energy bills when these pumps come online, CIT, on
behalf of Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), offers the Agricultural
Pumping Efficiency Program (APEP). Under the program, farmer, ranchers, golf
courses and other large-scale turf irrigators, and municipal water agencies
in the PG&E service territory can receive 100% of the cost for a pump test
(up to $150) and, should repairs be necessary, 50% of the cost of the pump
retrofit or repair. For more information, call 1-800-845-6038 or visit the
APEP website. June 11, 2008 Flex Your Power.org
Dairy Energy Management workshop June 19 in
Bakersfield - - PG&E will host a Dairy Energy Management workshop on
June 19th from 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at University Cooperative Extension,
Kern County Farm & Home Advisors, 1031 S. Mt. Vernon Ave, Bakersfield. The
workshop will provide an overview of dairy energy management options,
including energy efficiency technologies and incentives, emerging
technologies, demand response opportunities, water & air quality, self
generation, and reviewing the various biogas options for the dairy farmer.
This workshop is designed for dairy owners and operators and dairy
designers and vendors, who are interested in developing and promoting
integrated energy management strategies for dairies. To RSVP, please
register at
http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/edusafety/training/pec/classes/ or
by calling 661-321-4404. May 20, 2008 PG&E Notice
Clean air technology forum in Merced July 9 -
- The California Emerging Clean Air Technology Forum will be held at UC
Merced on July 9. The California Emerging Clean Air Technology Forum is a
collaborative effort by the U.S. EPA, California Air Resources Board, and
the South Coast and San Joaquin Valley air districts to accelerate the
development and implementation of advanced technology that could help
achieve our shared air quality goals. The Technology Forum’s planned areas
of focus include the following technology research areas: hydraulic hybrid
trucks, plug-in hybrids, fuel cells for stationary and light-duty vehicles,
air emission monitoring, architectural coatings, digesters, and diesel
mobile sources. For more information, visit
www.valleyair.org or call Trina
Martynowicz at (415) 972-3474. June 11, 2008 ARB Notice
FSA committee nominations start June 15 -- Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced farmer and rancher candidate nominations begin June 15 for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees. The nomination period continues through Aug. 1, 2008. Elections take place this fall. To be eligible to serve on an FSA county committee, a person must participate or cooperate in a program administered by FSA, be eligible to vote in a county committee election and reside in the local administrative area in which the person is a candidate. Producers may also nominate themselves, and organizations representing minority and women may also nominate candidates. To become a nominee, eligible individuals must sign form FSA-669A. The form and other valuable information about FSA county committee elections are available online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov ; click on News & Events, then County Committee Elections. Nomination forms for the 2008 election must be postmarked or received in the local USDA Service Center by close of business on Aug. 1, 2008. FSA county committee members make decisions on disaster and conservation programs, emergency programs, commodity price support loan programs and other important agricultural issues. Members serve three-year terms. June 11, 2008 FSA Press Release
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Government may step in to curb commodity prices
- - The government could step in if commodity prices keep shooting higher. And
some see some sort of government intervention in the marketplace as a virtual
certainty. But for the leader of one agricultural group, that kind of
discussion brings to mind the ag trade policy missteps of the late 1970s.
Imagine $200 a barrel oil, $9 a bushel corn and $20 a bushel soybeans. Then
consider the prospect of less available wheat than now thought as the cattle
industry begins feeding much more of that commodity. That's the near future as
envisioned by two separate commodity analysts and brokers, especially in light
of Tuesday’s USDA Crop Production report and World Agricultural Supply and
Demand Estimates, which lowered this year’s U.S. corn production by 360
million bushels to 11.7 billion and projected increased global demand for
soybean meal and vegetable oil. And if that future does come to pass, both of
the analysts foresee U.S. government intervention as likely. Doug McClellan is
President of Plains Commodities in Omaha. He told Brownfield he’s heard talk
of a complete elimination of government support for corn-based ethanol and a
potential effort to drive excessive speculation from ag commodity futures
markets.
<more> June 10, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Governor asked to declare drought state of
emergency for San Joaquin Valley - - San Joaquin Valley representatives
have written to Gov. Schwarzenegger asking him to declare a state of emergency
for the San Joaquin Valley following the Governor’s recent proclamation of
statewide drought. Representatives Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced), Jim Costa
(D-Fresno), Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) and Rep. George Radanovich
(R-Mariposa) sent a June 5 letter to the Governor requesting the action. The
Valley’s $20 billion agriculture industry is “facing a crisis of epic
proportions,” said the Congressmen, and urged state agencies to “move quickly
in advance of this crisis to expedite strategies which will provide California
farmers relief options and support.” Specifically, the letter asked the
Administration to work with federal agencies to:
* Maximize Delta pumping
* Approve water transfers
* Be flexible in implementation of water quality standards
* Seek temporary supplemental sources of water
The letter also urged looking into such long-term solutions as improved
conveyance systems and new storage facilities to increase the state’s water
supplies and enable better management of the state’s water system for improved
water quality, flood control and environmental enhancement. June 10, 2008
Worries Mount as Farmers Push for Big Harvest -
- In a year when global harvests need to be excellent to ease the threat of
pervasive food shortages, evidence is mounting that they will be average at
best. Some farmers are starting to fear disaster. American corn and soybean
farmers are suffering from too much rain, while Australian wheat farmers have
been plagued by drought. “The planting has gotten off to a poor start,” said
Bill Nelson, a Wachovia grains analyst. “The anxiety level is increasing.” At
a moment when the country’s corn should be flourishing, one plant in 10 has
not even emerged from the ground, the Agriculture Department said Monday.
Because corn planted late is more sensitive to heat damage in high summer,
every day’s delay practically guarantees a lower yield at harvest.
<more> June 10, 2008 NY Times
Midwest farmers who plant, or replant, after June 20
may see yields drop by half - -A costly deadline looms for many growers in the
Midwest, as every day of waiting for the weather to cooperate to plant corn
and soybeans reduces potential yields. Illinois growers who plant corn or
soybeans near the end of June can expect a 50 percent reduction in crop yield,
according to a University of Illinois agriculture expert. The US Department of
Agriculture reports that corn and soybean growers in several Midwestern states
are behind schedule on their planting. A cooler and wetter-than-average spring
has left Illinois and Indiana furthest behind on planted corn and soybeans.
Several other states are lagging behind their normal planting schedules, but
by a lesser margin.
In Illinois, 95 percent of the corn
is planted and 88 percent has emerged, but less than half of that is reported
to be in good or excellent condition. Fully 14 percent of the acres planted
are in poor or very poor condition, with another 38 percent reported as
"fair." Those acres in poor or very poor condition may have to be replanted.
<more>
June 10, 2008
University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Labor inspectors root out violations along Central
Valley back roads - - In just two days, labor inspectors had reaped a
dubious harvest. At least 10 confirmed or suspected minors harvesting fruit
and weeding fields. A crew using short-handled weeding tools banned under
state law. Filthy toilets. No place to seek shade. Water jugs but no cups. No
safety plans, or training for farmworkers on the perils of heat. Then, when
they were about to call it a day, the inspectors pulled off a country highway
in east San Joaquin County, and drove just seconds down a dirt road cutting
through a canopy of cherry trees. A vision from the Great Depression lay
before them. More than 30 tents rose like mushrooms under the trees. Clothes
hung from branches, and empty cans and food packages were piled high. Smoke
curled from one of the fire pits that had been dug into the soil. About 100
men – migrant workers who follow crops – were sleeping on the ground State
labor inspectors found all this, off back roads but in plain sight, during
routine checks over two days in the Central Valley orchards and fields where
anonymous human figures labor day after day.
<more>
June 10, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Tomatoes pulled after FDA safety warning - -
Popular varieties of fresh tomatoes have been pulled from restaurant menus and
produce aisles across Northern California as a nationwide salmonella outbreak
now linked to 145 illnesses in 16 states continues to spread. In Sacramento,
supermarkets pulled field-grown red round, red Roma and red plum varieties
from store shelves over the weekend. Chain restaurants from McDonald's to
Noah's Bagels stopped serving tomatoes altogether. Uncertainty about the
source of tomatoes linked to the illnesses prompted the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration on Saturday to issue a nationwide food safety warning, urging
people not to eat the three types of tomatoes.
<more>
June 10,2008 Sacramento Bee
Commission freezes lawmakers' pay - - Salaries
of California legislators and top elected officials will be frozen for the
next year, the state's independent salary commission decided Tuesday. The
commission approved the freeze on a 4-1 vote, rejecting a proposal by Chairman
Charles Murray to cut elected officials' salaries by 10 percent. "As far as
I'm concerned, we didn't send a strong enough message," Murray said after the
vote. The commission's action Tuesday came amid a state budget deficit
projected at $15.2 billion and an order by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger that
state agencies cut their spending by 10 percent.
<more>
June 10, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Monday, June 9, 2008
Corn futures hit another record on Midwestern
rain - - Corn futures extended their climb, rising to a record for a
third straight session Monday as heavy rains flooded fields and battered
crops in Midwestern states. Other commodities traded mostly lower, with
crude oil retreating more than $4 a barrel and gold, silver, copper and
wheat also falling. Farmers are worried that excessive rain in the U.S. Corn
Belt will damage recently planted crops and hurt yields, adding to the food
inflation that has driven up the price of everything from eggs to meat to
bread. Last week's rain-fed jump in corn prices was the largest one-week
rally in the contract's history. Corn prices are poised to go even higher,
analysts say. Weekend showers dumped as much as eight inches of rain over
parts of Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, and forecasts predict more bad weather
later this week.
<more> June 9, 2008 AP
Water shortage already costing $73 million in
Fresno County - - Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner Jerry Prieto
Jr. says this year's water shortage already has cost the county $73 million.
Most of that loss is from crops not planted. The figure could rise
dramatically as farmers abandon crops because they do not have enough water
to keep them alive, officials said. In recent days, the drought has cost at
least 56 jobs on west-side farms and at least one farmer has begun to plow
under some of the cantaloupes he had planted. It's expected job losses will
run into the hundreds.
<more> June 7, 2008 Fresno Bee
Fight over fish could cut water. Protecting
steelhead, salmon could further reduce Valley supply.- - Nearly two
months ago, a Fresno judge invalidated part of a federal water plan because
it did not adequately protect Central Valley steelhead and two species of
Chinook salmon. Now, the question is what -- if any -- action should be
taken to correct the problem. Attorneys representing environmentalists and
the agencies that oversee and depend on the massive Central Valley Project
for their water on Friday began what promises to be an extensive debate on
that key question.
<more> June 7, 2008 Fresno Bee
Dan Walters: It's time for state to get serious
about drought - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's declaration that
California faces drought is another reminder – as if we need one – that
politics isn't just a gotcha game, but a process with consequences, either
good or ill. Make no mistake. Like California's chronic budget crisis, the
state's looming water crisis is the product of head-in-the-sand decisions by
voters and those they elect to office, not some natural calamity beyond our
control. We haven't made a major positive decision on water in this state
for four-plus decades; instead, we saw voter rejection of a peripheral canal
in 1982 after a very misleading political campaign, followed by sweeping
declarations of good intentions by political figures that amounted to
nothing. Had a peripheral canal been constructed to carry water around the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, it would have solved many of the problems
inherent in relying on the Delta as a water source, particularly
deteriorating water quality that has depleted fish populations and led to
judicial orders to reduce water exports from the estuary.
<more>
June 9, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Training for rehabilitating farmers and
farmworkers offered in July - - Two free trainings will be offered by
the UC Davis California AgrAbility Project and Ergonomics Roundtable of
Sacramento for rehabilitating injured and disabled farmers and farmworkers.
The trainings will be held in Sacramento and Fresno in July. The trainings
are open to health, ergonomic, occupational and physical therapists, human
resources and vocational rehabilitation professionals who work with
clientele in agriculture. Participants will learn the risks of farm and
ranch work and strategies for helping patients overcome work barriers.
Speaker Carla Wilhite, University of North Dakota occupational therapy
professor and former Colorado Agrability director, will discuss cultural
considerations when treating farmers and farmworkers, making treatment plans
to meet the needs of a farm patient and methods for safely returning a
patient to the farm. The Sacramento training will be on July 1, from 9 a.m.
to noon, at the State Compensation Insurance Fund building in the first
floor conference room at 2275 Gateway Oaks Drive. The Fresno training will
be on July 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the State Compensation Insurance Fund
building in the first floor conference room at 10 River Park Pl. E. To
register, go to
http://www.ergort.org/Meetings.html or e-mail Ann Pudoff at
apudoff@brsrisk.com by June
25. For more information about the free training, contact Martha Stiles,
CalAgrAbility program director at
mcstiles@ucdavis.edu or (530) 752-2606. June 9, 2008 UC Press
Release
Bay Area workshop Wednesday June 11 on Tomales
Bay Watershed WDRs - - The proposed conditional waiver of Waste
Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for grazing operations in the Tomales Bay
watershed will be discussed at a public workshop June 11 in Point Reyes. The
workshop is being held by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality
Control Board. The meeting at the Point Reyes Dance Palace, corner of Fifth
and B Streets, begins at 6 p.m. For more information or to obtain a copy of
the proposed waiver, contact Carmen Fewless at (510) 622-2316 or
cfewless@waterboards.ca.gov
Union organizing educational workshop in Tulare Wednesday June 11 - - An educational workshop covering union organizing activity and employers’ rights will be hosted by Western United Dairymen on Wednesday, June 11, in Tulare. The workshop will be led by Tony Raimondo, from the law firm of Saqui and Raimondo, and members will learn what to expect when a union arrives at their dairy. The workshop will from 10 a.m. to noon at the UC Davis VMTRC Auditorium 18830 Rd. 112, Tulare, CA 93274. Please contact your local field representative for more information.
Friday, June 6, 2008
California dairies hustle to meet July 1 water-quality deadline -
- Some 1,600 California dairies – the bulk of the state’s producers
– share a single focus this month: meeting the all-important July 1
reporting deadline for the Central Valley’s Waste Discharge Requirements
(WDRs). The WDRs, adopted in May 2007 as new water-quality regulations for
dairies, require Central Valley producers to submit an annual report of
their operations to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board
by July 1 each year. “Producers are finding this is a big change for them,”
says Paul Sousa, environmental specialist with Western United Dairymen.
“There is a lot of paperwork and keeping track of information that’s
required of them.”
<more>
Corn hits record as wet U.S. weather stalls planting -
- Corn prices soared to a new record Thursday as heavy rain in the U.S. corn
belt threatened to flood crops and put farmers further behind in their
planting schedule. Corn futures for July delivery jumped 28.75 cents to
reach a new settlement record of $6.4325 on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Heavy rains this week have inundated the corn-growing states of Indiana,
Illinois and Ohio, dumping as much as 6 inches of rain on recently planted
crops. Forecasts show the bad weather moving toward the western corn belt
states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska over the next five days.
"They're starting to really worry about the rainfall and the saturated
soil," said Jason Ward, analyst with Northstar Commodity in Minneapolis.
"The biggest risk is when the wet soil hardens from the sun, which will make
it very difficult for the corn to grow."
<more>
Bay area workshop June 11 on Tomales Bay Watershed WDRs -
- The proposed conditional waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for
grazing operations in the Tomales Bay watershed will be discussed at a
public workshop June 11 in Point Reyes. The workshop is being held by the
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. The meeting at the
Point Reyes Dance Palace, corner of Fifth and B Streets, begins at 6 p.m.
For more information or to obtain a copy of the proposed waiver, contact
Carmen Fewless at (510) 622-2316 or
cfewless@waterboards.ca.gov
June 6, 2008 Water Board Notice
Congress sends a farm bill to Bush – again - - Congress
on Thursday sent a $290 billion farm bill to President Bush for a second
time in an effort to fix a printing error that has threatened the delivery
of U.S. food aid abroad. To ensure that the aid continues amid a global
hunger crisis, Congress and Bush were planning to again pass, veto and enact
the bill to provide farm subsidies, food stamps and other nutrition programs
over the next five years. The Senate passed the bill 77-15, two weeks after
the discovery that 34 pages of the legislation extending those aid programs
were missing from the parchment copy that Congress sent the White House.
Bush vetoed that version and the House and Senate then enacted it with
two-thirds majority votes overriding the veto. All of it became law, except
for the section dealing with international food aid. The House voted to pass
the entire bill again, and Thursday's Senate action will send it to Bush for
what the White House says will be a second veto.
CWT: Margins, not milk price, drive latest self-help effort
- - In its newest round of herd retirements to strengthen dairy
producer returns, Cooperatives Working Together is hoping to counter
production costs. Administered by National Milk Producers Foundation, the
program — which pays dairy farmers through producer dues to retire their
herds — will kick off its fifth herd retirement July 1.
Kozak said despite the high prices producers are getting for milk — and the
increased prices consumers are seeing in grocery stores — record-high input
costs make herd retirement a good idea for these economic times. “All of the
economic indicators and benchmarks that guide CWT’s decisions, including
farmers’ cost of production, show that now is the appropriate time for us to
initiate this herd retirement,” he said. “In particular, significantly
higher feed and energy costs have put dairy farmers between a financial rock
and a hard place.”
<more>
Senate climate bill dies before debate starts - - The
Senate's bid to pass a far-reaching climate change bill ended in defeat
today, with Democrats arguing that GOP leaders had sabotaged their effort to
cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The Senate vote fell short of the 60
votes needed to head off any possible filibuster, limit amendments and move
the bill forward. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., immediately
pulled the bill from the floor. The final tally was 48-36. But the bill's
sponsors proclaimed it a victory that 54 senators signaled their support for
proceeding toward final passage of the bill. Six senators who missed the
vote - including all three presidential candidates and Sen. Ted Kennedy,
D-Mass., who is battling cancer - sent statements indicating support for
debating the bill.<more>
A Futuristic Linkage of Animals and Electronics - - The
same Global Positioning System (GPS) technology used to track vehicles is
now being used to track cows. But Agricultural Research Service (ARS) animal
scientist Dean M. Anderson has taken tracking several steps further with a
Walkman-like headset that enables him to "whisper" wireless commands to cows
to control their movements across a landscape--and even remotely gather them
into a corral. He and his colleagues realize this is a highly futuristic
technology, but they can envision a time when these technologies will be
affordable and useful for a range of applications, from intensive animal
operations to monitoring and controlling the movements of some wildlife
species and even household pets.
Boycott ends, fears remain for German dairy farmers - -
German cows were filling stainless-steel vats with milk again Friday after a
10-day boycott when many farmers had dumped fresh milk on fields and in
drains rather than sell it at bargain rates. But dairy factories warned that
promises by German discount grocers to pay higher wholesale prices for milk
and butter have changed little. At a time when international milk prices are
low and the European Union is warning farmers to get ready for a
market-driven, quota-free world, many small farms may fail. Thomas Fellmann,
an academic at Germany's University of Hohenheim, said, "They won out in the
short term. But the structural problems of dairy farming have not been
resolved." Germany's BDM dairy farmers' association says the pricing
mechanism remains unfair to small farms and its ultimate aim is to alter
pricing and supply rules. BDM defines a fair price as 43 euro cents (62
dollar cents) per litre.
<more>
Dairy processors spent $167,000 on lobbying - -
The International Dairy Foods Association, whose 530 members include Dean
Foods Co., Lifeway Foods Inc. and ConAgra Foods Inc., spent $167,000
lobbying the federal government in the first quarter, according to a
government disclosure form. The group, which represents companies that
process dairy foods, lobbied on the federal regulation of milk from cloned
animals. The Food and Drug Administration ruled in January that there is no
evidence meat or milk from cloned animals pose any safety risks, but some
members of Congress tried to compel the agency to do more studies before
issuing a ruling.
<more>
Union organizing educational workshop in Tulare
June 11 - - An educational workshop covering union organizing activity
and employers’ rights will be hosted by Western United Dairymen on
Wednesday, June 11, in Tulare. The workshop will be led by Tony Raimondo,
from the law firm of Saqui and Raimondo, and members will learn what to
expect when a union organizer arrives at their dairy. The workshop will be
from 10 a.m. to noon at the UC Davis VMTRC Auditorium located at 18830 Road
112 in Tulare. Please contact your local Western United Dairymen field
representative for more information.
Dairy Energy Management workshop June 19 in Bakersfield - - PG&E will host a Dairy Energy Management workshop on June 19th from 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at University Cooperative Extension, Kern County Farm & Home Advisors, 1031 S. Mt. Vernon Ave, Bakersfield. The workshop will provide an overview of dairy energy management options, including energy efficiency technologies and incentives, emerging technologies, demand response opportunities, water & air quality, self generation, and reviewing the various biogas options for the dairy farmer. This workshop is designed for dairy owners and operators and dairy designers and vendors, who are interested in developing and promoting integrated energy management strategies for dairies. To RSVP, please register at http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/edusafety/training/pec/classes/ or by calling 661-321-4404. May 20, 2008 PG&E Notice
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Feinstein introduces bill to reduce tariff on imported ethanol -
– California Senator Dianne Feinstein and Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), today
introduced a measure to reduce the tariff on imported ethanol. If passed,
the legislation would allow U.S. refiners to purchase cheaper and more
climate-friendly ethanol from foreign sources, which could then help lower
gas prices at the pump. “The price of oil has hit $130 per barrel and prices
are going higher every day. This means that the need for inexpensive and
cleaner-burning fuels continues to grow. And yet U.S. refiners are forced to
pay a 54-cent tariff on ethanol imported from Brazil and other foreign
sources. This makes no sense, given the record oil prices and the limited
supplies of domestic ethanol,” Senator Feinstein said. “This bill would
essentially level the playing field – and ensure that U.S. refiners are able
to purchase cheaper and more climate-friendly ethanol, no matter where it
comes from.”
<more>
Valley air district enforcing VOC rule for dairy producers
- - The deadline for implementing the practices selected for
compliance with the San Joaquin Air District VOC Rule (Rule 4570) has now
passed. It should be noted that the VOC Rule is different than the PM-10
Conservation Management Practices (CMPs) in that the VOC rule is an official
“Permit to Operate.” The practices selected by producers are permit
conditions that must be followed, and as such are enforceable by the
district.
Since the one-year deadline for implementation has now passed, the normal
permitting procedures of the air district are in effect. Should a producer
desire to change one of the permit conditions such as changing to a
different mitigation measure, a new “Authority to Construct” application
must be submitted and be reviewed by the air district. Producers should
expect to be charged a fee for the staff time required for the review. In
many cases, changes will be able to be handled through an expedited process
with little staff time involved, while others may need more review. For more
information contact the air district, and, if assistance is needed, your WUD
Field Representative can help you through the process. June 5, 2008 WUD
Notice
Schwarzenegger hopes drought decree is wake-up call - -
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared Wednesday that California is in a
drought, a move that included no immediate conservation orders but may lead
to more aggressive water-saving efforts in many parts of the state. Water
experts said the declaration could wake up water consumers who have been
complacent and lead to significant conservation. "What you will see up and
down the state is water agencies pushing much harder on their customers to
cut down on water use," said Laura King-Moon, assistant general manager of
the State Water Contractors. "The era of polite requests for 10 percent
water cuts is over." On Wednesday critics quickly hit the declaration as
appearing more symbolic than substantive. An accompanying executive order
contains directives to the Department of Water Resources that mostly give
new thrust to existing programs.
<more>
Expect higher food costs with drought - - The drought,
marked Wednesday with an official declaration by Gov. Schwarzenegger, is
expected to deliver a tremendous blow to the San Joaquin Valley's
multibillion-dollar agriculture industry. Shock waves also could spread
throughout the local economy, experts say. Food prices will climb. More
farmland will be fallowed. Farm jobs will be trimmed. Many growers on the
Valley's west side will be shopping for extra water. Many will be pumping
water from the ground and lowering the underground water table.
<more>
Managing downer cattle seminar July 9 in Tulare - - Proper euthanasia techniques for on-farm cattle and calves will be taught at s July 9 seminar in Tulare. The no-cost session at the UC Veterinary Medicine Teaching and Research Center is targeted at dairy producers, farm staff, veterinarians, Registered Veterinary Technicians and auction personnel. Featured topics are euthanasia indications and methods and a new practical system for handling and care of downer cattle. The session runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch is provided and pre-registration is suggested. More information is available from Carolyn Stull at (530) 752-0855 or Delaina Matz at (530) 752-6630. June 5, 2008 UC Notice
Oregon Dairy Products Commission selects new executive director
- - The Oregon Dairy Products Commission selected a new executive
director June 3 after that position remained unfilled for six months. Pete
Kent, the commission's director of marketing and communications, was hired
by the commission's board after several rounds of interviews. The previous
executive director, Nick Furman, left the commission in December 2007 for
personal reasons, about a year and a half after being hired. Kent spent
about 30 years in marketing and communications in the forestry and forest
products sector before joining the commission in December 2005. He will
continue overseeing internal and external communications for the commission,
but plans to a hire a director for dairy products marketing. Interviews are
expected to begin next month. The commission's board also voted to increase
the assessment from 10 3/4 cents to 11 1/4 cents, which will increase the
Oregon Dairy Farmers Association assessment funding from $165,000 to
$275,000 a year. June 4, 2008 Capital Press
Proposition 98 advocates vow to continue fight against eminent
domain - - A pitched battle between two ballot measure promising
eminent domain reform - one of them backed by the California Farm Bureau -
came to an end out Tuesday, with California voters choosing Proposition 99
as the favored approach to deal with government land seizures. Proposition
99, backed by the League of California Cities and a broad coalition of
homeowners groups, won with 62 percent of the vote, while Proposition 98,
backed by Farm Bureau and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and the
California Alliance to Protect Property Rights, was voted down by a 61
percent vote.
<more>
Food Is Gold, So Billions Invested in Farming - - Huge
investment funds have already poured hundreds of billions of dollars into
booming financial markets for commodities like wheat, corn and soybeans. But
a few big private investors are starting to make bolder and longer-term bets
that the world’s need for food will greatly increase — by buying farmland,
fertilizer, grain elevators and shipping equipment. One has bought several
ethanol plants, Canadian farmland and enough storage space in the Midwest to
hold millions of bushels of grain. Another is buying more than five dozen
grain elevators, nearly that many fertilizer distribution outlets and a
fleet of barges and ships. And three institutional investors, including the
giant BlackRock fund group in New York, are separately planning to invest
hundreds of millions of dollars in agriculture, chiefly farmland, from
sub-Saharan Africa to the English countryside.<more>
The Great Immigration Panic - - Someday, the country
will recognize the true cost of its war on illegal immigration. We don’t
mean dollars, though those are being squandered by the billions. The true
cost is to the national identity: the sense of who we are and what we value.
It will hit us once the enforcement fever breaks, when we look at what has
been done and no longer recognize the country that did it. A nation of
immigrants is holding another nation of immigrants in bondage, exploiting
its labor while ignoring its suffering, condemning its lawlessness while
sealing off a path to living lawfully. The evidence is all around that
something pragmatic and welcoming at the American core has been eclipsed, or
is slipping away. An escalating campaign of raids in homes and workplaces
has spread indiscriminate terror among millions of people who pose no
threat. After the largest raid ever last month — at a meatpacking plant in
Iowa — hundreds were swiftly force-fed through the legal system and sent to
prison. Civil-rights lawyers complained, futilely, that workers had been
steamrolled into giving up their rights, treated more as a presumptive
criminal gang than as potentially exploited workers who deserved a fair
hearing. The company that harnessed their desperation, like so many others,
has faced no charges.
<more>
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
CWT announces herd retirement program. Bids end
June 30 - –Cooperatives Working Together announced Tuesday that it will
conduct its latest herd retirement round. Bids are being accepted starting
today through Monday, June 30th, with cow removals to start in seven weeks.
“All of the economic indicators and benchmarks that guide CWT’s decisions,
including farmers’ cost of production, show that now is the appropriate time
for us to initiate this herd retirement,” said Jerry Kozak, President and
CEO of NMPF, which manages CWT. “In particular, significantly higher feed
and energy costs have put dairy farmers between a financial rock and a hard
place.” This is fifth herd retirement round since CWT began operations in
the summer of 2003. It is the first that will offer bidding producers the
option of including all their bred heifers, for a flat fee of $1,050 per
animal. Detailed information can be found
by clicking here to access the CWT website, including a bid application,
a calculator to help estimate a farmer’s bid, and answers to
frequently-asked questions. All bids must be postmarked by Monday, June
30th, in order to be considered. All dairy producers submitting bids to sell
their herds must be members of CWT as of January 2008, either through their
membership in a fully participating cooperative, or as an independent member
of CWT. Bids will be reviewed in early July, with field auditors then
proceeding after mid-July to visit each accepted farm to begin the cow
removal process. CWT is not targeting how many pounds of milk, cows, or
herds will be removed. June 4, 2008 CWT Press Release
Passing: Former WUD
President Ray Veldhuis, 73 - - Former WUD President and long-time Merced
County dairyman Ray Veldhuis, 73, was killed in a tragic accident Friday,
May 30, when his tractor rolled over in the 12000 block of Lee Road in
Ballico. Tom MacKenzie, sheriff's spokesman, said Veldhuis was killed as he
was driving the tractor along a dirt embankment when the right tire slipped
off. The tractor then tumbled down the embankment and Veldhuis was
apparently thrown onto the asphalt road below. A man who was working with
Veldhuis saw the large dust cloud from the tractor and rushed to his
assistance. The man drove the tractor away from Veldhuis and called 911.
Veldhuis was pronounced dead at the scene, MacKenzie said. Western United
Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ray's
family. We will miss our good friend but take heart in the thriving
industry he helped create.” WUD President Ray Souza expressed his
condolences, “Ray was a nationally recognized leader in the dairy
industry. He was often sought out for his wisdom and advice. He was an
inspiration to the dairy industry and he will truly be missed.”
A Memorial
service will be held at 10:30a.m. on Saturday, June 7 at the Cornerstone
Community Church, 208 Fig Tree Road, Chowchilla. A luncheon will follow. A
private burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made
in Ray's memory for a children's park at the Cornerstone Community Church in
Chowchilla. To read his obituary in the Merced Sun-Star,
please click here.
June 4, 2008
Schwarzenegger proclaims that California is in a
drought - - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this morning proclaimed a
statewide drought, warning that California's water supply is falling
dangerously low because of below-average rainfall and court-ordered water
restrictions aimed at protecting fish. "We must recognize the severity of
this crisis we face," Schwarzenegger said at a Capitol news conference. He
said this spring had been the driest on record in Northern California, which
supplies most of the water to the state. Along with the proclamation, the
governor issued an executive order intended to speed transfers of water to
areas experiencing the most severe shortages, help local water districts
boost conservation efforts, identify risks to the state's water supply, and
assist farmers.
<more> June 4, 2008 LA Times
Tainted cheese fuels
TB rise in California - - A rare form of tuberculosis caused by illegal,
unpasteurized dairy products, including the popular queso fresco cheese, is
rising among Hispanic immigrants in Southern California and raising fears
about a resurgence of a strain all but eradicated in the U.S.
Cases of the Mycobacterium
bovis strain of TB have increased in San Diego county, particularly among
children who drink or eat dairy foods made from the milk of infected cattle,
a study in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases shows. But the germ can
infect anyone who eats contaminated fresh cheeses sold by street vendors,
smuggled across the Mexican border or produced by families who try to make a
living selling so-called “bathtub cheese” made in home tubs and backyard
troughs. Scientists at the University of California San Diego School of
Medicine are warning that improved screening, treatment and public education
are necessary to prevent the spread of the disease that now accounts for
about 10 percent of all new cases of TB in that border region — and,
perhaps, others.
<more>
June 4, 2008 AP
Assembly passes bill preventing mandated use of
e-verify - - By Michael C. Saqui and Anthony P. Raimondo. The
California State Assembly has approved AB 2076, which
would
prohibit city and county government from requiring employers to use the
federal E-Verify employment eligibility verification system as a condition
of obtaining or maintaining a business license. The bill would also prohibit
local government from requiring employers to use E-Verify as a condition of
bidding on public contracts or as a penalty for violations of other laws.
Employers operating in Arizona are currently dealing with the consequences
of the new employer sanctions law, which requires employers to use E-Verify,
and allows local prosecutors to seek suspension or revocation of an
employer’s business license for having knowingly hired a falsely documented
employee. Assembly member Felipe Fuentes, the author of AB 2076, is
seeking to prevent enactment of similar employer sanctions by county and
city governments in California. He is expected to add provisions to his
bill that would extend this prohibition to the state government as well.
<more> June 4,
2008
Voters stick with Denham, reject recall attempt -
- Voters pummeled the recall against state Sen. Jeff Denham on Tuesday,
leaving the Atwater Republican to serve out the rest of his second term.
About 70 percent of the voters in District 12 said they want Denham to
remain in office, according to the secretary of state's preliminary election
results. In Stanislaus County, almost 78 percent of eligible voters opposed
the recall. In Merced County, the margin was larger -- 84 percent. Denham's
district also sprawls over Pacheco Pass to as far west as Salinas and
includes parts of six counties.
<more> June 4, 2008 Modesto Bee
LaMendola family welcomes new baby girl - -
Tiffany LaMendola, WUD’s director of economic analysis, husband Jeremy and
daughter Amber welcomed a new addition to the family Tuesday, June 3, at
Memorial Hospital, Modesto. Hayley tipped the scales at six pounds, 14
ounces, and measures 19 inches. Tiffany and baby Hayley are reported doing
well. The WUD staff and directors wish them all the best!
Feds reduce water to Valley farms. Westlands
Water District growers in crisis, to decide which crops to abandon --
Federal officials told hundreds of farmers in the Westlands Water District
on Monday that they will get even less irrigation water -- just days after
the district announced a rationing plan. Farmers in the nation's largest
federal water district will be hit hard -- many said they expect to abandon
crops or even go out of business for lack of water. Two members of Congress
and district officials urged Gov. Schwarzenegger to declare a state of
emergency. The crisis was blamed on a court ruling and a dry spring. The
ruling -- capping a series of decisions that farmers opposed -- came in
April. U.S. District Judge Oliver W. Wanger in Fresno ordered reduced
deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, which is the source
for Westlands water, to protect threatened fish.
<more> June 3, 2008 Fresno Bee
Assembly approves
mandatory sick-leave bill - - Supporters are pleased and business groups
are worried now that legislation requiring paid sick leave for 6 million
California workers has cleared the Assembly. Assembly Bill 2716, authored by
Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco, was approved by the Assembly last week on a 43-25
vote and now moves to the Senate. There, it likely faces a tougher challenge
as it moves through several committees, starting in late June.
If the bill is approved, California would become the first state in the
nation to ensure paid sick days for workers.
"We are hopeful that it
will squeak through," said Jeremy Smith, legislative advocate for the
California Labor Federation. "But the Senate is a little more moderate, and
it will be a bit more difficult."
The bill faces tough
opposition from the National Federation of Independent Business/California
and the California Chamber of Commerce, which has placed the legislation on
its "job killer" list.
<more> June 4, 2008 Fresno Bee
Blaze burns alfalfa at San Joaquin County dairy;
spontaneous combustion suspected - - Tons of alfalfa burned Friday
afternoon at a Thornton dairy, which suffered a similar fire last year. The
blaze sent smoke billowing into the sky and east over Interstate 5, just
north of Peltier Road. Passing motorists slowed to gawk, but for those
closer to the blaze, it was a scorching hot mass that was consuming the food
meant for more than 1,000 cows. Much of the alfalfa had been purchased only
about a week earlier, said Paula De Snayer, who owns the dairy with her
husband. It was sitting in tall stacks, with make-shift alleys between them.
<more> June 3, 2008 Lodi News
Schwarzenegger vows to pursue those who
don't protect farmworkers - - The death of a teen farmworker has drawn
the governor's attention, as various state and San Joaquin County agencies
move to penalize and investigate the girl's employer. Gov. Schwarzenegger
vowed today that employers who do not adequately protect farmworkers from
the heat "will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." Swarzenegger
was responding to the May 16 death of Maria Isabel Vasquez Jimenez, 17, who
had collapsed two days earlier in a field east of Stockton after pruning
vines for eight hours.
<more> June 4, 2008 Modesto Bee
Friday deadline for intent to bid on greenhouse
emission reduction projects - - Dairy producers who want to remain
eligible to bid in PG&E's 2008 Request for Proposals (RFP) for PG&E’s
ClimateSmart™ Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Projects must submit a
completed mandatory Notice of Intent to Bid Form by Friday, June 6.
Submission of a Notice of Intent to Bid Form does not obligate a producer to
submit a bid, but failure to submit a Notice of Intent to Bid Form will
preclude producers from bidding in this RFP. The form may be submitted by
email to J1FT@pge.com or by fax to (415) 973-2553. PG&E seeks qualified
proposals from the forest and livestock project sectors for up to 1,000,000
tons of GHG emission reductions. You can download the form and other RFP
materials at:
http://www.pge.com/myhome/environment/whatyoucando/climatesmart/climatesmart2008requests/.
Each bidder who has submitted a Mandatory Notice of Intent to Bid Form by
the deadline will receive a copy of the questions asked by other bidders and
answers given by PG&E, as well as other updates to the RFP. June 4, 2008
PG&E Notice
Water
crisis grows while Californians dither. Our inability to overcome ideology
may dry up state.- - Hundreds of farmers in the Westlands Water District
will get even less water than they expected. That's the bad news delivered
by federal officials on Monday. A Westlands spokesman said many would be
forced out of business. That would cause reverberations throughout the
Valley's economy. We have long advocated a combination of measures to
address the problem: New surface storage (dams), underground water banking
and vastly increased efforts to conserve the water we have. But
environmentalists and Democrats in the Legislature won't support any plan
that includes dams, and Republicans and their allies in business and
agriculture won't back any effort that leaves them out.
<more> June 4, 2008 Fresno Bee Editorial
The Worst Way of Farming - - In the past
month, two new reports have examined how farm animals are raised in this
country. The report funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts calls the prevailing
system “industrial farm animal production.” The report from the Union of
Concerned Scientists prefers the term “confined animal feeding operations.”
No matter what you call it, it adds up to the same thing. Millions of
animals are crowded together in inhumane conditions, causing significant
environmental threats and unacceptable health risks for workers, their
neighbors and all the rest of us. The astonishing increase in the number
and size of confined animal operations has been spawned largely by the very
structure of American farm supports, which always has been skewed in a way
that concentrates farming in fewer and fewer hands. As both of these reports
make clear, the so-called efficiency of industrial animal production is an
illusion, made possible by cheap grain, cheap water and prisonlike
confinement systems.
<more> June 2, 2008 NY Times
Average shoppers are willing to pay a premium for locally produced food - - New research suggests that the average supermarket shopper is willing to pay a premium price for locally produced foods, providing some farmers an attractive option to enter a niche market that could boost their revenues. The study also showed that shoppers at farm markets are willing to pay almost twice as much extra as retail grocery shoppers for the same locally produced foods. Both kinds of shoppers also will pay more for guaranteed fresh produce and tend to favor buying food produced by small farms over what they perceive as corporate operations, according to the study. <more> June 4, 2008 American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
WUD golf tourney scores hole-in-one for federal PAC - - A turnout of 95 players on a picture perfect spring day helped enrich the coffers of Western Untied Dairymen’s federal PAC Monday at the Diablo Grande golf course. The winning team, carding a 61, was composed of Kenny Fischer, Rod Cree, Gary Cupit and Matt Silveira. Other winners included:
Men’s Longest Drive– John Belo
Women’s Longest Drive – Stacey Pires-McElroy
Closest to the pin on Hole #4 – Manuel Rosa (winner of $100 Mike Marsh’s money)
Closest to the pin on Hole #16 – Josh Bernard
Putting Contest – Steve Lawrence
The winning team of Kenny Fischer, Rod Cree, Gary Cupit and Matt Silveira
displays some of the winning prizes at Monday's golf tourney.
Governor Schwarzenegger Declares June Real
California Milk Month - - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office today
proclaimed June as "Real California Milk Month" in the state of California.
The proclamation honors the efforts of California dairy farmers and the
California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) to keep California's dairy industry
healthy and strong. California is the leading milk producer in the United
States, accounting for almost one-fourth of the nation's supply. Governor
Schwarzenegger's proclamation stresses the importance of the dairy industry to
California and continues to encourage Californians to buy local milk and dairy
products. "The official proclamation of June as Real California Milk month in
California is a special occasion for the dairy industry and California
consumers," said Tricia Heinrich, CMAB Vice President of Communications. "The
dairy industry is a tremendous contributor to our state's economy, creating
thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in sales. Californians
often express their desire to purchase local food products, and this
proclamation is meant to encourage them to do so -- not just in June, but
always."
<more> June 3, 2008 Center Daily
A little more cheese in April - - Total cheese
production in the U.S. in April was 815 million pounds, up 1.4% from a year
ago. Italian type cheese production totaled 345 million pounds, .1% below
April of last year. American type cheese production was 3.4% higher than a
year ago at 337 million pounds. California total cheese production slipped
8.9% from a year ago to 177.16 million pounds. American cheese production in
the Golden State dropped 19.5% compared to April, 2007. Cheddar output was
19.8% lower while Italian output declined 1.6%.
<more> June 3, 2008 Brownfield Ag News
Farm bill attracts criticism at WTO talks - -
Several countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO) criticized the new
U.S. farm bill on Monday for raising farm support when the WTO is trying to
reach a deal to cut agricultural subsidies. "A few of them had a go at the new
farm bill," said New Zealand's WTO ambassador Crawford Falconer, after WTO
members met to review the revised proposals he issued last week for a farm
deal in the WTO's Doha round. The countries criticizing the $289 billion U.S.
farm bill, passed last Thursday and overriding a presidential veto, included
Burkina Faso, speaking for cotton producers, Canada, Paraguay and Bolivia.
<more> June 3, 2008 Reuters
German milk strike causes shortages -- German
retailers began to see their first shortages of milk Tuesday after a weeklong
delivery boycott by many of the nation's dairy farmers. The BDM group, which
represents dairy farmers, is demanding an increase in the amount farmers
receive for milk. It launched an open-ended boycott May 27, calling on its
32,000 members not to deliver raw milk to creameries. On Monday, striking
farmers used tractors to block roads leading to some creameries, preventing
dairy trucks from delivering raw milk. Discount supermarket chain Plus said it
was now seeing isolated shortages, but said it would stock up stores with
dairy products from unaffected areas.
<more> June 3, 2008 AP
Union organizing educational workshop in Tulare
June 11 - - An educational workshop covering union organizing activity
and employers’ rights will be hosted by Western United Dairymen on
Wednesday, June 11, in Tulare. The workshop will be led by Tony Raimondo,
from the law firm of Saqui and Raimondo, and members will learn what to
expect when a union organizer arrives at their dairy. The workshop will be
from 10 a.m. to noon at the UC Davis VMTRC Auditorium located at 18830 Road
112 in Tulare. Please contact your local Western United Dairymen field
representative for more information.
Dairy Energy Management workshop June 19 in
Bakersfield - - PG&E will host a Dairy Energy Management workshop on
June 19th from 8:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. at University Cooperative Extension,
Kern County Farm & Home Advisors, 1031 S. Mt. Vernon Ave, Bakersfield. The
workshop will provide an overview of dairy energy management options,
including energy efficiency technologies and incentives, emerging
technologies, demand response opportunities, water & air quality, self
generation, and reviewing the various biogas options for the dairy farmer.
This workshop is designed for dairy owners and operators and dairy
designers and vendors, who are interested in developing and promoting
integrated energy management strategies for dairies. To RSVP, please
register at
http://www.pge.com/mybusiness/edusafety/training/pec/classes/ or
by calling 661-321-4404. May 20, 2008 PG&E Notice
UN chief: Food production must rise 50 percent by
2030 -- World food production must rise by 50 percent by 2030 to meet
increasing demand, U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon told world leaders Tuesday at a
summit grappling with hunger and civil unrest caused by food price hikes. The
secretary-general told the Rome summit that nations must minimize export
restrictions and import tariffs during the food price crisis and quickly
resolve world trade talks."The world needs to produce more food," Ban said.
The Rome-based U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization is hosting the three-day
summit to try to solve the short-term emergency of increased hunger caused by
soaring prices and to help poor countries grow enough food to feed their own.
<more> June 3, 2008 AP
Agricultural research and extension symposium set for June 18-19 - - At a symposium June 18-19 in Sacramento, agriculture professionals and policymakers will get a first look at new research that shows the rate of growth of public funding for agricultural research and extension has declined and the rate of growth in agricultural productivity is also slowing. A soon-to-be-released study by agricultural economists Julian Alston of UC Davis, Philip Pardey of the University of Minnesota and Jennifer James of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, shows that from 1949 to 2002, in inflation-adjusted terms, total U.S. public spending on agricultural research grew by 1.85 percent per year, but from 1991 to 2002, spending growth slowed to only 0.43 percent per year. Research and development spending in California's state agricultural experiment station also slowed dramatically in the 1990s. These investment trends are mirrored in productivity trends. From 1949 to 2002, California agricultural productivity grew by 1.85 percent per year, but from 1991 to 2002, agricultural productivity grew by only 1.08 percent per year. <more> June 3, 2008 Western Farm Press
Monday, June 2, 2008
Proposed legislation would overturn state's new
raw milk regulations - - The battle over raw milk will move from the
courtroom back to the Legislature this week. A Central Valley lawmaker plans
to introduce a bill that would overturn new state health regulations that a
Kerman dairy has been fighting for months. The proposal by state Sen. Dean
Florez, D-Shafter, comes just a week after a Superior Court judge upheld the
new standard, designed to promote cleanliness at the state's two raw milk
dairies. The legislation, to be co-authored by Senate President Pro Tem Don
Perata, D-Oakland, would eliminate bacteria limits that treat raw milk like
pasteurized milk. Instead, labs would test more for disease-causing
pathogens such as E. coli.
<more>
June 2, 2008 Sacramento Bee
Union organizing educational workshop in Tulare
June 11 - - An educational workshop covering union organizing activity
and employers’ rights will be hosted by Western United Dairymen on
Wednesday, June 11, in Tulare. The workshop will be led by Tony Raimondo,
from the law firm of Saqui and Raimondo, and members will learn what to
expect when a union organizer arrives at their dairy. The workshop will be
from 10 a.m. to noon at the UC Davis VMTRC Auditorium located at 18830 Road
112 in Tulare. Please contact your local Western United Dairymen field
representative for more information.
CDQAP short courses offered June 3 and 10 in
Merced - - Dairy producers who need to complete classroom requirements
necessary for CDQAP environmental certification and to establish eligibility
to participate in some local grant projects are urged to sign up for two
environmental stewardship classes being held June 3 and June 10 in Merced.
The classes are the first step in a three-step certification process.
Following the classes, producers are asked to create a farm management plan
and then have their dairy visited by an independent, third-party evaluator
to certify their environmental compliance. The free classes will be offered
on June 3 and June 10 at the Merced County Extension office at 2145 South
Wardrobe Avenue in Merced, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Producers need to
attend both classes to complete the short course. More information is
available from the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program at (866)
662-3727.
measure
would allow the sick leave to be used for a personal illness, to care for a
sick family member, or to recover from domestic violence or sexual assault.
Proponents of the measure estimate that it will provide paid leave for more
than 5 million Californians – about a third of the work force. They claim
that paid sick leave improves morale, minimizes turnover, and reduces health
care costs. Opponents said AB 2716 would impose a one-size-fits-all mandate
that many small businesses simply cannot afford. The Assembly approved the
bill, 43-25, with no Republican support. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has
taken no position on the legislation, which now goes to the Senate. Under AB
2716, businesses of 10 employees or more would be required to provide up to
nine days of sick leave per year. Smaller firms would provide up to five
days. Full-time and part-time workers would earn one hour of sick leave for
every 30 hours worked. The benefit could be used after 90 days of
employment.
<more> June 2, 2008 Cardoza, McNerney play parts to get farm bill
that helps valley - - The price of gas goes up daily. Every neighborhood
has a dying lawn or two where only foreclosure signs are sprouting. The
occupation in Iraq drags on and veterans aren't being taken care of at home.
A lot on the national scene makes us angry. So it might be a little
surprising to see Dennis Cardoza and Jerry McNerney so upbeat in separate
visits to Modesto on Wednesday. While their paths did not cross, both were
delighted to talk about the same thing -- the ability of Congress to
override President Bush's veto of the 2008 farm bill.
<more> June 2, 2008 Modesto Bee
Westlands to ration water through summer. Unprecedented move follows dry 'rainy season.' - - After the driest spring in more than 80 years, Westlands Water District is rationing its already reduced irrigation supply through the hottest months of the year. The move could mean damaged crops, abandoned fields and lost jobs. Contributing to the unprecedented decision, which cut irrigation supplies by about one-third, is a court ruling setting aside water for threatened fish in Northern California. <more> June 2, 2008 Fresno Bee
Kern County (1 workshop) Tuesday, April 1, 9:00-12:00 County Extension, 1031 S Mt Vernon Ave, Bakersfield
Fresno County (2 workshops) Wednesday, April 2, 9:30-12:30 and 1:30-4:30 Memorial Hall, 3085 W Mount Whitney, Riverdale
Stanislaus County Thursday, April 3, 9:30-12:30 Ag Center, ABC Room, 3800 Cornucopia Way, Modesto
Kings County Wednesday, April 16, 1:30-4:30County Extension, 680 N Campus Drive, Hanford
Merced County Thursday, April 17, 9:30-12:30 County Extension, 2145 W Wardrobe Avenue, Merced